Ion Source Liquid Sample Introduction System with Dual-Function Gas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample introduction systems for ion sources require separate gas sources for liquid-supply gas and atomization-promoting gas, increasing costs and leading to unnecessary consumption of liquid samples when atomization-promoting gas is continuously supplied.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sample introduction system where the atomization-promoting gas is used as both the liquid-supply gas and the nebulizer gas, with a passage-switching unit to control the supply of the liquid sample, allowing for selective switching between supply and discontinuation, thereby reducing unnecessary consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gas sources are used for liquid-supply gas and atomization-promoting gas, then the liquid sample can be supplied to the ion source, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The atomization-promoting gas is made to serve dual functions: (1) promoting atomization of the liquid sample at the ionization probe, and (2) supplying the liquid sample from the container to the probe by pressure. This eliminates the need for a separate liquid-supply gas source, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable liquid sample supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of liquid-supply gas and atomization-promoting gas into a single gas source. The atomization-promoting gas is diverted through a passage to also act as the liquid-supply gas, combining two previously separate gas supply systems into one unified system
2Reliability
If atomization-promoting gas is continuously supplied to maintain ionization efficiency, then ionization performance is maintained, but liquid sample is unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the connection between the liquid sample container and the ionization probe. A switching mechanism allows the container to be connected or disconnected based on whether liquid sample supply is needed, enabling the atomization gas to maintain ionization efficiency without continuously pushing sample through the system
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid sample supply operates periodically rather than continuously. The atomization-promoting gas is supplied continuously to maintain ionization conditions, while the liquid sample is supplied only during periodic intervals when analysis is performed, reducing unnecessary sample consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables ionization of liquid samples at a low cost without continuous unnecessary consumption, maintaining ionization efficiency and flexibility in ion source operations.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid sample is sent from the liquid sample container to the ionization probe by the pressure of the atomization-promoting gas
Implementation Method 2
making an atomization-promoting gas (which may also be called a 'nebulizer gas' or 'drying gas') blow at the liquid sample exiting from the tip of the ionization probe
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sample introduction system for an ion source which ionizes a liquid sample by supplying the liquid sample to an ionization probe in an ion source and blowing an atomization-promoting gas at the liquid sample exiting from the tip of the ionization probe, the system including: a hermetically closable liquid sample container for holding a liquid sample; a liquid-supply-gas passage having one end connected to a point in a passage for an atomization-promoting gas leading to the ion source, and the other end connected to a space above a liquid level in the liquid sample container; a sample supply passage having one end connected to a space below the liquid level in the liquid sample container and the other end connected to the ionization probe; and a passage-switching unit in the sample supply passage for switching the sample supply passage between the communicating state and the closed state.