Isolated CE Power Supply for ESI-MS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capillary electrophoresis systems combined with electrospray ionization and mass spectrometry face challenges due to non-isolated power supplies, leading to electrical short circuits, false current leakage readings, and complex system designs, which complicate the alignment and cooling of fragile capillaries, affecting separation and analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An improved CE-ESI-MS system with an isolated capillary electrophoresis power supply and a mass spectrometry power supply, utilizing a DC/DC converter for isolated input power and a control circuit, along with a cartridge assembly featuring protective sheaths and cooling tubes to manage capillary alignment and cooling, reducing electrical interference and enhancing system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-isolated power supplies are used for capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionization, then the system can be simpler and less expensive, but electrical short circuits occur and current measurements become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two isolated segments: a first power supply for capillary electrophoresis and a second power supply for electrospray ionization. Each power supply operates independently with its own electrical circuit, preventing electrical short circuits between the two high-voltage systems while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the two isolated power supplies that allows signal and power transmission without direct electrical connection. This intermediary interface enables communication and coordination between the electrophoresis and electrospray systems while maintaining electrical isolation to prevent short circuits.
2Ease of operation
If the capillary is mechanically connected and positioned with respect to the detector, then the system can function, but the alignment process is difficult, time-consuming, and may damage the capillary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment features in the capillary assembly design, such as pre-positioned mechanical guides and alignment markers, that enable accurate capillary positioning before the analysis begins. This preliminary setup reduces the need for difficult and time-consuming adjustments during operation and minimizes handling of the fragile capillary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical alignment procedures with automated positioning mechanisms or optical alignment systems. This substitution reduces the time and skill required for alignment while minimizing physical handling and potential damage to the capillary.
3Manufacturing precision
If cooling is applied to the capillary to prevent heat damage and temperature variations, then separation accuracy is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with existing system components, such as integrating the capillary cooling mechanism into the electrospray ionization assembly or the capillary holder structure. This merging approach provides necessary temperature control without adding separate, complex cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs cooling components that serve multiple functions: the same structure provides both mechanical support for the capillary and thermal management through integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining separation accuracy through effective heat dissipation.
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
The solution enables precise capillary alignment, reduces electrical interference, and improves the accuracy of sample separation and analysis by isolating power paths, allowing for direct current measurement and efficient cooling of capillaries, thus enhancing the overall performance and ease of use of CE-ESI-MS systems.
Implementation Method 1
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a known process. In capillary electrophoresis, a sample is injected at one end of the capillary. A voltage is applied along the length of the capillary. With the electric potential applied, two separate flow effects occur. The first of these flow effects is a gross sample flow effect. The sample moves as a mass into the capillary. The second of these flow effects is the electrophoretic flow. This causes the constituents of the sample having differing electric charge to move relative to the main stream of fluid within the capillary.
Implementation Method 2
The system is further complicated by the need to cool the capillary. This cooling is required because the small capillary is subject to electrical resistance heating during the period of time electrophoresis potential voltage is applied. The small current under high voltage flowing in the capillary generates heat.
Implementation Method 3
The cooling is required to prevent damage to the capillary and to prevent variations in temperature during analysis of the sample from impacting the results of the analysis. Excess heat may cause diffusion of the separated portions of the sample that migrate through the capillary at different speeds.
Implementation Method 4
The cooling is required to prevent damage to the capillary and to prevent variations in temperature during analysis of the sample from impacting the results of the analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the innovations presented herein relate to improved systems that in some embodiments perform capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) as an input to a mass spectrometry system (MS). Some embodiments use a high voltage isolated CE power supply that is configured to float on the high voltage output of an ESI-MS power supply, with a protective resistance in the ESI-MS path, as well as DC/DC converter isolation and communication system isolation for the isolated CE power supply. Some embodiments additionally use a cartridge assembly integrating separation and conductive fluid capillaries with fluid cooling and protective retractable housings for the capillary end portions and for the ESI output. The protective housing may further be used with an adapter for interfacing with different MS systems.