Mass Analyser Interface Counter-Flow Desolvation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sampling inlet in conventional mass spectrometers acts as a bottleneck for sensitivity due to its small diameter, limiting the ability to increase sensitivity further without requiring larger and more costly vacuum pumps.
Innovation Solution
A desolvation chamber with a counter-flow mechanism is introduced, where an upstream gas is injected to slow the downstream flow of solvated ionized particles, allowing lighter desolvated ions to pass through an outlet aperture, while the chamber is heated and maintained at a low pressure to aid in desolvation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sampling inlet diameter is increased to increase ion flux and sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but larger vacuum pumps are required which increases device size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into multiple functional regions: a first region with a larger aperture for increased ion flux, and a second region with a smaller aperture connected to the vacuum pump. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from a larger sampling area without requiring a proportionally larger vacuum pump, as the two regions serve different functional purposes in the ion transmission pathway.
2Measurement precision
If a larger sampling inlet is used to increase sensitivity, then ion flux is improved, but the vacuum pump requirements increase in size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The interface aperture is segmented into a first aperture in the first region with a larger diameter optimized for ion flux, and a second aperture in the second region with a smaller diameter connected to the vacuum pump. This allows high sensitivity to be achieved through the larger first aperture without requiring a proportionally larger vacuum pump system.
3Productivity
If the sampling inlet diameter is increased to allow more ions through, then sensitivity is enhanced, but larger and more costly vacuum pumps are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a first region with a larger aperture for high ion transmission rate and a second region with a smaller aperture for vacuum pumping. This allows the system to achieve high productivity in ion transmission without requiring a vacuum pump system that is proportionally larger and more expensive.
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
This approach increases the ion flux through a larger outlet aperture, enhancing sensitivity by up to ten times compared to conventional systems, without the need for larger vacuum pumps, thereby overcoming the sensitivity limitations of traditional mass spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field source provides an electric field to urge ionized particles within the chamber from the inlet toward the outlet aperture, creating a downstream flow of ionized particles
Implementation Method 2
A gas injection port injects an upstream gas proximate the outlet aperture, to provide a counter-flow to the downstream flow at the aperture, to slow the downstream flow as the ionized particles travel toward the outlet aperture
Implementation Method 3
The chamber may be heated to aid in desolvation
Implementation Method 4
charged droplets are drawn by an electric field to the sampling inlet of a mass spectrometer. Liquid flows greater than 25 μL/m usually require the various gas flows to be heated for rapid desolvation
Implementation Method 5
At least one evacuation port allows injected gas to escape from the desolvation chamber. the chamber may be maintained at a low (below atmosphere) pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A mass analyzer includes a desolvation chamber into which an upstream gas is injected to provide a counter-flow to said downstream flow in the chamber. The counter-flow may slow the downstream flow of solvated ionized particles in the chamber, while allowing lighter desolvated ions to travel toward an outlet aperture of the desolvation chamber.