Intermediate Region for Mass Spectrometer Gas Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers face challenges in maintaining gas purity and efficiently transporting ions between regions of varying pressures, leading to intermixing of gases and potential ion activation or loss, especially when coupling high pressure regions.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate region is operated at a pressure lower than the adjacent chambers to prevent gas intermixing while allowing efficient ion transfer, utilizing transitional or viscous gas flow conditions to facilitate ion transport without activation or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an intermediate region is operated at lower pressure to prevent gas intermixing, then gas purity is improved, but ion transport efficiency may deteriorate due to pressure gradient challenges
Solution Approach 1:
A third gas composition is introduced into the intermediate region to act as a mediator that facilitates ion transport from the first gas region to the second gas region while maintaining pressure gradients that prevent unwanted gas intermixing. This intermediary gas enables efficient ion transmission across the pressure boundary without compromising the purity of the adjacent gas regions.
2Productivity
If high pressure regions are directly coupled to enable ion transport, then ion transport efficiency is improved, but gas intermixing increases leading to loss of gas purity
Solution Approach 1:
The direct coupling between high pressure regions is segmented by introducing an intermediate region with a distinct third gas composition. This segmentation allows ion transport to occur through the intermediate region while preventing direct gas intermixing between the first and second gas regions, thereby maintaining gas purity in each region.
3Quantity of substance
If pressure differences are increased to prevent gas ingress, then gas purity is improved, but ion transport becomes less efficient due to increased pressure barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure parameters are optimized to establish appropriate gradients across the intermediate region. The pressure difference is sufficient to prevent gas ingress into adjacent regions but not so large as to create excessive barriers for ion transport. This parameter optimization balances gas purity maintenance with efficient ion transmission.
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 maintains gas purity and enhances ion transport efficiency between high pressure regions, reducing unwanted ion activation and loss by controlling pressure differences and flow conditions within the intermediate region.
Implementation Method 1
operating the intermediate region at a pressure below that of the first and second chambers so as to substantially prevent or reduce ingress of the first gas into the second chamber and/or of the second gas into the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
utilizing transitional or viscous gas flow conditions to facilitate ion transport without activation or loss
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for coupling a first chamber of a mass spectrometer or ion mobility spectrometer containing a first gas and a second chamber containing a second gas. The method comprises providing an intermediate region between the first and second chambers that is operated at a lower pressure to substantially prevent or reduce ingress of the first gas into the second chamber and/or of the second gas into the first chamber.