Dual-Probe Mass Spectrometer Gas Shielding Against Sample Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mass spectrometers with two probes, there is a risk of the standard sample adhering to the main probe's introduction path, leading to reduced detection sensitivity and potential clogging, especially at low flow rates due to the small diameter of the introduction path.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer configuration including a first spray unit, a second spray unit, a determination unit, a gas supply unit, and a control unit, where the control unit starts gas supply to prevent the second sample from reaching the first spray unit when the second sample is sprayed, using nebulizer or heating gas to prevent adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-probe is added to spray standard sample for mass calibration, then mass calibration capability is improved, but the standard sample may adhere to the main probe's introduction path causing reduced detection sensitivity and potential clogging
Solution Approach 1:
A gas flow (nitrogen or helium) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the sub-probe and main probe to prevent direct contact between the standard sample and the main probe's introduction path. The gas flow creates a physical barrier that deflects the standard sample away from the main probe while allowing both probes to operate in the same ionization chamber, thus maintaining detection sensitivity while enabling mass calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of the standard sample adhering to the main probe is extracted and separated from the main sampling path by using a dedicated gas flow channel. The gas flow extracts and redirects the standard sample away from the introduction path, preventing adhesion and clogging while maintaining the functionality of both probes
2Productivity
If the introduction path diameter is reduced to enable low flow rate sampling, then sensitivity for low flow rate analysis is improved, but the risk of clogging from standard sample adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective gas flow is introduced as an intermediary barrier around the main probe's introduction path to prevent the standard sample from contacting and clogging the narrow introduction path. This allows the introduction path to maintain its small diameter for low flow rate sensitivity while the gas flow prevents harmful adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow is supplied in advance and continuously during sub-probe operation to preemptively prevent the standard sample from reaching the main probe's introduction path. This preliminary protective action counteracts the potential clogging effect before it can occur, allowing the use of narrow introduction paths for low flow rate analysis
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
Effectively prevents the second sample from adhering to the first spray unit, maintaining detection sensitivity and preventing clogging by supplying gas into the ionization chamber when the second sample is sprayed.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply unit configured to supply gas into the ionization chamber in a case where the sub-probe sprays the standard sample into the ionization chamber
Implementation Method 2
In the ion source, a component in a sample is ionized in an ionization chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A first spray unit (201) sprays a first sample into a first space (20) while charging the first sample. A second spray unit (202) sprays a second sample into the first space (20) or a second space (21) communicating with the first space (20) while charging the second sample. A determination unit (62) determines whether or not the second sample is sprayed from the second spray unit (202). A gas supply unit (74) supplies gas into the first space (20). A control unit (63) controls supply of the gas from the gas supply unit (74). In a case where the determination unit (62) determines that the second sample is sprayed from the second spray unit (202), the control unit (63) starts the supply of the gas from the gas supply unit (74) into the first space (20).