Mass Spectrometer Ion Transport Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometer techniques face instability and contamination issues when switching between ionization and non-ionization states, leading to unnecessary contamination of subsequent units due to slow responsiveness in changing gas flow rates and ionization parameters.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer configuration with a transport electrode member and voltage controller that switches between two voltage states to control the entry of charged particles into the mass separation unit, allowing for stable operation and reduced contamination by switching the voltage state in synchronization with sample introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the gas flow rate or ionization voltage is changed to switch between ionization and non-ionization states, then contamination of subsequent units is reduced, but the responsiveness is slow and ionization becomes unstable temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The ion transport path is segmented into two separate paths: a first path for transporting ions during ionization state, and a second path for draining charged microdroplets during non-ionization state. This segmentation allows the system to prevent contamination without requiring parameter changes that cause instability.
Solution Approach 2:
A third path is introduced as an intermediary drainage path that can be activated independently. This third path serves as a mediator to drain charged microdroplets directly without affecting the ionization parameters, thus preventing contamination while maintaining ionization stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drain pipe with switching valve is used to prevent sample introduction during non-ionization, then contamination is reduced, but dead volume causes peak intensity loss and carry-over
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is segmented from the sample introduction path. A separate drainage path with its own valve is created, allowing the main sample path to remain open without dead volume while the drainage path handles waste removal independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage valve acting as an intermediary component is introduced to control the drainage path. This allows selective opening of the drainage path without affecting the main sample flow path, eliminating the need for a switching valve in the sample path and preventing dead volume-related issues.
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 configuration ensures minimal contamination of subsequent units by effectively blocking charged particles during non-ionization periods and allowing desired ions to pass during ionization, maintaining stable analysis operations.
Implementation Method 1
a transport electrode member provided between the ionization unit and the mass separation unit, a voltage generator configured to apply a voltage to the transport electrode member
Implementation Method 2
an electrospray ionization (ESI) method is used. In the ESI method, a sample sent from a liquid chromatograph unit is introduced to an ESI probe and nebulized from its tip. At this time, the sample nebulized into microdroplets is charged by the voltage applied to the ESI probe, and the sample is ionized in the process of vaporizing the droplets
Data Source
AI summary
The mass spectrometer includes an ionization unit, an ion transport unit, and a mass separation unit that separates transported ions according to a mass-to-charge ratio. The ion transport unit includes a transport electrode member, a voltage generator that applies a voltage to the transport electrode member, and a voltage controller that changes a voltage applied to the transport electrode member while ionization is performed. The voltage controller switches between a first voltage state in which charged particles generated in the ionization unit can enter the mass separation unit, and a second voltage state in which the charged particles cannot enter the mass separation unit, and switches a voltage state of the transport electrode member between the first voltage state and the second voltage state.