Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer Dwell Time Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chromatograph mass spectrometers face challenges in achieving high-sensitivity analysis for specific compounds or ions due to limitations in dwell time allocation, which affects measurement sensitivity and reproducibility, especially when a large number of compounds are measured simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A chromatograph mass spectrometer with an automatic parameter table creation function that allows for designation of high-sensitivity analysis for specific compounds or ions, enabling longer event and dwell times for selected compounds or ions without altering the measurement loop time, by dividing the measurement loop time and event time based on the number of compounds or ions assigned to each segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measurement loop time is divided equally among all compounds to be measured, then the measurement process is simple and automated, but the dwell time for each compound is insufficient leading to poor measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different dwell times for different compounds within the same measurement loop. Specifically, compounds designated as requiring high-sensitivity analysis are allocated longer dwell times, while other compounds use standard dwell times. This is achieved by setting a flag in the compound table that triggers the automatic parameter table creation function to assign extended event times and dwell times to specific compounds, thereby optimizing measurement sensitivity for critical compounds without uniformly increasing the measurement time for all compounds.
2Measurement precision
If the dwell time is extended for high-sensitivity analysis of specific compounds, then the measurement sensitivity is improved, but the measurement loop time increases affecting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by extending dwell time only for specific compounds that require high-sensitivity analysis, while maintaining standard dwell times for other compounds. The automatic parameter table creation function identifies compounds needing high-sensitivity analysis through flags in the compound table and allocates longer event times and dwell times exclusively to these compounds. This selective approach improves measurement sensitivity for critical compounds without proportionally increasing the overall measurement loop time, thereby preserving measurement throughput.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of event time and dwell time is performed for each compound, then optimal sensitivity can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic parameter table creation function that automatically calculates and assigns optimal event times and dwell times for each compound based on information in the compound table. The system uses algorithms to determine appropriate time allocations without requiring manual intervention. Operators simply need to input basic compound information and sensitivity requirements, and the system automatically generates the complete parameter table with optimized timing parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving optimal sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting event time and dwell time parameters based on compound-specific requirements. The automatic parameter table creation function modifies these time parameters according to flags and specifications in the compound table, allowing the system to adapt measurement parameters automatically rather than using fixed values for all compounds. This automated parameter adjustment maintains ease of operation while achieving optimized sensitivity for each compound.
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 allows for improved sensitivity and reproducibility in the analysis of specific compounds or ions by lengthening their event and dwell times, while maintaining consistent measurement loop times for other compounds or ions, simplifying the process and reducing labor and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a mass spectrometer for separating ions originating from the compounds separated by the chromatograph according to mass-to-charge ratios and detecting the ions
Implementation Method 2
the ion is then fragmented by collision-induced dissociation (CID) in a collision cell
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatograph mass spectrometer has a function that: based on a compound table in which an elution time range and a measurement ion is described for respective compounds, divides an overall measurement time into multiple segments and assigns one or more compounds to each segment; determines an event time for each compound by dividing a previously given measurement loop time in accordance with a number of compounds belonging to the respective segments; and determines a dwell time, which is a data collection time for each ion, based on the event time and the number of ions to be measured for each compound; the chromatograph mass spectrometer allowing an analysis operator to designate whether or not to perform a high-sensitivity analysis for each compound.