Multi-Aperture Nozzle Assembly for Capillary Heating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric solids analysis probes face issues with incomplete heating and volatilization of samples due to inadequate alignment and size of the gas beam from the nozzle, leading to inaccurate measurements and extended analysis times.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a plenum and multiple apertures configured to direct a curtain of heated gas aligned with the capillary's longitudinal axis, ensuring comprehensive sample heating and alignment through a curtain of gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single circular aperture is used in the nozzle, then the velocity and flow rate of heated gas are optimized, but the beam of hot gas is not broad enough to effectively heat and vaporize substantially all of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The single circular aperture is segmented into multiple apertures (e.g., three apertures arranged in a triangular pattern) in the nozzle. This segmentation allows the hot gas to emerge as multiple streams that collectively cover a broader area, effectively heating and vaporizing the entire sample on the capillary tip while maintaining the velocity and flow rate characteristics of individual aperture streams.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the single circular aperture is increased to broaden the beam of hot gas, then the coverage area increases, but the velocity and flow rate of heated gas are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the size of a single aperture, the nozzle uses multiple smaller apertures that collectively provide the necessary coverage area. Each aperture maintains optimal dimensions for high velocity and flow rate, while the combined output of multiple apertures achieves the required broad coverage for complete sample vaporization.
3Area of stationary object
If the size of the single circular aperture is increased, then the beam width increases, but the temperature of the heated gas as it leaves the outlet is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs multiple smaller apertures instead of one large aperture. This segmentation allows each aperture to maintain optimal gas flow characteristics and temperature, as the gas velocity and temperature are preserved in each individual stream. The collective effect of multiple hot gas streams provides both broad coverage and high temperature for effective sample vaporization.
4Manufacturing precision
If tolerance stack-up of mechanical arrangements is present, then positional accuracy of the distal end of the capillary tip relative to the outlet of the heater cannot be achieved, but using multiple apertures in the nozzle provides alignment tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with multiple apertures arranged in a pattern (e.g., triangular arrangement) that creates a distributed gas emission zone. This segmentation provides inherent alignment tolerance, as the sample can be effectively heated even if there are minor positional variations in capillary placement, because the multiple gas streams collectively cover the sample area regardless of small misalignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-aperture nozzle design serves multiple functions: it provides broad gas coverage, maintains gas velocity and temperature, and inherently compensates for alignment variations. This universal design approach makes the system more robust to manufacturing tolerances and operational variations without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
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
Enhances sample heating efficiency, reduces measurement inaccuracies, and shortens analysis times by effectively volatilizing samples, minimizing background interference in mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet is configured to direct a curtain of heated gas onto the distal end of a capillary
Implementation Method 2
the sample is then ionised using, for example, a corona discharge pin. The ionised sample may subsequently be analysed in a mass spectrometer
Implementation Method 3
the sample is then ionised using, for example, a corona discharge pin
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for directing heated gas onto the distal end of a capillary arrangeable adjacent the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: a housing defining a plenum for heated gas; and at outlet comprising at least one aperture fluidly connected to the plenum, the outlet configured to direct a curtain of the heated gas onto the distal end of a capillary in use, such that the curtain of heated gas is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capillary.