Nebulizer Nozzle Flash Boiling for High-Throughput Sample Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry-based sample introduction systems face limitations in throughput due to inefficient sample ejection and ionization processes, particularly in achieving high-throughput analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves fluidically coupling a nebulizer nozzle to a port via a transfer conduit, where a transport liquid and sample are ejected simultaneously, with a pressure at the conduit exit matching the vapor pressure of the transport liquid, and optionally heating the nebulizer gas or transport liquid to induce flash boiling, allowing for efficient ionization and increased throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sample introduction systems are used, then sample ejection and ionization can be performed, but throughput is limited due to inefficient processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter at the transfer conduit exit to match the vapor pressure of the transport liquid, enabling flash boiling. This parameter change transforms the ejection mechanism from conventional pressure-driven flow to vapor-pressure-driven flash evaporation, significantly improving throughput while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by inducing flash boiling of the transport liquid at the transfer conduit exit. The liquid rapidly transitions to vapor phase, creating a pressure differential that drives efficient sample ejection and ionization, thereby increasing throughput without adding system complexity
2Productivity
If pressure at transfer conduit exit is increased to improve ejection efficiency, then sample delivery improves, but the pressure must precisely match vapor pressure which limits operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific pressure parameter condition where the pressure at the transfer conduit exit equals the vapor pressure of the transport liquid. This parameter matching enables flash boiling and efficient sample ejection. The system achieves high ejection efficiency by precisely controlling this pressure parameter, while operational flexibility is maintained through the ability to adjust to different liquid vapor pressures
3Productivity
If nebulizer gas is used for conventional ejection, then sample can be delivered to MS, but throughput is limited and additional gas handling complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the transport liquid itself to generate the ejection force through flash boiling, rather than relying on external nebulizer gas. The vaporization of the transport liquid creates the pressure differential needed for sample ejection, eliminating the need for additional gas supply systems and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the ejection function from the nebulizer gas system and transfers it to the transport liquid vaporization process. By removing the dependency on nebulizer gas, the system achieves higher throughput and eliminates gas handling complexity, keeping only the essential components needed for flash boiling and sample delivery
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 enhances the efficiency of sample ejection and ionization, enabling higher throughput in mass spectrometry analysis by ensuring flash boiling conditions, potentially eliminating the need for nebulizer gas and improving sample delivery.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pressure at the transfer conduit exit substantially similar to a vapor pressure of the transport liquid
Implementation Method 2
during ejection of the transport liquid and the sample from the transfer conduit exit, generating a pressure at the transfer conduit exit substantially similar to a vapor pressure of the transport liquid
Implementation Method 3
heating the transport liquid
Implementation Method 4
applying a thermal energy to the electrode tip
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ejecting a sample from a nebulizer nozzle fluidically coupled to a port via a transfer conduit includes receiving at the port a transport liquid and the sample. The transport liquid and the sample in the transfer conduit is transported from the port to a transfer conduit exit comprising an electrode tip. The transport liquid is ejected from the transfer conduit exit. The sample is ejected from the transfer conduit exit substantially simultaneously with ejecting the transport liquid. During ejection of the transport liquid and the sample from the transfer conduit exit, a pressure is generated at the transfer conduit exit substantially similar to a vapor pressure of the transport liquid.