Pyrolysis-Mass Spectrometry Microplastic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microplastic detection technologies are limited by their inability to perform rapid and simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis, with existing methods being laborious, inaccurate, and unsuitable for on-site or shipborne detection due to bulky and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A microplastic detection device and method based on pyrolysis-mass spectrometry technology, featuring a sealed gas path system with a pyrolysis device, filter, and mass spectrometer, allowing for real-time, on-site analysis of microplastic samples with a portable and low-power design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional detection methods (microscope manual counting, fluorescent labeling) are used, then detection capability is provided, but the process is laborious, time-consuming, and has large errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting under microscopes with an automated pyrolysis-mass spectrometry system. The system automatically pyrolyzes microplastic samples and analyzes them through mass spectrometry, eliminating manual intervention and achieving both high speed and high precision detection without the laborious and error-prone manual counting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using pyrolysis temperature control and mass spectrometry parameters to identify and quantify microplastics. By controlling pyrolysis temperature and analyzing mass-to-charge ratios, the system achieves rapid and accurate detection without manual counting, resolving the contradiction between detection speed and accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing detection equipment is used, then analysis capability is provided, but the equipment is bulky, expensive, and unsuitable for on-site or shipborne detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into modular components: a pyrolysis device, a mass spectrometer, and a control system. This segmentation allows the system to be designed in a compact, portable configuration suitable for shipborne and on-site detection, reducing equipment bulk while maintaining full analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal detection platform that can be applied to various detection scenarios including laboratory, shipborne, and on-site investigations. The system integrates multiple functions (pyrolysis, mass spectrometry, data processing) into a single portable unit, making it adaptable to different environments without requiring separate specialized equipment for each application
3Productivity
If manual counting methods are used, then detection is performed, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous pyrolysis and mass spectrometry analysis, eliminating the intermittent manual counting process. The system continuously processes microplastic samples through automated pyrolysis and real-time mass spectrometry detection, maintaining continuous useful action to achieve high detection throughput without time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with automated pyrolysis-mass spectrometry analysis. The automated system processes samples continuously without human intervention, significantly reducing analysis time and increasing detection throughput while maintaining high accuracy through automated data processing
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
Enables rapid and accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics and their adsorbed pollutants, providing reliable data for health risk assessment and facilitating on-site detection, including shipborne and vehicle-mounted applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrolysis device, a filter and a mass spectrometer which are connected in sequence. After a microplastic sample is placed into the pyrolysis device, the microplastic sample is decomposed in the pyrolysis device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microplastic detection device and method based on a pyrolysis-mass spectrometry technology. The microplastic detection device based on a pyrolysis-mass spectrometry technology provided by the present invention is substantially a sealed gas path device system formed connected via pipelines. The device includes a working gas source, a pyrolysis device, a filter and a mass spectrometer which are connected in sequence. After a microplastic sample is placed into the pyrolysis device, the microplastic sample is decomposed in the pyrolysis device, and pyrolysis products from the microplastic sample driven by a carrier gas of the working gas source enter the mass spectrometer for detection and analysis after being filtered by the filter. Furthermore, the present invention provides a microplastic detection method based on a pyrolysis-mass spectrometry. The present invention is widely applied to the field of a microplastic detection technology.