Rotator Sample Interface for Underwater Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater mass spectrometers with membrane interfaces have limited detection capabilities, only allowing for the detection of relatively volatile, non-polar compounds, which restricts the number of chemical classes that can be detected.
Innovation Solution
A rotary sample introduction interface with a channel-free rotor and a stator having specific channels for inlet and outlet, allowing for the adsorption and desorption of analytes without a membrane, enabling the detection of volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile compounds by using a carrier gas to transfer the analytes to an analyzer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a membrane interface is used in underwater mass spectrometry, then the device structure is simple, but the detection capability is limited to volatile non-polar compounds only
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into separate functional components: a rotor with multiple sample positions, a stator with channels, and a carrier gas system. This segmentation allows different chemical classes to be analyzed by selecting appropriate rotor positions while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier gas is introduced as an intermediary medium to transport analytes from the rotor through the stator channels to the mass spectrometer. This mediator enables the detection of non-volatile compounds that cannot be directly introduced through traditional membrane interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional membrane interface is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot detect non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed to rotate, dynamically changing which sample position is aligned with the stator channel. This dynamic operation allows sequential analysis of different chemical classes by rotating to appropriate positions, expanding detection capability beyond static membrane interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses carrier gas flow (pneumatic principle) to transport analytes through the interface. The gas flow carries volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile compounds through the stator channels to the mass spectrometer, enabling detection of chemical classes that liquid-based membrane interfaces cannot analyze.
3Reliability
If membrane interface is used, then the system is less complex, but analytes may decompose or be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier gas creates an inert atmosphere throughout the sample introduction path, preventing oxidation and contamination of analytes. This inert environment maintains analyte integrity from the rotor through the stator to the mass spectrometer, avoiding decomposition issues associated with membrane interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts the analyte directly from the aqueous sample into the carrier gas phase, bypassing the membrane interface that causes decomposition and contamination. This extraction approach preserves analyte integrity while enabling detection of various chemical classes.
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
The system enhances detection capabilities to include non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds, allowing for underwater analysis without decomposing or contaminating the analytes, and can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, providing a robust and versatile underwater mass spectrometry solution.
Implementation Method 1
adsorbing the analyte from the water onto a rotor free of any channels
Implementation Method 2
rotating the rotor to transfer the analyte to a desorption area
Implementation Method 3
carrying the analyte to an analyzer via an outlet of a second channel of the stator via a carrier gas that is provided via an inlet of the second channel
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a rotator sample introduction interface. In one embodiment, the rotary interface for collecting an analyte includes a valve body, a rotor coupled to the valve body and a stator coupled to the rotor. In one embodiment, the rotor is channel-free and the stator includes a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel comprises an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet for expelling the liquid, wherein a carrier gas is provided via an inlet of the second channel and an outlet of the second channel is coupled to an analyzer.