Liquid Sample Introduction Device Channel Gas Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid sample introduction devices, residual liquid samples from previous analyses cause analysis dead time and efficiency losses when switching between samples, as the nebulizing gas is stopped, leading to incomplete gas replacement and prolonged introduction times for new samples.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sample introduction method and device that utilize a channel switching unit to fill the common sample supply channel with gas or low-viscosity liquid after analysis, allowing for quick replacement and minimizing dead time by ensuring the channel is filled with gas or low-viscosity liquid before introducing the next sample, thereby reducing the time required for nebulization to start.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the nebulizing gas supply is stopped after analysis to save energy and reduce cost, then energy consumption is reduced, but residual liquid remains in the supply channel causing analysis dead time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing gas into the common sample supply channel before the next liquid sample is introduced. This pre-filling of the channel with gas ensures that when the liquid sample arrives, it is immediately nebulized without waiting for gas to displace the residual liquid, thereby eliminating analysis dead time while allowing the nebulizing gas supply to be stopped during idle periods
2Loss of energy
If the nebulizing gas supply is stopped after analysis, then operational cost is reduced, but sample introduction efficiency decreases due to dead time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-filling the common sample supply channel with gas before introducing the next liquid sample. This ensures immediate nebulization capability when sampling resumes, maintaining high productivity while reducing operational costs through selective gas supply control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the introduced gas to automatically push out residual liquid from the channel itself, without requiring additional flushing mechanisms or external intervention. The gas self-performs the channel clearing function, simplifying the system while improving efficiency
3Device complexity
If residual liquid remains in the common sample supply channel, then the system structure remains simple, but contamination and component mixing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gas as an intermediary substance between liquid samples in the common sample supply channel. This gas layer prevents direct contact between residual liquid from one sample and the next liquid sample, thereby eliminating contamination and component mixing while maintaining simple system structure without additional flushing 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
This approach significantly reduces analysis dead time, enhances efficiency, and minimizes contamination by ensuring rapid sample introduction and ionization, with the added benefit of reducing undesirable mixing of components.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid sample is guided to a tip of a thin tube and exposed to a large electric field, and is nebulized in a substantially atmospheric pressure with the help of a nebulizing gas
Implementation Method 2
the liquid sample is guided to a tip of a thin tube and exposed to a large electric field, and is nebulized in a substantially atmospheric pressure with the help of a nebulizing gas. Fine charged droplets having charges biased by an action of an electric field are formed
Implementation Method 3
the charged droplets become finer by colliding with the atmosphere, and components in the droplets become gas ions while the solvent in the droplets is evaporated
Data Source
AI summary
The other end of an individual sample supply channel one end of which is connected to a gas buffer container the inside of which is empty is connected to one sub-port of a valve that selects one of standard samples to be supplied to an ESI probe. During analysis, the standard sample stored in one of liquid sample containers is selected by switching a connection state of the valve. The standard sample supplied by being pushed by a gas sent to the liquid sample containers through liquid supply gas branch channels is sent to the ESI probe through a sample supply main channel. At the time of finishing analysis, when the valve is switched such that the sub-port and a main port are communicatively connected, a nitrogen gas is sent to the sample supply main channel, and the remaining liquid is discharged.