Open-Port Sampling Probe Flushing for Bubble-Free MS Sample Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MS techniques face issues with sample delivery delays, peak broadening, cross-contamination, and air bubble entrapment due to changes in flow resistance, especially in long transfer conduits and use of viscous solvents, which affect analytical performance.

Innovation Solution

A sampling system with a cap and actuator mechanism that allows for selective opening and closing of the sampling port, enabling high flow-rate flushing and sample delivery, using a cap with an aperture for additional fluid introduction, and a pump for controlled fluid flow, including switching between capture and flushing fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long transfer conduit is used between the OPI and MS system, then the system can accommodate complex sample matrices and various solvents, but sample delivery delays and peak broadening occur due to increased flow resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle complex sample matrices and various solventsVSAvoidsample delivery delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by implementing a flushing mechanism that actively clears the transfer conduit before sample analysis. The flushing fluid is supplied through the same conduit at a higher flow rate to remove air bubbles and contaminants in advance, ensuring rapid sample delivery without delays when analysis begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a long transfer conduit is used, then the system can connect OPI to MS system, but air bubbles are created and trapped in the conduit affecting flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection between OPI and MS systemVSAvoidair bubble entrapment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes air bubbles from the transfer conduit by introducing a flushing fluid that flows through the conduit at a higher rate. This flushing action extracts trapped air bubbles and removes them from the system, ensuring reliable sample flow without interruptions caused by bubble entrapment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the sampling port remains open during flushing, then the system structure is simple, but cross-contamination occurs from solids or dust introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling port structureVSAvoidcross-contamination from solids or dust

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling port dynamically changes its state between open and closed positions based on operational requirements. During flushing operations, the port closes to prevent contamination; during sample introduction, it opens to allow sample access. This dynamic behavior prevents cross-contamination while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If high flow rate is used for flushing, then air bubbles are removed and conduit is cleaned, but flow resistance increases and may cause system instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by alternating between high flow rate flushing mode and normal sample delivery mode. The flushing occurs in periodic cycles where high flow rate is temporarily applied to clean the conduit and remove bubbles, then returns to stable normal operation for sample analysis, maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 delivery efficiency by reducing delays and eliminating air bubbles, while maintaining analytical performance and preventing cross-contamination, especially in long transfer conduits and viscous solvents.

Implementation Method 1

The flow of samples from an OPI to a destination, such as an MS system, results from a Venturi-effect created at an aspiration port by a nebulizer gas flowing in the OPI

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

a pump for introducing the fluid under pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

an aspirator at the outlet to draw the capture fluid from the sampling port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12531224B2High flowrate flushing for open port sampling probe

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

AI summary

In a sampling system for mass spectrometry, a method and apparatus are set forth for high flow-rate flushing and sample delivery via a sampling probe (10). The sampling system includes a sampling probe (10) having a first fluid conduit (40) with an inlet, a second fluid conduit (42) with an outlet, and a sampling port fluidly connecting the first fluid conduit (40) and second fluid conduit (42). A fluid source (50) is attached to the inlet and a vacuum source (60) is attached to the outlet for causing fluid to flow through the first fluid conduit (40) past the sampling port and exit through the second fluid conduit (42). A cap (90) is provided for selectively closing and opening the sampling port. When the cap is removed, thus when the sampling port is open, sample may be introduced into, and captured by fluid flowing through the sampling port. When the cap is in place, thus when the sampling port is closed, a flushing fluid is supplied for flushing the sampling probe (10).