Supersonic Shock Disruptor for Mass Spectrometry Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatography-mass spectrometry systems face inefficiencies due to low-energy drying methods and space charge repulsion, leading to reduced sample ion density and detector efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A disruptor apparatus with a converging-diverging nozzle and standing shock wave system is introduced, which nebulizes and fragments fluid drops into smaller droplets, increasing energy input and reducing desolvation time, thereby enhancing analyte ion density and transmission to the mass analyzer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If low-energy drying methods are used, then the drops can travel a significant distance to desolvate, but the sample ion density decreases and detector efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter by introducing a high-energy standing shock wave (supersonic flow) into the drying region. This transforms the low-energy gradual evaporation process into a high-energy rapid desolvation process, allowing drops to be desolvated quickly without traveling long distances, thereby maintaining high sample ion density near the mass analyzer inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The standing shock wave creates periodic compression and expansion regions that enhance the desolvation process. The oscillating nature of the shock wave structure provides repeated energy input to the drops, accelerating solvent removal and promoting efficient ionization without requiring extended travel distances.
2Ease of operation
If gas flow is provided to assist nebulization, then drops are formed from the fluid, but space charge repulsion causes rarefaction and reduces sample density
Solution Approach 1:
The standing shock wave acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nebulization process and the mass analyzer. It provides a high-energy environment that rapidly desolvates drops and transfers charge to analytes, mediating the transition from liquid drops to gas-phase ions while minimizing space charge repulsion effects through rapid processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on pure gas flow mechanical nebulization with a high-energy shock wave-based system. The shock wave provides the primary energy input for desolvation and ionization, substituting the need for extended gas flow-assisted transport and reducing the harmful effects of space charge repulsion that occur in prolonged mechanical transport systems.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If drops travel a significant distance to desolvate, then low-energy processes can be used, but efficiency of the mass spectrometer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the energy parameter from low-energy gradual evaporation to high-energy shock wave-driven desolvation. This parameter change enables rapid sample processing and high ion transmission efficiency, directly improving mass spectrometer productivity without requiring long drop travel distances.
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 apparatus significantly increases analyte ion density near the mass analyzer, improving sensitivity and reducing detection levels by imparting higher energy for efficient desolvation and fragmentation, overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Gas is provided to a disruptor apparatus at an upstream pressure that creates a standing shock wave in the diverging section of the nozzle when the apparatus is operated at ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
drops are directed into the standing shock wave where the drops are fragmented into smaller droplets by the high energy of the shock wave
Data Source
AI summary
A disruptor apparatus comprises a nozzle comprising: a converging section; a diverging section; and a throat between the converging section and the diverging section. The disruptor apparatus also comprises a holder configured to receive a fluid conduit, which comprises an outlet located in the converging section; and a channel disposed about the holder and configured to guide a gas past the outlet of the fluid conduit, through the converging section, through the throat and into the diverging section where the gas travels at supersonic speed and establishes a standing shock wave in the diverging section. A mass spectrometer and a method are also described.