Coaxial Spray Ionization Nozzle for Fine Charged Droplet Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gas spray assisted electrospray ionization method generates electrically charged droplets with large particle sizes, leading to inefficient ionization due to the need for additional techniques like solvent vaporization or droplet collision to manage the large droplets.
Innovation Solution
A spray ionization device is designed with a first tube for liquid flow and a second tube surrounding the first tube for gas flow, where the gas and liquid collide at high speed to atomize the droplets, and an electrode applies voltage to the liquid to generate charged droplets efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If gas spray assisted electrospray ionization method is used to support generation of electrically charged droplets, then vaporization of solvents is promoted, but electrically charged droplets with large particle sizes are generated requiring additional techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a three-layer tube structure where the innermost tube ejects liquid, the middle tube ejects gas, and the outermost tube provides structural support. This segmentation allows independent control of liquid and gas flows to achieve optimal atomization without requiring additional processing steps for large droplets
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow from the middle tube acts as an intermediary that collides with the liquid droplets from the innermost tube, atomizing them into smaller charged droplets. This intermediary gas flow enables efficient solvent vaporization and droplet size control simultaneously
2Temperature
If additional techniques such as heated gas vaporization or plate collision are used to manage large droplets, then solvent vaporization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated nozzle structure: liquid ejection, gas ejection, charged droplet generation, and solvent vaporization all occur within the three-layer tube assembly. This eliminates the need for separate heated gas systems or plate collision devices
Solution Approach 2:
The three-layer tube structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: the innermost tube generates charged droplets, the middle tube provides atomizing gas flow, and the outermost tube provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while achieving efficient solvent vaporization
3Quantity of substance
If gas spray assisted electrospray ionization method is used, then charged droplet generation is supported, but ionization efficiency decreases due to large droplet size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic interaction between the gas flow from the middle tube and the liquid flow from the innermost tube. The gas flow dynamically atomizes the liquid into smaller droplets that are more efficient for ionization, while the system maintains continuous operation to ensure sufficient charged droplet generation
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 device effectively produces atomized and electrically charged droplets, enhancing the efficiency of ionization and improving the signal-to-noise ratio in mass spectrometry analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode that extends within the first channel of the first tube, and is arranged so that a leading end is at the same position as the first outlet or further toward the opposite end than the first outlet, the electrode being capable of applying voltage to the liquid by way of a power source connected to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
the liquid ejected from the first outlet of the first tube and the gas having flowed through the second channel collide with each other at high speed in the region between the first outlet and the opening, whereby droplets are atomized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A spray ionization device comprising: a first tube that has a first flow path through which a liquid can flow and a first outlet on one end thereof from which the liquid is sprayed; a second tube that surrounds the first tube with a gap therebetween, has a second flow path through which a gas can flow, and has a second outlet on the one end thereof; and an electrode that extends through the interior of the first flow path of the first tube, from the other end thereof to the one end, said electrode being arranged such that the tip thereof is at the same position as the first outlet or is further on the other end side than the first outlet, and said electrode being able to apply a voltage to the liquid by means of a power source connected to the electrode.