Unified Gas Supply for Ion Source Liquid Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample introduction systems for ion sources require separate gas sources for liquid-supply gas and atomization-promoting gas, increasing costs and potentially destabilizing the ionization process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sample introduction system where the atomization-promoting gas is used to supply the liquid sample to the ionization probe, eliminating the need for a separate liquid-supply gas source and maintaining stable gas stream conditions by branching the gas passage to include both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate liquid-supply gas source is used to send the liquid sample to the ionization probe, then the liquid sample can be supplied reliably, but the device cost increases due to multiple gas sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid-supply gas function and atomization-promoting gas function into a single gas source. The gas passage is configured to supply gas that performs both functions: sending the liquid sample from the container to the ionization probe and promoting atomization at the ionization probe tip. This merging eliminates the need for separate gas sources and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable liquid sample supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single gas source and passage perform multiple roles: (1) pressurizing the liquid sample container to send the liquid sample, (2) transporting the liquid sample through the passage, and (3) providing atomization-promoting gas at the ionization probe. This universal gas supply system resolves the contradiction by making one component serve multiple purposes.
2Device complexity
If the atomization-promoting gas passage is used to supply liquid sample, then the number of gas sources is reduced, but the pressure and state of gas stream inside the ion source may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The gas passage is segmented into different functional sections: a first passage section for supplying gas to pressurize the liquid sample container and send the liquid sample, and a second passage section for supplying atomization-promoting gas to the ionization probe. This segmentation allows independent optimization and stable control of gas flow in each section while using a single gas source, preventing interference between functions and maintaining gas stream stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply system incorporates dynamic control capabilities with adjustable flow rates and pressures for different passage sections. The system can dynamically regulate the gas flow to maintain stable pressure and state in the ion source while adapting to different operating conditions, ensuring consistent ionization performance despite the unified gas source configuration.
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 allows for cost-effective ionization of liquid samples while maintaining consistent ion generation conditions, applicable to various ion sources and liquid samples, and reduces the risk of contamination and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid sample is sent from the liquid sample container to the ionization probe by the pressure of the atomization-promoting gas
Implementation Method 2
making an atomization-promoting gas blow at the liquid sample exiting from the tip of the ionization probe
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sample introduction system for an ion source which ionizes a liquid sample by supplying the liquid sample to an ionization probe 30 in an ion source and making an atomization-promoting gas blow at the liquid sample exiting from the tip of the ionization probe 30, the liquid sample introduction system including: a liquid sample container 70a-70f which is a hermetically closable container for holding a liquid sample; a liquid-supply-gas passage 50 having one end connected to a point in a passage 41 for supplying an atomization-promoting gas to the ion source, and the other end connected to a space above a liquid level in the liquid sample container 70a-70f; and a sample supply passage 60 having one end connected to a space below the liquid level in the liquid sample container 70a-70f and the other end connected to the ionization probe 30.