Pneumatic nebulization-photochemical vapor generation dual mode sample introduction system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsGuoying Chen, Bun Hong Lai
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Efficient and economic devices and methods for dual-mode sample introduction of liquid samples to an analytical detector exemplified by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (PVG-ICPMS) or an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICPOES) are described. Various embodiments of pneumatic nebulization (PN)-photochemical vapor generation (PVG) dual-mode introduction can enhance introduction efficiency for PVG-active elements and smooth, bubble-free nebulization for all elements. A compact yet highly efficient porous membrane gas-liquid separator (MGLS) in its various embodiments plays a key role in systems and methods described.
Claims9
A method of sample introduction to an ICP-based spectrometer comprising the steps of:
- a) passing a liquid sample analyte exposure to a UV source to produce a photochemically reduced sample analyte stream,
- b) passing said photochemically reduced sample stream over a porous membrane to separate bubbles in the liquid to produce a debubbled liquid stream,
- c) nebulization of the debubbled liquid stream, and,
- d) feeding the mist-vapor mixture to an ICP-based spectrometer.
An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer with a membrane gas flow separator system for dual-mode pneumatic nebulization-photochemical vapor generation sample introduction comprising:
- a photochemical reactor with a source of UV light for photochemical reduction of an analyte stream for analysis;
- a porous membrane gas-liquid separator (MGLS) or debubbler to practically eliminate segmentation of photoreactor effluent;
- a nebulizing system connected to the output stream of the porous membrane gas-liquid separator to nebulize the liquid separated from bubbles;
- and,
- a spectrometer connected to the analyte mist stream.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.