Liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer interface
AssigneeFinnigan Corporation
InventorWilliam H. McFadden
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer interface for permitting the efficient and continuous introduction of an effluent solution from liquid chromatograph into a quadrupole mass spectrometer or any other vacuum analytical system includes a thin ribbon in the form of a loop which at one end receives liquid chromatograph effluent which is passed through one or more vacuum locks to remove residual solvent. At the other end the film of solute or low volatility sample is flash vaporized into the ionization chamber of the mass spectrometer. The interface device is also used to sample dilute solutions from any other source and can be used in a continuous mode, in a single sample mode, or for automatic but intermittent sample introduction.
Claims6
An interface for permitting efficient continuous introduction of any dilute solution into the ionization chamber, having an entrance port, of a mass spectrometer comprising:
- a thin ribbon in the form of a loop;
- driving means for continuous moving of said ribbon;
- means for receiving said solution and depositing it on said moving ribbon;
- a vaporization chamber including a turn-around for said loop in close proximity to said entrance port of said ionization chamber of said mass spectrometer and heating means for vaporizing said deposited solution for introduction into said ionization chamber.
An interface for permitting efficient continuous introduction of any dilute solution into the ionization chamber, having an entrance port, of a mass spectrometer comprising:
- a thin ribbon in the form of a loop;
- driving means for continuous moving of said ribbon;
- means for receiving said solution and depositing it on said moving ribbon;
- a vaporization chamber including a turn-around for said loop in close proximity to said entrance port of said ionization chamber of said mass spectrometer and heating means for vaporizing said deposited solution for introduction into said ionization chamber;
- first and second series connected vacuum locks connected directly to said mass spectrometer through which said loop is moved after said solution is deposited;
- and means for pumping out solvent from each of said locks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.