Sequential combination low temperature condenser and enclosed filter solvent removal system, and method of use

A method of providing a mixture of nebulized sample particles and a low, essentially constant level of solvent vapor, for introduction into a sample analysis system, comprising the steps of:

• a. obtaining a sequential combination solvent removal system comprising a low temperature condenser solvent removal system and an enclosed filter solvent removal system functionally interconnected to one another;
• for use in providing desolvated nebulized sample particles to a sample analysis system with any solvent vapor present being at a low essentially constant level, regardless of type of sample solution nebulizer used to produce nebulized sample solution droplets, which when desolvated by a desolvation system provide said nebulized sample particles in mixture with solvent vapor, whether said solvent is aqueous or organic and regardless of the flow rate of said solvent vapor into said sequential combination solvent removal system;
• which low temperature condenser solvent removal system comprises an enclosed volume with a drain present at a lower extent thereof and means for maintaining a low temperature therein, such that solvent vapor entered thereinto during use condenses and exists via said drain while desolvated nebulized sample particles entered thereinto during use flow therethrough;
• and which enclosed filter solvent removal system comprises an essentially tubular shaped enclosed filter made of a material which allows solvent vapor entered thereinto during use to diffuse therethrough, but which retains desolvated nebulized sample particles entered thereinto during use therein, and which enclosed filter solvent removal system further comprises means for causing a solvent vapor removing gas flow around the outside of said enclosed filter, such that solvent vapor entered into said enclosed filter during use which diffuses through said enclosed filter and is removed by said solvent vapor removing gas flow, while desolvated nebulized sample particles entered into said enclosed filter are caused to remain therein and flow therethrough;
• such that desolvated nebulized sample particles entered into said sequential combination solvent removal system during use travel therethrough and exit into a sample analysis system;
• b. entering a sample solution to said nebulizer such that it produces nebulized sample solution droplets;
• c. causing said nebulized sample solution droplets to flow through said desolvation system, in which desolvation system heat is applied such that solvent present is vaporized resulting in the formation of said mixture of nebulized sample particles and said solvent vapor;
• d. causing said mixture of nebulized sample particles and solvent vapor to flow into said sequential combination solvent removal system such that essentially all solvent vapor is removed thereby;
• and
• e. causing said nebulized sample particles and a low, essentially constant level of solvent vapor to flow from said sequential combination solvent removal system and into said sample analysis system.