High throughput systems and methods for parallel sample analysis

A system for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the system comprising:

• a plurality of fluid phase separation process regions;
• a plurality of ionization sources;
• and
• a mass spectrometer having a plurality of sample inlets, a plurality of mass analyzers, and a plurality of transducers;
• wherein
• each separation process region is in fluid communication with the mass spectrometer through a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets;
• each ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources supplies ions to a different mass analyzer of the plurality of mass analyzers through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets;
• and
• each transducer of the plurality of transducers is associated with a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and is associated with a different inlet of the plurality of inlets.

A modular mass spectrometer device for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the device comprising:

• a vacuum enclosure defining a plurality of sample inlets;
• a chassis disposed at least partially within the vacuum enclosure;
• at least one vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum enclosure;
• and
• a plurality of modules adapted to mate with the chassis within the vacuum enclosure, the plurality of modules including a plurality of mass analyzers disposed downstream of the plurality of sample inlets and including any of:
• a plurality of focusing elements disposed between the plurality of sample inlets and the plurality of mass analyzers;
• and
• a plurality of transducers disposed downstream of the plurality of mass analyzers.