초록 ▼

This invention is designed to serve as an interface between a liquid chromatograph and a conventional or tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS, LC/MS/MS). It may also be used for liquid sampling without prior separation of analytes by a liquid chromatograph. This invention differs from prior art in that v

This invention is designed to serve as an interface between a liquid chromatograph and a conventional or tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS, LC/MS/MS). It may also be used for liquid sampling without prior separation of analytes by a liquid chromatograph. This invention differs from prior art in that vaporization of the analytical sample (LC eluent) occurs through the action of condensing pressurized steam on the exterior of a low thermal mass metal capillary, while the aqueous LC eluent is flowing through the metal capillary. The steam is obtained by heating a small volume of water sealed within the device. LC eluent entering the capillary results in localized cooling and subsequent condensation of the pressurized steam on the outer surface of the capillary. The process of condensation deposits energy to the capillary equivalent to the latent heat of vaporization of water. This energy results in flash vaporization of the LC eluent within the capillary. Condensed water flows along the outer wall of the metal capillary where it is returned to the trapped liquid reservoir for re-vaporization. Energy coupling to the LC eluent is substantially more efficient than methods used in prior art interface devices. This invention minimizes overheating of temperature sensitive analytes separated by the LC and rapidly self compensates for changes in eluent flow or eluent composition without the need for adjustment in operating temperature. This invention eliminates the need for aerosol desolvation prior to ionization.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for use in a mass spectrometry system which vaporizes an eluent passing therethrough comprising: a. first heating means; b. fluid heat transfer means for transferring heat from the heating means to the eluent; c. means for transferring the eluent into and vapor out of the heat transfer

An apparatus for use in a mass spectrometry system which vaporizes an eluent passing therethrough comprising: a. first heating means; b. fluid heat transfer means for transferring heat from the heating means to the eluent; c. means for transferring the eluent into and vapor out of the heat transfer means; and wherein a working fluid in the heat transfer means is converted from a liquid to a gas by the heating means and transfers energy to the eluent as the working fluid changes from a gas to a liquid.