초록 ▼

A system for preventing backflow as part of an ion source arrangement is introduced. Such a system incorporates a novel continuous flow guide within a source, such as an API ion source. In the spray direction, the cross-sectional area that defines the first portion of the internal volume initially d

A system for preventing backflow as part of an ion source arrangement is introduced. Such a system incorporates a novel continuous flow guide within a source, such as an API ion source. In the spray direction, the cross-sectional area that defines the first portion of the internal volume initially decreases in a convergent-like manner and thereafter increases in a divergent-like manner towards the exit opening of the source housing. Such a flow guide has been designed as an integral part of an ion source housing to provide for an optimal unidirectional flow past a sampling orifice of a mass spectrometer inlet. Accordingly, the novel design of the present invention prevents recirculation and thus minimizes carryover, chemical noise, and source turbulence and as an added benefit, enables a user to easily clean such a system during maintenance.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A system for preventing backflow in an ion source, comprising:a housing chamber;a continuous flow guide configured within said housing chamber, wherein said continuous flow guide comprises a converging first volume and a diverging second volume coupled at a minimal cross

The invention claimed is: 1. A system for preventing backflow in an ion source, comprising:a housing chamber;a continuous flow guide configured within said housing chamber, wherein said continuous flow guide comprises a converging first volume and a diverging second volume coupled at a minimal cross-sectional area;a spray probe disposed within said continuous flow guide and configured to provide a spray plume along a desired axis within said continuous flow guide;one or more gas inlets configured to provide an inert gas in a non-turbulent fashion so as to combine with said spray plume and fill said converging first volume;an exhaust drain port operably coupled to said diverging second volume of said continuous flow guide; andmeans to provide for a desired pressure differential within said converging first volume and said diverging second volume to induce a unidirectional flow past a sampling orifice of a mass spectrometer inlet additionally configured within said continuous flow guide, said unidirectional flow being further directed out of said exhaust drain port so as to prevent recirculation and thus minimize carryover, chemical noise, and source turbulence.