Introduction of samples into a mass spectrometer

Details Introduction of samples into a mass spectrometer Introduction of samples into a mass spectrometer

1985-07-19

1987-01-06

Fields, Carolyn E.

Radiant energy

Ionic separation or analysis

With sample supply means

7386482, 7386485, 414417, 250289, H01J 4904

Patent

active

046348654

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to the introduction of samples into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer.
The usefulness of mass spectrometry in analysis has long been recognised but the technique has hitherto suffered from the severe drawback that each analysis took a considerable time because the introduction of each sample called for the vacuum chamber to be opened. Before analysis could commence, the vacuum conditions needed to be re-established and in order to reduce the quantity of air entering the system with each sample, a series of locks was employed at the inlet system. The analysis therefore needed to be performed by skilled technicians with the result that mass spectrometers were regarded as specialised laboratory equipment rather than, for example, as apparatus to be used in quality control of mass produced products, where analyses need to be performed on a frequent and regular basis.
In GB-A-No. 2,141,230, there is described an inlet system for a pyrolysis mass spectrometer in which the above disadvantage is considerably mitigated allowing a complete analysis of a sample to be performed in only a very few minutes.
In the above Application, a sample container is offered to an aperture in the inlet system. The inlet system rapidly evacuates the container, pyrolyses the sample and establishes communication between the container and the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer to enable the sample to be analysed.
The present invention is concerned with the feeding of samples to such an inlet system in such a manner as to take advantage of the inherent speed of operation of the mass spectrometer and enable the process of analysis to be further automated.
According to the present invention, there is provided a magazine for introducing samples into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer, the magazine comprising a flat plate having upper and lower surfaces which are generally horizontal during use, a zig-zag groove in the lower surface engageable by a reciprocable pin to advance the magazine by increments relative to an aperture of the inlet system of the mass spectrometer and recesses in the upper surface of the magazine for receiving tubes containing samples for analysis, the recesses extending transversely to the direction of movement of the magazine and being arranged at a regular pitch equal to that of the groove in the lower surface.
Preferably, each recess in the upper surface comprises an enlarged diameter portion for receiving an O-ring placed over the outer surface of the sample tube.
Conveniently, each recess in the upper surface is formed at its end remote from the inlet system of the mass spectrometer with an enlarged diameter portion such that a pick-up tube may be slipped over the end of the sample tube while the latter is resting in the recess.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the zig-zag groove has first portions extending parallel to the recesses in the upper surface and parallel to the direction of movement of the indexing pin such that the movement of the pin, in use, in the first portions causes no movement of the magazine, and second portions each connecting one end of a first portion with the opposite end of an adjacent first portion, the second portions being inclined relative to the direction of movement of the magazine during use and cooperating with the pin to move the magazine.
The magazine may conveniently be packaged in combination with a plurality of tubes resting in the recesses, each fitted with an O-ring and a sample boat. The packaging may consist of a sealing wrapper serving to retain the sample tubes in position within the recesses. If the boats project from the sample tubes when the wrapper is opened the plsacing of the samples on the boats is considerably facilitated. In order to avoid accidental displacement the boats should not project beyond the edge of the magazine.
The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a section through a sample feed system for a mass sp

REFERENCES:
patent: 4076982 (1978-02-01), Ritter et al.
patent: 4405860 (1983-09-01), Brunnee et al.

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