Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices for detecting leaks in chromatography systems are disclosed. The leak detection system includes a sealable compartment disposed to surround at least one component of a chromatography system. The detector is in communication, e.g., fluid communication, with an interior of the sealable compartment and configured to detect the leak by various mean including the presence of liquid or the presence of vapor, or both within the sealable compartment.
Abstract:
A method of ionizing a sample includes providing an aqueous liquid and directing a jet comprising carbon dioxide to interact with the provided aqueous liquid. One or both of the aqueous liquid and the jet comprise the sample. At least a portion of the sample is ionized due to the interaction.
Abstract:
An ion source for a mass spectrometer and a method of ionizing a sample are disclosed. A droplet generator is configured to emit a stream of analyte droplets, which are ionized upon impact with a target, thus forming an ion stream. Preferably, the droplets have a diameter that is greater than a preset value to increase the kinetic energy of the droplets. Additionally, the droplet generator can be configured to create a gas flow that increases the kinetic energy of the droplets. In one embodiment, the target is positioned upstream of an inlet of a mass spectrometer so that the ion stream enters the inlet. In another preferred embodiment, the target is positioned downstream of the inlet so that the stream of droplets passes through the inlet of the mass spectrometer, and the inlet is provided with a pressure drop that increases the kinetic energy of the droplets.