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Abstract

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.

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First Claim