Analytical instrumentation and sample analysis methods

• US 7,992,424 B1
• Filed: 09/14/2007
• Issued: 08/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flir Detection, Inc. (Teledyne Technologies Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Griffin Analytical Technologies, LLC (Teledyne Technologies Incorporated)
• Inventors: Grossenbacher, John
• Primary Examiner(s): LARKIN, DANIEL SEAN
• Application Number:
  US11/900,958
• Time in Patent Office: 1,425 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 73/23.41
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2030/126 evaporating sample
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/08 using an enricher
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/20 using a sampling valve
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/24 Automatic injection systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/7206 interfaced to gas chromatograph interfaces in general for introducing or extracting samples to be analysed with specially adapted mass spectrometer, see H01J49/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1097 characterised by the valves valves in general F16K
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 49/0422 for gaseous samples interfaces to gas chromatographs G01N30/7206

Abstract

Sample introduction components of analytical instruments are provided that can include a membrane inlet component in fluid communication with both a mass analyzer component and a sample inlet. The components can also include a valve in fluid communication with the sample inlet and a sampling component. Components can include a sample loop assembly in fluid communication with valve, and a preconcentration assembly in fluid communication with the valve. Sample analysis methods are provided that can include providing sample to a membrane in fluid communication with a mass analyzer to acquire sample parameter data, and providing the sample to a sampling assembly upon acquisition of predefined sample parameter data. Methods can also include providing sample to a first sampling assembly in fluid communication with a detection component to acquire sample parameter data, providing the sample to a second sampling assembly upon acquisition of predefined sample parameter data.

Claims

1. A sample analysis method comprising:

providing sample to a first sampling assembly in fluid communication with a detection component to acquire sample parameter data, wherein the first sampling assembly is a sample loop; and

providing the sample to a second sampling assembly upon acquisition of sample parameter data below a detection limit.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the second sampling assembly is a preconcentration assembly.

3. A sample analysis method comprising:

providing sample to a first sampling assembly in fluid communication with a detection component to acquire sample parameter data, wherein the first sampling assembly is a preconcentration assembly; and

providing the sample to a second sampling assembly upon acquisition of sample parameter data above an upper detection limit.