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Evaluation of small mass spectrometer systems for permanent gas analysis
C Richard Arkin1, Timothy P Griffin, Andrew K Ottens
1Dynacs Inc., DNX-14, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32815-0087, USA. Richard.Arkin-1@ksc.nasa.gov
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|September 10, 2002
Summary
This study evaluates miniature mass spectrometer (MS) systems, comparing linear quadrupole, ion trap, time-of-flight, and sector designs. Performance metrics like accuracy, detection limits, and size were assessed to rank these compact analytical instruments.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Instrumentation Science
Background:
- Miniature mass spectrometers (MS) are crucial for portable chemical analysis.
- Various compact MS designs exist, each with unique performance characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the design aspects of different miniature mass spectrometer systems.
- To assess the performance of small MS systems for analyzing gases like hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and argon.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of linear quadrupole, quadrupole ion trap, time-of-flight, and sector miniature mass spectrometer systems.
- Performance evaluation based on accuracy, precision, detection limits, response/recovery times, scan rate, size, and weight.
- Analysis of gas mixtures (H2, He, O2, Ar in N2) with concentrations from 0 to 5000 ppm.
Main Results:
- Relative accuracies ranged from <1% to 40% (average <10%), and precisions from 1% to 20% (average <5%).
- Detection limits varied widely (0.2–170 ppm), as did response (4–210 s) and recovery times (6–210 s).
- Scan times were mostly ~1 s, with weights from 9–52 kg and volumes from 15,000–110,000 cm³.
Conclusions:
- A performance scale and scoring system were developed to rank the evaluated miniature mass spectrometer systems.
- The study provides a comprehensive comparison to guide the selection and design of compact MS for specific applications.