Electrospray ion source with a dynamic liquid flow splitter

Although the electrospray method is widely used in biomedical mass spectrometry and ion-drift spectrometry, the electrospray system can generate large drops that are the cause of electrical breakdowns, and of the fast clogging of the inlet diaphragm of the differential pumping first stage and system of ion transportation to the analyzer. Thus, a system free of such problems would be of benefit.

To drain the condensate away from the electrospraying zone and to maintain stability of spraying, a source was designed where the excessive non-sprayed solution flowing down over the metal capillary outer wall is pumped away by an air micropump. An anti-electrode is mounted opposite the metal capillary and is slightly tilted with respect to the horizon to make the condensed liquid flow down.

An electrospray ion source allowing work with chromatographic flows of the solution under normal conditions was tested. The applicability of the operating modes of the electrospray ion source with dynamic liquid flow splitting for both ion-drift and mass spectrometers was demonstrated. The flow rate range of liquid fed to the electrospray ion source with dynamic liquid flow splitting is such that it can be used in high performance liquid chromatography/Ion Mobility Spectrometry (HPLC/IMS) and HPLC/MS in the online mode.

An electrospray ion source with a dynamic liquid flow splitter was developed and tested. Optimal operating modes of the electrospray ion source with dynamic liquid flow splitting were determined.