Patent ID: 6817554
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: F15D,G01N,H01J

Abstract:
An integrated fluid splitting device and electrospray ionization interface for receiving an incoming fluid having an input fluid flow rate and for diverting a portion of said incoming fluid to form an output fluid having an output fluid flow rate, and for vaporizing and ionizing said output fluid, said fluid splitting and electrospray ionization device comprising:an outer fluid conduit having first and second ends an exterior surface, and a fluid inlet, said fluid inlet being in fluid communication with said incoming fluid, said outer fluid conduit further including a fluid outlet spaced apart from said fluid inlet; and an inner fluid conduit coaxially disposed within said outer fluid conduit, said inner fluid conduit having a fluid input end in fluid communication with said fluid inlet of said outer fluid conduit and a nozzle end extending beyond said exterior surface of said outer fluid conduit, said nozzle end providing said output fluid flow at said output fluid flow rate, wherein said fluid input end of said inner fluid conduit forms a fluid split point that is interposed between said fluid inlet and fluid outlet of said outer fluid conduit such that said fluid split point is substantially free from turbulence and mixing from said fluid outlet, and wherein a portion of said incoming fluid entering said outer fluid conduit flows into said fluid input end of said inner fluid conduit and is thereby split from said input fluid to form said output fluid and wherein said output fluid flow rate is less than said input fluid flow rate, and wherein said remaining input fluid leaves said outer fluid conduit via said fluid outlet as a waste fluid at a waste fluid flow rate; and wherein said outer fluid conduit is an electrical conductor and said inner fluid conduit is fused silica, and further including an electrical connection between said outer fluid conduit and a high voltage source.