Patent ID: 6870154
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A capillary mixer for mixing a first reactant solution and a second reactant solution to form a mixed solution prior to delivering the mixed solution to an ion source of an ionization mass spectrometer, which mixer comprises: a pair of concentric capillaries consisting of: an outer capillary which is connected at a distal end thereof to an inlet of the ion source and is to be connected at or near a proximal end thereof to a source of the second reactant solution; and an inner capillary within the outer capillary, thereby forming an annular intercapillary space between the outer and inner capillary, wherein: the inner capillary is to be connected at a proximal end thereof to a source of the first reactant solution and has an opening at or near a distal end thereof, is slidably sealed to the outer capillary at or near the proximal end of the outer capillary and is movable back and forth within the outer capillary, whereby in use, the first reactant solution is I! delivered from the source thereof through the inner capillary in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end and the second solution is delivered from the source thereof through the intercapillary space in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end; and the first and second reactant solutions so delivered get mixed to form the mixed solution in a mixing region within the intercapillary space into which the first reactant solution is expelled through the opening.