Integrated Pre-concentrator Membrane Inlet for Mass Spectrometer

The project proposed here will develop a polymer based pre-concentrator integrated with a novel membrane inlet for a mass spectrometer. By using an integrated solution, the dead volume of the pre-concentrator can be minimized, thus increasing the pre-concentration gain (projected to be > 17000 with gas flows of 1 l/min containing analyte to 40 pg/l) well beyond that of solid sorbent tubes. Also, the proximity of the polymer material to the novel membrane dramatically reduces the thermal mass of the inlet, thus minimizing the analysis time required (project to be < 1 minute). Phase I of this proposal will consist of an investigation to determine the appropriate polymers for the sorption material. Candidate materials will be tested using SPACEHAB’s current pre-concentrator design and miniature mass spectrometer. After identification of the appropriate polymers, a detailed design of the integrated inlet will be produced. Under the proposed Phase I – Option, a prototype integrated inlet will be built, tested on a standard laboratory mass spectrometer, and delivered to CBD for testing.