Functional Description; Autosampler; Figure - Thermo Scientific TSQ Series Hardware Manual

Functional Description

This chapter describes the principal components of the TSQ system and their respective functions.
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A functional block diagram of the TSQ mass spectrometer is shown in
line connects the LC to the mass spectrometer. The autosampler and LC are usually installed on
the left of the mass spectrometer. The syringe pump and divert/inject valve are integrated into the
mass spectrometer cabinet.
In a typical analysis, a sample can be introduced in any of the following ways:
• Using the syringe pump (direct infusion)
• Using the divert/inject valve fitted with a loop and an LC (flow injection analysis)
• Using a divert/inject valve and LC fitted with a column (LC/MS)
In analysis by LC/MS, a sample is injected onto an LC column. The sample then separates into its
various components. The components elute from the LC column and pass into the mass
spectrometer where they are analyzed.
Electrospray ionization (ESI), heated electrospray ionization (H-ESI), nanospray ionization (NSI),
atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI), or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
(APCI) ionize sample molecules at atmospheric pressure. The ion optics focus and accelerate the
resulting sample ions into the mass analyzer where they are analyzed according to their
mass-to-charge ratios. An ion detection system then produces a signal proportional to the number
of ions detected. The system electronics receive and amplify the ion current signal from the ion
detection system. That signal is then passed on to the data system for further processing, storage,
and display. The data system provides the primary TSQ mass spectrometer user interface.
Thermo Scientific

Autosampler

(optional)
Liquid Chromatograph (optional)
Mass Spectrometer
Data System
2

Figure

5. A sample transfer
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