Vapor sampling adapter for direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

摘要

A vapor sampling adapter for direct analysis in real time mass spectrometer (DART-MS) applications comprises a vapor transport line and a manifold. In the preferred embodiment the vapor transport line is heated and approximately 20 feet in length. This provides a means to utilize the highly accurate and reliable DART-MS device to detect chemical agents at sample location points up to 20 feet away from the device with the ability to easily move the sampling point to any desired point within the sampling range, thus allowing the operator to systematically scan a site in a fashion similar to that used with a handheld detector. Sample vapor flows through the vapor transport line to the manifold where it comes in proximity to the ion generator of the DART mass spectrometer before entering into the mass spectrometer for analysis. The present invention may be used to raster a surface to determine the precise location of chemical agent contamination. Additionally, the invention may be used to tune or calibrate a DART-MS.