Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantiva User Manual

1
Introduction
Overview of an LC/MS Analysis
Thermo Scientific TSQ Endura and TSQ Quantiva Hardware Manual 3
Overview of an LC/MS Analysis
In a typical LC/MS analysis, the liquid chromatograph (LC) portion of the system separates a
mixture into its chemical components. The LC pump produces a solvent stream (the mobile
phase) that passes through an LC column (containing the stationary phase) under high
pressure. An autosampler introduces a measured quantity of sample into this solvent stream.
As the solvent stream passes through the LC column, the sample separates into its chemical
components. The rate at which the components of the sample elute from the column depends
on their relative affinities to the mobile phase and the solid particles that make up the column
packing.
As the separated chemical components exit the LC column, they pass through a sample
transfer line and enter the mass spectrometer for ionization and analysis. As the mass
spectrometer analyzes the ionized components and determines each mass-to-charge ratio
(m/z) and relative intensity, it sends a data stream to the data system computer.
When the system setup includes a syringe pump and divert/inject valve, there are four
additional ways to introduce a sample into the mass spectrometer, as described in Table 2.
The TSQ Endura and TSQ Quantiva MSs consist of an API source, ion optics, a triple-stage
mass analyzer, and an ion detection system. The ion optics, mass analyzer, ion detection
system, and part of the API source are enclosed in a vacuum manifold.
Ionization of the sample takes place in the API source. The specific method used to ionize the
sample is referred to as the ionization technique. The ion optics transmit the ions produced in
the API source into the mass analyzer to determine the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) (of the ions
produced in the API source). The polarity of the electric potentials applied to the API source
Table 2. Methods of sample introduction into the mass spectrometer
Method Description
Direct infusion Connect the syringe pump directly to the atmospheric
pressure ionization (API) source of the mass spectrometer.
High-flow infusion Use a union Tee to combine the flow from the syringe pump
with the flow from an LC pump.
Automated loop injection Connect a sample loop, an LC pump, and the syringe pump
to the divert/inject valve. After you connect the plumbing,
specify the flow rate at which the syringe pump fills the
sample loop. After the loop is filled, the data system triggers
an injection.
Manual loop injection Connect a sample loop, a needle port fitting, and an LC
pump to the divert/inject valve. After you fill the sample loop
with sample, switch the position of the divert/inject valve,
which places the contents of the sample loop in the path of
the solvent flow produced by the LC pump.

Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantiva Specifications

General

Brand	Thermo Scientific
Model	TSQ Quantiva
Category	Laboratory Equipment
Language	English