SIS AP2000 AutoProbe™ - Console Description and Components

New Automated Direct Insertion Probe for the PolarisQ™ and TRACE DSQ™ Mass Spectrometers from Thermo Electron Corp.

The AutoProbe™ console is packaged in a white plastic cabinet (Figure # 1) which attaches to the MS. The probe rod is attached to a servo linear actuator which serves as the motor to drive the probe through the isolation valve and into the mass spectrometer source. Replaceable DEP probe tips can be plugged into the tip of the probe rod.

Figure 2 - AutoProbe System Components

Included inside the AutoProbe Console are the following (Figure 2):

1. Linear Thrust column
2. Probe Rod with replaceable probe tips
3. DEP Probe Tip
4. MS Probe Interface
5. Pneumatic Controlled Isolation Valve Assembly
6. Electronic Vacuum Gauge Pressure Sensor 
7. Two Pneumatic Valves for the servo system
8. A Current controlled Power Supply for the probe filament current
9. Relay
10. CTC PAL Autosampler Power Supply
11. AutoProbe Microprocessor Controller  operation of the AutoProbe
12. Servo Controller for Linear Thrust Column
13. Electronic Manifold
14. Autosampler Syringe
15. CTC PAL Column

An pneumatically controlled isolation valve permits the probe to be introduced into the mass spectrometer vacuum system while maintaining a good vacuum in the MS. When the probe is inserted into the first probe seal of the isolation valve, a vacuum valve opens to allow the accessory vacuum pump to evacuate the probe inlet. A vacuum gauge measures this vacuum and when it evacuates down to 200 millitorr, the probe is advanced to the second seal in the probe inlet. A rotary ¼ turn pneumatically operated ball valve opens to permit the probe to be inserted through the isolation valve and into the mass spectrometer. 

Figure 3 - Isolation Valve Assembly on the AutoProbe

The two drawings below show the insertion of the probe through the isolation valve. 

Figure 4 - DEP Probe injected to the First Vacuum Seal (Isolation Valve closed)

Figure 5 - DEP Probe Passing through the Rotary Ball Isolation Valve (Isolation Valve Open)

The Panel on the front display has a series of three LED lights which display the status of the AutoProbe - Power On, Running and a Fault indicator. Also on this display is an emergency Pause button which will stop the operation of the AutoProbe from injecting the probe or running the sample, until the switch is pressed a second time to continue the operation of the system. This switch only pauses the AutoProbe - it does not stop or pause the CTC PAL Autosampler. 

Figure 6 - Front Panel Display on the AutoProbe

The back panel on the rear of the AutoProbe has a series of plugs for the attachment of the various cables required to interface the AutoProbe to the CTC PAL Autosampler, the PC, and the mass spectrometer. The main Power cord is located here as well as the main power switch and a second switch for the CTC PAL Autosampler. 

Figure 7 - Back Panel on the AutoProbe Console

The vacuum pump is attached to a pump flange nipple on the bottom of the AutoProbe console. This pump provides for the initial roughing out vacuum of the AutoProbe isolation valve.  An electronic vacuum gauge measures this vacuum level to assure that no leaks exist in the probe seals before the probe in taken into the MS source.

Figure 8 - Vacuum Pump provides roughing out vacuum for the AutoProbe isolation valve

The CTC PAL Autosampler is physically attached to the AutoProbe System. The CTC PAL 

Figure 9 - CTC PAL AutoSampler for Injecting samples onto the DEP probe tip

Autosampler syringe injects the samples dissolved in a solvent onto the DEP probe tip for subsequent analysis. 

Figure 10 - Injecting Sample onto the DEP Filament Coil

For additional details click onto the detailed descriptive material on the AutoDesorb system below.  The application notes below demonstrate the operation of the AutoProbe for the analysis of samples.  For additional pricing and ordering information, contact John Manura at Scientific Instrument Services, or call (908) 788-5550 ext: 800.  

AutoProbe Details

AutoProbe General Description

AutoProbe Console Description

AutoProbe Software Description

AutoProbe Specifications and Requirements

AutoProbe Brochure (PDF)

Articles and Application Notes

87.  Design and Development of an Automated Direct Probe for a Mass Spectrometer

89.  Quantitation of Organics via a Mass Spectrometer Automated Direct Probe

90.  An Automated MS Direct Probe for use in an Open Access Environment

91.  AutoProbe DEP Probe Tip Temperatures

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