N2(g) is usually used to remove sample solvents to prevent them from reaching LC/MS parts where they are not required. Nitrogen will eradicate solvents before they reach the detectors and alter assay quality. The various ways nitrogen can be employed within an LC/MS are outlined below.
Electrospray Ionization Detectors (ESI) – N2(g) effectively produce a mist of charged droplets within the detector. The N2(g) helps to separate the solvent from the ionized samples.
Curtain Gas – N2(g) as a separation medium splits the sample and its solvent atoms before entering the vacuum chamber of the MS unit.
Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Detectors – A jet of N2 sprays the samples on a heater unit which carries out the ionization process.
Advantages
Footprint requirements
Minimal attention required
Fully automated systems
Minimal to no maintenance
Environmental friendly systems
N2(g) Concentrations Supplied: < 99.0% – satisfactory for LC/MS systems
