CA2547497C

CA2547497C - Curved introduction for mass spectrometry

Info

Publication number: CA2547497C
Application number: CA002547497A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Bruce A. Andrien, Jr.; Michael A. Sansone; Allan G. Burt; Craig M. Whitehouse
Original assignee: Analytica of Branford Inc
Current assignee: Revvity Health Sciences Inc
Priority date: 1997-10-15
Filing date: 1998-10-15
Publication date: 2009-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-15
Also published as: CA2547497A1

Abstract

A multiple layer curved Electrospray (ES) sample introduction device has been configured in an Atmospheric Pressure Ion (API) source interfaced to a mass analyzer. Sample solutions introduced through the curved or bent sample introduction Electrospray (ES) probes in an Atmospheric Pressure Ion (API) source are sprayed from the Electrospray (ES) probe tip at an angle which differs from a central line of the Electrospray (ES) probe body.

Description

Curved Introduction for Mass Spectrometry Field of the Invention The present invention relates to mass spectrometry, and more particularly to an introduction probe.
Background of the Invention Atmospheric Pressure Ion (API) Sources configured witli Electrospray (ES) ionization interfaced to mass analyzers include at least one Electrospray sample introduction probe.
Colnmercially available ES probes can be roughly categorized into two types, flow-through and non flow-through configurations. The non flow-through ES probes are usually configured as pre-loaded microtips where no additional sample solution is added during the spraying process. Flow-through ES probes allow the delivery of a continuous solution flow to the ES probe tip from a fluid delivery system located outside the ES
chamber. ES flow-through tips have been constructed with one or more straight tube layers to simultaneously deliver liquid and gas from the attached transfer lines to the ES probe tip during operation. Flow-through ES probes are typically configured with flexible solution and gas transfer lines connected to a probe body. The liquid and gas transfer lines may be attached to the ES probes at various angles, but the single or layered tubes within ES
probes liave been configured as straight tubes from the point of delivery line attaclunent to the ES probe tip.
Even in ES probes configured with a single tube for liquid sample delivery, the single tube within the ES
probe body is straiglit after the liquid transfer line attachment point to the ES probe body. When a single layer ES probe configuration is used, the sample bearing liquid is Electrosprayed directly from the exit tip of the probe tube. When it is desirable to operate Electrospray with pneumatic nebulization assist, a second layer tube is positioned surrounding and concentric to the innermost solution introduction tube, through which nebulization gas is delivered to the ES probe tip. Three concentric tube layers have been configured in ES probes to deliver a second liquid flow layered over the sample solution with a third layer for introduction of nebulizing gas at the ES probe tip.

Electrospray probes with straight single or layered tube configurations have been positioned on or off axis in Electrospray ion sources. Electrospray probes have been mounted with the probe tip axis aligned with the ES
source axis as defined by the axis of the orifice into vacuum. ES probe assemblies have been configured in a fixed on-axis position or with the ability to have the probe tip position rotated and translated in the x, y and z direction around the ES source centerline. Off-axis ES probe assemblies have also been configured where the probe straight tube axis is generally positioned to direct the Electrosprayed solution toward the ES source centerline near the centerline of the orifice into vacuuin. Off axis ES probes which incorporate pneumatic nebulization assist have also been used for higher liquid flow rate applications, as is described in U.S. Patent Number 5,495,108. An off-axis Electrospray probe configured with pneumatic nebulization assist is generally mounted at an angle ranging from (D = 40 to (D = 90 relative to the ES
source vacuum orifice centerline. U.S.
Patent 5,495,108 even describes that an ES probe with pneumatic nebulization assist can be mounted in a position (D = 1800 relative to the direction of gas flow through the vacuum orifice leading to the mass spectrometer. Analytica of Branford, Inc. has also configured ES sources with single or multiple ES probes mounted in a single source (see, US Patent No. 6,541,768 and US Patent No.
6,207,954). In all cases, each ES
probe assembly individually was configured with a straight and concentric single or layered tube assembly after the transfer line attachment points.

The straight ES probe assembly configuration requires that the entire ES probe body be angled and positioned to achieve the optimal ES probe tip position in an ES source chamber. This configuration of straight tube ES probes imposes constraints on the ES source chamber design, particularly for "off-axis" ES
probe tip orientation. When off-axis ES probe mounting is used, the ES source chamber must be configured large enough to fit the ES probe body and transfer line attachments within the ES source chamber.
Alternatively, the ES probe length must be increased or the ES chamber size reduced if it is desirable to position the off-axis ES probe body outside the ES source chamber with the probe assembly extending through the side wall of the ES chamber. When ES source configurations require applying kilovolt potentials to ES probes during operation, appropriate electrical insulation must be applied to any ES probes extending through the ES chamber walls. In some ES source configurations, ES
probes are operated at ground potential, and kilovolt potentials are applied to surrounding electrodes. ES probes which extend through these electrodes can pass close to these electrodes and must be appropriately insulated. The surrounding electrode shapes and ES probes inust be configured to accominodate "on-axis" and "off-axis"

ES probe position placement while producing the desired electric fields during operation, even over a wide range of liquid flow rates.

An ES source can accommodate a sample liquid flow rate range of over 10,000 to 1. Depending on the analytical application, sample liquid can be sprayed at flow rates ranging from less than 25 nanoliters per minute to over 2.5 milliliters per minute. To achieve optimal performance over this range of liquid flow rates, ES sources can be configured to accoymnodate a nuinber of ES probe configurations and a range of ES
probe positions. For lower liquid flow rate applications, ES probes are generally positioned on or near the ES source centerline. With higher flow rate applications, ES probes may be positioned off the ES source centerline angled toward the centerline to optimize ES performance. To achieve added flexibility in operation, more than one ES probe can be mounted in the ES source simultaneously and even operated simultaneously. The size, complexity and cost of an ES source increases when it must accommodate the mounting of one or more ES probes in multiple positions when the ES probes are configured with straight single or multiple liquid and gas tubes after the transfer line attachment point. Particularly in low liquid flow rate applications where it is important to minimize dead volume, the liquid transfer lines are typically mounted "in-line" with the ES probe liquid sample delivery tube. The "in-line"
connection of the sample delivery tube with the ES probe tube assembly may increase the ES probe length placing additional size and position constraints on the ES source and probe design.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, the reconfiguration of ES probe deliveiy tubes is provided in a curved manner which relieves several of the design and operational constraints imposed by straight ES probe configurations. The curved or bent ES
probe configuration increases the versatility of ES probe placemeiit aiid operation and allows cost effective ES source design with little compromise in performance.

The present invention incorporates a curved tube conCguration into ES probe assemblies.
The curved tube ES probe configuration enables independent positioning of the ES probe tip and the probe body within an ES'souree chamber. This curved shape incorporated into ES probe assemblies allows single and multiple ES probe inounting positions to be achieved with simpler and lower cost ES source assemblies. In one embodiment of the invention described, a curved or bent ES probe is mounted to the back plate of an API
source. This probe configuration includes concentric tubes that are bent in a double curve shape where the ES probe body is positioned witll its axis along the ES source chamber centerline, and the ES probe tip is positioned off-axis and angled toward the ES source chamber centerline. Independent of the ES probe body orientation, the ES probe curve can be shaped such that the probe tip is positioned off axis pointing at an angle toward the centerline defined by the centerline of the ES source orifice into vacuum. The position of this ES probe tip, wliich may include layered liquid flow and/or pneumatic nebulization assist, can be adjusted in axial and angular directions relative to the vacuuni orifice location to optimize ES source performance for a given application. The cuived ES probe assembly can be configured to allow adjustment of the ES probe tip position during ES
source operation. The ES probe position can be adjusted to fall on the vacuum orifice centerline or to a position well off the centerline. The curved probe configuration can accommodate any desired angle of spray relative to the vacuum orifice centerline. In addition, the invention enables the placement and siniultaneous operation of multiple curved ES probes or combinations of straiglit and curved ES probes iiiounted in a single ES source. Different sainple solutions can be introduced into the ES source chamber simultaneously through multiple ES probes during operation. To reduce cost and complexity of the ES source, all cutved or combinations of curved and straight ES probes can be conveniently mouiited to or through the back plate of the ES source chamber.
Alternatively, combinations of back and side mounted probes can be configured in an ES
source, if desired.

.n one embodiment of the invention, an Electrospray ion source is configured with an Electrospray probe which includes a bent or curved portion in its fluid and gas delivery tubes.
The ES probe body is mounted with its axis substantially aligned with the Electrospray source centerline and is configured with a three layer ES probe tip positioned off-axis to spray at an angle toward the ES source centerline as defined by the vacuum orifice centerline. The ES probe body includes means to adjust the probe tip position in the ES
source chanlber. The three layer bent or curved probe comprises liquid and gas delivery tubes that are configured with a double bend. This double bend allows the sample solution to enter the delivery tube flowing in a directioii substantially aligned with the ES
source centerline. The solution is sprayed toward the ES source centerline from the exit end of the delivery tube which is also the ES probe tip which is positioned off-axis. The axis of the ES tip and ES probe body axis are not aligned in the double bend ES probe configuration, allowing maximum flexibility in configuring ES source .and ES
probe geometries. The ES probe with a double bend delivery tube section can be configured with a single or multiple layered ES tip. Two and three layer ES curved ES
probe tips can be operated with layered liquid flow or pneuniatic iiebulization assist.
Curved ES
probes may also be configured with ultrasonic nebulization assist. Each tube bore or annulus layer of a multiple tube curved ES probe may be connected to different gas or liquid delivery systems. In this manner, different samples, mixtures of samples andlor solvents can be sprayed simultaneously or individually in a variety of combinations at similar or different liquid flow rates. A calibration solution may be introduced through a tube layer and sprayed simultaneously with the sample solution to generate internal standard peaks in an ES spectrum. The liquid delivery systems include but are not limited to liquid chromatography pumps, syringe pumps, gravity feed vessels, pressurized vessels, and or aspiration feed vessels. Samples may also be introduced using auto injectors or "on-line" separation systems such as liquid chromatography (LC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE), capillary electrophoresis chromatography (CEC) and/or manual injection valves. ES sources configured with curved or bent inlet ES probes can be interfaced to any MS or MS/MS" mass analyzer type including but not limited to, Time-Of-Flight (TOF), Quadrupole, Fourier Transform (FTMS), Ion Trap, Magnetic Sector or a IIybrid mass analyzers.

In another embodinient of the invenlion, a single or multiple layered tube ES
probe is configured with a single bend portion in its fluid and gas delivery tubes. The axis of the ES probe tip is not aligned with the ES probe body axis when a single bend is configured in the ES probe delivery tubes. The curved ES probe exit tip assemblies comprising multiple tube layers can be configured with means to ensure that the relative layered tube concentricity at the ES tip is retained around a corrunon ES probe tip centerline. When compared to asyminetric tube layering, concentric positioning of tubes configured at the ES probe tip can improve the Electrospray plume uniformity around the ES probe tip centerline. This results in improved consistency of performance in Electrospray operation with layered liquid flow and/or pneumatic nebulization assist. An Electrospray ion source can also be configured with multiple ES probes coinprising at least one curved Electrospray probe. An ES probe configured with one or more bends can be mounted in an ES source chamber with the ES probe body axis positioned substantially along the ES
source centerline as described above. Alternatively ES probe bodies can be mounted off-axis with fixed or adjustable tip locations. One or more curved ES probes can also be configured in an Attnospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Source (APCI) source providing the means to produce ions by Electrospray or Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization either simultaneously or independently in the same API source without the need to switch probe hardware. U.S. Patent Application (Analytica's multiple probe patent application pending), describes the configuration of multiple sample introduction probes mounted in an ES or an Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) source, however, no curved ES probe configurations were included in the embodiments described.
The curved ES probe geometry allows greater flexibility and decreased complexity when configuring single or multiple sample introduction probes in an API source.
Each curved ES probe in a set may be configured for operation witli pneumatic or ultrasonic nebulization assist and multiple liquid and/or gas layering. Each liquid layer of each curved ES probe may be connected or switched to the same or different liquid delivery systems. Multiple ES probes configured in an API source allow the spraying of different quid flow rates, and even conlpletely different solutions delivered either simultaneously or sequentially into an API source without exchanging or even moving probe assemblies.
Different ES MS analyses can be efficiently performed in a manual or unattended automated manner with little or no down time with multiple probe API source configurations. Individual sample mixtures which span different m/z ranges or sample types can be introduced through different ES probes to avoid cross contamination from one analysis to another. Depending on the unknown sample being analyzed, an optimal calibration solution can be chosen from another ES probe. For example, one m/z range calibration solution can be chosen which produces singly charged ES ions when analyzing singly charged compounds. Likewise, multiply charged ES generated calibration ions can be produced when analyzing compounds wliich fonn multiply charged ions in Electrospray ionization. The solution flow rate through a first ES probe can be controlled independent of the solution flow rate delivered through a second ES probe without having to reposition any probe tip location, change API source voltages or shut off gas or liquid flow to the second ES probe. Curved ES probe configurations allow tight clustering of ES
probe tips if desired while leaving ES probe inlet ends conveniently spaced to facilitate comlections of transfer lines and adjustment of probe tip positions. The multiply layered tube curved ES probe design allows for adjustment of relative tube exit end axial positions at the probe tip even during operation. In particular, the relative position of layered tube exit eiids at the ES probe tip can be adjusted in a curved ES probe when the ES tip axis differs from the ES probe body axis. Due to this feature, multiple curved ES probes can be conveniently mounted through the back plate of an API source retaining full ES
tip location and layered tube exit axial position adjustment even during ES
operation. This capability facilitates setup and optimization time when conducting layered liquid flow CE, CEC or capillary column LC-MS analysis where the CE, CEC and/or LC colunuis are configured as the inner layer of a curved multiple layer ES probe.

Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a plan view of an Electrospray ion source configured with a double bend Electrospray curved sample introduction probe assembly which includes tip position and layered tube axial position adjustment.

Figure 2 is a.cross-sectional view of a double bend curved tlirce layer Electrospray probe tip.

Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a curved two layer ES tip with internal guides to hold the iruler tube concentric with the outer tube at the ES tip exit.

Figure 3B is cross-sectional view taken along A-A taken through the internal guide portion of the ES tip shown in =Figure 3A.

Figure 4 is a mass spectrum of a sample solution containing Tri-Tyrosine introduced into an Electrospray ion source through a double bend Electrospray curved probe with pneumatic nebulization assist.

Figure 5 is a diagram of an Electrospray ion source configured with three double bend Electrospray curved probes mounted with a relative tip off axis spaciilg of 120 .
Figure 6 is a diagram of an Electrospray ion source configured with two single bend Electrospray curved probes and a straight Electrospray probe.

Figure 7 is a diagram of an Electrospray ion source configured with three single bend Electrospray curved probes passing through the side walls with a glass window back plate.
Figure 8 is a diagram of an API source which includes an APCI probe and a single bend Electrospray curved probe.

Description of the Invention One embodiment of the inven.tion, as diagrammed in Figure 1, comprises an Electrospray ion source 1 which includes a three layer Electrospray sample introduction probe configured with double bend delivery tube or eurved probe asseinbly 29.
Electrospray probe assembly 13 can be configured with different layered tube bores to accommodate a flow rate ranging from below 25 nL/min to above 2 mL/min. Charged liquid droplets are formed from sample bearing solution by Electrospraying, or Electrospraying with pneumatic nebulization assist, the sainple solution from ES probe tip 12.
During Electrospray operation, electrical potentials are applied to cylindrical electrode 2, endplate electrode 3, capillary entrance electrode 4 and ES probe tip 12 while introducing sample solution through transfer line 18. Bath gas 5 is directed to flow through endplate heater 6 and into ES source chamber 7 through endplate nosepiece 8 opening 9. The orifice into vacuum as shown in Figure 1 is a dielectric-capillary tube 10 with bore 35 and entrance orifice 11. Bath gas 5 is delivered to ES chamber 7 substantially counter current to the direction of gas flow towards vacuum in capillary bore 35. This counter current bath gas flow aids in drying the Electrosprayed charged droplets and prevents unwanted neutral contamination from entering vacuum. Ions are produced from the evaporating charged liquid droplets as they traverse ES chamber 7. Ions can also be produced from evaporating charged droplets as they traverse bore 35 of capillary 10 on their way to vacuum. Heating capillary 10 can aid this droplet evaporation and ion production process.
Ions and charged droplets are driven towards capillary entrance 11 by the electric fields established from the voltages applied to ES probe tip 12, cylindrical lens 2, endplate 3..
with attached nosepiece 8 and capillary entrance electrode 4. A portion of the ions or charged droplets near capillary entrance 11 are swept into vacuum carried along by the neutral bath gas expanding into vacuuni. A portion of the ions entering vacuum are directed into a mass analyzer with detector where they are mass analyzed.

The potential of an ion relative to ground potential can change as it is being swept through dielectric capillary tube 10 into vacuum as is described in U.S. Patent Number 4,542,293.
Due to this ability to change the ion potential energy by operating with a dielectric capillary, ES probe tip 12 .can be maintained at ground potential during ES
operation.
Alternatively, if a nozzle, a thin plate orifice or an electrically conductive capillary is configured as an orifice into vacuum, ES probe tip 12 is maintained at high potential during ES operation. Configuring an ES source with a dielectric capillary does not preclude operating ES probe tip 12 at high potential; however, it is more convenient to operate ES probe 13 assembly witli probe tip 12 at ground potential. This is the case particularly when the ES probe is connected to grounded LC separation systems or even injector valves with short liquid transfer line lengths to minimize dead volume. Any electrophoretic or electrolysis effects in the sainple solution transfer lines aiid connectors are minimized when ES probe 13 and probe tip 12 are operated at ground potential. To produce positive ions with ES probe tip 12 maintained at ground potential, negative kilovolt potentials are applied to cylindrical electrode 2, endplate electrode 3 with attached electrode nosepiece S and capillary entrance electi-ode 4. Negative ions are produced by reversing the polarity of electrodes 2, 3, and 4 while ES probe tip 12 remains at ground potential. When a nozzle or a conductive (nletal) capillary is used as the orifice into vacuum, kilovolt potentials are applied to ES curved probe assembly 29 with lower potentials applied to cylindrical electrode 2, endplate electrode 3 and the orifice into vacuum during operation. Heated capillaries can be configured as the orifice into vacuum, operatcd with or without counter-current bath gas.

In the embodiment of the invention diagramined in Figure 1, pivot point 16 of the body and entrance end 26 of ES cuived probe assembly 13 is positioned parallel to the centerline or ES source chamber axis 17 of ES source 1. The angle of axis 39 of entrance end 26 of delivery tube assembly 29 relative to ES source centerline 17, as diagrammed, is equal to zero degrees. This aligns delivery tube entrance end axis 39 with ES
source chamber axis 17 (radial distance R = 0). Sample bearing solution can be introduced into solution transfer tube 18 of ES probe 13 with a liquid delivery system. Liquid deliverv systems may include but are not limited to, liquid pumps with or without auto injectors, separation systems such as liquid cliromatography or capillaiy electrophoresis, syringe pumps, pressure vessels, gravity feed vessels or solution reservoirs. During ES source operation, the spray produced from ES curved probe 13 can be initiated by turning on the liquid flow using a solution delivery system. Alternatively, where a pressure vessel or reservoir is used as a solution source, the liquid flow to ES curved probe tip 12 can be controlled by turning the nebulization gas flow on or off. When the nebulization gas flow is turned on, the venturi effect at the ES probe tip pulls solution from the reservoir to .ie ES probe tip where it is nebulized. As an exaniple, an inexpensive solvent delivery system is shown in Figure 1 comprising reservoir 19 containing a sample solution 20.
ES curved probe 13 solution transfer tube 18 is connected to solvent reservoir 19. With little or no pressure head or gravity feed applied, solution 20 can be pulled from reservoir 19 using the venturi suction effect of the nebulizing gas applied at ES probe tip 12.
Transfer tube 18 can be initially filled with solution by applying head pressure to reservoir 19, by gravity feed of liquid through transfer tube 18 or by applying nebulizing gas which exits at ES probe tip 12. Once transfer tube 18 and the sample tube 15 of ES
probe 13 is filled, any liead pressure in the attached reservoir can be relieved and the liquid flow through sample tube 15 of probe 13 can be started and stopped by turning the nebulizing gas flow at tip 12 on and off. In the case where more precise control of the sample liquid flow rate is desired, a positive displacement liquid pump deliveiy system including but not limited to a syringe pump or a liquid chromatography system can be employed.
Solution flow to tip 12 can then be turned on or off by turning the solvent delivery system flow on or off.

The x-y-z and angular positions of ES curved probe tip 12 as configured in Figure 1 may be adjusted by turning positioning knobs 21, 22 and 23.to optimize ES
performance while spraying. ES probe tip 12 positions may require adjustment to optimize ES
performance for a given liquid flow rate and solution or sample type. Once optimized, probe tip 12 position can remain fixed during ES operation. As diagranimed in Figure 1, the liquid and gas inlets or fittings 33, 28 and 30 of ES probe assembly 13, are located outside the ES
source chamber housing for convenient connection of liquid or gas transfer lines 18, 27 and 34. The two axis rotation of ES probe tip 12 can be adjusted by turning adjustment knobs 21 and 22 and the Z position of ES probe tip 12 can be adjusted by turning knob 23. Turning knobs 21 and 22 rotates ES tip 12 and three layer delivery tube assembly 29 around pivot point 16 located inside ES probe assembly 13. Position adjustment laiobs 21 and 22 rotate ES probe tip 12 and delivery tube assembly 29 in the y and x directions, respectively. Adjustment knob 23 shares centerline 39 moves;with delivery tub assembly 29. Turning adjustment knob 23 moves ES tip 12 along the delivery tube assembly entrance axis 39. Figure 1 shows the delivery tube entrance axis 39 aligned witli ES
source axis 17. In this position, adjustment of knob 23 changes the distance Z
between ES
probe tip 12 and the face of nosepiece 8. The delively tube assembly, deliveiy tube entrance section 26, adjustment lalobs 23 aiid 36, ES probe body sections 37 and 36 and inlet or fitting 30 all rotate around pivot point 16 when rotation position adjusters 21 and 22 are turned. The ES probe tip 12 position within ES source chamber 7 can be adjusted with knobs 21, 22 and 23 during Electrospray operation. Locating all ES probe tip position adjusters outside the ES - chamber 7 allows efficient optimization of the ES probe tip after reconfiguring ES source I for a given application. The cur-ved ES
probe configuration allows configuration of an ES source having a wide range of ES
tip positions with a constrained ES probe body location. Adjustment of cuived probe ES tip positions can be made from outside the ES source chamber during operation independent of the ES tip angle or position in ES chamber 7.

As diagrammed in Figure 1, axis 39 of ES probe delivery tube entrance assembly 26 and pivot point 16 are positioned along ES source ceiZterline 17. The centerline of ES probe body 13 is located along the ES source centerline, that is at a radial distance R = 0. ES
probe tip 12 is positioned at an angle of 4) = 45 degrees relative to ES
source 1 and capillary 10 centerline 17. Tip 12 of ES probe is shown located at an axial distance Z
from endplate nosepiece 8, a distance r radially from ES source centerline 17, and a radial angle 6= 0 degrees. @(not shown) is defined as the radial angle around centerline 17 (peiTendicular to the plane of the figure), in the direction that the gas flows tln-ough the capillary. With this orientation, the 12 o'clock location is defined as 0 degrees and the angle B increases clockwise to 360 degrees. Spray tip 12 position may be aimed at the center of the endplate nosepiece opening 9 for lower liquid flow rates, i.e.
Z= 2 cm, and r = 2 cm. For higher liquid flow rates, more optimal performance can be achieved by pointing the spray produced from angled tip 12 past nosepiece opening 9 but still passing through the center line of the of the ES source 17, i.e. Z = 2 cm, and r= 1 cm. The ES
probe tip 12 angle, 0, relative to ES source centerline 17 can be changed or the entire ES
probe body with delivery tube assembly 26 can be moved radially off ES source centerline 17 where R#O.

~S probe assembly 13 is shown with a double bend in layered delivery tube assembly 29.
The bends occur to the ES probe delivery tubes downstreain of inlet ends 28, 30 and 33.
In the embodiment shown, the first bend 31 is approximately 45 degrees and the second bend 32 is approximately 90 degrees resulting in an ES tip angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the delivery tube entrance assembly 26 ceilterline 39. A
range of bend angles 31 and 32 is possible with the ES probe configuration shown in Figure 1 to achieve the desircd tip angle and position. Alternatively, as is shown in Figure 6, when the centerlines of ES probe assemblies 100 and 102 are mounted off ES source centerline 112, single bend curved ES probes can be configured. Bend angles in layered delivery tube assembly 29 have sufficiently large radii to avoid damaging individual tubes configured witliin layered tube assembly 29. The radii of bend angles 31 and 32 are large enough to preveiit kinking or fracturing of tube materials such as metal or fused silica and allowing freedom of movement so that individual tubes remain free to slide through a layered tube configuration. The bend radii are sufficiently large to also allow rotation of layered tubes without damaging or forcing a permailent bend set to the tubing. Layered tube tip position adjustment may be configured with or without tube rotation. Generally no tube rotation is preferred, particularly when adjusting the first layer tube. When the first layer tube is a CE or LC column or a metal tube, the entrance end of the tube may be connected to a sample injection means external to probe assembly 13. The column or tube extends continuously from its rotationally fixed entrance end to ES probe tip 12 passing through and forming a seal with fitting 30 of ES probe 13. As will be described below, ES probe assembly 13 allows axial tip adjustment of the first layer tube without tube rotation.

It is obvious to one skilled in the art that any number of single or double bend geometric combinations can be configured:

1. Electrospray nebulizer tip angles (0) can range from 0 = 0 to 180 2. Electrospray nebulizer tip locations (R, r, 0, z) can be set where R may equal any distance and r may equal any distance witllin the ES chamber, Angle 0 can range from 9= 0 to 360 measured clockwise, and Z can equal any distance witliin the ES source chamber.
3. 'One, two or more bend angles, each witli a range of angles and bend radii can be included in tubing assembly 29 to acliieve a desired position and angle of ES
probe tip 12.

Several Electrospray tip positions can be used to produce similar results. In addition, the Electrospray probe may include but is not limited to any combination of the following probe tip configurations: single tube unassisted Electrospray needle tip, flow tlirough micro Electrospray, pneumatic nebulizer assist with or without liquid layer flow, ultrasonic nebulization assist thermal assist multiple tube layers.

Figure 1 shows a three layer double bend curved ES probe configuration typically used when layered liquid flow is required during an Electrospray mass spectrometric analysis.
A cross- section of one embodiment of double bend delivery tube 29 assembly and ES
probe tip 12 with three tube layers is diagranlmed in Figure 2. Sample solution is delivered througli curved ES probe delivery tube 15 to ES probe tip 12. A
nebulization gas can be delivered to ES probe tip 12 tlirough annulus 43 fonned by the inner diameter of third layer tube 25 and the outer diameter of second layer delivery tube 14 to assist in the fornlation of charged liquid droplets during Electrospray operation. A
second liquid flow can be delivered to ES tip 12 through annulus 41 fonned by the inner bore of ES
probe second layer delivery tube 14 and the outer bore of sample solution delivery tube 15. The second solution delivered to ES tip 12 through annulus 41 nzixes in region 42 with the sample solution delivered to ES tip 12 tllrough first layer delivery tube 15. ES
probe assembly 13 as diagrammed in Figure 1 is configured to allow adjustment of the relative layered tube exit tip positions from outside the ES source chamber during ES
operation. The ability to adjust relative tube exit tip positions allows for the optimization of ES performance for any operating combination of single solution or multiple liquid flow layering with or witliout pneumatic iiebulization assist. The curved ES
probe configuration allows relative tube tip position adjustment to be made from outside the ES
source chamber during ES operation independent of the ES tip angle or position in ES
chamber 7. This ability to adjust layered tube exit tip positions to achieve optimal Electrospray performance is particularly important when the first layer tube is configured as a capillaiy electrophoresis fused silica column or as a capillary LC
column. Such .)eration may require the layering of liquid flow througli aiuiulus 41 with solutions mixing in region 42 at ES probe tip 12.

The second layer solution flow may also be used to add a calibration compound to the sample bearing solution exiting from tube 15. The resulting mass spectruni acquired from such a mixed solution spray contains aii internal standard. The calibration solution can be started or stopped by turning on or off the liquid flow from the liquid delivery system supplying solution through solution transfer line 28. The introduction of a calibration solution in this manner avoids contaminating the sample solution flowing through inner tube 15 but still necessitates mixing of solutions in region 42 prior to spraying. The calibration components in the resulting mixture may affect the Electrospray ionization efficiency of the sample compounds present thus causing peak height distortion in the acquired mass spectrum. The relative positioning of the exit ends of tubes 15 and 14 can affect the relative intensity of ion populations layered from the two solutions produced in the ES spraying and ionization process. The layered liquid flow can also be used to introduce a mixture of solvent solutions to study ion-neutral interactions in a multiple probe spray mixture. If required by an analytical application, any number of layers can be added to an ES layered probe tip assembly and the ES probe can be operated with multiple liquid and even gas layering. For example, a multi-layer probe can be operated such that there is no liquid mixing at the ES tip by separating the liquid solution layers with pneumatic nebulizer or corona suppression gas. A four layer ES probe tip embodiment can have liquid solution delivered through the innermost tube, nebulizatiori gas flow supplied through the annulus between tubes one and two, a second liquid solution delivered through the annulus between tubes two and three, and nebulization gas flow supplied through the third annulus between tubes three and four.
Alternatively, gas can be supplied through the innermost tube one with a liquid, gas and liquid layering. Three or more liquid solutions can be layered where some of the solutions delivered through separate layers are mixed in the liquid state as they emerge from the layered tip in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 2. Where it is not desirable to mix selected solutions they may be separated by nebulizing gas layers. In general, layered liquid flow allows the introduction of additional solutions through one Electrospray probe, and caii serve as. a means of interfacing ES with separation systems such as CE, CEC
and LC.
Tluee layer curved ES probe assembly 13 is configured to allow adjustnzent of the relative positioils of exit ends 45, 44 and 46 of layered tubes 15, 14 and 25 respectively using adjustinent means 36.and 38. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, adjustment ]mob 36 can be turned to move the position of delivery tube 15 and exit end 45 in or out while second and third layer tubes 14 and 25 remain.fxed. Tube 15 slides inside tube 14 while adjusting the relative axial positions of ttibe exit ends 45 and 46. First layer tube exit end 46 position can be adjusted without turning tube 15 by holding knob 50 rotationally fixed while turning knob 36. This non rotational tip 45 position adjustment using knob 36 is convenient when tube 15 extends through fitting 30 and coruiects directly to a solution delivery system at its entrance end. This is typically the case when tube 15 is configured as a fused silica CE, CEC or capillary LC column connected directly to a CE, CEC or LC
system respectively. Adjustment of the relative position of tube exit ends 44 and 45 is important when optimizing layered liquid flow performance used in CE-MS and LC-MS
applications. The second layer tube 14 exit end 44 position can be adjusted relative to the position of tube 25 exit end 46 by turning ES probe body section 38 relative to section 37.
Fitting 28 and transfer line 34 will rotate with ES probe section 38 when adjusting tube 14 exit end 44 position. The relative tube exit end positions 45 and 44 remain fixed when probe section 38 is turned. Transfer line 34 is connected to annulus 41 through fitting 28 to deliver a second liquid flow, nebulization gas or corona discharge suppression gas to ES
tip mixing region 42 during operation. Gases such as oxygen or sulftir hexaflouride have been used to suppress corona discharge at the ES probe tip particularly for negative ion Electrospray operating mode. Adjusters 38 and 36 are located external to ES
source chainber 7 to allow axial position adjustment of exit ends 45, 44 and 46 of layered tubes 15, 14 and 25, respectively, during Electrospray operation. The solution flow rate required for ES applications can range from below 25 nanoliters per minute to over 2 milliliters per minute. A first layer tube 15 with an inner bore diameter of approximately 100 micrometers can be configured in ES probe assembly 13 to acconuliodate Electrospraying a primary solution flow rate ranging from less than 1gL/min to over 2 mL/min with one or more layered tubes. To optimize ES performance for a 25 to 1,000 nanoliter per ninute liquid flow rate range, a smaller bore first layer tube can be installed in ES probe assembly 13 configured with one or more layered tubes of appropriately matched internal and external diameters. Figures 1 and 3 show a tlu-ee layer ES probe configuration typically used when layered liquid flow is required during an Electrospray mass spectrometric analysis. Alternatively, ES probe assembly 13 can be configured with a single or two layer ES probe tip. Two layer probes are commonly employed when a single solution is introduced and Electrosprayed with pneumatic nebulization assist.

In the preferred embodiment, liquid or gas transfer lines 27, 28 and 18 all merge into a single (multi-layer) tube which extends through the ES probe assembly. Liquid or gas transfer line 18 is preferably attached to or coextensive with a first layer of the multilayer tube (e.g. the center layer of the tube). As the line proceeds toward the probe assembly 13, a second layer (i.e. a layer surrounding the center layer) is added by use of liquid or gas transfer line 28 which is attached to or coextensive with this second layer of the multilayer tube. As the line proceeds further toward probe assembly 13, a third layer (i.e.
an outermost layer surrounding the center layer) is added and liquid or gas transfer line 27 is attached to or coextensive with this third layer of the multilayer tube.
Each of the transfer lines therefore supplies liquid or gas to a separate layer of the multilayer delivery tube 29. The lines merge or are attached together in any desired manner, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

When a layered delivery tube assembly is configured with a single or a double bend, the layered tubes may no longer be positioned with their exit ends aligned concentric to a common ES probe tip centerline. The bend point nearest the ES tip may bias the outer diameter of each inner layered tube to fall against the wall of the inner bore of the next layer tube at its exit end. Although this may not adversely affect the overall Electrospray layered flow or pneumatic nebulization assist performance, the spray produced from the ES probe tip may not be axially symmetric with respect to the ES probe tip axis. The ES
probe layered tube and tip position adjustment means described above allows the optimization of ES probe perfonnance even with an asymmetric spray. The ES
probe tip position adjustment allows placement of the optimal ion production region of the Electrospray plunie in the capillary orifice sainpling region. This can be achieved with the ES probe tip position adjustment for a wide range of analytical applications where solution chemistries, liquid flow rates and layered flow combinations may be varied.
However, for some applications and ES source configurations it may be desirable to produce an axially synlmetric spray from:.an Electrospray probe tip: An axially synunetric spray may be preferred when an ES probe with a fixed ES tip position is configured in an ES
source chamber. Reduced ES probe assembly cost can be achieved by eliminating probe position adjusters. ES probe set up is simplifled wlien no position adjustments are included.
Holding tigliter relative tube exit position tolerances and concentricity can improve the Electrospray plume symmetry around the ES probe tip centerline with and without pneumatic nebulization assist. This improved ES plume symnietry results in more consistent ES performance over a range of solution chemistries and solution flow rates and over multiple ES probe assemblies. Figures 3A and 3B show an alternative embodinient of the invention comprising a two layer curved S probe configured to improve the concentricity of layered tube exit ends at the ES probe tip.

Figure 3A shows a cross section of the two layer curved ES probe delivery tube assembly 60 near ES probe tip 61. Inner solution delivery tube 62 is positioned within bore 67 of outer tube assembly 63 exiting at ES tip 61. Outer tuve assembly 63 comprises separable tip piece 64, tapered tip portion 65 and guide piece 66. Figure 3B is an axial view takeil through section A-A showing the three finger position guide portion of separable tip piece 64. Guide piece 66 viewed along its axis is configured with a similar tluee finger guide shape. Inner tube 62 slides through tip piece 64 and guide piece 66 when assembled.
Guide fingers 69 and 70.of tip piece 64 and guide piece 66 respectively position exit end 68 of inner tube 62 to align axially with axis 73 tip piece 64 at ES probe tip 61. Guide piece 66 is captured between a counterbore in tip piece 64 when it attaches to curved tube 63. Attaclunent means between tip piece 64 and cured tube 63 include but are not limited to press fitting, welding, brazing soldering or threading. Gaps 71 and 74 between fingers 69 and 70, respectively, allow the flow of nebulizing gas or layered liquid flow to ES tip 61. The position of exit end 68 of iizner tube 62 may be adjusted relative to the exit end of tip piece 64 by sliding tube 62 through guide piece 66 and tip piece 64 using an adjustment means similar to that shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the position of exit end 68 of tube 62 may be fixed relative to tip piece 64 to miniiiiize adjustments.
Maintaining the axial position of inner tube 62 exit end 68 aligned along axis 73 will produce an Electrospray plume which is more symmetrically shaped around exit 73. This axial alignment insures multiple layer tube concentricity at the ES probe tip resulting in more consistent and optimized spray over many ES probe assernblies configured with or without position adjustment. Consistent ES spray operation improves reliability and reproducibility while simplifying Electrospray setup and operation and lowering apparatus cost.

Mass spectrum 37 shown in Figure 4 was acquired from a solution containing Tri-Tyrosine, Electrosprayed with pneumatic nebulization assist from a double bend two layer ES curved probe into an Electrospray. ion source interfaced to a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The Electrospray probe tip was maintained at ground potential during the acquisition of mass spectrum 37 in Figure 4. The Electrospray probe and source configuration used to acquire the data shown in Figure 4 was siniilar to that diagrammed in Figure 1. Peak 38 of protonated singly charged Tri-Tyrosine is the dominant peak in acquired mass spectrum 37. This spectrum was one acquired near the maximum signal amplitude of an eluting 20 L injection of 5 pmole/ L Tri-Tyrosine solution injected into a solution of 50/50 methanol and water with 0.1% acetic acid supplied to the off-axis ES
probe tip at a flow rate of 1 mL/min.

Another embodiment of the invention, as diagrammed in Figure 5, comprises an Electrospray ion source configured with multiple two bend curved Electrospray probes.
The ES probes remain at the same potential during operation. With the appropriate potentials applied to lens elements in ES source chamber 79, Electrosprayed charged droplets are produced from separate solutions delivered to ES probe tips 80, 81, and 82 of ES probes 83, 84, and 85,. respectively. Nebulization gas can be delivered to one or more ES probe tips 80, 81 and 82 through second layer tubes surrounding the sample introduction tubes to assist the Electrospray process in the formation of charged liquid droplets. Electrospray source 98 includes cylindrical electrode lens 86 dielectric capillary 92, counter current bath gas 93, gas heater 94, endplate electrode lens 87 and endplate nosepiece 95. Charged droplets Electrosprayed individually or simultaneously froni solutions exiting from ES probe tip 80 of ES probe 83, tip 81 of ES probe 84 and tip 82 of ES probe 85 are driven against the counter- current drying gas by the electric fields formed by the electrical potentials applied to ES probe tips 80, 81 and 82 and/or ES
chamber 79 electrodes 86, 87 and 88. As the charged droplets simultaneously produced froni rnultiple ES probes evaporate, ions are fonned and mixed in region 89 and a portion of these ions are swept into vacuum through the capillary orifice 90. A
portion of the ions entering vacuum are directed into a mass analyzer and detector where they are mass analyzed. If a heated capillaiy is configured as au orifice into vacuum witli or without counter-current drying gas, charged droplet evaporation and the production of ions can occur.in the capillary wlzen Electrosprayed charged droplets are swept into the capillary orifice. The resulting ions produced from a mixture of charged droplets, produced from two or three simultaneously Electrosprayed solutions, evaporating in the heated capillary will form an ion mixture in the capillary and in vacuum. Ions fomied from multiple solutions cati also fonn mixtures in ion traps in vacuum. Th.ree dimensional ion traps and multipole ion guides operated in trappirig mode can hold mixtures of ions trapped simultaneously or sequentially which are fonned froni multiple solutions sprayed into one API source. Mass analysis of the ion mixtures is then conducted. Different geometries of counter- current drying gas direction relative to the ES source axis and the axis of the orifice into vacuum such as "z spray" or "pepperpot" geometries can be configured with multiple curved ES probes, as well. ES probes 83, 84 and 85 are mounted on the rear plate of ES source chamber 79 each with independent x-y-z position adjusters.
In the configuration shown, the x-y-z positions can be adjusted during system tuning to optimize each ES probe spray position when operating individual sprays or Electrospraying from multiple probes siniultaneously. Each ES probe tip position can be adjusted to optimize performance for a wide range of liquid flow rates and solution composition combinations.
ES probes 83, 84 and 85 may comprise one, two, three or more multi-layer probe tips.
Three different sample solutions can be Electrosprayed with similar or different liquid flow rates from ES probes 83, 84 and 85 independently and/or simultaneously during ES source operation. Charged droplets formed from the tluee sprays and the resulting ions produced :om the three sets of evaporating charged droplets forni a mixture of ions in region 89.
A portion of the ion mixture produced is swept into vacuum through capillary orifice 90 where they are mass analyzed. Using this method, the sample solution from one ES probe has a minimum effect on the ions produced from the sample solutioii sprayed from a separate ES probe. The three sample solutions sprayed do not mix prior to spraying and droplets and ions of the same polarity are produced simultaneously in the Electrospray source. Charged droplets and ions of like polarity may have little interaction due to charge repulsion effects so a tniniinum distortion of the ion population produced occurs prior to entry into vacuum. If one solution sprayed contains one or more m/z calibration compounds, the ions produced form a true internal standard in the mass spectrum acquired from the mixture of ions that are produced from the two or.three simultaneous sprays.
The internal standard, however, is not mixed into the original sample solution during spraying. Alternatively, ES probe 83, 84 and 85 can be turned on sequentially.
If one ES
probe contains a calibration solution, sequential spraying of ES probes 83, 84 and 85 allows acquisition of a mass spectrum which can be used as an external standard acquired close in time to the acquisition of a second sample mass spectrum.

In the embodiment of the invention diagrammed in Figure 5, the axes of ES
probe assembly 83, 84, and 85 are positioned parallel to centerline 91 of ES source 98. The angle of each of ES probe tip 80, 81 and 82 relative to ES source centerline 91 is equal to 080 = 45 , 081 = 45 , and 083 = 450, respectively. Sample bearing solution can be introduced into the inlets of each probe with independent liquid delivery systems. In this manner, the 'flow of different samples or mixture of samples and/or solvents and can be controlled individually. Liquid delivery systems may include but are not limited to, liquid pumps with or without auto injectors, separation systems such as liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis, syringe pumps, pressure vessels, gravity feed vessels or solution reservoirs. During ES source operation, the spray produced from each ES probe can be initiated by tutning on the liquid flow using a solution delivery system.

The x-y-z and angular positions of ES probe tips 80, 81 and 82 as configured in Figure 5 may be adjusted to optimize ES perfonnance individually or while spraying simultaiieously, using a set of positioning knobs configured similar to those shown for ES
probe 13 in Figure 1. ES probe tip positions may require adjustment to optimize ES
performance for a given liquid flow rate, solution cheinistry and multiple spraying combinations. Once optimized, the probe positions can remain fixed during ES
operation.
The input ends of each ES probe, where solution and gas enter each ES probe assembly, and position adjusters are located outside the ES source chamber housing. This allows full adjustment of x-y-z and angular position while operating the ES source to achieve optimal performance. ES probes 83, 84 and 85 as diagrairuned in Figure 1 can also be configured to allow adjustment of the relative layered tube exit tip positions during ES
operation.
The solution flow rate required for ES applications can range from below 25 nanoliters per minute to over 2 milliliters per ininute. Two or more Electrospray probes with pneumatic nebulization assist can be operated simultaneously in one ES cliamber.
Combinations of single tube, two layer, tlu-ee layer, and multi-layer ES probes can.also be configured and operated simultaneously in a single ES cliamber.

ES source 79, as diagranuned in Figure 5, is configured with tluee ES probes.
ES probe tips 80, 81 and 82 are positioned at 45 degree angles to ES source centerline 91 (080.=
45 , 082 = 45 , and 083 = 45 ) and each is respectively spaced a distance Z80, Z82 and Z83 axially from end plate nosepiece 95. Eaeli angle ES probe tip is spaced a radial distance rsl, r82, and r83 respectively, from ES source centerline 91 with a radial angle 6s, = 0 , 082 = 120 and DS3 = 240 respectively, around ES source centerline 91.
All curved ES probes can be operated with piieumatic nebulization assist, for the tip positions and angles given. Each ES probe is configured with a double bend tube assembly where the bend-located closest to'each ES probe body is approximately 45 degrees and the bend located closest to each ES probe tip is 90 degrees. The double bend tube portions of each ES probe allows a tight clustering of the body of multiple ES probe assemblies near ES
source centerline 91. Configured with double bend ciurved ES probe assemblies, multiple ES probes can be configured into an ES chaniber with small dimensions. In an analogaus embodiment, but sacrificing some independence of probe tip location adjustment, multiple double bend tube portions can extend from a single ES probe body. Multiple transfer lines can connect into a single ES probe body supplying liquid or gas to multiple bent ES probe ps.

Another embodiment of the invention briefly mentioned above is diagrammed in Figure 6.
Tliree ES probes 100, 101 and 102 are mounted through back plate 103 of ES
source 104.
Each ES probe assembly individually includes multiple tube layers and full x-y-z position and angle adjustment of the probe tips in ES chamber 105. ES probes 100 and 102 are configured with single bend delivery tube portions 110 and 111, respectively, and are mounted off ES source centerline 112. Single bend portion I 10 of ES probe 100 has a large radius of curvature which allows the layering of larger diameter tubes or fused silica columns without stressing the tubing material. Short liquid transfer distances can be accommodated with curved ES probes configured with a single bend. Similar to the double bend probes, the relative tube exit end positions of layered tubes can be axially adjusted even during ES source operation. Straight ES probe 101, mounted on ES
source centerline 112, is configured with curved ES probes 100 and 102. Solution can be sprayed individually or simultaneously from the three ES probes configured in ES
source 104. ES
probe 100 tip 108 is positioned to spray at angle 0108 relative to the source centerline, ES
probe 101 tip 107 is preferable positioned to spray approximately along ES
source centerline 112 (although it can be configured to spray at an angle to the centerline, if desired) and ES probe 102 tip 106 is positioned to spray at angle 0106 relative to ES
source centerline 112. The absolute value of aiigle c5108 may vary substantially from angle 01o6 configured with fixed or adjustable position ES probe asseniblies.
Multiple "off-axis"
and angled tip curved ES probes can be mounted in a small plate area reducing cost and complexity of API source design compared with a configuration using straight probe assemblies. Straight, single bend and/or double bend probes can be configured together in the same ES source, and for some extreme applications probes with more than two bends may be desired, depending on API source geometry. Ion-ion interaction can also be investigated in the same source by operating two or more bent probes at opposite polarities simultaneously. For example, a bent ES probe can be configured to produce positive ions witli the source electrode potentials and mass spectrometer set to. analyze positive ions.
Another bent ES needle can be configured to spray at the first bent ES probe spray plume producing negative ions. The resulting mixture of opposite polarity ions reacting at atmosphere and the resulting positive product ions are then analyzed. The polarity of all ES source potentials can be switched to study negative product ions.

Another embodiment of the invention is diagrammed in Figure 7. In the configuration shown, tlu-ee curved ES probe assemblies 150, 151, and 152 are mounted through the side walls of the ES chaniber 153. ES probes tips 155 and 156 are configured to spray at angles 0155 60 degrees and 015G ~-45 degrees, respectively, and are positioned off ES
source centerline 157. ES probe tip 154 is configured to spray along ES source axis 157 while the axis of ES probe body 150 mounted -90 degrees to ES source centerline 157.
This multiple ES probe mounting configuration is useful where it is not convenient to mount tl-lrough the ES clianzber back wall. Probes that must mount through the ES source back plate may constrain the ES source geometry and limit close placement of an LC or CE system next to the MS on the bench. Side wall mounting of multiple curve ES
probes can allow the configuration of a small and shallow ES source geometry and may facilitate the integration of a CE or LC system 158 as a compact bench top system. In addition, a glass window back plate 159 can be configured in ES source 153 for viewing of the multiple Electrospray plumes in the ES source chamber 153. Similar to the previous embodiment, one or more adjustable or fixed position curved ES probes may be configured in ES source 153. Straight, single bend and/or double bend probes can be configured together in the same ES source mounted tlu=ough the ES chamber side walls and endplate. For soine extreme applications probes witli more than two bends may be mounted through the ES source side wall, to accommodate a specific API source geometry.

It is obvious to one skilled in the art that any number of multiple curve and straight probe geometric combinations can be configured other than those specifically shown in Figure 7 and S. Other combinations may include but are not liinited to:
1. One, two, or more bent probes can be used with no, one, two, or more straight probes.
2. Electrospray nebulizer tip angles (4);) can range from 0 to 180 , 3. Electrospray nebulizer tip locations (R;, r;, 0L, z;) can be set where R;
may equal y distance within the ES source chamber, r; may equal any distance within the ES
source chamber, B; = 0 to 360 measured clockwise, and z; may equal any distance within the ES source chamber.
4. One, two or more bend angles each with a range of angles and bend radii can be included in any ES probe single or layered delivery tube assembly to achieve a desired position of any ES probe tip.

5. ES probe assemblies can be configured with fixed or adjustable ES probe tip locations.

6. Two or more Electrospray probes can be configured to spray the same or opposite polarity ions.

Several combination Electrospray tip positions can be used to produce similar results. In addition, multiple curved and straight Electrospray probes may include but are not limited to any combination of the following probe tip configurations: single tube Electrospray probe tips, flow through micro Electrospray, Electrospray with pneumatic nebulization assist with or without liquid layer flow, Electrospray with ultrasonic nebulizer assist, Electrospray with thermal assist and unassisted ES of multiple liquid layers.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is the combination of at least one curved Electrospray probe with at least one Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization probe configured in an Atmospheric Pressure Ion Source interfaced to a mass analyzer. It is desirable for some analytical applications to incorporate both ES and APCI
capability in one API source. Rapid switching from ES to APCI ionization methods without the need to reconfigure the API source minimizes the set up and optimization time. The same sample can be introduced sequentially or simultaneously through both APCI and the curved ES probes to obtain comparative or combination mass spectra. Acquiring both ES
and APCI mass spectra of the same solution can provide a useful comparison to assess solution chemistry reactions or suppression effects with either ES or APCI
ionization methods. Both ES and APCI probes can have fixed or moveable positions during operation of the API source. Alternatively, different samples can be introduced through the APCI and curved ES probes individually or simultaneously. For example, a calibration solution can be introduced through a curved ES probe while an unknown saniple is introduced througli an APCI probe in the sanle API source. The APCI
and curved ES probes can be operated simultaneously or sequentially in this maniier when acquiring mass spectra to create an internal or an external standard. The combination of APCI and curved ES probes configured together in an API source minimizes probe transfer and setup time and expands the range of analytical techniques which can be run witli a manual or automated means wlien acquiring data with an API MS
instrument.
Combinations of sample introduction systenis such as separation systems, pumps, manual injectors or auto injectors and/or sainple solution reservoirs can be connected to the multiple combination ES and APCI probe API source. An integrated sample introduction with multiple APCI and ES probe coinbination allows fully automated analysis with multiple ionization techniques, multiple separation systems and one MS
detector to achieve the more versatile and cost effective analytical tool witlz increased sanlple throughput.
Each sample inlet can supply solution flows independently from other sample inlets either sequentially or simultaneously during APCI and ES operation. APCI p'robes can be configured where solvent is delivered to the APCI probe at flow rates below 500 nL/min to above 2 mL/min.

Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of the inverition which includes ES and APCI
ionization capability configured together in an API source interfaced to a mass analyzer.
APCI probe and ionization assembly 210 and curved Electrospray probe assembly 212 are configured in API source 211. APCI probe and ionization assembly 210 is comprised of inlet probe assembly 200 with nebulizer tip 201, optional droplet separator ball 202, vaporizer heater 203 and corona discharge needle 206. The APCI inlet probe assembly 200 is configured to spray at an angle of Q3~pcl (with OArc1 = 0 0 in the figure) along API
source centerline 221. Cur-ved Electrospray probe assembly 212 is configured within the figure a two layer ES probe tip with first layer tube exit end position external adjustment nut 213 (although any configuration of one or more curved Electrospray assemblies can be used, as disclosed above). Curved Electrospray probe assembly 212 is configured to spray at an angle of Qsss (with QSrlS = 45 degrees in the figure) relative to the source centerline 221. The API source assembly includes cylindrical lens 220, endplate 214 with attached _.osepiece 215, capillary 216, counter-current drying gas flow 218 and gas heater 217.
Curved ES probe tip 205 is positioned a distance ZES axially from nosepiece 215 and radially rEs from API source centerline 221. Electrical potentials applied to cylindrical lens 220, endplate 214 with nosepiece 215, capillary entrance electrode 222, bent ES tip 205 and APCI corona needle 206 can be optimized to operate both the bent ES
and APCI
probes simultaneously. Counter- current drying gas flow 218, the nebulization gas flow from ES probe tip. 205 and the nebulizer and makeup gas flow througli APCI
vaporizer 203 are balanced to optimize performance of simultaneous ES and APCI
operation.
Alternatively, the curved ES and APCI probes can be operated sequentially witli fixed positions by turning on and off the solution and/or nebulizing gas flow for each probe sequentially. One or more Electrospray mass spectra can be acquired with solution flow and voltage applied to the curved ES probe 212 turned on while solution flow to APCI
inlet probe 200 and voltage applied to corona discharge needle 206 are turned off. Liquid flow and voltage applied to curved ES probe 212 can then be turned off and liquid flow to APCI inlet probe 200 and the voltage applied to corona discharge needle 206 can be turned on prior to acquiring one or more APCI mass spectra.

Different solutions or the same solutions can be delivered through the APCI
and curved ES probes during acquisition of mass spectra. The electrical potentials applied to elements in the API source may be adjusted for ES and APCI operation to optimize performance for each solution composition and liquid flow rate. Also, positions of elements in the API
source may be moved and then repositioned depending on whether the curved ES
or APCI
probe is operating. For example, if APCI probe 210 is operating and no saniple is being delivered through curved ES probe 212, the voltage applied to bent ES probe tip 205 can be set so that tip 205 will appear electrically neutral so as not interfere with the electric field in corona discharge region 224. Similarly, when curved ES probe 212 is operating and sample flow to APCI probe 210 is turned off, voltage can be applied to corona discharge needle 206 so that it either does not interfere with the Electrospray process or it improves the Electrospray performance. For example, voltage applied to corona discharge needle 206 can aid in driving Electrospray produced ions into capillary orifice 207.
Alternatively, the position of APCI corona discharge needle 206 can be moved temporarily during curved ES probe 212 operation to rninintize interference with the Electrospray ionization process.
APCI corona discharge needle 206 can then be nwved back into position during APCI probe operation.
Opposite polarity ES and APCI operation can be configured to produce one polarity of ions from APCI
corona discharge region 224. For example, negative polarity cliarged liquid droplets can be produced by spraying the Electrospray plume generated from ctu-ved ES probe tip 205 at corona discliarge region 224 whicli is operated in positive ion production mode. The resulting mixture of opposite polarity ions i-eacting at atmosplieric pressure in corona discharge region 224 can tlien be analyzed by the mass spectrometer operating in positive ion mode. Several combinations of santple inlet delivery systeins, as liave been described earlier, can be interfaced to the combination ES and APCI API
source. Multiple curved ES and nniltiple APCI inlet probes can be contigured in an API source assembly. The APCI and curved ES probe assemblies can be configured to mount througli the API source cliamber walls or witltin the API chamber.
Several combinations of multiple ES probe tips can be configured by one skilled in the art and the invention is not limited to those APCI and curved ES probe embodiments specifically described herein.

The following references are referred to in this application: U.S. Patent No.
5,495,108, issued Feb. 27, 1996 to Apffel, James; Werlich, Mark; and Bei-tacli, James; U.S. Patent No.
4,542,293 issued Sept. 17, 1985 to Fenn, John B., Yamashita, Masamiclii, and Whitetiouse, Craig M.; and US Patent No. 6,541,768 and US
Patent No. 6,207,954, which issued April 1, 2003 and Marc1127, 2001, respectively.

Having described the invention witll respect to pai-ticular embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is iiot ineant as a liinitation since further modifications and variations may be apparent or may suggest theniselves. It is intended that the present application cover all sucli uiodiilcations and variations.

Claims

We claim:

1. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species comprising:
an ion source operated substantially at atmospheric pressure which produces ions from sample bearing solutions;
at least one curved electrospray probe having at least one fluid channel through which at least one solution is introduced into said ion source, said probe comprising:
a probe body, said probe body having a probe body axis, and a first delivery tube assembly;
said first delivery tube assembly comprising a curved portion, and an electrospray probe tip, said probe tip having a probe tip axis;
means for changing the position of said probe tip or angular orientation of said probe tip axis without changing said probe body axis position or angular orientation; and means for mass analyzing said ions produced.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said curved probe has at least two curved concentric layers.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said curved probe has three or more curved concentric layers.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one curved electrospray probe is adjustable in a rotating way.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one curved electrospray probe is adjustable in a non-rotating way.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said curved probes comprises a flow through microtip.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for mixing said ions produced, wherein said means for mixing mixes said ions substantially at atmospheric pressure.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises an ion trap mass spectrometer.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a Fourier transform mass spectrometer.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a magnetic sector mass spectrometer.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a hybrid mass spectrometer.

14. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species comprising:
an ion source which produces ions from sample bearing solutions;
at least one curved probe from which at least one solution is introduced into said ion source, said probe comprising:
a probe body, said probe body having a probe body axis, and a first delivery tube assembly;
said first delivery tube assembly comprising a curved portion, and an electrospray probe tip, said probe having a probe tip axis;
means for changing the position of said probe tip or angular orientation of said probe tip axis without changing said probe body axis position or angular orientation;
an electrospray ionization means for producing ions from at least one of said solutions simultaneously; and a means for mass analyzing said ions produced.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said electrospray ionization means comprises nebulization assist means.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said at least one curved probe comprises a flow through microtip probe.

17. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said ion source comprises counter current drying gas.

18. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

19. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

20. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises an ion trap mass spectrometer.

21. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a Fourier transform mass spectrometer.

22. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a magnetic sector mass spectrometer.

23. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for mass analyzing said ions produced comprises a hybrid mass spectrometer.

24. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species comprising:
an ion source operated substantially at atmospheric pressure which produces ions from sample bearing solutions;
at least one curved probe from which at least one of said sample bearing solutions is introduced into said ion source, said probe comprising:

a probe body, said probe body having a probe body axis, and a first delivery tube assembly;
said first delivery tube assembly comprising a curved portion, and an electrospray probe tip, said probe tip having a probe tip axis;
means for changing the position of said probe tip or angular orientation of said probe tip axis without changing said probe body axis position or angular orientation;
at least two means for delivering said sample bearing solutions to said at least one curved probe;
at least one means for producing ions from at least two of said sample bearing solutions;
means for mixing said ions produced from at least two of said sample bearing solutions; and a means for mass analyzing said ions produced.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes a liquid chromatography system.

26. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said at means for delivering includes at least two means for delivering said solutions comprising at least two liquid chromatography systems.

27. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes a capillary electrophoresis system.

28. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering includes at least two means for delivering said solutions comprising at least two capillary electrophoresis systems.

29. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes a liquid pump.

30. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes an electrospray flow through microtip.

31. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes a solution reservoir.

32. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes a pressurized solvent reservoir.

33. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering said sample bearing solutions includes at least one liquid delivery system with an injection valve.

34. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering includes at least two means for delivering said solutions comprising at least two liquid delivery systems each with injection valve.

35. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means for delivering includes at least two means for delivering said solutions comprising at least one liquid delivery system with injection valve and at least one liquid chromatography system.

36. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species comprising:
an ion source which produces ions from sample bearing solutions;
at least one curved probe from which at least one solution is introduced into said ion source, said probe comprising:
a probe body, said probe body having a probe body axis, and a first delivery tube assembly;
said first delivery tube assembly comprising a curved portion, and an electrospray probe tip, said probe tip having a probe tip axis;
means for changing the position of said probe tip or angular orientation of said probe tip axis without changing said probe body axis position or angular orientation;
a chemical separation system; and a means for mass analyzing said ions produced.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said chemical separation system is a liquid chromatography system.

38. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said chemical separation system is a capillary electrophoresis system.

39. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said chemical separation system is a capillary electrophoresis chromatography system.

40. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said chemical separation system delivers at least one of said sample bearing solutions and further comprises a liquid chromatography system and a capillary electrophoresis system.

41. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said ion source comprises an electrospray means.

42. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said ion source comprises an electrospray with nebulization assist means.

43. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said at least one curved probe comprises a flow through microtip probe.

44. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said ion source comprises both an electrospray and an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization means.

45. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said at least one curved probe delivers said at least one of said sample bearing solutions and includes at least one liquid delivery system with an injection valve.

46. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said at least one curved probe delivers said at least one of said sample bearing solutions and includes at least two liquid delivery systems, each with an injection valve.

47. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said at least one curved probe delivers said at least one of said sample bearing solutions and includes at least one liquid delivery system with an injection valve and at least one liquid chromatography system.

48. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species comprising:
an ion source operated substantially at atmospheric pressure which produces ions from sample bearing solutions;
at least one curved probe from which at least one of said sample bearing solutions is introduced into said ion source, said probe comprising:
a probe body, said probe body having a probe body axis, and a first delivery tube assembly;
said first delivery tube assembly comprising a curved portion, and an electrospray probe tip, said probe tip having a probe tip axis;
means for changing the position of said probe tip or angular orientation of said probe tip axis without changing said probe body axis position or angular orientation;
at least one means each comprising a chemical separation system each delivering said sample bearing solution to said at least one curved probe;
at least one means for producing ions from at least two of said sample bearing solutions delivered into said ion source; and a means for mass analyzing said ions produced.

49. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said chemical separation system is a liquid chromatography system.

50. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said chemical separation system is a capillary electrophoresis system.

51. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said chemical separation system is a capillary electrophoresis chromatography system.

52. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said chemical separation system comprises a liquid chromatography system and a capillary electrophoresis system.

53. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said ion source comprises an electrospray means.

54. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said ion source comprises an electrospray with nebulization assist means.

55. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said at least one probe comprises a flow through microtip probe.

56. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said ion source comprises both an electrospray and an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization means.