Abstract: A transfer line for a GCMS arrangement, the transfer line comprising: a transfer probe having a probe bore to receive a GC column; a sealing cap movably mounted at a first end of the transfer probe; and a resilient element arranged to bias the sealing cap away from the first end of the transfer probe.

Abstract: An inner source assembly for a mass spectrometer, the assembly comprising: a base; and a volume housing removably connectable to the base for retaining a repeller assembly therebetween, wherein one of the base and volume housing comprises at least two protrusions and the other of the volume housing and base comprises at least two corresponding slots to receive and retain said protrusions, wherein the protrusions are dissimilar to one another and/or the slots are dissimilar to one another.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ionisation source comprising: an ionisation chamber, comprising an aperture for receiving at least the distal end of a capillary into the ionisation chamber in use, the aperture having a capillary axis; a desolvation heater having a nozzle, for directing a stream of heated gas onto the distal end of the capillary in use, the nozzle having a nozzle axis; a corona discharge device including a corona pin having a corona axis, the corona pin for ionizing a sample in the ionisation chamber in use; and an inlet cone of a mass spectrometer arranged in the ionisation chamber, the inlet cone defining a cone entrance having a cone axis, wherein the cone axis is substantially coaxial with the corona axis and the capillary axis is substantially perpendicular to and intersects with the nozzle axis.

Abstract: A holder for a capillary, comprising: a housing having a passage to receive a capillary; and a clamping mechanism configurable between: an engaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to retain a capillary receivable in the passage in use; and a disengaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to allow insertion/removal of a capillary in the passage in use; and a release mechanism operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and movable between a first position, in which the clamping mechanism is configured in said engaged state; and a second position, in which the clamping mechanism is configured in aid disengaged state, wherein the release mechanism is configured to bias the clamping mechanism towards the engaged state, wherein the passage in the housing comprises an end stop, configured to abut the end of a capillary inserted in the passage in use.

Abstract: A guide arrangement for a capillary holder A guide arrangement for a capillary holder of the type having a housing and a capillary protruding from the housing, the guide arrangement comprising: a bracket; and a carriage translatably arranged with respect to the bracket, the carriage having a bed to receive the housing of the capillary holder.

Abstract: A nozzle for directing heated gas onto the distal end of a capillary arrangable adjacent the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: a housing defining a plenum for heated gas; and at outlet comprising at least one aperture fluidly connected to the plenum, the outlet configured to direct a curtain of the heated gas onto the distal end of a capillary in use, such that the curtain of heated gas is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capillary.

Abstract: An inner source assembly for a mass spectrometer, the assembly comprising: a base; and a volume housing removably connectable to the base for retaining a repeller assembly therebetween, wherein one of the base and volume housing comprises at least two protrusions and the other of the volume housing and base comprises at least two corresponding slots to receive and retain said protrusions, wherein the protrusions are dissimilar to one another and/or the slots are dissimilar to one another.

Abstract: A lens assembly for an outer source of a mass spectrometer, the assembly comprising: a housing; a plurality of lens elements, each lens element comprising a radially extending electrically conductive protrusion, the lens elements being linearly arranged in the housing such that the protrusions are aligned with one another; and an interface connector having a plurality of sockets to receive the protrusions therein and create an electrical connection between the protrusions and sockets. A housing for a resistance temperature detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer line for a GCMS arrangement, the transfer line comprising: a transfer probe having a probe bore to receive a GC column; a sealing cap movably mounted at a first end of the transfer probe; and a resilient element arranged to bias the sealing cap away from the first end of the transfer probe.

Abstract: A GC/MS arrangement, comprising: a GC unit; an MS unit; a transfer line fluidly connecting the GC unit and the MS unit a carrier gas valve for selectively supplying carrier gas to the transfer line; at least one monitoring unit associated with the MS unit for monitoring at least one operational condition of the MS unit; and a controller connected to the at least one monitoring unit and carrier gas valve, configured to close the carrier gas valve when a predetermined operational event is detected by the at least one monitoring unit.