Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analysing organic molecules of a condensed phase sample are disclosed. Such a method may comprise generating a plasma using an electrical discharge, carrying out a plasma treatment of the condensed phase sample by exposing the condensed phase sample to the plasma so as to generate fragments of the organic molecules within the condensed phase sample, and following completing the plasma treatment, using a mass spectrometer of other analysis device to detect the fragments, and characterising the fragments, the molecules or the sample using the detected fragments. The fragments may in particular arise from backbone fragmentation of the organic molecules.

Abstract: A probe activated valve system is disclosed that permits easier and safer testing of fluids in a pressurized system. The system has a shell having a valve passage. The valve passage has an end through which the valve passage is fluidly connected to a probe passage. A valve seat is provided at the end of the valve passage. A valve sealing member forms a face seal against the valve seat by compressing a retained sealing member, such as an O-ring. The valve sealing member is moveable from a closed position to an open position, upon insertion of a probe to engage and displace the valve sealing member along the valve passage, such that the valve sealing member is spaced from the valve seat and allows fluid in the valve passage to flow to the probe passage for collection by the probe.

Abstract: A probe activated valve system is disclosed that permits easier and safer testing of fluids in a pressurized system. The system has a shell having a valve passage. The valve passage has an end through which the valve passage is fluidly connected to a probe passage. A valve seat is provided at the end of the valve passage. A valve sealing member forms a face seal against the valve seat by compressing a retained sealing member, such as an O-ring. The valve sealing member is moveable from a closed position to an open position, upon insertion of a probe to engage and displace the valve sealing member along the valve passage, such that the valve sealing member is spaced from the valve seat and allows fluid in the valve passage to flow to the probe passage for collection by the probe.