Abstract: A method of operating a system comprising a chromatograph, an ion source, a mass spectrometer having a mass analyzer and an ion mobility spectrometer interposed between the ion source and the mass analyzer, comprising: performing a first chromatographic and mass analysis of a sample while operating the ion mobility spectrometer in non-dispersive mode, wherein a respective ion-signal-acquisition time (AT) and a corresponding loss-of-ion-signal time (LT) are identified for each detected m/z ratio that corresponds to a precursor-ion m/z ratio of interest; and performing a second chromatographic and mass analysis of the sample during which, for each identified AT and LT, the corresponding respective precursor ion is fragmented to generate product ions and the product ions are detected by the mass analyzer, wherein the ion mobility spectrometer is operated in dispersive mode such that ions of said each respective precursor-ion species are preferentially transmitted therethrough spectrometer to the mass analyzer.

Abstract: A method of operating a system comprising a chromatograph and a mass spectrometer comprises: (a) providing an abundance threshold and a list comprising respective entries for precursor ion species of interest comprising respective precursor-ion m/z ratios; (b) transmitting a first sample fraction portion comprising a plurality of sample-fraction ion species through an ion mobility spectrometer operated in non-dispersive mode to the mass spectrometer; (c) detecting a respective abundance at each of a plurality of sample-fraction m/z ratios; and (d) upon detection of an above-threshold ion abundance at an m/z-ratio corresponding to a first precursor ion species of interest: (d1) inletting a second sample fraction portion into the ion mobility spectrometer operated in dispersive mode such that ions of the first precursor-ion species are preferentially transmitted therethrough; (d2) fragmenting the preferentially-transmitted ions so as to generate product ion species; and (d3) detecting the product ion species.

Abstract: A method of operating a system comprising a chromatograph and a mass spectrometer comprises: (a) providing an abundance threshold and a list comprising respective entries for precursor ion species of interest comprising respective precursor-ion m/z ratios; (b) transmitting a first sample fraction portion comprising a plurality of sample-fraction ion species through an ion mobility spectrometer operated in non-dispersive mode to the mass spectrometer; (c) detecting a respective abundance at each of a plurality of sample-fraction m/z ratios; and (d) upon detection of an above-threshold ion abundance at an m/z-ratio corresponding to a first precursor ion species of interest: (d1) inletting a second sample fraction portion into the ion mobility spectrometer operated in dispersive mode such that ions of the first precursor-ion species are preferentially transmitted therethrough; (d2) fragmenting the preferentially-transmitted ions so as to generate product ion species; and (d3) detecting the product ion species.

Abstract: An energy transport and storage system in combination with a method of water treatment, which includes: a fresh water or effluent water interconnection, an electricity interconnection with an electric grid, a water filtration and de-mineralization system, a fresh or effluent water electrolyser, a heat recovery system connected to the electrolyser, an electrolyte recovery system connected to the electrolyser, an interconnection to an alternative hydrogen gas supply, a high pressure underground hydrogen gas storage system, a safety valve connected to the underground hydrogen gas storage system, an electric generation system powered by compressed hydrogen gas turning a turbine during decompression which can recycle electricity within the system or send electricity to an electric grid, a hydrogen gas outlet for distribution of hydrogen, an oxygen gas transport system which sends oxygen gas to a water treatment facility to be used for water disinfection.

Abstract: An energy transport and storage system in combination with a method of water treatment which includes: a brine (including ocean, sea, or estuary water) interconnection, an electricity interconnection with an electric grid, a filtration and demineralization system, a brine water electrolyser, a gas separation or filtration system, a heat recovery system connected to the electrolyser, a sodium hydroxide recovery system, an interconnection to an alternative hydrogen gas supply, a high pressure underground hydrogen gas storage system, a safety valve connected to the underground hydrogen gas storage system, an electric generation system powered by compressed hydrogen gas turning a turbine during decompression, which can recycle electricity within the system or send electricity to an electric grid, a hydrogen gas outlet for distribution of hydrogen gas, a system to collect other gases, and a chlorine gas production system. This invention will produce clean water and clean air.

Abstract: An ion spectrometer apparatus is disclosed having an ion source, an ion mobility spectrometry device such as a FAIMS cell, and a capillary for transporting ions from the ion source to the entrance of the FAIMS cell. The capillary is heated to promote evaporation of solvent from incompletely desolvated droplets entering the capillary inlet, thereby preventing or minimizing operational problems associated with the presence of wet material in the FAIMS cell. The FAIMS cell may be used to selectively transmit ions to a mass analyzer.

Abstract: A method of separating ions comprises applying a spot of a sample material to a target plate. The target plate is mounted in fluid communication with an ion inlet orifice of a FAIMS analyzer region and externally to the FAIMS analyzer region. Using a laser light source that is disposed external to the FAIMS analyzer region, the target plate is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength, the light of a predetermined wavelength being selected to affect the sample material applied to the target plate so as to produce ions of the sample material. The ions of the sample material are directed along an ion flow path between the target plate and FAIMS analyzer region, via the ion inlet orifice. A flow of a gas is directed counter-current to the ion flow path and passing through the target plate. The flow of gas through the target plate assists in desolvation of ions and directs neutral molecules away from the FAIMS analyzer region.