Method for forming a seat in a pulsed sampling valve

摘要

A method for forming the seat in a pulsed sampling valve used in a FTICR MS. The valve has a ceramic ball that closes against the seat to thereby seal the passageway that is used for introduction of sample into the FTICR MS vacuum chamber. The material from which the seat is formed is chosen to withstand relatively high operating temperatures and a precise deburred hole is drilled in that material. The pre-load spring exerts a force against the ball when the valve is assembled. The force initially exceeds the yield strength of the seat material to deform the material to form the seat.