Interface system for isotopic analysis of hydrogen

摘要

An interface system for supplying hydrogen isotopes to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) eliminates "memory effects" which are caused by residual water vapor being left in the interface system from a previous sample when a new sample is fed through the system. The system employs a reduction reactor for separating hydrogen isotopes from a water vapor containing sample, a water trap for removing residual water vapor from the separated hydrogen isotopes, and a Pd filter for passing only the hydrogen isotopes into a vacuum supply line for the IRMS. The system can also employ a combustion reactor for forming the water vapor if the initial sample is a hydrocarbon containing sample. Additionally, a second water trap can be provided in the vacuum supply line to the IRMS which removes any residual water vapor that may be desorbed from the Pd filter.