FA (MS)

A Pneumatic Flow Amplifier (FA), often associated with MS (Mass Spectrometry) systems, is a device used to increase the flow rate of a gas, such as a drying or nebulizing gas, usually from a low-pressure source. ?? Key Characteristics Principle: It operates based on the Venturi effect or a similar principle where a small input flow (pilot flow) of compressed air or gas is used to entrain and accelerate a much larger volume of ambient air or gas through an optimized nozzle or channel. Function in MS: In Mass Spectrometry, particularly with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques like ESI (Electrospray Ionization), it provides a high-volume, high-velocity stream of gas (e.g., nitrogen) for solvent evaporation (drying gas) or nebulization of the sample solution to prepare it for ionization. Benefit: It allows for the use of a standard laboratory gas supply (which might have a limited flow rate) to produce the high flow/volume required by the MS instrument interface without needing a dedicated, high-capacity compressor. Simplicity: They are typically non-moving part devices, offering reliability and low maintenance.