Jet Separator
Definition
Early GC-MS interface (Ryhage, 1964) that used differential pumping through a nozzle to enrich analyte and bleed helium. Replaced by direct capillary coupling once turbomolecular pumps became standard.
- Inventor
- Ragnar Ryhage
- Introduced
- 1964
- Function
- Differential-pumping GC-MS interface
- Superseded by
- Direct capillary coupling with turbomolecular pumps
Common questions
Why did jet separators fall out of use?+
Once turbomolecular pumps made it practical to remove the higher gas load of a capillary column directly, the extra interface added little benefit and introduced some loss of analyte, so direct coupling became standard.
What was the main analytical drawback of a jet separator?+
It tended to discriminate against low molecular weight and more volatile compounds, which could distort quantitation compared with a directly coupled capillary column.
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