| abstract |
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. |