The present disclosure is related to improved systems and methods for
delivering samples for high-throughput mass spectrometric analysis to an
atmospheric-pressure ionization source. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system includes a solvent reservoir for storing a solvent solution, a
first valve which is coupled to the solvent reservoir, first and second
pumps for delivering solvent solution and which are coupled to the first
valve and which the delivery flow rate of the first pump is greater than
the delivery flow rate of the second pump, an injection system having a
sample injector and an second valve which is coupled to the first valve
and which is capable of being coupled to can be couple to an electrospray
ionization source. In another embodiment, the system can also include an
atmospheric-pressure ionization chamber, an atmospheric-pressure
ionization sprayer and a nebulizer gas source and a voltage supply
source. In yet another embodiment, the system may further include a
puffer valve that is coupled to the nebulizer gas source and the
atmospheric-pressure ionization sprayer and a gas puffer that is coupled
to the puffer valve. A distal end of the gas puffer may be located within
the atmospheric-pressure ionization chamber and aligned with the distal
end of the atmospheric-pressure ionization sprayer and the puffer valve
may control the delivery of the nebulizer gas to the atmospheric-pressure
ionization sprayer and the gas puffer.