m a s s s p e c t r o m e t r y

Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage

Stable Isotope Ratio

Mass Spectrometer

Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™

Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage
Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage
The Stable Isotope Engine from Thermo Electron Corporation

Advantages for Isotope Ratio MS

• Enhanced sensitivity
• Extended dynamic range
- Amplifiers register up to 50 V
- Amplifier gain switchable under computer control
• Elimination of electronic noise with fiber optic signal transmission
• Improved sensitivity at full linearity specifications for all gases
• Computer controlled ion source potentials and parameters
• "Fast bellows" system
• "Plug and measure" peripheral recognition
• Full Isodat 2.0 integration

All the features of the established DELTAplus

• 3 kV acceleration voltage for all gas species

• Universal triple collector for CNOS gas species
• Mass range m/z 1 - 70 at full 3 kV acceleration voltage
• Electromagnet for high precision dual element mode
(C and N, O and H)
• Ultra high vacuum design
• Weld-free metal sealed monolithic ion source housing
• Monolithic all-metal valves with gold gaskets
• Modular design for easy upgrading
• Small footprint (roughing pumps inside the cabinet)

Finnigan DELTA Advantage ™ plus

– The Stable Isotope Engine

The Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage builds on
the proven robustness and performance of
the DELTAplus, while adding new capabilities
through completely new electronics and full
software integration. The key features of
the new electronics include extended
dynamic range signals (up to 50 V), variable
amplification ranges by computer control
and computer control of ion source
potentials and system parameters.
The Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage is a
universal tool for isotope ratio
determination like 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O,
34
S/32S in dual inlet and continuous flow
modes. D/H determination is available in
dual inlet mode.
The modular design of the Finnigan
DELTAplus Advantage provides a flexible and
open platform for the connection of inlet
systems and preparation devices. Full
integration of the Isodat 2.0 gas isotope
software package enables easy set up,
tuning and automatic operation of the
Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage. Isodat 2.0’s
powerful script language ISL provides
access to all processes and allows
modification of supplied scripts as well as
development of entirely new measurement
and evaluation protocols.
Since its introduction in 1996, the
DELTAplus gas isotope ratio mass
spectrometer has set new standards for
versatility, reliability and performance. In
1998, the DELTAplus XL was introduced as the
second member of the DELTAplus family.
The extraordinary commercial success
of both instruments (> 400 systems
delivered) is an expression of the
acceptance of the DELTAplus family by the
scientific community. The Finnigan DELTAplus
Advantage adds new and exciting features
and capabilities to the DELTAplus product
line. Together with the Finnigan DELTAplus
XP, the Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage has
increased the number of DELTAplus based
systems to > 600 within two years.
 The Mass Analyzer
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage
The ion source
The electron impact ionization source is
held at 3 kV acceleration voltage for all
analyte gases. The operating conditions
combine very high sensitivity with excellent
linearity even with a high helium carrier gas
load. The same filament is used for all gas
species. Ion source parameters are set by
the data system and can be stored and
retrieved. Tuning can be done manually or
automatically. Automatic re-tuning is
activated by push-button action.
Differential
Pumping
Electron Impact
Ion Source
The self-aligning ion source is mounted The ion source is pumped using a hybrid
on the front flange for easy maintenance. two-stage turbomolecular pump (240 I/s)
The sample gas is introduced at ground with very high compression ratios for He
potential eliminating the need for insulation and H2. This ensures the lowest background
of the flow path and ensuring 100 % and a low and stable H3+ factor.
transfer. The ion source manifold is weld-
free, machined from a single piece of
stainless steel, and sealed with metal
gaskets. This weld-free design, together
with radiant heating of all surfaces in the
ion source, virtually eliminates memory and
background.
Magnet
H2 / HD
Collector
H2 / HD Amplifier
Housing
Gas Inlet at
Ground Potential
Amplifier
Housing
The analyzer
The magnetic sector analyzer has close
to 100 % transmission due to effective
Y-focusing by magnet fringe fields. The
effective magnetic deflection radius for
C/N/O/S is 180 mm. D/H is measured
separately using a smaller deflection radius.
The magnetic sector field is generated by an
electromagnet controlled by a high precision
current regulator under full data system
control. The analyzer can be equipped with
an optional differential pumping module,
ensuring optimum vacuum conditions even
at a high He load in the ion source.
Universal Triple
Collector CNOS
The collectors
The collectors use deep, individually
shielded Faraday cups with secondary
electron suppression. The Finnigan DELTAplus
Advantage is equipped with a Universal
Triple Collector for C, N, O, S isotope
determination. Two dedicated Faraday cups
for D/H determination in dual inlet mode
are optionally available. All amplifiers have
a linear dynamic range of 50 V. Each
amplifier can be equipped with a computer
switchable gain, implemented by switchable
feedback resistors. This new design gives
the user the flexibility needed to optimize the
universal triple collector for measurement of
all possible isotope ratios (e.g. 17O, 34S,
enriched samples).
m/z 3
m/z 2
HD Collector
• m/z 44, 45, 46
• m/z 28, 29, 30
• m/z 32, 33, 34
• m/z 64, 66
Universal Triple
Collector CNOS
 Electronics and Amplifiers
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage
The Electronics
Ion source control
The data system controls all ion source
parameters. Changing of parameters
(tuning) can be performed either manually
or automatically. Source parameters can
easily be stored and retrieved. Stored
parameter sets can be included into "gas
configurations" to ensure automatic and
immediate loading of all analytical
parameters (source, magnet, gas type,
amplifiers) for specific configurations.
Each sample gas will be analyzed using
its optimum set of parameters, ensuring
e.g. optimized focusing for minimum H3+
contribution.
The high voltage electronics is
completely decoupled from other electronics
by the use of fiber optics, eliminating any
possible interference or damage from high
voltage arcing. The connection between the
mass spectrometer and the data system (PC)
is also accomplished with fiber optics,
eliminating ground loops and electronic
noise.
"Plug and Measure"
The system automatically recognizes
connected peripherals. This "Plug and
Measure" concept holds true for all Finnigan
inlet systems purchased from Thermo.
In addition, the system is open for easy
connection and control of custom inlet/
preparation systems, which can be made
uniquely recognizable to allow "Plug and
Measure”.
The Amplifiers
Low Noise
The high precision V/F converters are on
board for each amplifier. No analog signals
are transmitted via cables. This design
guarantees lowest noise data processing.
The digital resolution of the V/F converters
is independent of signal intensity due to
inverse frequency conversion (IFM).
50 Volt amplification range
The new amplifiers have a dynamic range
five times larger than conventional
amplifiers. The advantages of this new
design include: use of large ion beams on
the major signals to improve the counting
statistics on a weak ion beam (e.g. 17O),
optimal amplification ranges for all gases
(e.g. 34S), general use of larger ion currents
on all ion beams, which leads to higher
precision in all applications, while
improving the S/N ratio, and less stringent
limitations on sample size (e.g. elemental
analyzers and automated carbonate
preparation systems).
Computer switchable amplifier gain
Two high ohmic resistors can be mounted
on each amplifier board resulting in two
optimized amplification ranges for each
signal pathway. The amplification ranges
are under full software control and can be
switched automatically with each gas
configuration. This results in improved
flexibility for all applications using a
Universal Triple Collector as well as for all
applications with enriched samples.
Isodat 2.0 Software

Isodat 2.0 is a software suite for system control, data acquisition and data evaluation. It is an integral
part of the system architecture and enables the analytical power and flexibility of the Finnigan DELTAplus
Advantage to be routinely brought to bear on solving the toughest applications.

System Control Automation Data Evaluation and Reporting

All aspects of the mass spectrometer are
controlled by software, including ion
generation, mass separation and ion
detection. Control of the ion source allows
manual tuning, auto tuning, as well as
storage and retrieval of ion source
parameters. System configurations can be
easily defined. Different configurations
representing different analytical setups can
be stored and retrieved.
The system is designed to execute pre-
defined procedures and run sequences of
analyses fully automatic, including
customized reporting.
Open Architecture
Isodat Script Language (ISL) is the tool
giving the expert user full access to the
mass spectrometer, the inlet systems and to
additional user-supplied devices. An input-
output module allows connection and
control of up to 5 interfaces. Scripts can be
developed for customized applications.
Isodat 2.0 provides a comprehensive set of
customizable data evaluation routines.
Standard report forms are provided
according to the application. In addition,
reports can be easily customized using
Isodat 2.0's unique Result Workshop. The
export of all data is extremely flexible and
can be easily customized.

Method

Sequence

Results

Launcher
 Sample Preparation Devices and Interfaces
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage
Finnigan Dual Inlet
The Finnigan Dual Inlet System uses
monolithic, all-metal valve blocks with gold-
sealed and gold-seated valves. The
changeover valve is mounted directly to the
ion source housing. This design gives
minimal dead volume, shortest transit
distance and minimum gas path length.
The variable bellows can be adjusted
between 3 and 40 ml volume. Each bellow
has a built-in pressure transducer to enable
exact sample-standard pressure balancing
to ensure the highest level of performance.
With the new Fast Bellows feature, more
rapid adjustment of the bellows leads to
better sample utilization. The waste line is
pumped by a dedicated turbomolecular
pump. The Finnigan Dual Inlet System,
including the capillaries, has integrated
heating in order to minimize memory.
The Finnigan Dual Inlet System can be
expanded by a micro-volume inlet system
and up to two 10-sample Multiports (with
optional tube crackers). The Multiport’s
built-in pressure transducers and intelligent
software allow extreme flexibility in sample
inlet.
Sample preparation devices which can
be connected to the Finnigan Dual Inlet
System include the automated HDO II water
equilibrator, the unique Kiel Carbonate III
automated carbonate preparation device
and the patented H/Device, the most precise
and accurate system available for the
determination of hydrogen in water samples.
Finnigan GC-C/TC III Finnigan LC IsoLink
The GC combustion and high temperature The Finnigan LC IsoLink is built to directly
conversion systems are used for compound address the analysis of polar and thermo-
specific isotope analysis from complex GC labile compounds. Most of these compounds
mixtures. (such as amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates,
With the Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage nucleotides, alcohols, organic acids, sulfa
the determination of 13C/12C, 15N/14N and drugs, and many more) can be chromato-
18
O/16O isotope ratios is possible for all graphically separated in aqueous phase
mixtures accessible by the GC technique. using inorganic buffers on ion exchange,
More than 500 GC systems (GC-C, GC-TC, size exclusion or specific reversed phase
GC-GP) are installed and being used in all HPLC columns. The Finnigan LC IsoLink
fields of application, including analysis of enables the on-line high precision
trace gases and gas mixtures. A wide determination of the 13C/12C isotope ratio of
range of GC technologies is supported. each separated component.
Injectors can be either split/splitless, on
column, programmed temperature vaporizer
(PTV), large column on column (LVI) or loop
injection. Multi-dimensional GC is supported
as well. Positive identification of compounds
can be achieved by simultaneous determination
of isotope ratios and the acquisition of full scan
EI/CI spectra using a Finnigan GC-MS/IRMS
hybrid system.
The unique PreCon trace gas pre-
concentrator can be connected to the Finnigan
GC-C/TC III System for atmospheric trace-gas
research in the ppm and ppb range.
Sample
Preparation
 Finnigan GasBench II
With the introduction of the Finnigan
GasBench II in 1997, Thermo has changed
the view on sample/standard comparison by
introducing the principle of repetitive loop
injection of gases. In a few years, the
Finnigan GasBench II has already reached
an installed base of more than 150 units.
Supported by a robotic autosampler and
using septum topped sample vials, a wide
variety of applications has become
accessible for high precision on-line
measurements. Today, the routine precision
of the Finnigan GasBench II, connected to a
Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage offers the
precision of the classical dual inlet methods
for CO2 - H2O equilibration, phosphorolysis
of carbonates, CO2 from air, and dissolved
inorganic carbon with enhanced productivity
and ease-of-operation.
Devices and
Interfaces
Finnigan ConFlo III Finnigan TC/EA
Universal Elemental Analyzer High Temperature Elemental
Interface Analyzer
The Finnigan ConFlo III (and its The quantitative high temperature Carbon
predecessors, ConFlo II and VSI) with an Reduction Elemental Analyzer in connection
installed base of more than 500 units, is the to the Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage, allows
most widely used interface for coupling the determination of 18O/16O in all organic
elemental analyzers with isotope ratio mass compounds and in most of the inorganic
spectrometers. The Finnigan ConFlo III compounds such as nitrates, phosphates
Universal Interface (here shown in and sulfates. The Finnigan TC/EA uses a
combination with a Finnigan FlashEA 1112) glassy carbon reactor with an operating
allows the connection of a wide variety of temperature of up to 1500 °C. For Nitrates,
continuous flow preparation units to the the 15N/14N ratio can be determined together
Finnigan DELTAplus Advantage. These include with the 18O/16O ratio.
elemental analyzers (for 13C/12C, 15N/14N and
S34/S32), the high temperature elemental
analyzer TC/EA (for 18O/16O), the GC-Box for
analysis of components of gas mixtures, as
well as other custom made peripherals (e.g.
DOC analyzer, laser ablation sample
preparation). The automated dilution system
of the Finnigan ConFlo III together with the
50 V amplification range of the Finnigan
DELTAplus Advantage allows dual element
analysis of C and N with an unrivalled
dynamic range of > 1:1000.
 System Performance

Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

Finnigan™ DELTAplus Advantage

Mass range Gas Precision (‰) Sample Size

1 - 70 Dalton at 3 kV
Internal External* Standard Inlet Cold Finger Inlet
(2σmean) (1σ) (bar µl) (bar µl)
Resolution
CO2 (C) 0.006 0.02 > 100 > 10
CNOS: m/∆m = 95 (10 % valley)
0.02 0.05 > 50 >3
H/D: m/∆m = 10 (10 % valley)
CO2 (O) 0.012 0.04 > 100 > 10
Sensitivity (absolute)
0.04 0.10 > 50 >5
1000 molecules CO2 per mass
44 ion at the collector, also with
N2 0.01 0.03 > 100 > 20
high He load
0.05 0.15 > 50 > 10

Ion Source Linearity

SO2 0.01 0.02 > 100 > 10
0.02 ‰/nA ion current (mass 44) at
1200 molecules CO2 per mass 44 ion
H2 0.25 0.5 > 200 -

Sample consumption *measured using internal multiport-10

(typical)
0.15 nmol/s CO2 for 10 nA signal
at mass 44 (10-2 mol/As)

H3+ Factor
Smaller than 10 ppm/nA,
Stability better than
0.03 ppm/nA/h
Installation Requirements

Environment Heat output 2.5 kW during normal operation, 4.5 kW during bakeout (basic system).
Ambient temperature must be 18 - 28 °C with a relative humidity of 20 - 70 %.
Power 3-phase 230/400 V - 10% + 6%, fused 16 A/phase (single-phase optional), 50/60 Hz, dedicated line.
Voltage must be free of spikes. Maximum permissible voltage between ground and neutral lines < 400 mV.
Compressed air 350 to 500 Kpa (50 to 75 psi).
Dimensions Mass spectrometer system:
87 cm (width) x 93 cm (depth) x 85 cm (height); 34.3 inch x 36.6 inch x 33.5 inch.
Weight 300 kg (660 lb), basic system.

Dimensions in mm
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