SIFT-MS - SELECTED ION FLOW TUBE MASS SPECTROMETRY

Significance of the topic

Real-time, direct analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inorganic gases at parts-per-trillion levels has become essential across environmental monitoring, industrial process control, food quality assessment and clinical breath analysis. The ability to quantify trace gases without sample preparation or chromatography enables faster decision making and higher throughput.

Objectives and overview of the study

This technology overview explains the principles of Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS), describes Syft Technologies’ instrument design, and highlights key operational benefits that deliver laboratory-grade quantitative analysis in an accessible format.

Methodology and instrumentation

SIFT-MS analysis consists of three core steps:

1. Reagent ion generation and selection: Eight reagent ions (H3O⁺, NO⁺, O₂⁺, O⁻, O₂⁻, OH⁻, NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻) are formed by microwave discharge through air and filtered by a quadrupole mass filter.
2. Analyte ionization: The selected reagent ions and sample gases mix in a flow tube with carrier gas thermalization, enabling soft chemical ionization and minimal fragmentation.
3. Analyte quantitation: Product ions and residual reagent ions are sampled by a second quadrupole mass spectrometer. Absolute concentrations are calculated in real time using known reaction rate coefficients and a calibration factor.

Syft’s Voice-series instruments feature intuitive touchscreen workflows, networked remote operation, automated daily validation with certified gas standards, and no requirement for chromatography columns.

Main results and discussion

SIFT-MS achieves detection limits in the low pptv range and a linear dynamic range spanning six orders of magnitude without chromatography. The use of multiple reagent ions enhances specificity and enables isomer differentiation (e.g. acetone vs. propanal via NO⁺ chemistry). Rapid reagent ion switching (<10 ms) supports breath-by-breath analysis and monitoring of dynamic processes such as coffee bean roasting, where VOC spikes coincide with physical cracking events.

Benefits and practical applications

• Instant quantitative analysis of air and headspace with high sensitivity and selectivity.
• Simultaneous detection of chemically diverse VOCs (aldehydes, amines, organosulfurs).
• Direct analysis of humid and high-moisture samples without interference.
• Easy operation by non-technical users via customizable workflows and threshold-based alarms.
• Full network connectivity for remote control, data access and technical support.
• Minimal maintenance and long-term calibration stability due to absence of chromatography.

Sectors benefiting include environmental monitoring, food and flavor research, workplace safety, leak detection and clinical breath diagnostics.

Future trends and opportunities

Integration of SIFT-MS with industrial process control and IoT frameworks will enable continuous, automated monitoring. Expansion of compound libraries and kinetics databases will broaden analytical scope. Coupling real-time SIFT-MS data with machine learning will enhance pattern recognition for disease biomarkers and environmental trends. Miniaturization efforts may yield portable, field-deployable SIFT-MS instruments.

Conclusion

Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry delivers soft chemical ionization, real-time absolute quantitation and exceptional selectivity without chromatography. Syft Technologies’ Voice-series instruments package these capabilities into user-friendly, low-maintenance platforms ideal for a wide range of analytical applications. Ongoing instrument and data-analysis developments promise to expand SIFT-MS utility across scientific and industrial domains.

References

• Syft Technologies. 2017. Technology Overview: Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Syft Technologies Ltd.