Corona Veo Charged Aerosol Detector - PRODUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

Significance of Charged Aerosol Detection

The ability to detect a broad range of nonvolatile and semivolatile compounds makes charged aerosol detection (CAD) an essential tool in modern liquid chromatography. CAD enables consistent, structure-independent response, addressing challenges in pharmaceutical analysis, quality control, biopharmaceutical assays and environmental monitoring where traditional detectors may fail.

Objectives and Overview

This document presents the design and performance features of the Thermo Scientific™ Corona™ Veo™ and Corona Veo RS charged aerosol detectors. It highlights how evolutionary refinements improve sensitivity to semivolatiles, extend compatibility with UHPLC and micro-LC, streamline operation and deliver reliable, near-universal detection.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The detectors employ a FocusJet concentric nebulizer to generate an aerosol from the chromatographic effluent. Solvent is evaporated at controlled temperatures (35 or 50 °C on the standard Veo; ambient + 5 to 100 °C on the RS version), leaving analyte particles that acquire charge in a corona discharge region. Charged particles are measured by a sensitive electrometer producing a current proportional to analyte mass. Key components include stainless steel, PEEK and PTFE wetted materials, optional analog output, and integration with Chromeleon™ CDS software. The RS model adds electronic gas pressure regulation and automated stream switching via a TTL-controlled six-port valve.

Main Results and Discussion

Both models support mobile phase flow rates up to 2 mL/min (0.01 mL/min minimum for RS), with digital data collection at up to 100 Hz (200 Hz for RS). Digital noise filtering uses a fourth-order low-pass Bessel filter. The RS detector’s automated gas control enhances stability and reproducibility. Warm-up to 35 °C requires under 30 minutes, and the integrated color touchscreen simplifies standalone operation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Cohesive integration with HPLC and UHPLC systems delivers high throughput and robust quantitation without relying on chromophores. The predictable, near-universal response supports impurity profiling, polymer analysis, lipid quantification and complex formulation studies. Rapid data rates ensure accurate peak shape capture, while flexible flow and temperature settings adapt to diverse methods.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing advances may include higher data acquisition rates, deeper integration with micro- and nano-LC platforms, enhanced sensitivity for trace semivolatiles and coupling with mass spectrometry for complementary structural information. Automation of calibration and method transfer will further streamline workflows.

Conclusion

The Corona Veo CAD family offers comprehensive, structure-independent detection for nonvolatile analytes across standard and high-resolution LC techniques. Its refined design and flexible operation make it a versatile solution in research and quality environments, setting a benchmark for universal detection technology.