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Applying Thermal Desorption (TD)–GC–MS and Microchamber Sampling for Identifying VOCs and SVOCs in Emissions-Testing Applications

8 Feb 2017

This application note demonstrates the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from a variety of materials using a microchamber sampling device and TD–GC–MS, a technique with multiple industrial applications. In this articles Markes International’s Micro-Chamber/Thermal ExtractorTM’s is used to collect samples of vapour and perform thermal desorption (TD)-GC-MS analysis. In-house product emission testing enables manufacturers to routinely check product quality, product development and brand comparison.

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Atomic Absorption / Emission SpectroscopyAtomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) — also called optical emission spectroscopy (OES) — are used to detect the elemental constituents in samples. Both techniques involve the atomization of a sample. Atomic absorption spectrometers may use a flame or furnace to create an atomic vapor of the sample before irradiation with spectral light. Optical emission spectrometers may use a flame, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave plasma (MP) or spark arcs to atomize and excite the sample. At higher excitation energies, electrons can be emitted instead of photons, which can be useful for samples that can’t be atomized and for surface analysis. Explore electron spectroscopy equipment such as Auger spectrometers and photoelectron spectrometers for surface elemental analysis of samples. Find the best atomic absorption, photoelectron and optical emission spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.GC-MS GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) instruments and equipment are used to separate, quantify and identify mixtures of small and volatile compounds, such as polycyclic aromatics, fatty acids and alcohols. Often used in drug detection, forensic investigation and environmental analysis for pesticides and contaminants, GC-MS is a powerful addition to your lab’s analytical capabilities. GC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzers can give greater sensitivity and resolution to your analysis. Find the best GC-MS instruments and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that have a low boiling point. Some VOCs are harmful to human health, whereas others can be used to determine the shelf-life of foods samples. Thermal DesorptionThermal desorption is a technique used to release volatile compounds from solid samples by heating them. It is often used in environmental testing and analysis of complex materials. Explore thermal desorption systems in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Semi Volatile Organic CompoundsSemi volatiles organic compounds (SVOCs) are a groups of compounds that have a low boiling point and evaporate above room temperature. SVOCs include phenols and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).Airborne PollutantsAirborne pollutants are particulates, biological molecules or other harmful materials that exist in the atmosphere. These pollutants are known to cause harm to health and the environment. Examples include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides.
Applying Thermal Desorption (TD)–GC–MS and Microchamber Sampling for Identifying VOCs and SVOCs in Emissions-Testing Applications