-
If you think that highly specific and sensitive analyses
are only available with expensive and time-consuming laboratory GC/MS or
GC/FTIR instruments...
-
If you don't have the time to wait for your data ...
-
If you can't afford to have your samples returned with
the (all to familiar) "sample lost or contaminated - REDO"...
-
If you are still hassling with syringe injection for GC
sample introduction...
-
If you have wished for a continuous, AUTOMATED sample
handling system...
-
If you need timely, state-of-the-art analyses on a realistic
budget...
Your problems can be
solved with our Enviroprobe!
The Enviroprobe was developed to address a number of real-world
analytical problems based on a new analytical paradigm. Simply stated:
"every
sample handling step and every minute waiting for a result cost you money!"
Therefore, the most expeditious way to tackle an analytical problem is
to provide on-line or in-situ sampling, thereby paving the way for real-time
analytical results to be ready for immediate on-site use. In real-world
applications, this is easier said than done. Real-world samples involve
mixtures. In order to separate and quantitate mixtures of analytes and
interferants, the analytical chemist requires either off-line sample preparation
or powerful on-line analytical methods capable of separating the target
constituents. The Enviroprobe is designed to apply the latter approach
to gas phase analytes in a way that is consistent with the on-line, in-situ,
real-time, on-site philosophy.
What is the Enviroprobe?
The Enviroprobe is a next generation, portable gas chromatography
(GC) module for real-time, on-line analytical measurements. Unlike existing
portable GC instruments, the Enviroprobe does not assume that appropriate
on-site analytical methods are only simplified, low resolution laboratory
methods. Nor does it assume that putting a handle on an instrument makes
it suitable for on-site analyses. The Enviroprobe is an add-on, AVS-TLGC
"front-end" which transforms an ordinary spectroscopic detector into a
powerful on-line, hyphenated analytical instrument.The Enviroprobe module
is a fully-automated, pulsed, direct atmospheric vapor sampling unit (the
AVS), integrated with transfer-line capillary gas chromatography (TLGC).
Together, the combination of AVS-TLGC allows a vapor phase analyte to be
directly coupled into a capillary column without the need for intervening
valves or other adsorption site contaminants. Automated pre-set valves
pneumatically move carrier gas through the system drawing the sample directly
into the transfer line. Using this unique method, sample loss/contamination
problems are nonexistent! But the Enviroprobe goes further in it's quest
to enhance the results you want. By directing the sample flow into the
TLGC, the quick separation allows your system to become Hyphenated!
With an Enviroprobe module, you get:
-
Continuous, automated air and vapor sampling
-
Valveless, heated, all quartz sample path
-
Light-weight, low power module for integration with fieldable
spectroscopic equipment
-
Several computer interfacing and control options (including
remote operation)
-
High repetition rates for on-line GC/MS, GC/IR and GC/IMS
process monitoring.
Enviroprobe units are available for a number of commercial
MS, FTIR and IMS systems. The EnviroprobeTM unit consists of an AVS sampling
manifold, a TLGC unit, pneumatic and electrical control circuitry, external
DC power supply, computer control software and optional detector inter-facing.
Capabilities include on-demand, repetitive, or computer controlled sampling
at intervals from 1 s to 1 day. The Enviroprobe weighs less than 3 lbs
(w/o external power supply), measures 6"x5"x5" and operates off a 12 V
or 24 V external power supply. A number of options are available for interfacing
Enviroprobe capabilities to field-portable instruments.
Enviroprobe Capabilities
The capabilities of the Enviroprobe system are determined
in large measure by the detector system selected for your application.
The Enviroprobe is readily coupled to any state-of-the-art, capillary GC
detector. FemtoScan will design a custom interface for most commercial
systems. Spectroscopic detectors are required to take advantage of hyphenated
TLGC methods. Currently supported detector systems are based on Mass
Spectrometry, Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Fourier
Transform Infrared detection. Inquiries about Enviroprobe interfaces
to other detector interfaces are welcome.
Example Installation:
Example Analytes:
-
BXTE
-
Ketones
-
Organic Solvents
-
Chlorinated Solvents
-
Formaldehyde
-
Chemical Weapons
-
Fuels
-
Pesticides
-
Freons
-
Substituted Benzenes
-
Phenols
-
Aromatics (polynuclear)
-
Fluorocarbons
-
Amines
-
MTBE
The purpose of Enviroprobe AVS-TLGC is to provide an on-line,
real-time connection between the analytical problem and the analytical
chemist or process control system. In this context, both the environment
of the target analyte and the detector system become integral to the development
of an Enviroprobe-based analytical solution.
If you are interested in transforming your instrument
into a powerful, hyphenated analytical tool? Tell us your application,
and we will suggest an Enviroprobe solution. We will also be happy to design
and build an interface to meet your specifications (we'll even develop
an analytical method for your application)!
Give us a call! We will help you save time, money
and get the results you need, NOW.
Back to FemtoScan Home Page
Additional links:
If you have comments or suggestions, please email us at femtoscan.com
Copyright © 1997-1999 FemtoScan
Corporation
Page last updated on 7/19/99
