Microchamber Sampling Accessory for Thermal Desorption – New Brochure Released
26 Oct 2015
Industry news
Markes International has announced the release of a new brochure describing its Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ (µ-CTE™), for sampling volatile and semi-volatile chemicals from materials and foods.
The new brochure concisely outlines the operation and functions of the product, which in its regular mode of operation collects chemical vapors released from samples onto sorbent-packed tubes, for analysis by thermal desorption (TD) and gas chromatography (GC).
It also describes the three modes of operation of the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor, which make it applicable to the analysis of bulk samples, for surface emissions tests, and to assess permeation of chemicals through a thin layer of material. The brochure illustrates by example how this makes it valuable to analysts in a wide variety of scenarios, from the manufacture of construction products to food aroma profiling.
The Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor has for a number of years been highly-regarded for screening emissions from materials, leading to its use being required for adherence to several international standard methods, including key protocols such as ISO 12219-3 for detecting emissions from materials used in vehicle interiors. The brochure also highlights an emerging application of the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor – the aroma profiling of foods and consumer products, with examples illustrated including cheese, strawberries, plastic toys and tobacco.
Key to the popularity of the microchamber, says Dr Caroline Widdowson, Product Marketing Manager – Thermal Desorption, is its ease of use “GC–MS analysts across many fields continually struggle with laborious sample preparation techniques. The principle of dynamic headspace used by the microchamber speeds up the whole sampling process considerably, by releasing organic vapors from a material quickly and reproducibly.”
“Importantly, because up to six samples can be analyzed simultaneously using the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor, important differences between samples can be quickly and rigorously pinpointed. Analysts value this boost in productivity, especially because it complements the use of Markes core technology of thermal desorption, which of course brings numerous benefits in its own right.”
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TD100-xr
Markes International LtdFully-automated analytical thermal desorption instrument for GC or GC–MS
Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor
Markes International LtdFast sampling of emissions from products and materials. The Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ (µ-CTE™) is a versatile and compact unit with up to six small cylindrical chambers that enables the sampling of chemicals released from products or materials. Released volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) are collected onto sorbent tubes for analysis by TD–GC–MS. The capability of the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor has been further extended by the release of the Humidifier Accessory, which supplies the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor with air or gas at up to 50% relative humidity. Features: The four-chamber model has a chamber volume of 114 mL and a maximum temperature of 250°C The six-chamber model has a chamber volume of 44 mL and a maximum temperature of 120°C Volatiles are collected on sorbent tubes for analysis by TD–GC–MS; also compatible with DNPH cartridges for formaldehyde monitoring No sample preparation needed – simply place the material in the chamber A constant flow of heated air or gas ensures rapid production of a representative VOC/SVOC profile Results can be correlated with longer-term reference methods Construction from inert-coated stainless steel – compatibility with reactive or thermally labile chemicals Accessories allow surface-only sampling or permeation testing An optional humidifier accessory (available for both models of microchamber) supplies air/gas at up to 50% relative humidity to allow closer simulation of conditions used in reference tests and to enhance the recovery of some less-volatile polar compounds Benefits: Save time and money by minimising the need for third-party reference tests Convienient and fast – test multiple samples in minutes, not days, for efficient quality control Confidence in results – Data from the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor has been shown to correlate with longer-term reference-test results Avoid tedious and time-consuming sample preparation – simply place your sample in the microchamber Complies with international standard methods ISO 12219-3 (interior air of road vehicles) and ASTM D7706 (rapid screening of VOC emissions from products) Peace-of-mind – you are buying a quality product from the recognised leader in thermal desorption instrumentation Applications: RMicro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor analysing Rapid emissions screening of materials used indoors and in vehicles, especially to aid compliance with regulations and safety labels Product R&D and formulation of lower-emitting products Testing of raw materials and production-line quality control Comparison with competitors’ products Testing permeation of vapours through materials Aroma profiling of foods or fragranced materials