Thermal Desorption Techniques

The Short Path Thermal Desorption technology enables the analysis of organic compounds present in air or compounds which can be easily purged from solid and liquid samples. Samples such as organics in air, flavors and fragrances in foods and cosmetics, manufacturing chemical residues in pharmaceuticals, volatiles in packaging materials and building products, and aromatic residues in forensic arson samples are just a few of the applications for which this technique has been applied. A few specific applications include the detection of benzene and chlorinated hydrocarbons in food and other manufactured products, the identification of naturally occurring insect repellents in plants, the identification of flavors in foods and the identification of volatile contaminants in commercial shipping containers. The technique eliminates the need for solvent extractions in many analysis.

Direct Thermal Extraction Technique

An alternate method of analysis using the Short Path Thermal Desorption System is called Direct Thermal Extraction. This technique permits the analysis of low moisture content samples which are placed directly in the GLT desorption tubes. Samples such as spices, paint chips, packaging films, pharmaceuticals, plastics, pine needles, and fibers can be analyzed directly using this technique. Water vapor must be minimized since it will condense and plug the GC column. Alternatively, adsorbent materials such as Tenax® TA can be used for high moisture containing samples using the Purge and Trap Thermal Desorption Technique.

AutoDesorb® Thermal Desorption Techniques

Purge and Trap Technique

Direct Thermal Extraction Technique