Portable GC/MS Attracts Wide Range of Scientists

A recent seminar at the Open University attracted delegates from a wide range of industries, researchers and regulators. Focusing on a portable GC/MS, the speakers explained how minitiarisation of the technology has helped to create a highly sophisticated instrument that is able to deliver laboratory-grade results in the field.

Dr Andrew Hobson from Quantitech (UK) demonstrated the ease with which the TRIDION-9 GC-TMS from Torion Technologies (USA) can be operated, delivering analytical results in approximately 3 minutes. The instrument is battery powered and able to test solid, liquid and gaseous samples using software containing a library of over 1100 compounds in addition to integration capability with the NIST spectral database of over 5,000 compounds.

The TRIDION-9 was designed for highly sensitive analysis of unknown compounds, but also has the capability to be operated by non-technical staff in the field. “We deliberately designed the sampling equipment to be separate from the analyser, so that sampling can be undertaken in locations that may be difficult to access,” explained Tiffany Brande, U.S. based Director of Torion. “For example, we developed SPME syringes and needle traps that can be used almost anywhere and taken back to the analyser, which might be located in the trunk of a vehicle for example.” 

Quantitech Managing Director Keith Golding said that he is “delighted with the level of interest in the portable GC/MS,” and as a result, is considering running further seminars in the future.