Portable Ultra-Fast Gas Chromatography

Electronic Sensor Technology (USA) introduces the zNose Model 4600, portable integrated ultra-fast gas chromatography instrument. Designed to meet the needs of the field user the Model 4600 incorporates EST’s patented acoustic detector, an integrated touch screen computer and full day’s supply of helium and power for productive work in the field. The 4600 brings EST’s proven sensitivity and speed to the field. Contaminates can be detected at picogram concentrations in less than one minute.

EST’s zNose uses a patented acoustic wave detector to achieve the speed of the e-nose while retaining the sensitivity and specificity of gas chromatography. Odours, smells, or fragrances from air, water, or solids are sampled and then instantaneously injected into a capillary column where they are separated by molecular weight. The separated sample then passes out of the column onto the detector where the compound concentrations are measured. Each compound is identified from the time required for the compound to transit the column.

The zNose is used to identify and quantify pollution in air soil and water from diverse sources: paint manufacturers, slaughter houses, metal foundries, petroleum storage facilities, hog farms and incinerators.

EST’s zNose proved invaluable to the Chinese EPA in a major chemical spill. In a major industrial accident the zNose is able to give the incident commander real time information on the location, movement and dispersion of the pollution in the river enabling the government to protect the municipal water supplies.