Markes International has launched the Easy-VOC, a catch-all sampling solution for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in air.
Easy-VOC is a handheld device for the collection of small sample volumes of air directly onto sorbent tubes, without the need for calibrated pumps.
The sample tubes are subsequently analysed using thermal desorption (TD) GC/MS.
Existing technologies for capturing vapour-phase organics, such as 'air toxics', soil gas contaminants or fugitive industrial emissions, include bags, canisters, sorbent tubes and passive samplers.
However, the collection of air samples can often be difficult when using equipment that has not been designed with challenging field conditions in mind.
To address this, the Easy-VOC is claimed to provide a quick and easy method for grab-sampling vapour-phase chemicals in air.
The Easy-VOC grab-samples specified volumes of air onto sorbent tubes, avoiding the need for calibrated pumps.
'The portability of the Easy-VOC makes it ideal for scientists who need accurate sampling in tough conditions,' said Dr Nicola Watson, environmental applications specialist at Markes.
The sorbent tubes used with the Easy-VOC allow a wide range of compounds to be collected, from volatile hydrocarbons right up to C32 compounds.
'The ability to grab-sample directly onto sorbent tubes eliminates the logistics of transporting bulky equipment.
'The variety of sorbents that can be used with the Easy-VOC makes it suitable for a wide range of sampling situations,' added Watson.
