Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME)

Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) is a widely used technique for extraction and concentration of VOCs and SVOCs combined with GC/MS. Unique to absorption techniques for GC, SPME is suited for both small and larger molecules, and the absorption may take place in either the headspace or liquid.

Our systems are optimized for performance and throughput in every step of the SPME process.

Extraction:

Sample agitation with stir bars accelerates the extraction process and improves throughput. Mechanical fiber stress is reduced, and the average fiber life improved. The PrepAhead function allows samples to be prepared in advance while the GC run is ongoing for improved throughput and system utilization. In addition, samples can be heated or cooled during storage and extraction, which is highly useful, for example, for sensitive samples.

Desorption:

The Cooled Injection System (CIS) is a PTV-type GC inlet, perfectly suited for SPME analysis. The narrow-bore inlet liner ensures highly efficient analyte transfer to the GC/MS for sharper peaks. The patented Septum-Less Head (SLH greatly reduces mechanical stress on the SPME fiber, extending its life expectancy, and septum coring and background peaks from septum material are eliminated, leading to better limits of detection. Programmed heating helps ensure that analytes are introduced to the GC without thermal breakdown.

Efficient integrated control software:

MAESTRO software supports a wide range of techniques including SPME. The PrepAhead function optimizes productivity and throughput: Samples are prepared just-in-time in parallel to the GC/MS run. Every sample is introduced exactly when the analysis system becomes ready for best possible system utilization and sample throughput. Priority samples can be inserted without halting the sequence. MAESTRO can be operated independently or integrated with the Agilent Technologies ChemStation/MassHunter.

On-Fibre Derivatization:

Using the MPS, a derivatization reagent can be added to the fiber prior to or following the extraction step. This is a much-used accessory for the analysis of small aldehydes using the oxime formation by PFPBHA reagent, but may be used for all reagents which react fast in the gas phase, e.g. MSTFA or diazomethane. These tasks are simply selected by mouse-click in the MAESTRO software.

Conditioning:

Automated conditioning in the CIS or in the MPS bake-out station ensures that the fiber is always clean and ready for the next sample. Well conditioned SPME fibers provide best possible analysis results with minimum RSD.