Efficient and Accurate Analysis

When combined with the industry standard GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler MPS, up to 196 samples can be pyrolyzed automatically in one batch. With just one method and one sequence table the analyst can set up the complete system including thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and GC/MS analysis. This reduces the risk of error and enables a highly efficient work-flow, while providing sensitive and reliable results. The Pyrolyzer is very easy to operate: The smple is placed in a sample holder, which is mounted onto the TDU pyrolysis transport adapter and placed in the MultiPurpose Sampler PYRO tray. The sample is then automatically inserted into the TDU Pyrolyzer. Pyrolysis break-down products are transferred directly to the GC column in split mode or refocued in the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System (CIS) before being introduced as a narrow band onto the GC column for separation. The GERSTEL PYRO can also be used for manual operation with the TDU as needed.

Wide Pyrolysis Temperature Range

PYRO performs standard pulsed pyrolysis at temperatures from 350 to 1000C. The temperature can be varied from sample to sample in order to analyze different kinds of samples in one batch; to perform sequential pyrolysis on multiple identical samples in series; or to perform fractionated pyrolysis on a single sample for more indepth information. In addition to pulsed pyrolysis, programmed heating can be specified at rates ranging from 0.02 to 100C/s. Optimal analysis conditions can be chosen for each sample type and for every conceivable matrix. A thermal desorption step can be performed in the temperature range from ambient to 350C prior to pyrolysis to purge VOCs form sample or for solvent venting.

Split Interface And Cryo Trap

Pyrolysis breakdown products are transferred to the GC/MS system using the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System (CIS) PTV-type inlet. The CIS can be used either simply as heated split interface or as an intermediate cryofocusing trap for trace analytes.

A wide range of concentrations and sample amounts can be handled by the PYRO system while ensuring best possible recovery, excellent GC separation and maximum information content.

Low Sample-to-sample Carry-over

The valve-free liner-in-liner concept eliminates sample-to-sample carry-over and the TDU and CIS liners are heated over their entire lengths ensuring best possible recovery. Non-volatile residue is caught in the CIS liner. From there it can easily be removed after a user-defined number of analyses together with the disposable liner. The system at large is not contaminated. The platinum filament is connected using Four Conductor Technology ensuring accurate monitoring of the filament resistance and accurate temperature control delivering reliable results at all times. Change over between standard TDU operation and pyrolysis operation is performed in less than ten minutes. If the liner needs to be changed another 5 minutes are needed. The complete system including the GC/MS can be used in a highly flexible manner to the greatest possible benefit of the analyst and the laboratory.

PYRO Features and Benefits:

• Multiple pyrolysis techniques available
  – Pulsed pyrolysis
  – Sequential pyrolysis
  – Fractionated pyrolysis
  – Thermal desorption with solvent venting and pyrolysis of the same sample
  – Split- or splitless operation
  – Selectable cryo trapping
• Efficient and reliable automation
• Dedicated optimized sample holders for liquid and solid samples
• Flexible and proven resistance heating using Pt filament provides selectable pyrolysis temperature from 350 – 1000C.
• Liner in liner system / No valve in sample flow path
• Flexible modular system
• Integrated MAESTRO software control

Standard tubes that have been loaded using the TSS enable exact calibration of the Thermal Desorption-GC/MS system, resulting in reliable analysis results.

The GERSTEL TSS is compatible with standard adsorbent tubes.

GERSTEL TSS Benefits:

Automated generation of standard tubes for thermal desorption

• Accurate and reproducible generation of standards under well-defined conditions
• Correct analysis results through use of reliable standards for thermal desorption

Maximum flexibility

• Compatible with standard adsorbent tubes
• Scalable system, additional TSS units can be mounted on the MPS as needed

The TDU 2 incorporates the latest advances in thermal desorption technology. Intelligently designed and based on a “Liner-in-Liner” concept it has no vlaves or transfer lines. The TDU 2 is connected directly to the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System (CIS), which serves both as a cryo-focusing trap and as a temperature programmable GC inlet. Active sites are eliminated, reducing the risk of analyte loss, discrimination and memory effects to an absolute minimum.

The TDU 2 can be operated in split or true splitless mode enabling it to cover the widest range of concentrations, to protect the column from water and contamination and to achieve the lowest possible detection limits. The TDU 2 low-flow split pneumatics provide improved flexibility and performance. For extreme sensitivity, the multi-desorption mode can be selected in MAESTRO.

Several techniques are supported by the TDU:

• Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) using the GERSTEL Twister®
• Dynamic Headspace (DHS) based on standard headspace vials
• DHS Large based on sample containers up to 1 L volume
• Thermal desorption of adsorbent tubes used for air sampling
• Thermal extraction of solid samples placed in fritted TDU tubes
• Thermal extraction of liquids placed in µ-vials inside the TDU 2
• Direct introduction and thermal extraction of liquids such as standards
• Automated Pyrolysis of liquid and solid samples using the PYRO module

The TDU 2 supports manual operation and it can be removed in seconds to enable direct liquid sample introduction into the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System (CIS), a PTV-type universal GC inlet.

When configured with the GERSTEL MPS Robotic series, up to 40 samples are stored per TDU tray in individually sealed sample positions. The system can easily be scaled up by using up to three TDU trays per tray holder. The number of tray holders depends on size and configuration of the MPS.

Samples can be analyzed in one automated sequence using one or more methods. The MAESTRO software combined with the Agilent ChemStation controls the complete process from sample introduction through thermal desorption to GC/MS analysis with one method and one sequence ensuring efficient and error-free operation.