Exclusively from GERSTEL

The GERSTEL Headspace ChemSensor System (HS/GC/MS) is offered exclusively from GERSTEL. Currently it is only sold in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Analysis methods are developed together with the client to assure that their specific needs are met.

For more information concerning sales and systems, contact:

• In the U.S. and Canada – GERSTEL Inc.: sales@gerstelus.com
• In Europe – GERSTEL GmbH & Co KG: chemsensor@gerstel.de

In addition, the detailed report of the signals registered during olfactory detection at the sniff port also includes important parameters such as retention time (RT) and retention index (RI) as well as NIST library search results for compound identification. The audio file with descriptors is stored for later evaluation, as needed. If changes to the initial impression have been realized, the text comments can be edited. Regarding the MS data, results from database searched can be aligned with Retention indices (RIs) calculated by the ODI Software.

To evaluate olfactory information and determine the identity of a critical or key odor active compound or compounds that result in an olfactory impression, the Olfactory Data Interpreter (ODI) provides the analyst with several helpful software features and functions.

Cumulative Olfactogram presentation

When a sample is evaluated in multiple dilutions using Olfactory GC (GC-O), the resulting olfactograms are conveniently combined and presented in cumulated form: The ODI software adds the respective odor intensities and displays the cumulative value. Substances that are still above the odor threshold in the highest dilution will be represented with the highest values in the cumulative olfactogram. The cumulative olfactogram function is a simple yet efficient tool that instantly provides the odor analyst with reliable information as to which compounds belong to the group of more potent odor active compounds that influence the flavor or odor impression even at very low concentrations.

Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA)

The ODI Software enables efficient evaluation of classical Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA) with defined dilution factor (Flavor Dilution, FD). The ODI software performs all calculations and determines the FD value, which is a measure of the intensity of an odor active compound within a mixture. The software transfers the established value to a ready to print report. The AEDA report provides the sensory analyst a tool for simpler and more efficient evaluation of panel data.

Sensory Panel Analysis

If a sample undergoes olfactory evaluation by a sensory panel, the resulting data will show how many panel members perceive a given impression or compound. This information can be very helpful as a supplement to GC-O data or to correct GC-O data, as well as for further analysis and aroma identification. Manually generated reporting can be both cumbersome and labor intensive, requiring a lot of time. The Olfactory Data Interpreter helps to perform the panel analysis evaluation by mouse-click and delivers the detection frequency of each compound without delay.

MS Library Search

The ODI Software integrates numerous functions relating to extraction, clean-up and interpretation of mass spectra. Spectral recognition is performed using existing libraries; various data formats can be used. The GERSTEL Application Laboratories recommend the NIST-AMDIS software, which is coupled directly to the ODI Software enabling efficient and convenient compound identification and spectral deconvolution of co-eluting compounds.

Multivariate Data Analysis

In order to perform rapid classification of a large number of samples based on olfactory data, the ODI Software is offered with a Multivariate Data Analysis option based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The software helps to quickly and efficiently solve odor riddles and identify unknown compounds found in GC/O analysis. When it comes to GC/O data handling and data processing, the GERSTEL ODI offers the tolerance range and flexibility required in order to efficiently navigate the uncertainties of olfactory analysis and to reach not just an answer, but the correct answer.

Flexibility and traceability

MAESTRO provides full flexibility by allowing an ongoing analysis sequence to be modified to incorporate priority samples while keeping track of all steps in the process from sample prep to sample introduction and beyond.

• Priority samples can be added to the system at any point in the standard analysis sequence
• LOG file and Service LOG file functions provide traceability and make trouble-shooting easier
• Automated E-mail notification in case the system is halted enables prompt intervention to ensure that your samples are analyzed as planned

On-line Help Function

MAESTRO has a built-in, context sensitive on-line help function to simplify and speed up the operation and improve the overall productivity.

• Interactive On-line Help Function
• Context sensitive help for fast answers
• Easy-to-understand explanation of each function
• Simple and comprehensive training tool for new users
• Provides recommendations for parameter settings
• Maintenance Function

MAESTRO has a built-in maintenance function, simplifying maintenance planning and improving the overall operation. If the maintenance function is activated, the software will remind you to change ferrules or to perform other specified regular maintenance tasks whenever a user-defined number of injections has been reached (maintenance counter).

LVI Calculator

MAESTRO speeds up optimization of your LVI analysis by calculating the best injection parameters based on the injection liner used, the solvent boiling point and injection volume.

The GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) is a fully automated sample preparation and sample introduction robot for GC (GC/MS) and LC (LC/MS). Sample preparation is performed in a controlled, highly accurate and reproducible manner for best possible results.

The sequence editor has intelligent fill-down functions that let you generate new sequences extremely easily and quickly. Very little effort is required to create the sequence table that runs your daily samples. Priority samples can be added to the system at any point in the analysis sequence.

When integrated into Agilent Technologies’ ChemStation one sequence table and one method runs the entire system including GC/MS or LC/MS

MAESTRO Scheduler

The MAESTRO Scheduler provides an at-a-glance graphical overview of all sample preparation steps, the GC/MS or LC/MS analysis times and the total analysis time for the entire batch of samples.

Based on the scheduler overview, sample preparation and analysis times are easily optimized for highest throughput.

When the method is changed, the effect on productivity is immediately seen on the display, the sequence is checked for errors before the run to ensure that all samples are analyzed as planned.

MAESTRO: Easy and convenient operation

During the software development of MAESTRO one main objective was a convenient and user-friendly handling.

• The sequence is checked for errors before the run to ensure that all samples are analyzed as planned
• The effects of parameter or method changes are visualized directly
• Interactive on-line help with parameter specific input assistence for fast method development
• Sample preparation steps are conveniently and easily selected a from drop down menu – without macro programming

Context sensitive help

Help for the topic at hand is always at your fingertips in the MAESTRO software. Activate the help function for a single field of interest with a mouse-click or press the help button to display the on-line user manual with extensive help on the software screen in question.

Additionally, whenever the mouse cursor is placed over a parameter field, a short explanation showing the valid range for that parameter pops up to make it as easy as possible to generate the method.