IACEM 980

The IACEM 980 air sampler is designed to quantitatively collect and release organic compounds from air on solid sorbent cartridges, transferring analytes to a gas chromatograph (GC) for separation, identification, and measurement. The IACEM was developed to enhance chemical agent workplace monitoring at the newly proposed lower airborne exposure levels.

The IACEM 980's dual collection tubes operate in alternate cycles providing continuous, uninterrupted sample concentration throughout the survey period. Each is linked in tandem with a focusing trap, enabling efficient chromatographic separation of agents from interferences. The focusing traps can be connected to capillary columns of dissimilar phases.

The result of this duplication is a blending of parallel systems into an integrated unit that promises sensitivity through increased sample collection efficiency and state-of-the-art chromatographic resolution. Selectivity is improved over current configurations through sophisticated comparisons of multiple-column retention data. The alternating collection scheme and duplicate columns increase speed of analysis through faster turnaround times.

Advanced Features:

Speed: New analytical results are available as often as every four minutes providing near real-time (NRT) performance. The cycle time is determined by the GC's oven program and cool-down time.

Selectivity: When configured with multiple dissimilar columns, same-cycle confirmation is realized which greatly reduces false positives.

Continuous: Two subsystems operate in a push-pull manner, 180 degrees out of phase, such that one sample is collected while the other is being analyzed. The result is uninterrupted sampling, providing maximum protection of personnel.

Sensitivity: Time-proven and patented construction and focusing techniques allow detection to 0.2 TWA (sub-part-per trillion) levels. High sampling flow rates (>1.0 lpm) permit the collection of quantities of analyte necessary for accurate and reproducible GC detection and quantification.

Flexibility: The IACEM may be used with GC's containing one, two, or four columns in combination with one or two detectors. The IACEM will operate effectively with new GC's or retrofit onto older GC models.