Custodion Specifications

Importance of Topic

The ability to sample and analyze chemical contaminants directly in the field is critical for timely decision making in environmental monitoring, forensic investigations and emergency response. Portable devices that integrate robust sampling with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) streamline workflows, reduce sample transport errors, and enable on-site qualitative and quantitative analysis of a wide range of matrices.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document introduces the Custodion portfolio of sampling and injection devices designed for seamless integration with the Torion T-9 portable GC/MS system. It aims to present each device’s working principle, sampling protocols and performance characteristics for diverse applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The methodology section describes three Custodion sampling formats:

• Custodion SPME (Solid-Phase Microextraction): A 1 cm PDMS/DVB coated fiber for headspace or direct immersion sampling of liquids, solids and gases.
• Custodion CME (Coiled Microextraction): A 1 cm inert coil capturing liquid samples by capillary action, followed by thermal desorption.
• Custodion NT (Needle Trap): A 19 gauge sorbent-packed tube (Tenax TA, Carboxen 1016, Carboxen 1003) coupled to a hand pump for air and gas sampling.

Additional instrumentation:

• Torion T-9 portable GC/MS system: Field-deployable gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detection and interchangeable injection port for all Custodion devices.

Main Results and Discussion

Sampling performance varies by device: SPME provides rapid qualitative screening (30 s to 15 min, LOD high ppb) for VOC profiling, forensic markers and polar analytes in water. CME achieves mid ppb LOD for liquid explosives, semi-volatiles and essential oils in ~3 min. NT offers quantitative air and gas analysis (1 min to 15 min, LOD in low ppb) for environmental pollutants and CWAs when calibrated with an internal standard. The rugged design and ease of cap protection ensure sample integrity under field conditions. Interchangeability on the Torion T-9 simplifies workflows and minimizes downtime.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid, on-site detection of arson accelerants, narcotics and chemical warfare agent markers.
• Environmental air quality monitoring and VOC fingerprinting in fuels, fragrances and food matrices.
• Emergency response sampling for explosives and toxic industrial chemicals.
• Quantitative gas-phase analysis with internal standard calibration using the needle trap device.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Expanding the Custodion platform may involve novel sorbent chemistries for enhanced selectivity, miniaturized automated sampling systems and integration with wireless telemetry for real-time data transmission. Advances in portable mass spectrometry and AI-driven spectral interpretation will further broaden field analytical capabilities.

Conclusion

The Custodion sampling devices coupled with the Torion T-9 GC/MS deliver a versatile, reliable solution for in-field chemical analysis across diverse applications. Their robust design, ease of use and interchangeable compatibility facilitate rapid decision making and high-quality data collection outside of the traditional laboratory.

Reference

PerkinElmer, Inc. Custodion Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Specifications (2019).