7200/7650-M Air Analysis System - The most advanced instrumentation ever developed for the analysis of volatile and light semi-volatile compounds in air and soil gas

Importance of the Topic

The determination of volatile and light semi-volatile organic compounds in air and soil gas is critical for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance and contamination assessment. High dynamic range analysis without extensive sample preparation ensures timely, accurate data for risk evaluation and remediation.

Objectives and Overview

This summary describes the MillionAir™ Analysis System, which integrates the 7200 Preconcentrator with the 7650-M Inlet. The goal is to offer whole-air analysis over a million-fold concentration range with minimal carryover and rapid screening capabilities. Key performance targets include:

• Handling sample volumes from 0.1 cc to 1000 cc
• Rapid screening of TCE, PCE and BTEX in as little as 6 minutes
• Maintaining system hygiene and preventing trap contamination

Methodology and Instrumentation

The system employs direct-inlet robotics with Silonite-D™ coated transfer lines to eliminate rotary valves and minimize dead volumes. Accu-Sample™ technology isolates each sample in low-volume flow segments, preventing trap exposure during selection and preflush steps. Two injection loops (0.1 cc in the 7650-M and 1 cc in the 7200-01) combined with a 10–1000 cc preconcentration range deliver extended dynamic range. A bypass mode allows direct GC-MS injection for quick screening without trapping.

Instrumentation Used

• 7200 Preconcentrator with 1 cc loop (7200-01)
• 7650-M MillionAir™ Inlet/Autosampler
• 7016D Canister Autosampler (optional expansion)
• 5400B Thermal Transfer System (for tube analysis)
• 3108D Canister Cleaning System

Main Results and Discussion

Testing demonstrates:

• Million-fold concentration range without pre-dilution
• Screening of major soil-gas contaminants (TCE, PCE, BTEX) in under 6 minutes
• Negligible carryover due to brief sample contact and zero dead-volume connections
• Extended calibration into PPM levels using sample volumes as low as 0.1 cc

These features reduce the number of required dilutions and improve throughput in TO-15 laboratories.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The MillionAir™ system offers:

• Enhanced laboratory efficiency through rapid screening modes
• Superior analytical accuracy across varied matrices (humid air, inert gases)
• Compatibility with canisters, Tedlar® bags and thermal desorption tubes
• Flexible expansion ports for up to 18 additional sampling lines

Ideal for environmental labs performing QA/QC, site assessments, and routine monitoring.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging opportunities include integration with real-time data analytics and machine learning for automated anomaly detection. Miniaturized preconcentrators and portable GC-MS systems may extend this technology to field deployments. Further enhancements in coating materials and flow-path designs will push detection limits lower and broaden compound classes.

Conclusion

The 7200 | 7650-M MillionAir™ System represents a significant advance in air and soil-gas analysis. Its ability to handle extreme concentration ranges, coupled with rapid screening and exceptional system hygiene, addresses key challenges in environmental laboratories. By minimizing dilution steps and carryover, this platform enhances data quality and operational efficiency.