Markes Air Server-xr

Significance of the Topic

Thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography is critical for detecting trace-level volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in air and materials. High-performance, cryogen-free sampling systems improve data quality and safety, supporting regulatory compliance, environmental research, and industrial monitoring.

Objectives and Study Overview

The Air Server-xr is engineered to provide in situ, on-line sampling for GC and GC–MS analysis of VOCs and SVOCs at trace levels. Key objectives include expanding the analyte range (C2–C44), enabling unattended multi-channel operation, and delivering quantitative re-collection for reliable method validation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The system uses an electrically-cooled focusing trap with inert flow paths for efficient, splitless desorption and low detection limits. User-defined sampling parameters accommodate both high- and low-concentration streams. The Kori-xr water management option removes moisture at –30 °C without sacrificing polar analyte recovery. Automated sequences and low purge flows reduce carrier gas consumption and boost throughput.

Used Instrumentation

• Air Server-xr on-line sampling device
• UNITY-xr electrically-cooled focusing trap
• Kori-xr water management module
• ULTRA-xr 100-tube autosampler
• Markes Instrument Control software

Main Results and Discussion

The Air Server-xr achieves detection limits below 0.05 ppb for C2–C3 and 0.03 ppb for C4+ compounds, surpassing EPA requirements for ozone precursors. Inert flow paths ensure quantitative recovery of reactive and thermally labile analytes. Kori-xr demonstrates superior retention of polar VOCs and pinenes at high humidity compared with Nafion dryers. Split and re-collection technology enables repeat analysis of challenging samples and extends dynamic range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Urban and industrial air quality monitoring
• Process control and odor assessment
• Atmospheric research on greenhouse gases and monoterpenes
• Defense and forensic detection of chemical threats
• Food, fragrance, and consumer product emissions profiling

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Integration with mobile and remote laboratories will expand real-time monitoring capabilities. Advances in sorbent materials and miniaturized traps will further lower detection limits. AI-driven method optimization and data analysis will enhance targeted VOC/SVOC identification. Autonomous, low-power modules will support long-term environmental studies in diverse settings.

Conclusion

The Air Server-xr delivers a versatile, cryogen-free platform for high-sensitivity VOC and SVOC analysis. Its broad analyte coverage, effective water management, and advanced automation make it a benchmark solution for environmental, industrial, and research applications.