Markes Centri

Significance of the topic

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is a cornerstone analytical technique for detecting volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in diverse matrices. Automating sample preparation and enhancing preconcentration steps are critical for improving sensitivity, throughput and reproducibility in environmental, food-flavor, fragrance and clinical laboratories.

Objectives and overview

This paper introduces the Centri® system, a fully automated, multi-mode sampling and concentration platform for GC–MS. Its goals are to integrate headspace, sorptive extraction and thermal desorption methods on a single instrument, to extend dynamic range from ppt to percent levels and to enable unattended operation with sample archiving and traceability.

Methodology and instrumentation

The Centri system combines a cryogen-free electrically cooled focusing trap with interchangeable sampling modules:

• HiSorb™ high-capacity sorptive extraction probes for immersive or headspace sampling of liquids and solids.
• HS & HS–trap for headspace concentration up to 5 mL with water and interferent purging.
• Thermal desorption module for pumped, passive and product-emission sampling onto sorbent tubes.
• SPME & SPME–trap with standard fibers and trap-based re-focusing for enhanced sensitivity.

Robotic features include sample racks for vials and tubes, agitator, wash/dry station, automated tool change, TubeTAG™ and barcode tracking, and software for full chain-of-custody.

Key results and discussion

Selective elimination of water and solvents on the focusing trap yields sharp peaks and improved limits of detection. HiSorb probes achieved low-ppt detection of halogenated phenols and anisoles in water. Headspace-trap mode enhanced sensitivity for food additives like BHT and residual solvents in packaging. SPME–trap delivered linear responses from 1 ppt to 1 ppb for odorants in drinking water. Thermal desorption supported TO-17-compliant air analysis and dynamic headspace screening of product emissions. Re-collection on 50-tube modules enabled repeat analysis and widened dynamic range by varying split ratios.

Benefits and practical applications

• Extended volatility range in a single run by combining multiple sampling techniques.
• Ultra-low detection limits through cryogen-free focusing and interferent purge.
• Increased throughput via prep-ahead probe loading and overlap sampling.
• Quantitative sample archiving and re-analysis with RFID/barcode traceability.
• Flexibility for environmental monitoring, fragrance profiling, food safety and clinical markers.

Future trends and applications

Further integration of modular GC–MS automation with high-resolution mass analyzers and artificial intelligence-driven data processing will enhance compound identification and quantitation. Development of novel sorbent materials and probe geometries may improve selectivity for emerging contaminants. Miniaturized, portable versions of multi-mode samplers could expand field-deployable analyses.

Conclusion

The Centri platform represents a versatile solution for modern GC–MS laboratories, seamlessly uniting headspace sampling, sorptive extraction and thermal desorption. Its cryogen-free focusing trap, extensive automation and sample traceability address the demands for high sensitivity, reliability and productivity in routine and research workflows.

Reference

No formal reference list was provided in the source document.