Markes ULTRA-xr

Význam tématu

High-throughput thermal desorption (TD) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) or GC–MS is critical for trace-level monitoring of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs). Automated TD systems empower laboratories to process large sample batches with high precision, improved sample integrity and full method compliance. This capability supports environmental monitoring, food and fragrance analysis, industrial emissions testing and quality assurance in pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This summary reviews the ULTRA-xr 100-tube autosampler in combination with the UNITY-xr TD system. It highlights its design objectives—maximizing unattended sample throughput, extending analyte range and enhancing reliability—while integrating innovations for quantitative re-collection, internal standard dosing, water management and sample traceability.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

Thermal desorption proceeds in two stages: tube desorption onto a cooled focusing trap and rapid trap desorption onto the GC column, with options for quantitative splitting and re-collection at each stage. Key instrumentation includes:

• ULTRA-xr 100-tube cryogen-free autosampler (Markes International)
• UNITY-xr single-tube thermal desorber for two-stage TD
• Gas chromatograph or GC–MS for analyte separation and detection
• Internal Standard/Dry-Purge (ISDP) module for quality validation
• TubeTAG RFID system for sorbent tube tracking and chain-of-custody
• DiffLok™ and diffusion caps for leak-free sample storage

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

• Throughput: Automated, unattended analysis of up to 100 tubes in sequence, with overlap mode allowing desorption of one tube during GC analysis of another.
• Analyte range: Inert flow paths and backflushing permit quantitative recovery of C2 to C44 compounds, including reactive and thermally labile species, at concentrations from percent down to sub-ppt levels.
• Re-collection: Unique splitting and re-collection of inlet and outlet flows onto clean sorbent tubes enable repeat analysis and method validation.
• Reliability: Mechanically simple automation, integrated leak testing and automated water management ensure robust performance in routine operation.
• Traceability: RFID TubeTAGs automate logging of tube ID, sorbent details, sampling conditions and analytical metadata, eliminating transcription errors.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

• Enhanced laboratory efficiency by reducing manual handling and cycle times.
• Improved data quality through built-in internal standard addition, quantitative splits and rigorous leak testing.
• Assured method compliance with standard protocols (EPA TO-17, EPA 325, VDA 278) and full audit trails via RFID tagging.
• Versatility across applications: ambient air monitoring, emissions testing, aroma profiling of foods, environmental screening and QA/QC in manufacturing.

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Ongoing developments are expected to focus on deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), real-time remote monitoring of instrument health, AI-driven method optimization and miniaturized desorption modules for field deployment. Expansion into multi-dimensional GC and hybrid techniques will further broaden the scope of VOC/SVOC analysis.

Závěr

The ULTRA-xr 100-tube autosampler, in concert with the UNITY-xr thermal desorber, delivers unparalleled productivity, analytical versatility and robust quality control for TD-GC(/MS) workflows. Its combination of automation, sample integrity features and traceability innovations addresses critical needs in environmental, industrial and food analysis laboratories.

Reference

Markes International (2020). ULTRA-xr 100-tube autosampler for unattended high-throughput thermal desorption analysis. Datasheet.