Aromatics - Fast analysis of BTX

Importance of the Topic

Fast and reliable monitoring of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) is critical for environmental safety and industrial hygiene. These volatile organic compounds are known air pollutants with potential health risks at low concentrations. Rapid on-site analysis enables immediate decision-making for regulatory compliance, worker protection and emergency response.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of an Agilent 490 Micro GC equipped with a CP-Wax 52 CB column for rapid separation and quantification of BTX compounds in air. The primary aims were to demonstrate high resolution of aromatics, achieve sub-ppm detection limits and complete analysis cycles within minutes to support field deployments.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Instrument: Agilent 490 Micro GC system with special module configuration
• Column: Agilent CP-Wax 52 CB WCOT, 0.25 mm ID × 10 m fused silica, film thickness 1.2 µm
• Carrier gas: Helium at 150 kPa (1.5 bar, 21 psi)
• Column temperature: 40 °C (isothermal)
• Injection: Direct sampling of air, 100 ms injection time, no heated injector
• Analyte concentration range: 100 ppm in air matrix

Main Results and Discussion

• All target compounds (composite peak, benzene, toluene, water, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene) were baseline resolved within 200 seconds.
• The CP-Wax 52 CB stationary phase delivered distinct elution order and precise separation of para- and meta-xylene isomers.
• Detection at parts-per-million levels was achieved without requiring a temperature ramp or complex pressure programs.
• The micro GC format provided minimal gas consumption and rapid equilibration, ideal for field use.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• On-site BTX monitoring for environmental compliance, leak detection and industrial hygiene assessments.
• Portable system design allows deployment in remote locations and confined spaces.
• Fast cycle times enable high sample throughput and real-time data for process control.
• Minimal sample preparation reduces operational complexity and cost.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration with wireless networks and IoT platforms for continuous remote monitoring.
• Advances in microfabricated columns and detectors to further reduce analysis time and gas consumption.
• Expansion to additional volatile organic compound (VOC) panels for broader air quality profiling.
• Automation and AI-driven data interpretation to streamline decision workflows.

Conclusion

The Agilent 490 Micro GC coupled with a CP-Wax 52 CB column provides a robust solution for rapid, on-site analysis of BTX pollutants in air. Its high resolution, low detection limits and short analysis time support a range of environmental and industrial applications requiring fast, reliable data.