TO-15 65 Component Mix on Rtx®-VMS (30 m, 1.2 mL/min)

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is essential for comprehensive volatile organic compound analysis in environmental and industrial applications. Accurate separation and quantification of a wide range of VOCs support regulatory compliance and air quality monitoring.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study evaluates the performance of a 30 m Rtx-VMS column for the separation of a 65-component TO-15 standard mixture. Retention times, peak resolution, and method robustness were assessed under defined operating conditions.

Instrumentation Used

• GC system: Agilent HP6890
• Mass analyzer: Agilent 5973 quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Column: Rtx-VMS 30 m x 0.25 mm ID, 1.4 μm film thickness
• Preconcentrator: Nutech 8900 DS with Tenax sorbent trap
• Cryofocusing unit: Nutech cryofocuser at -160 °C

Main Results and Discussion

Retention times ranged from 1.98 min for propylene to 17.62 min for naphthalene, demonstrating full elution of the 65 compounds. Early eluting light hydrocarbons and halogenated gases were baseline resolved due to the low initial oven temperature. Mid-range oxygenates and chlorinated species showed distinct peaks around 4–8 min. Late eluting aromatics and heavier halogenated aromatics achieved clear separation with the final temperature ramp. The method exhibited consistent peak shapes and retention time reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The described method offers a robust approach for environmental monitoring laboratories tasked with TO-15 analysis. High separation efficiency and a complete VOC profile support compliance with air quality regulations and allow accurate calibration of detection systems.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include faster temperature programming for shorter analysis times, integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry for enhanced compound identification, and automated data processing algorithms. Miniaturized preconcentration devices and real-time monitoring systems will further expand field applications.

Conclusion

The Rtx-VMS column method provides reliable separation of a complex 65-component VOC mixture under TO-15 conditions. It is suitable for routine environmental and industrial air monitoring with reproducible retention times and clear peak resolution.

References

Restek Corporation Application Note TO-15 65 Component Mix on Rtx-VMS.