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What are VOC?
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are chemical compounds that mainly consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms, but sometimes also contain another element such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur,... Based on these combinations, the VOC is divided into different groups such as: hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ...
What is TD-GC-MS?
TD-GC-MS is the analysis technique used for our VOC analyses.
Thermal Desorption: By heating the adsorption cartridge, the adsorbent releases the volatile organic compounds again.
Gas Chromatography: Chromatography is a separation technique. By sending the molecules through a very long, very narrow column (capillary column), they are separated from each other. The separation takes place by interaction of the molecule with the coating on the inside of the column.
Mass Spectrometry: The molecules that end up in the detector are shot into fragments by electrons. This fragmentation is unique and always the same for a specific compound, so that this "fingerprint" can be compared to an extensive library, in order to identify this substance. The strength of the signal is a measure of the amount of compound present.
Which mercaptans are analysed through the Mercaptan Screening?
The following mercaptans are quantified: methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, 1-propyl mercaptan, 2-propyl mercaptan, 2-methyl-1-propyl mercaptan, 2-methyl-2-propyl mercaptan, 1-butyl mercaptan and 2-butyl mercaptan.
Other mercaptans can also be detected and analysed semi-quantitatively.
Mercaptans are also called thiols.
Which organic acids are analysed through the Organic Acid Screening?
The following organic acids are quantitatively determined: acetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid and hexanoic acid.
Other organic acids are also detected and reported semi-quantitatively.
Which siloxanes are analysed via the Siloxane Screening?
A number of linear and cyclic siloxanes are analysed:
hexamethyldisiloxane (L2), octamethyltrisiloxane (L3), decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4), dodecamethylpentasiloxane (L5)
hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
What is an Odour Threshold Value?
The concentration of a component in air, at which it is just perceptible, is called the odour threshold value (OTV).
What are adsorption cartridges?
Adsorption cartridges are tubes containing one or more adsorbents. When the gas to be sampled is passed over this adsorption cartridge, the VOC will migrate to the adsorbent. Depending on the type of adsorbent, a component will be strongly or less strongly retained.
What are canisters?
Canisters are metal spheres that are used to sample air. They can be provided with a special coating to enable stable storage of reactive components. In the lab, the canister is evacuated till vacuum, so that it can be filled afterwards in the field, by simply opening the valve.
When can I deliver samples?
Samples can easily be delivered to us during office hours. If this is not feasible, we can provide an instruction with which the samples can also be delivered outside office hours. Please contact info@noordinarylab.com for this.
How much material is needed for an analysis?
The amount of material we need for analysis depends on the purpose of the study. Is it a liquid or solid? Which analyses should be performed on it? For certain tests we have enough with a few mg of material, while other setups require larger quantities of up to 1 kg of material.
How can we help?
Do you have questions about VOC analysis? We can be reached via the channels below or leave a message on our contact page.