Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Crane Engineering identifies volatile and semi-volatile compounds using the Thermo Finnigan PolarisQ high-quality ion trap GC/MS system. Our system operates under the unified control software Xcalibur, which is capable of performing both quantitative and qualitative analysis and contains a flexible report editor, Merlin, which allows us to easily customize reports. We are able to provide superior quantitation of target analytes and library identification of unknowns with a detection limit typically in high ppb levels in solution.
How GC/MS works:
- The separation of mixtures into individual components occurs in a temperature-controlled chromatography column over a functional stationary phase with helium gas transport (gas chromatography).
- Ionization occurs when each separated component is bombarded by electrons and broken apart systematically to give a mass pattern (mass spectrometry).
- Each mass pattern is unique to a particular compound and can be identified by comparison to a library database.
- The signal intensity for each mass spectrum obtained is proportional to the amount of the component present.
Uses:
- Quantification of compounds in a volatile mixture
- Trace identification of residues
Application examples:
- Determine ignitable liquid residues in fire debris.
- Analyze of pesticides in water or soil.
- Analyze fatty acid in food products.
- Analyze fragrances and odorants.
Sample guidelines for GC/MS analysis:
- Sample must be a gas, liquid or soluble in a liquid to be analyzed by traditional GC/MS
- Boiling point of the sample must be at or below ~ 300°C (572°F)
Please contact Kerri Schnell, for more specific details on sample guidelines and GC/MS analysis techniques.