Innovations in Analytical Chemistry and Their Application to National Security and Forensics (CBRNE)

ABSTRACT SYMPOSIUM NAME: Innovations in Analytical Chemistry and Their  Application to National Security and Forensics (CBRNE)

PAPER ID: 2213878  PAPER TITLE: Monitoring ppt levels of toxic contaminants with a field portable GC-PID (final paper number: ANYL 229) DIVISION: Division of Analytical ChemistrySESSION: Innovations in Analytical Chemistry and Their Application to National Security and Forensics (CBRNE) SESSION TIME: 8:30 AM - 12:05 PM PRESENTATION FORMAT: Oral DAY & TIME OF PRESENTATION: Wednesday, August, 19, 2015 from 10:25 AM - 10:45 AM ROOM & LOCATION: Atlantic Blrm 1 - Renaissance Boston Waterfront ABSTRACT SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AREA NAME: [ANYL] Division of Analytical Chemistry

CONTROL ID: 2213878

PRESENTATION TYPE: Oral

TITLE: Monitoring ppt levels of toxic contaminants with a field portable GC-PID

AUTHORS (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME): John N. Driscoll2, Jennifer L. Maclachlan1

INSTITUTIONS (ALL): 1. PID Analyzers, LLC, Centerville, MA, United States. 2. PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, MA, United States.

ABSTRACT BODY:  Abstract: The photoinization detector (PID) has been shown to be one of the most sensitive gas chromatography (GC) detectors for measuring VOC’s and selected inorganic compounds (H2S, NH3, PH3…). We have combined the PID with a field portable GC analyzer and a battery operated concentrator that will enable low ppt of VOC’s to be detected with a 1-2 minute sampling time. The photoionization detector (PID) has been redesigned to reduce the dead volume to 50 µL and improve the sensitivity to by 5-10 fold. The detection limit for benzene has been reduced to < 500 ppt without the concentrator. The redesigned PID can operate with a sealed discharged lamp (10.6 eV) and we have added a glow discharge lamp with higher energy (11.6 & 11.8 eV) using argon. This will allow the detection of alkanes down to ethane, chloroalkanes and chemical agents. It is also one of the most sensitive detectors for formaldehyde. Potential applications include atmospheric monitoring, fenceline monitoring of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), indoor air pollutants, ppt levels of toxic gases including chemical agents.