Detector Array with Gas Chromatograph for On-Site Analyses

Abstract

Toxic and environmentally threatening gaseous substances can be released on purpose or by accident e.g. during transportation or handling. In this cases fast, reliable detection, identification and quantification is needed to face the threat effectively. Therefore the handheld measurement device DACHS was developed. It combines different sensor technologies to an array to provide a quick on-site analysis for the most important industrial substances. The most sensitive sensor in the developed instrument is an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), but the IMS cannot detect all toxic gases. Therefore additional sensors are needed. To obtain reliable identification during the presence of mixtures of different chemicals a short column gas chromatograph with enrichment unit is included. The device and the results of its evaluation are presented.