Introduction To Markes International. The Markes International Advantage. What Is Thermal Desorption

Thermal Desorption
Accessories & Consumables
2010/2011
Introduction to Markes International
Formed in 1997, Markes International Ltd. is one of the

world’s leading suppliers of thermal desorption (TD)
equipment for monitoring trace toxic and odorous
chemicals in air, gas and materials. Serving fast
growing markets from environmental health and safety
to materials testing, and from food/flavour/fragrance to
defence/forensic, Markes’ global customer base
includes major industry, government agencies,
academia and the service laboratory sector.
Markes has introduced several highly successful brands

of TD instruments to the market including: UNITY™ 2,
a universal TD platform for single tubes, the 100-tube
Markes International UK Headquarters
ULTrA™ 2 TD autosampler, the series 2 Air Server™
interface for canisters and online air sampling, the
TD is also routinely used for monitoring volatile and
Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ (µ-CTE™) for
semi-volatile organic compounds, (S)VOCs, in products
materials testing, the TT24-7™ for continuous online
and materials. Examples include residual solvents in
monitoring and the TC-20™ multi-tube conditioner.
packaging and pharmaceuticals, materials emissions
testing (EN/ISO 16000 series methods) and
Markes also supplies a wide range of sampling
food/flavour/fragrance profiling.
accessories and consumables, including the TubeTAG™
rFID tagging and informatics system for sample and
sorbent tube tracking, for all TD application areas.
The Markes International advantage
• Expert knowledge and innovative engineering keep

What is thermal desorption?
Markes at the forefront of technology for trace
organic analysis
Since the early 1980s, thermal desorption has provided
the ultimate versatile sample introduction technology • Unparalleled reputation for product quality and
for GC and GC/MS. It combines selective customer support
concentration enhancement with direct extraction into • Excellence in applications development

the carrier gas and efficient transfer/injection, all in
• An unmatched portfolio of thermal desorption
one fully automated and labour-saving package.
instrumentation and associated sampling
accessories
Thermal desorption is now recognised as the technique
of choice for environmental air monitoring and • Innovative GC/MS data processing packages for
occupational health & safety. relevant standard enhanced measurement of trace components
methods include: ISO/EN 16017, EN 14662 (parts 1 &
• Global presence
4), ASTM D6196, US EPA Methods TO-15/TO-17 and
NIOSH 2549. related applications include monitoring • A continually expanding library of technical “know
chemical warfare agents (CWA) in demilitarisation/ how” and applications documents, e.g. Markes
destruction facilities and civilian locations (counter- International’s Thermal Desorption Technical
terrorism). Support (TDTS) Notes, which are referenced
throughout this catalogue (A listing can be found on
page 83).
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E: enquiries@markes.com
W: www.markes-usa.com T: +1 (886) 483 5684 (USA toll free)
i
Thermal Desorption: Practical Applications Guides
Order your free copy of the following applications guides direct from Markes International (enquiries@markes.com).
I. Environmental air III. Defence and

monitoring and exposure forensic
to chemicals at work
Environmental air monitoring Defence
• Atmospheric research • Monitoring chemical warfare (CW) stockpile sites
• Ambient/urban air monitoring e.g. “Air Toxics” • Personal exposure of military personnel
• Industrial (stack) emissions • Agent destruction facilities
• Odour components • Key civilian locations (counter-terrorism)
• Indoor air quality

Forensic
• Soil gas and vapour intrusion
• Detection of drugs of abuse
Occupational health & safety • Arson residue analysis for accelerants
• Personal (inhalation) exposure monitoring • Drug analysis
• Biological exposure assessment (breath testing) • Detection of trace explosive vapours
• Shotgun propellant
• Ink characterisation
II. Residual volatiles and
materials emissions
testing
IV. Food, flavour,
fragrance & odour
profiling
Residual volatiles/content testing
• Pharmaceuticals/drug powders
• Ointments
• Fragrance profiling of toiletries etc.
• Packaging films
• Identification of key olfactory components
• Polymer beads
• Characterisation/sourcing of natural products
Emissions from materials • Odour profiling for potable spirits
• Construction products e.g. paints • Quantitation of volatile components in dried

foodstuffs
• Car trim components e.g. wood veneers, adhesives
• Off-odour/taint analysis
• Chemical release (rEACH)
• Biology/crop research
• Electronics
• Flavour profiling of GM foods
• Plastic toys
• Carpets and textiles
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Markes International - State-of-the-art Thermal Desorption Instrumentation
UNITY 2 - A universal TD platform for tagged and

is is
untagged tubes th
Series 2 Air Server options - Add to UNITY 2 for

automated canister analysis and online air/gas
monitoring
TD-100 - Automated tube-based system with

TubeTAG read/write as standard in one
convenient system
TT24-7 - Twin-trap TD platform for continuous

online air/gas monitoring and near real-time
detection of toxic agents
UlTRA 2 - Multi-function TD autosampler for up to

100 tubes. Adds to UNITY 2. Features optional
TubeTAG read/write
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iii
Thermal Desorption Options and Sampling Accessories
Catalogue Contents
General purpose thermal desorption accessories Application specific thermal desorption

accessories
Most TD accessories may be applied to a diverse range of applications:
Environmental, health and safety 44

Industry standard sorbent tubes 1
Diffusive sampling 45
TubeTAG™ 11
Canisters 47
Tube accessories 14
Gas sampling bags 48
Contents
Sorbents 18
Bio-VOC™ breath sampler 49
Calibration and standards 26 VOC-Mole™ soil sampler 51
Pumped sampling 31 Materials emissions testing 52
Sampling accessories 35 Direct sampling 53
®
FLEC 54
TC-20™ Tube Conditioner 36
Thermal analysis/evolved gas collection 56

MTS-32™ Multi-Tube Sequential sampler 37
Permeation accessory for µ-CTE 57

µ-CTE™ Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor 38
Food, fragrance, flavour and

HS-TD™ Headspace Thermal Desorption 41
odour profiling 58
SPE-tD™ Sorptive Extraction cartridges 43
Defence and forensic 60
TT24-7™ accessories 61
DAAMS tubes 61
Other accessories 62
Spares, accessories, software, miscellaneous
Instrument spares 63
laboratory accessories 76
GC/MS software utilities 80
Applications notes 83
Trademarks 83
Index 84
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General information Please inspect your packages on receipt and inform Markes
immediately of any damage or discrepancies. Our Customer
Ordering information Services department will be available to assist you with any
problems.
Your order may be placed directly with:

General Information
Goods ordered from Markes in error may be returned to

• Markes International Ltd.
Markes for credit, and may be subject to a 20% re-stocking
Gwaun Elai Medi Science Campus
charge. Certain items are not eligible for return, including:-
Llantrisant
custom certified reference standards; custom products;
rCT
specially etched sorbent tubes; products missing labels, parts
United Kingdom
or instruction manuals; software and items not in their original
CF72 8XL
packaging.
Tel: +44 (0) 1443 230935
Fax: +44 (0) 1443 231531 Prior to returning any goods, please contact Customer Services
Web: www.markes.com to obtain a ‘returns Number’ to authorise the return of your
Email: orders@markes.com goods. Any product returned without this number might not
• Markes International Inc. be accepted.
270 Presidential Drive

Wilmington Shipping
DE 19807
Our shipment terms are ex-works (incoterms EXW) Llantrisant,
USA
UK, unless otherwise stated. Carriage charges invoiced will
Tel: (toll free) 1-866-483-5684 vary according to destination, weight and volume of shipment
Web: www.markes-usa.com and may include charges in addition to actual freight costs.
Email: enquiries@markes.com Markes reserves the right to select the carrier and the most
Orders may also be placed with any of our global appropriate method of transportation for the goods.
distributors: www.markes.com/Global-Distributors.aspx
If you wish Markes to freight collect, please supply details of
your preferred carrier and account number. In the event that
the carrier does not recognise or accept the given details,
Markes reserves the right to select the carrier and invoice
Ordering directly from Markes
accordingly.
Please supply your account reference (if applicable) plus

Warranties and disclaimers
shipping and billing information with your order. For new
accounts, our Customer Services department may contact you
The warranty period begins on delivery of the goods unless
for further information and may require pre-payment of your
otherwise agreed and is effective in the country goods are
first order via credit card or bank transfer.
shipped to. If goods are moved to another country the
warranty may be invalidated. Contact Markes for further
Pricing
information.
Prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time

Markes’ warranties do not apply to defects resulting from:
of order. If you require a quotation or price prior to placing
improper or inadequate maintenance; repair or calibration by
your order, please contact Markes directly. All prices are ex-
customer; customer or third party hardware or software,
works and ex-VAT (purchase tax).
interfacing or supplies; unauthorized modification, improper
use or operation outside of the specifications for the product;
Orders and returns
abuse, negligence, accident, loss or damage in transit, or
improper site preparation.
Orders are subject to acceptance by Markes and are
acknowledged in writing (by fax or email). Your order
acknowledgement will confirm the price and expected shipment THE ABOVE WArrANTIES ArE EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHEr
date of your order. Markes will make all reasonable efforts to WArrANTY, WHETHEr WrITTEN Or OrAL, IS EXPrESSED Or
meet expected shipment dates. IMPLIED. MArKES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WArrANTIES OF SATISFACTOrY QUALITY AND FITNESS FOr A
PArTICULAr PUrPOSE.
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The majority of thermal desorption applications require sampling

of gases or vapours using sorbent tubes. The choice of tube type
Sorbent Tubes
and sorbent(s) is critical if the application is to be successful.
Markes International is a world-leader in thermal desorption and

associated sampling technologies. The company offers the widest
available range of TD sample tubes, backed up by expert advice
on sorbent selection which is available free of charge to all
customers.
Industry standard sorbent tubes (3½” long x

¼” O.D.)
Sorbent tubes 2
Stainless steel and inert coated tubes 3
Glass tubes 3
SafeLok™ tubes 4
Conditioning sorbent tubes 5
Special tube packing services 5
Part numbers for 3½” tubes 6
Popular tube types for general and specific applications 7
Cross reference to old part numbers 7
Sorbent selection 8
Single bed sorbent tubes 9
Dual bed sorbent tubes 9
Three bed sorbent tubes 10
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Sorbent tubes All Markes’ tubes are etched with a unique serial
number (e.g. Mi ######) so that the tube history
Thermal desorption (TD) samples are most commonly (sorbent packing(s), sampling details etc.) can be
collected using sorbent tubes. The choice of tube and easily logged. Markes’ exciting new development,
p 11
sorbent(s) is critical if the application is to be TubeTAG™ , allows this information to be
1 electronically written to each tube and automatically
successful .
p 65
read by the Markes’ thermal desorber system .
Tubes are available in stainless steel, inert coated

stainless steel and glass to suit your application. In Tubes are packed by mass (or bed length equivalent)
addition, specialised tubes are available for sampling in to a tolerance of ±2.5% or better. All pre-packed
Sorbent Tubes
p4 tubes are impedance tested prior to shipment, and

ultra-trace level environments (SafeLok™ tubes ).
each pack is supplied with a signed and dated quality
Markes also offers a range of additional services report detailing the mass of sorbent(s) in each tube.
including tube conditioning, a repacking service for Additional documentation, detailing maximum sorbent
existing tubes, special etching and barcoding. temperatures and suggested conditioning parameters,
is supplied with each pack of tubes.
Tube dimensions
Unrivalled choice of sorbents
Industry standard 3½” long tubes

Markes offers an unparalleled choice of packed tubes.
3½” (89 mm) long x ¼” (6.4 mm) O.D. tubes are Available sorbent options include:
standard for most thermal desorption applications.
®
These dimensions are recommended by key • Porous polymers including the Tenax TA/Gr,
® ®
2
international standard methods including US EPA Chromosorb , PoraPak™ and HayeSep series
Method TO-17, EN ISO 16017, EN 14662, ASTM sorbents
D-6196, etc. Extensive retention volume, safe • Graphitised carbon blacks including the
sampling volume and diffusive uptake rate data are Carbograph™, Carbopack™ and Carbotrap™ series
published in these standard methods and can all be sorbents
applied to Markes’ tubes.
• Carbonised molecular sieves including UniCarb™,
Carbosieve™ SIII and the Carboxen™ series
Glass 3½” (89 mm) long tubes are also available in an
sorbents
economical 6 mm O.D. format.
• Traditional molecular sieves including 5Å & 13X
DAAMS 4½” long tubes
3 As well as a wide range of ‘off-the-shelf’ pre-packed
DAAMS tubes are sometimes specified for chemical
tubes, Markes’ technical experts are available to advise
agent monitoring applications. These 4½” (115 mm)
on sorbent combinations and to recommend tube types
long glass tubes are available in two versions: standard
for specific applications, where required. Alternatively,
flow (6 mm) and high-flow (10 mm with 6 mm ends).
p 60 you may specify your own combination of sorbents.
See “Defence and Forensic” for further information.
Pre-packed tubes - Quality assured
Packing thermal desorption tubes is a highly skilful and

time consuming operation. Incorrectly packed tubes
may suffer from sorbent movement and air space
formation, resulting in sampling errors, or from over-
compression and high impedance resulting in pump
failure and/or inefficient thermal desorption. Markes
International is an ISO9001 accredited company and
all Markes tubes are packed under stringent quality
control procedures. 1. TDTS 05: Advice on sorbent selection and conditioning sample tubes
2. TDTS 03: Relevant national and international standard methods
3. Depot Area Air Monitoring Systems, as used in some chemical agent
destruction and storage facilities
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Stainless steel and inert coated Glass tubes
stainless steel tubes
Glass tubes are inert and widely used for reactive
p 53
Stainless steel and inert coated stainless steel sorbent species or for direct desorption of materials . They
tubes are available in industry standard dimensions are available in the following formats:
(3½” (89 mm) long x ¼” (6.4 mm) O.D. x 5 mm I.D.).
Coated tubes have an extremely thin (Ångströms) inert • Industry standard:
layer bonded to the surfaces of the stainless steel tube
3½” (89 mm) long x ¼” (6.4 mm) O.D. x 4 mm
and primary (front) sorbent retaining gauze, to make
I.D. packed with up to three sorbents
the sampler totally inert. The tube dimensions are not
Sorbent Tubes
Options include:
altered by this coating.
• Standard restricted tubes (sorbent retaining
restriction positioned 15 mm from one end)
Stainless steel tubes are suitable for the majority of
p 53
VOC monitoring applications across a wide range of • Tubes for direct desorption (usually supplied
compound types, atmospheric concentration levels and empty, with sorbent retaining restriction
sampling methodologies. However, for thermally labile positioned 30 mm from one end)
compounds, inert coated stainless steel (or glass)
• Unrestricted tubes
tubes are recommended. For ultra-trace atmospheric
p4
concentrations, SafeLok tubes are recommended. • 3½” (89 mm) long x 6 mm O.D. x 4 mm I.D.
packed with up to three sorbents1
Stainless steel/inert coated tubes may be supplied: p 61
• DAAMS tubes [4½” (115 mm) long]. These are
p 53
• empty (e.g. for direct desorption applications ) typically packed with one or two sorbent beds
retained with quartz wool plugs. Two types are
• pre-packed with up to three sorbent beds
available:
• pre-packed, conditioned and capped with long-term • 6 mm O.D. low-flow tubes
storage caps - ready for immediate use
• 10 mm O.D. high-flow tubes with 6 mm ends
Empty tubes are supplied with a pre-fitted sorbent

Glass tubes are not suitable for diffusive (passive)
retaining gauze, a second retaining gauze and a spring.
sampling.
Stainless steel tubes are compatible with either

p 32 p 45
pumped or diffusive sampling. However, please
note that only the front/first sorbent plays any part in
diffusive sampling. Therefore tubes packed with more
than one sorbent bed, are generally used for pumped
sampling.
A range of Markes’ glass TD tubes:- 3½” and 4½” long,

with ¼” and 6 mm O.D.
For part numbers and configuration guide for

glass sorbent tubes, see pages 6-10. For
information on DAAMS tubes see page 61.
p 12
Markes’ TubeTAG electronic labels are
Markes’ 3½” x ¼” stainless steel and inert coated tubes
available for both stainless steel and glass tubes.
For part numbers and configuration guide for

1. 3.5” long x 6 mm O.D. glass tubes are only compatible with Markes’
stainless steel and inert coated sorbent tubes, TD-100 or UlTRA autosamplers when configured with 6 mm Difflok
see pages 6-10. capsp 16. Contact Markes International directly for further information
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Safelok™ tubes Diffusion limiting
1
SafeLok tubes incorporate Markes’ patented diffusion- While the process of diffusion limiting has been
p 16
locking technology at either end of the sorbent tube, employed before in special tube caps or inlet
p 36
protecting the sample from ingress or loss of volatiles. devices , Markes’ breakthrough has been to
They are available in stainless steel or inert-coated incorporate the technology inside the sorbent tube
stainless steel and provide a unique solution for a itself. This means that the integrity of clean and
number of challenging air sampling applications. For sampled tubes is maintained throughout storage,
example, they stop the ingress of artefacts when trace transport and the analytical thermal desorption
level samples are being uncapped and recapped in process. The impedance of SafeLok tubes does not
Sorbent Tubes
contaminated laboratory environments. They also differ significantly from standard packed tubes.
facilitate pumped sampling over extended periods at
low (1-2 ml/min) flow rates.
For routine air monitoring applications SafeLok tubes

significantly reduce the risk of contamination from
poorly fitted or loose caps and prevent necking or
other damage to the ends of tubes caused by over-
tightening of tube seals. By preventing outgassing of
analytes from the tube, SafeLok technology also makes
it safer to handle tubes that have been used to collect
very dangerous compounds.
With industry standard external dimensions, SafeLok Schematic of SafeLok tube packed with two sorbents
tubes are fully compliant with key international

methods (e.g. US EPA TO-17, EN ISO16017-1, ASTM Packed Safelok tubes
D6196). They also comply with all the published
retention and safe sampling volume data for equivalent SafeLok tubes may be packed with up to three sorbent
2
standard tubes . Note that SafeLok tubes cannot be beds and require conditioning and capping in the usual
used for diffusive sampling. way prior to use.
SafeLok tubes are compatible with most standard tube Please note that SafeLok tubes cannot be repacked and
p 16 p 16
fittings including storage caps , DiffLok caps , they therefore have a finite lifetime depending on the
p 12 p 36
TubeTAG , the TC-20 conditioning unit and the sorbents they contain.
p 37
MTS-32 sequential sampler .
Inert Safelok tubes
SafeLok tubes may also be ordered with an inert

coating. In this case the tube itself, the front diffusion
limiting insert and the front sorbent retaining gauze
are all inert coated.
For part numbers and details of how to configure

Safelok sorbent tubes, see pages 6-10.
SafeLok tube (LHS) and standard tube
1. Patent # GB 2337513 US 6,564656 B1

2. TDTS 20: Confirming sorbent tube retention volumes and checking for
analyte breakthrough
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Conditioning sorbent tubes Repacking/unpacking service for metal and glass
tubes
Prior to sampling, all sorbent tubes must be rigorously
conditioned and then capped with suitable long-term Existing (industry standard dimension) thermal
storage caps. Freshly packed sorbent tubes contain desorption tubes from any manufacturer can be
high levels of VOCs and need stringent conditioning - repacked with fresh sorbent, by Markes. Tubes should
often over a two to three hour period - to ensure they be returned empty and with the gauze retaining spring
are suitably clean for use. Markes’ thermal desorption (where applicable). Tubes are cleaned, fitted with a
systems incorporate a tube conditioning mode for this new sorbent retaining gauze at the sampling end, and
1 p4
purpose . Markes also offers a dedicated tube repacked to your specification. Note that SafeLok
Sorbent Tubes
p 36
conditioning system - the TC-20 . This can condition tubes are not suitable for repacking.
up to twenty (20) 3½” long tubes simultaneously.
A tube unpacking service is also available. returned
Alternatively, tubes can be purchased rigorously tubes must be supplied with a signed safety statement
pre-conditioned and capped with ¼” brass, long-term confirming that the tubes have been desorbed prior to
p 16
storage caps . return.
Unpacking/repacking of tubes can be configured in the

p6
tube part number .
Re-conditioning service
Existing (industry standard dimension) sorbent tubes

may be returned to Markes for conditioning.
Customers may supply their own long-term brass
storage caps or have new ones fitted. All returned
caps are inspected to ensure that they, and the
combined PTFE ferrules, are suitable for futher use.
Any damaged or missing caps/ferrules will be replaced
by Markes.
Markes’ TC-20 tube conditioner with pre-conditioned and
capped tubes
EN-1076 compliance
Stainless steel sorbent tubes can be purchased with full

EN-1076 compliance (i.e. sampler requirements conform
Special tube packing services to those stated in section 6.2 EN-1076:2008).
Markes prides itself on providing a unique and tailored Barcodes

response to its customers’ needs. Therefore, as well
as the standard options detailed previously, we are In certain circumstances, barcodes may be etched onto
happy to offer a number of specialised services stainless steel tubes for automated scanning of tube
including: serial numbers. To discuss available symbologies and
specifications, please contact Markes directly.
Special etching of sorbent tubes
All Markes’ sorbent tubes are etched with a unique serial For further details and prices for any of these special
number, Mi ######. Up to ten additional alpha- tube packing services please contact Markes
numeric characters may be etched on batches of tubes (consumables@markes.com), or your local Markes
to provide extra information where required, e.g. etching distributor.
project names or sorbent codes.
1. Conditioning tagged tubesp 12 using a series 2 UlTRA-UNITY or
TD-100 system configured with on-board tag read/writep 13 allows the
Special etching of tubes can be configured in the tube
p6 total number of thermal cycles (analytical and conditioning) to be
part number . recorded and tracked.
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Part numbers for 3½” tubes1 Step Description
Prefix letter C
Markes’ sorbent tubes are sold in packs of 10 and are
1. Select # sorbents 0 Empty tube
specified by an extended part number. This system
allows unique flexibility and also ensures easy 1 1 sorbent bed
re-ordering of duplicate packs at a later date. 2 2 sorbent beds
3 3 sorbent beds
The alphanumeric part number is built up as follows:
2. Select tube type A Stainless steel (st st), 3½” x ¼”
[X(1)]
C # - x (1)x (2)x (3)x (4)- # # # #
Sorbent Tubes
B Glass, 3½” x ¼”, restriction @

15 mm
To configure a part number, follow the step-by-step
C Inert coated stainless steel,
procedure below and right: 3½” x ¼”
D SafeLok, st st, 3½” x ¼”

C - prefix letter for all sorbent tube part numbers
E SafeLok, inert, 3½” x ¼”
# - digit 0-3: indicates number of sorbent beds required F Glass, unrestricted, 3½” x ¼”
G repacked tube
X( 1 ) - letter: indicates tube material and/or type
H Unpacked/repacked tube
L DAAMS, glass, 4½” x 6 mm

X( 2 ) - letter: indicates if tube to be
conditioned/capped M DAAMS, glass, 4½” x 10 mm,
6 mm ends (high flow)
p 11 N Glass, 3½” x ¼”, restriction @
X( 3 ) - letter: indicates if TubeTAG is to be fitted
30 mm
P Glass, 3½” x 6 mm, unrestricted

X( 4 ) - letter: indicates if special etching is required
Q Glass, 3½” x 6 mm, restriction
#### - unique 4 digit number precisely defining @ 15 mm
sorbent combination (see pages 9-10 for codes) 3. Tube conditioning A Standard tubes, cond/capped,
[X(2)] ¼” brass storage caps
B Standard tubes, cond/capped,

6 mm brass storage caps
Notes when configuring part numbers C Tagged ¼” metal tubes,

cond/capped, brass storage caps
D Tagged ¼” glass tubes, cond

• Ensure you match the O.D. of your tubes (¼” or
/capped, brass storage caps
6 mm) and the TubeTAG option (stainless steel or
E Tagged 6 mm glass tubes, cond
glass) to the correct storage caps in step 3
/capped, brass storage caps
• Ensure you select the correct TubeTAG option for F Tubes conditioned only
your tubes (stainless steel or glass) in step 4 (customer to supply caps)
X Tubes not conditioned/capped
4. TubeTAG A TubeTAG attached to stainless

[X(3)] steel tubes (¼”)
B PTFE TubeTAG attached to glass

tubes (both ¼” and 6 mm)
X No TubeTAG required
5. Special etching A Special etching required.

[X(4)] Up to 10 additional alpha-
numeric characters may be
etched on each tube.
X No special etching required
6. Select 4-digit #### See pp 9-10 for sorbent codes.

1. For 4½” DAAMS tubes see page 61 sorbent code For empty tubes use 0000
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Popular 3½” tube types for general and Cross reference to old part numbers
specific applications
Use this table to find the Markes’ part number you
Configured part numbers for commonly requested have previously ordered and the equivalent new part
sorbent tubes recommended by Markes, are listed number.
below.
Description/Sorbents Part number Old part Brief description New part #

(pack 10) number (pack 10)
Empty, stainless steel (St St) C0-AXXX-0000 C-TBE10 Empty, stainless steel C0-AXXX-0000
Sorbent Tubes
Empty, ¼” glass, restriction @ 15 mm C0-BXXX-0000 C-TBP1T St St, Tenax TA C1-AXXX-5003
Empty, ¼” glass, unrestricted C0-FXXX-0000
C-TBP1T + St St, Tenax TA, cond/capped C1-AAXX-5003
St St, Tenax TA (35/60), (C6/7 to C26) C1-AXXX-5003 C-CNC10
St St, Tenax TA, cond/capped C1-AAXX-5003 C-TBP1P St St, Chromosorb 106 C1-AXXX-5004
St St, Carbograph 1TD™ (40/60), (C5/6 to C1-AXXX-5009 C-TBP1C St St, Carbograph 1TD C1-AXXX-5009
C14)
C-TBP1S St St, UniCarb C1-AXXX-5030
St St, Carbograph 1TD, cond/capped C1-AAXX-5009
St St , Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD, (C5/6 to C2-AXXX-5032 C-HY010 St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph C2-AXXX-5032
C20) (Hydrophobic) 1TD (Hydrophobic)
St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD, C2-AAXX-5032 C-AT010 St St, Carbograph 1TD/ C2-AXXX-5031
cond/capped (Hydrophobic) Carboxen 1000 (Air Toxics)
St St, Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen 1003 C2-AXXX-5270 C-UN010 St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph C3-AXXX-5034
(60/80), (C2/3 to C12) (Air Toxics) 1TD/Carboxen 1000 (Universal)
St St, Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen 1003, C2-AAXX-5270 C-GT010 Empty, ¼” glass, restriction @ C0-BXXX-0000
cond/capped, (Air Toxics) 15 mm
St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD (40/60), C2-AXXX-5149
C-GT010UF Empty, ¼” glass, unrestricted C0-FXXX-0000
(Soil Gas)
St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD, C2-AAXX-5149 C-GTP1T Glass, restricted, Tenax TA C1-BXXX-5039
cond/capped, (Soil Gas)
C-GTP1T + Glass, restricted, Tenax TA, C1-BAXX-5039
Inert coated, Tenax TA/UniCarb (60/80), C2-CXXX-5033
C-CN010 cond/capped
(labile compounds, wide volatility range)
(landfill Gas) C-SK010 SafeLok tubes, St St, Tenax TA C1-DXXX-5003
Inert coated, Tenax TA/UniCarb, cond/capped C2-CAXX-5033

(landfill Gas)
St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen C3-AXXX-5266

1003, (C2/3 to C20) (Universal)
St St, Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen C3-AAXX-5266
1003, cond/capped (Universal)
St St, Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X (40/60), C2-AXXX-5132
(B, T, X & 1,3-butadiene)
St St, Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X, C2-AAXX-5132
cond/capped
St St, UniCarb tube (C3-C6, diffusive C1-AXXX-5030
sampling of VCM, CS2 )
St St, UniCarb tube, cond/capped C1-AAXX-5030
St St, graphitised carbon, (DHS application) C2-AXXX-5126
Glass, restricted, Tenax TA (C6/7 to C26), C1-BXXX-5039

restriction @ 15 mm
Glass, restricted, Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen C2-BXXX-5259
1003 (Air Toxics), restriction @ 15 mm
Glass, restricted, Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen C2-BAXX-5067

1003, cond/capped (Air Toxics), restriction
@ 15 mm
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8
Sorbent selection Sorbent strengths
Sorbents are classified by strength (weak/medium/ The following table shows a range of sorbents in order
strong) and, generally speaking, the more volatile a of increasing strength.
compound is, the stronger the sorbent required to
retain/trap it. Selecting too weak a sorbent for your Sorbent Strength Maximum
analytes may result in component loss due to temperature
breakthrough during sampling. Selecting too strong a (°C)
sorbent for your analytes may result in incomplete Quartz wool Very weak >450
desorption (recovery) during analysis. Carbograph 2TD Weak >450

Sorbent Tubes
Carbopack C
1 Carbotrap C
Sorbent tubes are supplied in packs of 10 and may be
Tenax TA Weak 350
packed with up to three sorbent beds arranged in order
Tenax Gr
of increasing sorbent strength from the sampling end.
Carbograph 1TD Weak/medium >450
Markes carries out a rigorous QA procedure for all
p2 Carbopack B
packed tubes . Carbotrap
Chromosorb 102 Medium 225
General tube packing guidelines
PoraPak Q Medium 250
• Sorbents in metal tubes are held in place by metal Chromosorb 106 Medium 225
gauzes and gauze retaining springs. Sorbents in
Porapak N Medium 180
glass tubes are held in place by glass restrictions
and/or quartz wool plugs HayeSep D Medium 290
• Precisely weighed masses of sorbents are packed in Carbograph 5TD Medium/strong >450
discrete beds of increasing sorbent strength from Carbopack X Medium/strong >450

the sampling end. The sorbent beds are separated
Carboxen 569 Strong >450
using steel or inert coated steel gauzes, or quartz
UniCarb Strong >450
wool plugs depending on the tube type
Carboxen 1003 Very strong >450
• The maximum number of sorbents is three (3)
Carbosieve SIII Very strong >450
• Sorbents with a low maximum temperature cannot
be combined with sorbents with higher maximum
temperatures
• Porous polymer sorbents (except Tenax) should be

repacked after ~50 thermal cycles. Other sorbent
types should be repacked after 100-200 cycles
• Molecular sieve sorbents (5Å and 13X) are used for

specialised applications only
A Markes sorbent tube of any type (e.g. stainless steel,

glass, inert coated, SafeLok etc.) may be packed with
any (technically sound) combination of sorbents in
order to suit your application. Once defined, that 4-
digit sorbent code will remain valid should you wish to
re-order at a future date.
To obtain your sorbent code, please refer to the tables

on pages 9-10, in combination with the tube
configuration guide on page 6.
1. For larger pack sizes, please order multiple packs of 10
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9
Single bed sorbent tubes (3½” long) Dual bed sorbent tubes (3½” long)
To define the correct unique 4-digit code (####) for To define the correct unique 4-digit code (####) for
your single sorbent tube, use the following table. If your 2-bed sorbent tube, use the following table. For
you have selected metal tubes (stainless steel, inert metal tubes (stainless steel, inert coated stainless or
coated stainless or SafeLok), the 4-digit code you need SafeLok), the code is in the left hand column. For
is in the left hand column. If you have selected glass glass tubes, the code is in the right hand column.
tubes, the 4-digit code is in the right hand column.
4-digit 4-digit
code code
Sorbent Tubes
4-digit Mass Mass 4-digit
1,2,3
code sorbent Sorbent, sorbent code METAl 2-sorbent combinations GlASS
1
METAl (mg) mesh size (mg) GlASS TUBES TUBES
TUBES METAl GlASS TUBES 5141 Quartz wool/Carbograph 2TD 5134
5012 400 Carbograph 2TD 40/60 225 5048
5138 Quartz wool/Tenax TA 5189
5003 200 Tenax TA 35/60 200 5039
5172 Quartz wool/Tenax Gr 5190
5005 200 Tenax Gr 35/60 150 5041
5128 Quartz wool/Carbograph 1TD 5191
5009 400 Carbograph 1TD 40/60 225 5045
5173 Quartz wool/Chromosorb 102 5192
5024 300 Chromosorb 102 60/80 200 5060
5174 Quartz wool/PoraPak Q 5193
5022 300 PoraPak Q 50/80 200 5058
5175 Quartz wool/Chromosorb 106 5194
5004 300 Chromosorb 106 60/80 150 5040
5176 Quartz wool/PoraPak N 5195
5023 470 PoraPak N 50/80 350 5059
5146 Quartz wool/HayeSep D 5196
5153 300 HayeSep D 60/80 200 5170
5126 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD 5197
5015 300 Carbograph 5TD 40/60 250 5051
5020 300 Carbopack X 40/60 250 5056
5178 Carbograph 2TD/Carbopack X 5199
5029 500 Carboxen 569 20/45 250 5065
5179 Carbopack C/Carbopack B 5200
5030 300 UniCarb 60/80 300 5066
5032 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD 5068
5277 500 Carboxen 1003 60/80 300 5258 (Hydrophobic)
5028 600 Carbosieve SIII 60/80 400 5064 5149 Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD (Soil Gas) 5201
5007 650 Molecular Sieve 5Å 400 5043 5140 Tenax TA/Carbopack X 5202
60/80
5033 Tenax TA/UniCarb (landfill Gas) 5069
5006 600 Molecular Sieve 13X 400 5042
5124 Tenax Gr/Carbopack B (TO-17, type 1) 5121
60/80
5125 Carbopack B/Carbosieve SIII 5123
(TO-17, type 2)
Note that alternative sorbents, sorbent mesh 5132 Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X 5155
sizes or specific combinations of sorbents
5181 Carbograph 1TD/UniCarb 5204
(defined by mass or bed length) are available,
5270 Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen 1003 5259
and may be requested from Markes International
(Air Toxics)
(consumables@markes.com). A unique sorbent
5182 Carbograph 1TD/Carbosieve SIII 5205
code will be provided.
5183 Carbograph 5TD/UniCarb 5206
5260 Carbograph 5TD/Carboxen 1003 5261
5185 Carbograph 5TD/Carbosieve SIII 5208
5186 Carbopack X/UniCarb 5209

1. The mesh sizes listed for single sorbent tubes are used in multi-
sorbent tubes unless otherwise specified
5262 Carbopack X/Carboxen 1003 5263
2. Tubes containing two sorbents are packed by mass to give
approximately equal bed lengths for each sorbent
5188 Carbopack X/Carbosieve SIII 5211
3. Where applicable, quartz wool is packed to ~1 cm bed length
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10
Three bed sorbent tubes
To define the correct unique 4-digit code (####) for your 3-bed sorbent tube, use the following table. For metal tubes
(stainless steel, inert coated stainless or SafeLok), the code is in the left hand column. For glass tubes, the code is in
the right hand column.
4-digit 4-digit
code 1,2 code
3-bed sorbent tubes
METAl GlASS
TUBES TUBES
Sorbent Tubes
5164 Quartz wool/Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD 5212
5233 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD/Carbograph 5TD 5213
5234 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X 5214
5235 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD/UniCarb 5215
5264 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen 1003 5265
5163 Carbograph 2TD/Carbograph 1TD/Carbosieve SIII 5216
5035 Carbopack C/Carbopack B/Carbosieve SIII (TO-17, type 3) 5071
5154 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carbograph 5TD 5217
5236 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X 5218
5143 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/UniCarb 5219
5266 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen 1003 (Universal) 5267
5139 Tenax TA/Carbograph 1TD/Carbosieve SIII 5220
5237 Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD/UniCarb 5221
5268 Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD/Carboxen 1003 5269
5239 Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD/Carbosieve SIII 5223
5240 Tenax TA/Carbopack X/UniCarb 5224
5278 Tenax TA/Carbopack X/Carboxen 1003 5272
5242 Tenax TA/Carbopack X/Carbosieve SIII 5226
5243 Carbograph 1TD/Carbograph 5TD/UniCarb 5227
5273 Carbograph 1TD/Carbograph 5TD/Carboxen 1003 5274
5245 Carbograph 1TD/Carbograph 5TD/Carbosieve SIII 5229
5246 Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X/UniCarb 5230
5275 Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X/Carboxen 1003 5276
5248 Carbograph 1TD/Carbopack X/Carbosieve SIII 5232
If you cannot see the combination of sorbents you require, or if you have specific requests relating to mesh
sizes, bed lengths or sorbent masses, please contact Markes (consumables@markes.com) or your local
distributor and we will supply the relevant part number.
1. Tubes containing two sorbents are packed by mass to give

approximately equal bed lengths for each sorbent
2. Where applicable, quartz wool is packed to ~1 cm bed length
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

11
Markes’ patented TubeTAG system is the world’s first electronic

tagging and labelling system for thermal desorption tubes.
TubeTAG allows tube and sample specific information to be
electronically associated with a particular tube for the duration of
a monitoring project, or for the whole life of the tube.
Advanced functionality is introduced through the unique Markes’
TubeTAG
pp 65-66
“tag-ready” ULTrA and TD-100 autosamplers , which offers
direct reading of the tag data during tube analysis. It can also
incorporate tube and sample data from the tag into the analytical
sequence report.
TubeTAG
TubeTAG and accessories 12
ULTrA 2/TD-100 TubeTAG read/write option 13
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12
TubeTAG™ - sorbent tube informatics TubeTAG software
1,2
TubeTAG offers thermal desorption sorbent tube The software allows a high degree of flexibility in
tagging and tracking for ultimate sample traceability. operation. There are administrator and user levels for
Previously, associating data with a particular thermal data access, extensive administrator-defined editing
desorption tube (e.g. tube ID) relied on manual options and built in data protection functionality.
recording and retrieval of information. Barcodes are Information entered onto the tag in the laboratory, prior
p5
now available for TD tubes as a special service , but to field sampling, typically includes: tube serial number;
these cannot be programmed to record tube history or sorbent details/packing date; date of shipping; project
sample specific information. name; billing code; etc. Typical parameters recorded on
the tag during field sampling include: monitoring
TubeTAG consists of rFID tag assemblies for attaching location; sampling method (diffusive/pumped); uptake
onto individual sorbent tubes, a tag read/write device rate/flow rate; sample start/end times. Whenever a tag
SCRIBE 3 is read or written to, a file is created which can be
(TAG ) and operating software .
imported into a local database or integrated with other
TubeTAG
TubeTAG is used to provide a cost-effective and relevant information as part of a Laboratory Information
sophisticated solution to ensure fail-safe tracking of Management System (LIMS).
tubes in transit during, for example, field monitoring

projects. Each tube is fitted with an individual tag and TubeTAG - pre-fitted to sorbent tubes
information can be electronically written to the tag
prior to despatch. Once the tubes reach the field, Pre-packed (and pre-packed/conditioned) sorbent
additional sample collection details can be entered. tubes can be supplied with TubeTAG already fitted by
Back in the laboratory, all stored information can be following the configuration guide on page 6. When
downloaded and entered into the laboratory’s sorbent tubes are supplied pre-fitted with tags, the
information system. Tags can then be easily removed tube serial number, sorbent packing details and tube
from the tubes, prior to desorption, if required. status will already be written to each tag.
Uniquely, users of Markes’ tag-enabled TD

pp 65-66
instrumentation can leave tags fixed to the
same sorbent tubes throughout their life as a
means of tracking tube history.
SCRIBE™
TAG
Information is entered onto the tube tags via a PC-

controlled battery operated TAGSCRIBE. The same
TubeTAG fitted to stainless steel sorbent tube
device is used in the laboratory prior to despatch, to
enter sample collection information in the field, and to
TubeTAG accessories
retrieve information from the tags once the tubes are
returned to the laboratory after monitoring.
TubeTAG - long term storage caps
TubeTAG compatibility Tubes fitted with tags may be capped with brass
storage caps for long-term storage or transportation.
p 16
TubeTAG is available for all Markes’ TD tubes i.e. Each tagged tube requires one standard brass cap
4,5
and the appropriate extended ‘tag-ready’ cap .
• Standard 3½” (89 mm) long x ¼” (6.4 mm) O.D.
p3
stainless steel, inert coated and glass tubes
p3
• 3½” (89 mm) long x 6 mm O.D. glass tubes 1. Patent # US 6,446,515 B2
2. Further information in TubeTAG brochure from Markes International
p4 ®
• Markes’ SafeLok tubes (3½” long x ¼” O.D.) 3. Requires Windows 7/2000/XP/Vista operating systems
4. Ensure you select the correct ‘tag-ready’ cap for your tubes, ¼”
p 61
• 4½” (115 mm) glass DAAMS tubes , 6 mm O.D. stainless steel, ¼” glass or 6 mm glass
5. Storage caps for ¼” st st tubes are supplied with one-piece PTFE
(standard flow) and 10 mm O.D. (6 mm ends)
ferrule as specified by international standard methods such as US EPA
(high flow) Method TO-17, ASTM D6196 and EN ISO 16017
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

13
Tools analytical quality assurance. TubeTAG read/write
capability can also confirm the tube pairing used, when
Tools are available for fixing/removing tags from
combined with Markes’ automated re-collection
stainless steel and glass tubes, and a TAGLok tool for pp 64, 66
systems .
tightening/removing standard and tag-ready storage
caps is recommended.
Description Part number
Pumped sampling adaptors TubeTAG start-up kit (st st tubes) C-TAGKT
Pumped sampling adaptors ease the attachment of the TubeTAG for st st tubes, pk 10 C-TAG10
sampling line to the tagged tube when connecting to TubeTAG for st st tubes, pk 100 C-TAG100
personal monitoring pumps.
TubeTAG for glass tubes, pk 10 C-TAGG10
TubeTAG starter kit TubeTAG for glass tubes, pk 100 C-TAGG100
A TubeTAG start-up kit (for stainless steel tubes) is TAGSCRIBE read/write device for all TubeTAGs C-SCrIBE
TubeTAG
available in a convenient carry case. The kit contains: TubeTAG fixing/removal tool for st st tubes C-TAGTL
SCRIBE
TAG (including software CD, cable and battery),
TubeTAG fixing/removal key for glass tubes C-TAGKY
pack of 10 tags for metal tubes, TubeTAG
fixing/removal tool for metal tubes, pk 10 pairs ¼” TAGLok tool for tightening/removing standard C-TAGLOK
and TAG-ready ¼” storage caps
brass storage caps and a TAGLok tool.
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, Std/tag-ready, C-TCFP10
pk 10 pairs, for ¼” metal tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, Std/tag-ready, C-TCFP100

pk 100 pairs, for ¼” metal tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, tag-ready, C-TCF10

pk 10, for ¼” metal tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, tag-ready, C-TCF100

pk 100, for ¼” metal tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & blind PTFE ferrule, tag- C-T4GCF10

ready, pk 10 for ¼” glass tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & blind PTFE ferrule, tag- C-T4GCF100

ready, pk 100 for ¼” glass tubes
Cap, brass, 6 mm & blind PTFE ferrule, tag- C-T6GCF10

ready, pk 10 for 6 mm glass tubes
TubeTAG Starter kit
Cap, brass, 6 mm & blind PTFE ferrule, tag- C-T6GCF100
ready, pk 100 for 6 mm glass tubes
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 10 C-CF010

for untagged end of all ¼” tubes
UlTRA 2/TD-100 TubeTAG read/write
Cap, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 100 C-CF100
option for untagged end of all ¼” tubes
Cap, brass, 6 mm, & PTFE ferrule, pk 10 C-CF010-XZ

When TubeTAG is used in combination with Markes’ for untagged end of all 6 mm tubes
pp 65-66
autosamplers , tube traceability is enhanced Cap, brass, 6 mm & PTFE ferrule, pk 100 C-CF100-XZ
even further. They offer the option of reading for untagged end of all 6 mm tubes
information from the tags and automatically Pumped sampling adaptor, ¼” tubes, pk 10 C-TPA10
inputting this into the automation sequence table.
Pumped sampling adaptor, ¼” tubes, pk 100 C-TPA100
Information such as tube number, sampled volume,
diffusive sampling time, etc. can then be associated Pumped sampling adaptor, 6 mm tubes, pk 10 C-TPAX10
with the TD-GC(MS) run. At the end of each analysis, Pumped sampling adaptor, 6 mm tubes, pk 100 C-TPAX100
the autosampler can also write to the tag e.g. to
increment the number of thermal cycles, change the
tube status or clear sample-specific data from the tag,
See also page 6 to configure sorbent tubes with
ready for the next field monitoring operation. These tags already pre-fitted.
capabilities ensure that relevant data can be tracked
for each tube throughout its lifetime, for enhanced
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

14
Tube Accessories
Markes offers a range of tube accessories to support every TD

application. From tools to assist with routine tube maintenance
and storage, to labour-saving tube inserts for direct desorption,
Markes’ tube accessories are designed to make the analyst’s life
easier.
Tube accessories
Gauzes, springs and clips 15
Tools 15
Storage caps 16
DiffLok caps 16
Unions for linking tubes together in series 17
Sorbent tube shipment boxes 17
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15
Gauzes, springs and clips TubeMate™ tool
Sorbent retaining gauzes - for metal tubes The TubeMate tool is used to insert (and remove) the
gauze retaining spring in metal tubes. Once the spring
Sorbent retaining gauzes are manufactured to precise is partially inserted into the end of the tube, TubeMate
tolerances to ensure that they correctly fit the front grips the spring and enables it to be twisted into place
groove of metal (stainless steel/inert coated) tubes. with very little effort. reversing this process aids the
Accessories
The placement of the front gauze is critical for diffusive removal of the springs when unpacking old tubes. The
1 other end of the TubeMate tool can also be used to
sampling as it defines the diffusion gap . All Markes’
3½” metal tubes are supplied with this critical front push the rear sorbent retaining gauze down onto the
4
gauze correctly and firmly fitted. Gauzes may also be sorbent surface .
used to separate sorbent beds in metal multi-sorbent
tubes. For inert coated tubes, gauzes in contact with
the sample stream are also inert coated.
TubeTAG
Gauze-retaining springs
Gauze-retaining springs are used in metal tubes to
Tube
ensure the rear sorbent retaining gauze remains
positioned correctly on top of the sorbent bed. Springs
should be inserted and removed from the tubes using
the Markes’ TubeMate™ tool.
CapLok & TubeMate tools, gauzes, springs and penclips
Penclips
Penclips attach to the groove on 3½” metal tubes, so Description Part number
that they may be easily fastened to a lapel or pocket
Sorbent retaining gauzes, pk 20 C-GZ020
for personal monitoring.
Sorbent retaining gauzes, inert, pk 10 C-GZI10

Tools Sorbent retaining gauzes, inert, pk 100 C-GZI100
Gauze retaining springs, pk 10 C-SP010

Caplok™ tool
Gauze retaining springs, pk 100 C-SP100
p 16
Long-term storage caps must be correctly tightened Penclips, pk 10 C-CL010
in order to ensure a leak tight seal and maintain
Penclips, pk 100 C-CL100
sample integrity. Caps can be tightened “finger tight
plus quarter turn” with conventional CapLok tool C-CPLOK
wrenches/spanners. However, the use of two CapLok tool, pk 10 C-10LOK

standard wrenches/spanners can be awkward, and lead
TubeMate Tool C-TBMTE
to incorrect positioning of caps and other errors; for
example, over tightening of the caps may cause
distortion of the PTFE ferrules and a leaking seal. In
severe cases of overtightening, the ends of tubes can
be ‘crimped’ (stainless steel) or broken (glass). The
2
CapLok tool was designed by scientists at INErIS to
simplify tube capping/uncapping procedures whilst
1. TDTS 08: Principles of diffusive monitoring
minimising the risk of errors, and is manufactured
3 2. INERIS: l'Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des
exclusively by Markes International . Risques, France
p 11
3. For tubes fitted with tags , a TAGlok tool should be used which
fits both standard caps & TAG-ready caps
4. The TubeMate is not recommended for accurate positioning of the
primary sorbent retaining gauze at the sampling end of the tube
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16
Caps Difflok™ caps
long-term storage caps with combined PTFE Tubes on all Markes’ autosamplers are sealed with
ferrules unique DiffLok caps, which simply push onto both ends
3
of every tube. DiffLok caps utilise Markes’ patented
For long-term storage (or transportation) of conditioned diffusion-limiting technology (also found in SafeLok
p4
or sampled tubes, 2-piece metal storage caps fitted with tubes ), to preserve sample integrity by preventing
Tube Accessories
combined PTFE ferrules (¼” or 6 mm I.D.) must be both analyte loss and artefact ingress. Even volatile
selected. They are available in brass and lightweight analytes are confidently preserved on sorbent tubes
aluminium. These caps are recommended by giving identical recovery for standards at the beginning
international standard methods such as US EPA Method and end of a 100-tube sequence. DiffLok caps have
TO-17, ASTM D6196 and EN ISO 16017 and have been been field-proven to seal sampled and blank tubes
1
validated for up to 27 months storage of sampled/blank much more effectively than older PTFE push on caps
tubes. The caps meet a stringent cleanliness incorporating PTFE-coated o-rings. (N.B. Push-on PTFE
specification and tight manufacturing tolerances. caps have been shown to allow significant analyte
2
loss .)
p 12
For tubes fitted with tags an extended tag-ready
long-term storage cap must be used on the
non-sampling end of the tube. (Tag-ready caps use the
same combined PTFE ferrules as standard caps.)
xylene
toluene
Peak area counts (x 10 )
6
benzene
Time loaded tube spent on UlTRA prior to desorption (mins)
No analyte loss from Tenax tubes capped with DiffLok

caps and analysed on ULTRA over a 24 hour period
¼” brass long-term storage caps, CapLok tool and
capped tube
DiffLok caps are available for ¼”, 6 mm and 8 mm
O.D. tubes and in stainless steel or inert coated
Note: One-piece PTFE ferrules should be replaced after
stainless steel. Inert coated caps are only ever
approximately 20 operations.
required for the sampling end of the tube and only
when analysing reactive compounds. replacement o-
Push-on caps for short term storage
rings are also available for routine maintenance of the
caps.
Aluminium push-on caps with o-ring seals, are
convenient for short-term storage of cleaned or sampled
¼” tubes, e.g. when they are being analysed almost
immediately after sampling. However, push-on caps
2
should not be used for long-term storage .
1. F. lindquist, H Bakkeren, CEC commissioned report from TNO,

Netherlands, No R90/268 (1990), Stability of chlorinated hydrocarbons
on Tenax
2. P. P. Ballesta, Diffusive Monitor Issue 9 (Nov 1997), losses from
ATD-400 DiffLok caps
3. Patent # GB 2337513 US 6,564656 B1
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17
Description Part number ¼-¼” stainless steel unions for
Cap, storage, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 10 C-CF010
connecting tubes together in series
Cap, storage, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 20 C-CF020 pp 9-10

Multi-bed sorbent tubes are commonly used for
Cap, storage, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 100 C-CF100 sampling atmospheres containing VOCs, which cover a
Cap, storage, brass, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, pk 200 C-CF200 wide volatility range. However, single sorbent tubes
connected in series are a useful alternative, for example
Cap, storage, aluminium, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, C-CFA20
Tube Accessories
when monitoring breakthrough from the front (primary)
pk 20
tube.
Cap, storage, aluminium, ¼” & PTFE ferrule, C-CFA200
pk 200
Up to three ¼” OD tubes may be connected in series
Ferrule, ¼” combined PTFE, pk 20 C-FP020
using ¼-¼” stainless steel unions which have been fitted
Ferrule, ¼” combined PTFE, pk 200 C-FP200
with the same one-piece PTFE ferrules as used in ¼”
Cap, storage, brass, 6 mm & PTFE ferrule, pk 10 C-CF010-XZ storage caps. After sampling, the tubes are
Cap, storage, brass, 6 mm & PTFE ferrule, pk 20 C-CF020-XZ disconnected, capped and stored individually. Linking
sorbent tubes in series allows the use of sorbent
Cap, storage, brass, 6 mm & PTFE ferrule, pk 100 C-CF100-XZ
combinations that cannot be packed into a single tube
Cap, storage, brass, 6 mm & PTFE ferrule, C-CF200-XZ (e.g. Chromosorb/UniCarb). It also eliminates the risk of
pk 200
higher boiling analytes migrating to the stronger sorbents
Ferrule, 6 mm combined PTFE, pk 20 C-FP020-XZ during storage.
Ferrule, 6 mm combined PTFE, pk 200 C-FP200-XZ
Cap, push-on, aluminium, ¼”, pk 20 C-AC020
Cap, push-on, aluminium, ¼”, pk 200 C-AC200 Sorbent tube shipment boxes
Cap, DiffLok, st st, ¼”, pk 10 C-DL010
Two shipment boxes are available for 3½” long tubes:
• Standard ribbed cardboard box for pk 10
Cap, DiffLok, inert, ¼”, pk 10 C-DLS10
pre-packed (uncapped) 3½” tubes
Cap, DiffLok, inert, ¼”, pk 100 C-DL1S0
• Large ribbed cardboard box for pk 5 pre-conditioned,
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, ¼”, pk 10 pairs C-DLP10 capped and/or tagged tubes (3½”). These boxes
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, ¼”, pk 100 pairs C-DL1P0 also ensure that storage caps remain firmly in
position, even when subjected to extremes of
O-ring, low emission, high temp, pk 10 U-COV10
(replacements for ¼” DiffLok caps) temperature.

(replacements for ¼” DiffLok caps)
Cap, DiffLok, st st, 6 mm, pk 10 C-DL010-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, inert, 6 mm, pk 10 C-DLS10-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, inert, 6 mm, pk 100 C-DL1SO-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, 6 mm, pk 10 pairs C-DLP10-XZ

Large ribbed storage box
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, 6 mm, pk 100 pairs C-DL1P0-XZ

(replacements for 6 mm DiffLok caps) Description Part number
O-ring, low emission, high temp, pk 100 U-COV450 Unions, ¼-¼”, st st, & ¼” PTFE ferrules, pk 10 C-UNS10
(replacements for 6 mm DiffLok caps)
Unions, ¼-¼”, st st, & ¼” PTFE ferrules, pk 100 C-UNS100
Also see page 13 for tag-ready ¼” storage caps.
Box, 10 slot, unconditioned tubes, pk 10 C-10BX10
For 8 mm DiffLok caps and o-rings, compatible with Box, 10 slot, unconditioned tubes, pk 100 C-10BX100
8 mm diameter DAAMS tubes, contact Markes Box, 5 slot, conditioned/tagged tubes, pk 10 C-5BX10
(consumables@markes.com).
Box, 5 slot, conditioned/tagged tubes, pk 100 C-5BX100
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18
Markes offers a wide range of bulk sorbents for those customers

who wish to pack their own tubes, or who have other sorbent
requirements.
Careful selection of sorbent type and mesh size is critical for the
Sorbents
successful outcome of any thermal desorption application.
Where several mesh sizes are available, recommended mesh

sizes are marked ‘*’ in the text.
Note that fine mesh sizes lead to high impedance/back pressure.
Attention must be paid to the thermal characteristics of particular

sorbents when selecting and conditioning them. This is
particularly important when packing multi-bed sorbent tubes.
Sorbents
Porous polymers 19
Graphitised carbon blacks 21
Carbonised molecular sieves 22
Molecular sieves 23
Other non-carbon sorbents 24
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19
Porous polymers PoraPak series
Porous polymer sorbents are suitable for a wide range There are several PoraPak porous polymers available
of applications but can exhibit high artefact levels. In that vary both in strength (specific surface area) and
addition, certain polymers (i.e. Chromosorb, PoraPak polarity. The two most commonly used in thermal
and HayeSep) exhibit significant batch to batch desorption applications are PoraPak Q and PoraPak N.
variations in total artefact levels, and can self-generate
1
aromatic hydrocarbons over time . These sorbents are PoraPak Q (50/80)
therefore generally unsuitable for trace-level PoraPak N (50/80)
monitoring.
PoraPak Q is the weaker of these two sorbents, it is
However, most porous polymer sorbents are inert only slightly polar and is a general purpose PoraPak
making them suitable for the analysis of labile and sorbent. PoraPak N is the most polar PoraPak and is
reactive compounds such as mercaptans and CS gas. typically used for monitoring volatile nitriles. It is the
Sorbents
Moreover, their hydrophobic nature allows them to be least thermally stable PoraPak.
used for sampling in humid conditions.
Sorbent Strength: Medium

*
Tenax TA (35/60 ) (60/80)
* Specific surface area: ~550 (m2/g) (Q)
Tenax GR (35/60 ) (60/80)
~300 (m2/g) (N)
Approximate analyte Boiling pt 50°C to 200°C
2
Tenax TA is a general purpose sorbent used in several volatility range:
air monitoring and occupational hygiene applications. It Example analytes: Oxygenated compounds (Q)
is the most thermally stable of the porous polymers, but Volatile nitriles (N)
will still benefit from being used at the lowest possible Sorbent max temp: 250°C (Q)
temperature for the application, to minimise artefacts. 180°C (N)
Recommended Up to 220°C (Q)

Tenax Gr contains 23% graphitized carbon as an conditioning temp: Up to 170°C (N)
integral part of the material (the graphitized carbon is Recommended Up to 190°C (Q)
co-precipitated with the Tenax polymer). For some desorption temp: Up to 165°C (N)
compounds, Tenax Gr offers slightly higher Notes:
breakthrough volumes. Hydrophobic
High artefacts (~10-50 ng/component)
N.B. Conditioned PoraPak may self-generate aromatic
Sorbent strength: Weak hydrocarbons over time. It is recommended that tubes
packed with this sorbent are used as soon as possible after
Specific surface area: ~35 (m2/g)
conditioning
Approximate analyte n-C7 to n-C30 Inert - suitable for labile components
volatility range: Boiling pt 100°C to 450°C repack sorbent tubes after 50 thermal cycles
Example analytes: Aromatics (except benzene) Sorbent not generally suitable for:
Apolar compounds bt >100°C • multi-bed sorbent tubes
Polar compounds bt >150°C • cold traps (special applications only)
Semi-volatile compounds • long-term (>8 hr) diffusive sampling
Sorbent max temp: 350°C
Recommended Up to 325°C
conditioning temp: Other PoraPak sorbents (P, T, S, R, etc.) are
Recommended Up to 300°C available from consumables@markes.com on
desorption temp: request.
Notes:
Hydrophobic
Low inherent artefacts (<1 ng)
Inert - suitable for labile components
Do not exceed sorbent max temp. Sorbent will break down
and may contaminate system flow path
repack sorbent tubes after 100 thermal cycles 1. M. Henderson, The Diffusive Monitor Issue 11 (July 2000), The effect
of storage on blank levels of benzene and total hydrocarbons on
Allows efficient desorption giving sharp GC peaks
Chromosorb 106 tubes
2. Tenax TA has largely replaced Tenax GC for TD applications
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20
Chromosorb series HayeSep D (60/80)
There are several Chromosorb Century series porous HayeSep polymers were developed to exhibit less bleed
polymers varying in strength and polarity. The two and shrinkage than other porous polymers. HayeSep
most commonly used in thermal desorption D is the strongest sorbent in this series. However, its
applications are Chromosorb 102 and Chromosorb 106. use tends to be restricted to very specialised
p 60
applications e.g. chemical agent monitoring .
Chromosorb 102 (60/80)
Chromosorb 106 (60/80) Sorbent strength: Medium
Specific surface area: ~800 (m2/g)

Chromosorb 102 is the weaker of these two medium
Approximate analyte n-C5 to n-C12
strength sorbents and is slightly polar. Chromosorb
volatility range: Boiling pt. 50°C to 200°C
106 is the strongest of the Chromosorb series and is
Example analytes: Specifically used for GB/GE
completely non-polar. It is widely used in occupational
derivatives of VX (CW agents)
Sorbents
hygiene TD applications.
Sorbent max temp: 290°C
Recommended Up to 280°C
Sorbent strength: Medium
conditioning temp:
Specific surface area: ~350 (m2/g) (C102)
Recommended Up to 260°C (see Notes)
~750 (m2/g) (C106) desorption temp:
Approximate analyte Boiling pt. 50°C to 200°C
Notes:
volatility range:
Hydrophobic
Example analytes: Alcohols, oxygenated compounds, High artefacts (~10-50 ng/component)
hydrocarbons, benzene (C106 Inert - suitable for labile components
occupational hygiene monitoring) repack sorbent tubes after 100 thermal cycles or less
Sorbent max temp: 225°C Sorbent not generally suitable for

• multi-bed sorbent tubes
Recommended Up to 220°C • cold traps (special applications only)
conditioning temp: • long-term (>8 h) diffusive sampling
Recommended Up to 190°C (see Notes below)
desorption temp:
Other HayeSep sorbents are available on request
Notes:
(consumables@markes.com).
Hydrophobic
High artefacts (~10 - 50 ng/component)
N.B. Conditioned Chromosorb may self-generate aromatic Description Part number
hydrocarbons over time. It is recommended that tubes
Sorbent, Tenax TA 35/60, 10 g C-TNXTA
packed with this sorbent are used as soon after conditioning
as possible Sorbent, Tenax TA 60/80, 10 g C-TNXTA60
Inert - suitable for labile components
Sorbent, Tenax Gr 35/60, 10 g C-TNXGr
repack sorbent tubes after 100 thermal cycles or less
Sorbent not generally suitable for Sorbent, Tenax Gr 60/80, 10 g C-TNXGr60
• multi-bed sorbent tubes
Sorbent, PoraPak N 50/80, 20 g C-2PPKN
• cold traps (special applications only)
• long-term (>8 h) diffusive sampling Sorbent, PoraPak Q 50/80, 20 g C-2PPKQ
Sorbent, Chromosorb 102 60/80, 20 g C-2C102
Sorbent, Chromosorb 106 60/80, 20 g C-2C106

Other Chromosorb sorbents (101, 103, 105, 107,
108) are available on request from Sorbent, HayeSep D 60/80, 20 g C-2HSPD
consumables@markes.com.
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Graphitised carbon blacks Carbograph 3TD (20/40, 40/60*)
Sorbent strength: Extremely weak
These are non-specific carbon sorbents, widely used for Specific surface area: ~5 m2/g
trace-level applications due to their minimal artefact
levels. They range from the very weak to
volatility range:
medium/strong sorbents and are used for a wide range
Example analytes: semi-volatiles
of VOCs and sVOCs. They are fairly hydrophobic and
therefore suitable for sampling under humid conditions.
They can, however, contain trace levels of metals, Carbograph 2TD (20/40, 40/60*, 60/80),
which means they are not 100% inert. This makes Carbotrap C (20/40), Carbopack C (60/80)
them less suitable for some labile or highly reactive
Sorbent strength: Very weak
species e.g. mercaptans and monoterpenes.
Specific surface area: ~10 m2/g
Physically, these sorbents are very friable i.e. they are Approximate analyte n-C8 to n-C20
Sorbents
susceptible to fines formation, particularly when volatility range:
subjected to mechanical shock. Avoid dropping tubes Example analytes: Alkyl benzenes, hydrocarbons to n-
packed with carbon blacks and ensure they are C20, semi-volatiles
adequately protected during transportation. Over- Notes:
compression of these sorbents during packing can also Not as efficient as Tenax at releasing high-boiling compounds
lead to high back-pressure. In extreme circumstances,

sorbent tubes may become blocked and will need
Carbotrap Y (20/40),
repacking.
Carbopack Y (40/60)
Sorbent strength: Weak

Although generally considered to be non-porous, the
strongest graphitised carbon sorbents (i.e. Carbopack X, Specific surface area: ~24 m2/g
Carbograph 5TD) do exhibit microporosity which Approximate analyte n-C7 to n-C16
improves the ability of these sorbents to trap ultra- volatility range:
volatile compounds. These sorbents therefore provide Example analytes: Hydrocarbons to n-C16
a bridge between the graphitised carbon blacks and
p 22
the stronger carbonised molecular sieves .
Carbograph 1TD (20/40, 40/60*, 60/80),
Carbotrap (20/40), Carbopack B (60/80)
Characteristics of all graphitised carbon blacks
Sorbent strength: Weak/Medium
All the graphitised carbon blacks share certain Specific surface area: ~100 m2/g
characteristics, regardless of their specific surface area.
Approximate analyte n-C5/6 to n-C14
volatility range:
Sorbent max temp: >450°C Example analytes: Ketones, alcohols, aldehydes,

apolar components perfluorocarbon
Recommended 350°C to 400°C
tracer gases
conditioning temp:
Benzene, toluene, xylene; 1 to 4-
Recommended 350°C to 400°C (below conditioning week diffusive exposure in ambient
desorption temp: temp where possible) air
Notes: Notes:
Hydrophobic Widely used “general purpose” sorbent. Often used in two-
Minimal (<0.1 ng) artefacts or three-bed sorbent tubes
Friable and compressible - CArE: Compressing these
sorbents leads to high back-pressures and blocked tubes.
40/60 mesh is recommended for ideal flow characteristics in Carbograph 4TD (20/40)
sorbent tubes and cold traps
Sorbent strength: Medium
repack tubes after 200 thermal cycles
Approximate analyte n-C4/5 to n-C12

volatility range:
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Carbopack Z (60/80) Carbonised molecular sieves
Sorbent strength: Medium/strong
Carbonised molecular sieves are the strongest sorbents
and are used to trap the most volatile compounds.
Approximate analyte n-C4 to n-C8 They operate under a mixture of adsorption and
volatility range:
molecular sieve principles, therefore their specific
surface area is not the key indicator of their strength.
Carbograph 5TD (20/40, 40/60*)
The size and shape of both the analyte molecule and
Carbotrap X (20/40)
the particle pores determine the analytes that each
Carbopack X (40/60*, 60/80)
sorbent is most suited to.
Sorbent strength: Medium/strong
Specific surface area: ~100 m2/g These sorbents are not very hydrophobic and therefore
may require dry purging prior to desorption to remove
Approximate analyte n-C3/4 to n-C6/7 p 35
excess water . Due to their strength, carbonised
volatility range: Boiling pt. 50°C to 150°C
Sorbents
molecular sieves are easily contaminated by higher

Example analytes: Light hydrocarbons
boiling point compounds and should be protected by a
1,3-butadiene 1-week diffusive
exposure front bed of weaker sorbent, except when used for
p 43
diffusive sampling .
All carbonised molecular sieves share certain

Description Part number characteristics.
Sorbent, Carbograph 3TD 20/40, 10 g C-CG320

Sorbent max temp: >450°C
Sorbent, Carbograph 2TD 20/40, 10 g C-CG220 conditioning temp:
desorption temp: N.B. Temperature should be
Sorbent, Carbograph 2TD 60/80, 10 g C-CG260 increased gradually from 100°C,
especially during initial conditioning,
Sorbent, Carbotrap C 20/40, 10 g C-CTC20 to remove oxygen and avoid rapid
Sorbent, Carbopack C 60/80, 10 g C-CPC60 expansion of volatiles which can
crack the sieve
Sorbent, Carbotrap Y 20/40, 10 g C-CTY20
Notes:
Sorbent, Carbopack Y 40/60, 10 g C-CPY40 Minimal (< 0.1 ng) artefacts
Inert - suitable for labile compounds
Sorbent, Carbotrap 20/40, 10 g C-CT020

Carboxen 569 (20/45)
Sorbent, Carbopack B 60/80, 10g C-CPB10
Sorbent, Carbograph 4TD 20/40, 10 g C-CG420 Sorbent strength: Strong
Specific surface area: ~485 m2/g; also operates on

Sorbent, Carbopack Z 60/80, 10 g C-CPZ60
molecular sieve principle
Sorbent, Carbograph 5TD 40/60, 10 g C-CG540 volatility range: Boiling pt. -30°C to 150°C
Example analytes: Volatile hydrocarbons

Sorbent, Carbotrap X 20/40, 10 g C-CTX20
Notes:
Sorbent, Carbopack X 40/60, 10 g C-CPX40
Less hydrophilic than most carbonised molecular sieves
Sorbent, Carbopack X 60/80, 10 g C-CPX60
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23
UniCarb (60/80) (formerly known as Spherocarb) Other carbonised molecular sieves are available
on request (consumables@markes.com).
Sorbent strength: Strong
Specific surface area: ~1200 m2/g, also operates on

Approx analyte n-C3 to n-C8 Sorbent, Carboxen 569 20/45, 10 g C-C569
volatility range: Boiling pt. -30°C to 150°C
Sorbent, UniCarb 60/80, 10 g C-UNCrB
Example analytes: Very volatile compounds e.g. vinyl
chloride monomer, CS2, methanol, Sorbent, Carbosieve SIII 60/80, 10 g C-CSIII
ethanol, acetone etc. Sorbent, Carboxen 1000 60/80, 10 g C-C1000
Used for very volatile but sterically
large molecules, e.g. SF6 Sorbent, Molecular Sieve 5Å, 20 g C-MSV5A
Sorbent, Molecular Sieve 13X, 20 g C-MS13X
Carbosieve SIII (60/80)
Sorbent strength: Very strong
Sorbents
Specific surface area: ~800 m2/g but primarily operates
on molecular sieve principle
Approx analyte ethane to n-C5
volatility range: Boiling pt. -60°C to 80°C
Example analytes: Ultra-volatile hydrocarbons
Notes:
Significantly water retentive - avoid using in humid
conditions if possible
Carboxen 1003 (60/80)
Sorbent strength: Very strong for small molecules
Specific surface area: 1000 m2/g; also operates on

Approx analyte n-C2 to n-C5
volatility range:
Example analytes: Carboxen 1003 offers the best

performance of all the carbon
molecular sieves (e.g. Carbosieve
SIII, Carboxen 1000), from the
perspective of retention of ultra-
light compounds whilst allowing
breakthrough of water. Markes
recommends using Carboxen 1003
for many air monitoring methods
that may previously have specified
Carboxen 1000/Carbosieve SIII
Carboxen 1000 (60/80)
Sorbent strength: Very strong for small molecules
Specific surface area: >1200 m2/g, also operates on

Approx analyte Permanent gases and light
volatility range: hydrocarbons
Boiling pt. -60°C to 80°C
Example analytes: Ultra-volatile hydrocarbons
Notes:
retains some water - avoid using in humid conditions if
possible
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24
Zeolite molecular sieves Other non-carbon sorbents
These are very selective hydrophilic sorbents used for A range of other non-carbon sorbents are available for
specific thermal desorption applications, e.g. specialised applications including:
occupational hygiene monitoring of nitrous oxide (MS
5Å) and 1,3-butadiene (MS 13X). Activated silica gel
Molecular Sieve 5Å This is used primarily in UNITY, UNITY 2 and TD-100

p 67
cold traps for online H2S monitoring. Silica gel is
not usually used in sorbent tubes. It is exceptionally
Pore size: 5 Ångströms hydrophilic, absorbing water up to about 40% by
weight.
Typical application: Nitrous oxide monitoring in
occupational hygiene applications
Quartz beads
Sorbents
Recommended 300°C to 350°C Quartz beads are completely inert and are used
conditioning temp: N.B. Temperature should be p 67 p 62
primarily in UNITY, UNITY 2, TD-100 and TT24-7
increased gradually from 100°C,
cold traps when monitoring high-boiling, chemically
to remove oxygen and avoid rapid active compounds such as chemical warfare agents.
expansion of volatiles which can Quartz beads can be used in sorbent tubes in place of
crack the sieve quartz wool (see below), if required.
Recommended 165°C to suit N2O application
desorption temp:
Notes:
High (~10 ng) artefacts
Significantly hydrophilic - do not use in humid conditions
Molecular Sieve 13X

Quartz beads for use with chemically active
Pore size: 9 Ångströms
compounds
Typical application: 1,3-butadiene monitoring in

occupational hygiene applications Quartz wool

Quartz wool is often used in sorbent tubes as the first
Recommended 300°C to 350°C ‘sorbent’ in a multi-bed sorbent tube when the range
conditioning temp: N.B. Temperature should be
of compounds of interest includes very high-boiling
increased gradually from 100°C,
compounds. It is important that the quartz wool fibres
to remove oxygen and avoid rapid are of the correct diameter; coarse grade quartz wool
expansion of volatiles which can has a high proportion of broken fibres within it and
crack the sieve these fragments can reduce the overall inertness of the
Recommended 265°C to suit 1,3-butadiene material. If total inertness is required, e.g. when
desorption temp: application
analysing extremely labile compounds such as
Notes: mercaptans, then silanised glass wool is recommended.
High (~10 ng) artefacts
Significantly hydrophilic - do not use in humid conditions
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25
Silanised glass wool Activated charcoal is prone to causing analyte
degradation and is only recommended for use in
Silanised glass wool is used in sorbent tubes and traps split flow filter tubes and not as a sorbent within
when analysing extremely labile compounds e.g. sampling tubes.
mercaptans. However, it has a maximum
recommended operating temperature of 250°C Description Part number
because residual silanising reagent can break down at
Sorbent, activated charcoal, 5 g C-CHArC
high temperatures (>275°C), coating the instrument
(not suitable for sampling tubes)
flow path with active degradation products and limiting
its performance, especially with regard to high boilers.
Unsilanised glass wool
Unsilanised glass wool can be used in sorbent tubes
Sorbents
where inertness is not an issue. Tubes must be
rigorously conditioned prior to use.
Sorbent, activated silica gel 40/60, 10 g C-SIL40
Quartz beads, 1.5 mm, pk 100 C-QTZBD
Quartz wool, 10 g C-QUTZW
Glass wool, silanised, 10 g C-SILGW
Glass wool, unsilanised, 10 g C-UNSGW
Activated charcoal
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26
Calibration and Standards
The use of suitable standards is essential for successful and

accurate analysis. Different standards may be required
depending on the process being carried out e.g.
• routine calibration standards for method quantification
• Certified standards for QC/QA/audit purposes
• Instrumentation check standards
Markes International is pleased to offer a range of standards for

thermal desorption applications.
Calibration and standards
Calibration Solution Loading rig 27
Liquid phase calibration - external calibration 27
Internal standard calibration 28
Certified reference Standards 28
Instrumentation check standards 29
Gas standards for external calibration of

environmental methods 29
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27

Method calibration1 carrier gas flow is set, via a needle valve, to between
80 and 100 mL/min. This sweeps the injection port
When calibrating any piece of analytical equipment, it and passes down through the sorbent tube to vent.
is important that the loading and analysis of the The calibration standard (gas or liquid phase) is
standards replicates, as closely as possible, that of the introduced through the injector septum using a
samples themselves. For this reason, a thermal standard GC syringe. The compounds of interest are
desorption-gas chromatograph (TD/GC) system should swept onto the sampling end of the attached tube in
be calibrated by loading the standard onto a sample the stream of carrier gas and reach the sorbent bed in
tube and desorbing it through the system so that it is the vapour phase.
subjected to the complete two-stage thermal
desorption process. Note: Wherever possible, to simplify the analysis
procedure, sufficient volume of carrier gas is allowed to
Both external and internal calibration procedures are pass through the adsorbent bed to remove the bulk of
used with thermal desorption. solvent (liquid standards), whilst compounds of interest
are still quantitatively retained.
Calibration Solution loading Rig

(CSlR™) - external standard calibration liquid phase calibration - external
calibration
Key international standard methods (e.g. US EPA TO-
17), recommend the vapour phase introduction of It is not always possible or convenient to introduce
external standards onto clean sorbent tubes. liquid standards in a stream of carrier gas as described
above. In these cases, liquid standards can be
injected directly using specially packed sorbent tubes
(glass recommended) containing a 1 cm bed of Tenax
TA held in place by a 1 cm bed of quartz wool.
Liquid phase calibration tube - 1 cm bed of Tenax TA
Note: Advice on routine calibration of TD methods is

given in Markes’ TD Technical Support Note 7.
Calibration solution loading rig C-CSLr
Septum, 9.5 mm (for CSLr), pk 10 C-SPTA
Tube, glass, Tenax TA, 1 cm calibration, pk 10 C1-BXXX-5072
Tube, st st, Tenax TA, 1 cm calibration, pk 10 C1-AXXX-5036
Calibration solution loading rig
Markes’ CSLr consists of an unheated injector port

with a controlled carrier gas supply and a sorbent tube
connection point. The sampling end of a fully packed
1. TDTS 07: Calibration: preparing and introducing standards using
sorbent tube is connected to the CSLr via a ¼” brass sorbent tubes
nut and combined (one-piece) PTFE ferrule. The
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28
Internal standard (IS) calibration Certified Reference Standards (CRS)
Many TD air monitoring methods (tube- or canister- All analytical methodology is subject to performance
based) benefit from the addition of gas-phase internal criteria and quality assurance tests. reference
standard (IS). In these cases the TD system must be standards should be used at regular intervals for
configured with a specialised IS addition accessory, i.e. analytical quality assurance and to confirm routine
Markes’ ISDP accessory for series 1 and 2 ULTrA calibration procedures.
pp 64,65 p 66
autosamplers and TD-100 , or Markes’
Canister Interface Accessory for online/canister CrS tubes offered by Markes International are
p 65
samples . prepared by an expert national standards laboratory
following approved methodology (ISO 6145 part 8),
The selection of the IS gas will depend on the and are certified traceable to primary standards.
application. Typical IS compounds include deuterated Standards are prepared by the direct introduction of
hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene-d8) and halogenated known volumes of standard atmospheres into
compounds [such as bromofluorobenzene (BFB)]. The individually labelled sorbent tubes. Analyte masses are
IS gas should be supplied in a pressurised cylinder accurate to ±3% at levels above 100 ng and at ±5%
fitted with a high pressure regulator capable of for masses from 10-100 ng.
supplying standard to the TD system at pressures
between 0 and 50 psig. Typically, CrS tubes are loaded with a small number of
analytes which are representative of the method being
The concentration of IS required is dependent on the undertaken. They provide a convenient tool for in-
expected concentration of the analytes. The general house quality assurance of the complete TD-GC(MS)
rule for concentration of internal standard is: analytical process and associated calibration protocols.
routine use of CrS tubes complies with guidance given
• Expected mass of analyte on the tube = ng
in international standard methods and provides
suggested IS concentration = ppmV
continual assurance of system and procedure reliability,
• Expected mass of analyte on the tube = pg thus contributing to staff confidence. In these
suggested IS concentration = ppbV respects, in-house use of CrS tubes complements
1 participation in external proficiency testing schemes
Markes offers a 1 ppm IS gas containing BFB (in bulk
3
nitrogen), suitable for use with US EPA Methods TO- such as WASP .
14/TO-15/TO-17 and other TD-GC/MS applications.
All CrS tubes are supplied in packs of 10 standards
with an additional shipping blank. Standards are
Compounds bromochloromethane,
(in N2) 1-bromo-4-fluorobenzene, wrapped in aluminium foil and sealed into air-tight
chlorobenzene-d5, boxes prior to shipment. A chromatogram of the
1,4-difluorobenzene shipping blank is supplied, together with a certificate of
2
Cylinder aluminium construction (8.3 cm x 29.5 cm) standard traceability. BTX and TO-17 standards are
PI marked for compliance with EU
supplied with an example chromatogram and full user
regulations, 1.5 lb/0.7 kg
instructions.
Pressure/ 110 L of gas @ 1800 psig
regulation CGA-180 outlet fitting
BTX standards
Description Part number Two packs of BTX CrS tubes are available ready-made,
Standard, gas cylinder, TO14A IS/Tuning C-GS14A-1PPM loaded with benzene, toluene and o-xylene at 100 ng per
Mix, 1 ppm component (suitable for the majority of environmental
regulator, high purity VOC, 0-100 psi outlet C-GSrEG-100 applications) and 1 µg per component (suitable for many
materials emissions applications). These standards are
Tubing, st st, 1/8”, to connect IS to ISDP SErZ-0022
prepared using conditioned Tenax TA tubes and have a
certified shelf-life of 6 to 12 months.
1. Supplied by Restek Corporation, USA. Please note these items are

unavailable in some territories. Contact Markes International for further
information.
2. Please note that pressurised cylinders of gas standards are subject to 3. Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency, operated by Health and
“hazardous materials” shipping supplements by most freight carriers Safety laboratory, UK
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29

TO-17 standard Description Part number
CrS, BTX, 100 ng, pk 10 C-BTX100-10

A TO-17 CrS is available, loaded with 9 components of
CrS, BTX, 1 µg, pk 10 C-BTX1UG-10
varying volatilities and polarities, typical of the
compounds found during air toxics monitoring. (This CrS, TO17, specify conc, pk 10 C-TO17XX-10
standard is prepared to order and typically has a
CrS, Custom, pk 10 C-CUST-10
longer lead time than the BTX standards.)
CrS, Custom, pk 20 C-CUST-20
1 CrS, Custom, pk 40 C-CUST-40

The compounds included are, benzene, toluene,
o-xylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, dichloromethane, Check std, BTX, camphene, di-octyl phthalate, C-CHK10
1,1,1-trichloroethane, methyl-t-butyl ether, methylethyl 90 ng, Tenax TA, pk 10
ketone and ethyl acetate. The required concentration
level of the standard may be specified. These
standards are prepared on conditioned Tenax TA tubes
and have a certified shelf life of six months.
Gas standards for external calibration

Custom standards
of environmental methods
Markes offers a custom CrS tube service loading up to 2

Markes offers a selection of gas standards suitable for
eight compounds onto conditioned sorbent tubes. This
a variety of canister-based air monitoring methods. All
service is only available where data exist to show the
cylinders are of aluminium construction (8.3 x 29.5
stability of the component mix specified. These
cm) and PI marked for compliance with EU transport
standards are typically prepared on Tenax TA tubes. 3
regulations .
However, some components may be loaded onto other
sorbents where data exist to confirm the stability of
Sulphur component mix - 1 ppm
such combinations. If you require custom specified CrS
tubes, please discuss your requirements with a Markes
Supplied in nitrogen at 1800 psig, this standard has a
specialist prior to ordering (consumables@markes.com).
12 month stability and an accuracy of ± 10%. 1 mL of
this standard contains approximately 2 ng per
component.
Instrumentation check standards carbonyl sulphide ethyl mercaptan methyl mercaptan

dimethyl sulphide hydrogen sulphide
Check standards are useful when setting up

Volatiles (Japan) component mix - 1 ppm
instrumentation or troubleshooting. Check standards
from Markes are supplied on conditioned Tenax TA
sorbent tubes and contain benzene, toluene, o-xylene, Supplied in nitrogen at 1800 psig, this mixture of
camphene and di-octyl phthalate. The standards are volatile organics contains some compounds that are
prepared by Markes’ specialists via vapour phase traditionally difficult to prepare as calibration
introduction of the standard at a nominal concentration standards. Injecting 1 mL of this mix onto a sorbent
of 90 ng/µL for each component. tube gives approximately 2-7 ng per component on the
tube:
A single check standard is supplied in the Markes’ acrylonitrile chloroform tetrachloroethylene

p 65 p 66
UNITY 2 and TD-100 thermal desorber shipping benzene 1,2-dichloroethane trichloroethylene
kits. replacement check standards are available in 1,3-butadiene dichloromethane vinyl chloride
packs of 10.
1. Prior to March 2008, TO-17 CRS standards included 1-butanol. New 2. Supplied by Restek Corporation, USA. Please note these items are
data have shown that this component is not stable over the shelf-life of unavailable in some territories. Contact Markes International for further
the CRS and therefore it is no longer included in the standard information
3. Please note that pressurised cylinders of gas standards are subject to
“hazardous materials” shipping supplements by most freight carriers
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

30
TO-15 “Air toxics”/TO-17 64 component mix - Ozone precursor/PAMS mix (at EPA
1 ppm concentrations: 20-60 ppb)
Supplied in nitrogen at 1800 psig. Injecting 1 mL of Supplied in nitrogen at 1800 psig. Injecting 1 mL of
this mix onto a sorbent tube or cold trap introduces this mix onto a TD focusing trap introduces
2-4 ng per component: approximately 0.1 ng per component. Note that this
standard contains some very volatile analytes and is
acetone dichlorodifluoromethane not suitable for loading onto standard sorbent tubes at
acrolein (Freon 12)* ambient temperature.
benzene 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-
trifluoroethane (Freon 113)*
benyl chloride* acetylene (40) isopropylbenzene (40)
1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane
bromodichloromethane benzene (30) methylcyclohexane (30)
(Freon 114)*
bromoform n-butane (40) methylcyclopentane (25)
heptane
bromomethane 1-butene (30) 2-methylheptane (25)
hexachloro-1,3-butadiene
1,3-butadiene cis-2-butene (35) 3-methylheptane (25)
hexane
2-butanone (MEK) trans-2-butene (25) 2-methylhexane (25)
2-hexanone (MBK)
carbon disulfide* cyclohexane (40) 3-methylhexane (25)
4-methyl-2-pentanone (MIBK)
carbon tetrachloride cyclopentane (20) 2-methylpentane (20)
methylene chloride
chlorobenzene n-decane (30) 3-methylpentane (40)
methyl methacrylate
chloroethane m-diethylbenzene (40) n-nonane (25)
methyl tert-butyl ether
chloroform p-diethylbenzene (25) n-octane (30)
(MTBE)
chloromethane 2,2-dimethylbutane (40) n-pentane (25)
2-propanol
cyclohexane 2,3-dimethylbutane (50) 1-pentene (25)
propylene
dibromochloromethane 2,3-dimethylpentane (50) cis-2-pentene (35)
styrene
1,2-dichlorobenzene 2,4-dimethylpentane (40) trans-2-pentene (25)
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
1,3-dichlorobenzene n-dodecane (40) propane (40)
tetrachloroethene
1,4-dichlorobenzene ethane (25) n-propylbenzene (30)
tetrahydrofuran
1,1-dichloroethane ethylbenzene (25) propylene (25)
toluene
1,2-dichloroethane ethylene (20) styrene (40)
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
1,1-dichloroethene m-ethyltoluene (25) toluene (40)
1,1,1-trichloroethane
cis-1,3-dichloroethene o-ethyltoluene (30) 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene (25)
1,1,2-trichloroethane
trans-1,3-dichloroethene p-ethyltoluene (40) 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (40)
trichloroethene
1,2-dichloropropane n-heptane (25) 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (25)
1,2,4-trimethylbenzene
cis-1,3-dichloropropene n-hexane (30) 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (30)
1,3,5-trimethylbenzene
trans-1,3-dichloropropene 1-hexene (60) 2,3,4-trimethylpentane (25)
vinyl acetate
1,4-dioxane isobutane (25) n-undecane (30)
vinyl chloride
ethanol* isopentane (40) o-xylene (25)
m-xylene
ethyl acetate isoprene (40) m/p-xylene (combined) (40)
o-xylene
ethyl benzene p-xylene
ethylene dibromide (1,2-
dibromoethane)
*note that the stability of Description Part number
4-ethyltoluene these compounds cannot
Standard, gas cylinder, TO15, 64 component C-GS15-1PPM
trichlorofluoromethane be guaranteed
mix, 1 ppm
(Freon 11)*
Standard, gas cylinder, O3/PAMS, EPA conc., C-GSPAMS-EPA
20-60 ppb
Standard, gas cylinder, sulphur mix, 1 ppm C-GSSUL-1PPM
Standard, gas cylinder, volatiles (Japan C-GSVOL-1PPM

mix), 1 ppm
regulator, high purity VOC, 0-100 psi outlet C-GSrEG-100
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

31
Pumped Sampling
While no single sampling method suits all air monitoring
applications, pumped sampling onto sorbent tubes perhaps
provides the most versatile option for simultaneous monitoring of
multiple target compounds and/or monitoring unknown
atmospheres.
All standard (stainless steel, inert coated stainless steel and

glass) and SafeLok tubes from Markes are compatible with
pumped tube monitoring. They may be packed with up to three
discrete sorbent beds, and are compatible with all species (except
the most volatile representatives such as acetylene, ethane and
some of the most volatile freons).
Pumped sampling
Pumped sampling 32
®
Sidekick pump 33
®
FLEC constant flow pumps 34
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32
Pumped sampling There are a number of different air sampling pumps
available on the market. However, many of them are
Pumped sampling onto sorbent tubes is one of the not optimised for sampling onto thermal desorption
most versatile TD sampling methodologies. Large air tubes and are unable to deal with the relatively high
volumes (>100 L) may be drawn through the tubes in back-pressure/impedance found with TD tubes
many cases. Therefore, pumped sampling can also (compared to charcoal tubes for CS2 extraction). It is
offer better detection limits than other air monitoring therefore important to obtain a pump which is suitable
Pumped Sampling
techniques. for the application required.
The selected pump is connected to the rear (non- Sample pumps typically operate under conditions of
sampling) end of the sorbent tube such that it draws constant pressure or constant flow. Both pump types
air onto the front (sampling/grooved) end of the tube. are compatible with TD tubes, but require different set
Generally, there is no requirement for any caps etc. to up and operational procedures.
be placed on the sampling end of the tube. However,
in dusty environments, it may be helpful to place a fine A constant pressure pump requires calibrating for
mesh filter in line with the sorbent tube prior to each type of sorbent tube and will need recalibrating
sampling. whenever tubes of differing sorbent types/mixtures are
used. With poorly packed tubes, it is often necessary
Sample pumps and sorbent tubes can be attached to to recalibrate the pump with each tube in a batch,
an individual for personal monitoring over any time otherwise tube-to-tube variation in impedance results
interval, e.g. a working day. Alternatively, pumped in varying flow rates and sample volumes.
monitoring can be undertaken at fixed points e.g. a
factory floor, office space or roadside location. A constant flow pump, on the other hand, adjusts the
pump stroke rate to ensure that the flow rate is
constant whatever the impedance of the tube.
Pumped sampling usually takes place at flow rates of

around 10 to 100 mL/min. However, higher flow rates
(up to 500 mL/min) may be used for short (~15
minutes) sampling periods as long as the safe
sampling volume of the components of interest is not
exceeded. Safe sampling volumes for a wide range of
analytes are given in key standard methods (e.g. EN
1
ISO 16017 Part 1) and other documents .
At flow rates below 10 mL/min, the errors introduced

p 45
by diffusive uptake become significant. For this
reason, flow rates between 2 mL/min and 10 mL/min
are only recommended when the sorbent tubes are
2
fitted with diffusion limiting technology i.e. SafeLok
p4 p 16 1. TDTS 20: Determining and validating safe sampling volumes
tubes or DiffLok caps . 2. Patent # GB 2337513 US 6,564656 B1
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33
Sidekick constant pressure pump Pump kits
1
The Sidekick pump kit for gases and vapours is The Sidekick pump kit is available as a single or five
available in two models: standard and intrinsically safe pump kit comprising:
2 3
(ATEX ). Both models offer low flow (5-750 mL/min)
• Sidekick pump (standard or ATEX approved) (1 or 5)
and high flow (750-3000 mL/min) sampling. (Note
that high flow sampling is not normally compatible with • 1 or 5 station battery charger with multiplug
Pumped Sampling
pumped sampling onto standard TD tubes.) At low • Single adjustable flow holder for tube sampling and
flow rates the pump operates under conditions of type A protective cover (1 or 5)
constant pressure and will therefore require
• Constant pressure controller (1 or 5)
recalibrating each time a sorbent tube with a different
®
back pressure/impedance is used. • 1 m Tygon connecting tubing
• Mini tool kit

Sidekick pump kits supplied by Markes also include a
special high impedance adaptor which ensures • Instruction manual
compatibility with all TD sorbent tubes, including • Step by step guide
p4
SafeLok tubes packed with three beds of fine mesh
carbon sorbents. • High impedance adaptor
• Durable carrying case
Accessories
Available for the Sidekick pump are:
• replacement pump inlet filters (prevent particulate

matter being drawn through the pump) - advisable
in dusty atmospheres
• Battery eliminator (specialised mains adaptor)
Sidekick vapour sampling pump kit, standard, C-SPMK1

1 pump
Sidekick pump
Sidekick vapour sampling pump kit, standard, C-SPMK5
5 pumps
Features of Sidekick pump with low flow adaptor
Sidekick vapour sampling pump kit, ATEX C-SPMK1A
• Constant pressure sampling at flow rates from 5- approved, 1 pump
3
750 mL/min Sidekick vapour sampling pump kit, ATEX C-SPMK5A
approved, 5 pumps
• Compatible with high impedance tubes
Battery eliminator, Sidekick pump, European C-SPBEB
• Built in particle trap plug
Battery eliminator, Sidekick pump, UK plug C-SPBEC

• Quick change battery pack - up to 9 hours
operation on fully charged battery Spare battery pack for Sidekick pump SErZ-8138
standard
• Controls protected under snap down cover
Filters, for Sidekick pump, pk 10 C-SPMF10
• Multi-tube sampling capabilities
• Lightweight (~570 g)
1. Supplied by SKC ltd

2. Complies with ATEX 94/9/EC Directive as instrinsically safe to EEx ia
IIC T4
3. With CPC fitted
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34
FlEC constant flow pumps FLEC pumps are not intrinsically safe and are normally
operated via mains electricity, making them ideal for
Constant flow pumps offer the benefit of maintaining indoor air monitoring applications. However, a
sampling flow rates across tubes of varying impedance. rechargeable, 12 hour battery operation option is also
Once the pump has been calibrated for the flow range of available.
interest, tubes of differing packings and differing
impedances may be used and all will sample at the
Pumped Sampling
same, constant flow rate.
Two FLEC pumps are available, the standard FL-1001

and the enhanced FL-1003. Both operate at flow rates
ranging from 4-1000 mL/min and can comfortably cope
with high impedance packings. They incorporate oil-
free, rotary pumping technology which ensures pulseless
operation over the flow range, and can operate both as
suction and pressure pumps. Feedback from the built-in
mass-flow sensor ensures a reproducible, precise and
FLEC pump and tube with % RH and temperature
constant flow even under dramatic changes in
calibration plugs and dual sensor cable
restriction. This means that the pumps maintain
constant flow rates through sorbent tubes of varying Description Part number
impedance, e.g. during sequential sampling onto a
p 37 FLEC air pump, 1001 (requires power supply) FL-1001
series of tubes using the MTS-32 . The FLEC pumps
p4
are an ideal complement to SafeLok tubes , both for Power supply, FLEC air pump, 1001 FL-1001-03
sequential sampling and for operation at low flows onto Serial connection cable/network cable, FLEC FL-1001-02
individual tubes. air pump, 1001
Pump interface and calibration software, v06, FL-1001-06

FLEC pumps are exceptionally stable with less than 2% 1001
variation in flow over a monitoring period. Pumps may Serial port to USB adaptor FL-1001-06-01
be fitted with optional temperature and % relative
Chemadoc air sampling control & FL-1001-09
humidity sensors. When required, pump calibration documentation software, FLEC air pump, 1001
(flow, temperature, humidity) is easily carried out FLEC air pump, 1003 FL-1003
®
using Windows -based software.
FLEC air pump, 1003, Power & communication FL-1003-04
hub
The standard FL-1001 pump is suitable for stand-alone
FLEC air pump, 1003, Connection cable hub to FL-1003-05
operation or use within a network and is compatible
hub
with both the Chemadoc sampling software and
Power adaptor, FLEC air pump, 1003 FL-1003-07
Chemanet network control software. The pump is
factory calibrated between 50 and 100 mL/min. Other External on/off, FLEC air pump, 1003 FL-1003-06
calibration ranges can be delivered on request, or Temperature & humidity sensor, FLEC air FL-1001-01
made with the PC-based calibration software. pump, 1001/1003
Set of calibration plugs for temperature/ FL-1001-08

The FL-1003 operates both stand-alone and via the humidity, FLEC air pump, 1001/1003
Chemanet software, and offers a number of additional Filter inlet/outlet adaptor, 0.2 - 0.5 µm, FLEC FL-1001-10
features. Calibration (which may be performed via the air pump, 1001/1003
Chemanet software) is over the complete pump flow Silicone tubing, 7 mm O.D., 4 mm I.D., 1 m FL-1001-20
range (0-500 mL/min). The pump may also be Silicone tubing, 7 mm O.D., 4 mm I.D., 10 m FL-1001-21
configured to stop sampling after a set volume (instead
rechargeable battery, Ni-MH, 12 V, FLEC air FL-1001-03-01
of a time period). For additional automation, the pump
pump, 1001/1003
can output and receive a 5 V trigger signal. This
Trickle charger for rechargeable battery, FLEC FL-1001-03-02
allows external equipment (e.g. an automated air pump, 1001/1003
sampler) to be started by the pump or for this
Chemanet software, FLEC air pump, FL-1003-12
equipment to trigger the pump itself. 1001/1003
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

35
Sampling Accessories
Markes provides a wide range of specialist sampling accessories
for thermal desorption. These offer compatibility with gas-,
liquid- and solid-phase samples across a broad range of
applications.
Sampling accessories for general TD

applications
TC-20 tube conditioner 36
MTS-32 multiple tube sampler 37
µ-CTE Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor 38
HS-TD Headspace thermal desorption 41
Headspace with trap 41
HS5-TD 42
HS-TD interfaces for automated HS 42

samplers
Universal Direct Inlet accessory 42
Applications for HS-TD 43
SPE-tD™Sorptive Extraction cartridges 43
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

36
TC-20 multi-tube conditioner and dry Sorbent tube conditioning
purge unit
1
Sorbent tubes require stringent conditioning whenever
they are:
The TC-20 is used to clean or dry-purge up to twenty

(20) 3½” sorbent tubes simultaneously. It requires
• freshly packed with sorbent
power and a clean supply of carrier gas (helium or
nitrogen). It is supplied ready to plug in on your • stored without being properly capped
laboratory bench. • heavily contaminated during a sampling procedure
• required for trace level monitoring
Typically, tubes will be conditioned for 10-15 minutes or

at least as long as their standard desorption time.
Where possible, temperatures and gas flow rates for
conditioning should be higher than those used in the
analytical method. Freshly packed tubes should be
conditioned for much longer, typically 2-6 hours.
Many commercial thermal desorbers, such as ULTrA-

pp 64-65 p 66
UNITY and TD-100 , offer a dedicated tube
conditioning mode. Whilst this is a useful feature, it
can compromise analytical instrument capacity.
The TC-20 tube conditioning system saves time and

money by cleaning up to 20 industry standard 3½”
long sorbent tubes simultaneously. Furthermore, use
of the TC-20 eliminates any risk of contamination of
the analytical system and allows expensive helium
carrier gas to be substituted by lower-cost, high-purity
TC-20 multi-tube conditioner and dry purge unit
nitrogen if required.
The gas flow rate through the tubes is dependent upon

the inlet pressure, which is displayed on the gauge at
the front. The temperature and time required are set
on the relevant modules also on the front of the TC-20.
Markes recommends the use of a secondary gas Unconditioned Tenax tube

p 77
regulation system (e.g. U-GAS03 ) and gas
p 78
purifiers on the carrier gas input line.
Conditioned Tenax tube
Tenax tube before and after conditioning at 320°C
p 12
Note that electronic tube-tags must be removed
using the appropriate fixing/removal tool, before tubes
can be connected into the TC-20. After
conditioning/dry-purging, tags can be reattached to the
associated tubes and the number of thermal cycles
incremented, if applicable.
1. TDTS 05: Advice on sorbent selection and conditioning sample tubes
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37
TC-20 as a dry-purge unit MTS-32 multiple tube sampler
Although modern strong sorbents, such as the The MTS-32 is a compact, portable sampler, designed
p 22
carbonised molecular sieves ,are already much less
for the unattended sequential sampling of air/gas onto
water retentive than their older molecular sieve or sorbent tubes. Air is pulled sequentially through a
charcoal counterparts, some water will still be retained series of up to 32 (3½”) sorbent tubes via a constant
p 34
when sampling in humid atmospheres. The TC-20 can flow pump e.g. FLEC pump . The same flow rate
also be used to remove this excess water from a batch and volume of air is sampled onto each tube in the
of sampled sorbent tubes, thus eliminating the adverse sequence regardless of impedance variations. During
effects water would otherwise have on GC/MS analysis. rotation, it is essential that tubes which are NOT
currently being used for sampling are effectively
The residual water is eliminated by ‘dry-purging’ the sealed, in order to prevent sample losses from the
tubes with a known volume of pure dry gas in the tubes and to prevent ingress of contaminants by
sampling direction before desorption. This is achieved diffusion. The MTS-32 achieves this by the use of the
by inserting the tubes into the TC-20 manifold block, diffusion locking technology found within SafeLok
p4 p 16
sampling end first. Clean, dry carrier gas is then tubes and DiffLok caps . Either or both options
passed through the tubes in the sampling direction. may be used.
Dry-purging is usually carried out at ambient
temperature.
Note that care must be taken when dry-purging to

1
ensure that safe sampling volumes are not exceeded
for the most volatile target analytes; i.e. that volatile
target analytes are not swept to vent along with the
excess water.
Note that dry-purging is also available as an optional

part of the TD method on some Markes’ autosamplers
(e.g. ULTrA 50:50, ULTrA ISDP, TD-100 with re-
pp 64,66
collection) .
MTS-32 multiple tube sampler
Gas purifiers
The MTS-32 allows user-selection of sampling times
and pump flow rates. It is housed in a showerproof
Markes recommends the use of gas purifiers to remove
case constructed of low-outgassing components and
hydrocarbons, oxygen and water on carrier gas lines
may be powered by mains electricity or battery
supplying all their analytical equipment and specialised
operation. An integral fan continually refreshes the air
sampling accessories. Full information on a range of
inside the sampler, ensuring that the air sampled
available purifiers is available on page 78.
accurately reflects the immediate environment.
Custom interfaces can be designed for specific
Description Part number applications (contact enquiries@markes.com).
TC-20 multi-tube conditioner and dry purge r-TC20-1
unit, 115 V
TC-20 multi-tube conditioner and dry purge r-TC20-2
unit, 230 V MTS-32 multiple tube sampler. N.B. also MTS-32
requires constant flow pump e.g. FlEC air
Filter, Carbon, 120 mm x 120 mm for TC-20, r-FLTr4
pump Fl-1001, 12 V battery and charger or
pk 4 (replacement filters for cooling fan at
mains power supply
rear of TC-20)
PSU, MTS-32 Power Supply Assy MTS-5011
12 V Battery assembly for MTS-32 MTS-5009
Mains charger for MTS-32 12 V battery MTS-5010
Cable assembly, MTS-32 to external 12 V MTS-5013

1. TDTS 20: Confirming sorbent tube retention volumes and checking for
analyte breakthrough battery. N.B. required if 12 V battery is not
supplied by Markes
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38
Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor M-CTE120
(µ-CTE)
Comprises six (6) micro-chambers, each with a volume
of 44 cm3 (45 mm I.D. x 28 mm deep), allowing
The Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor (µ-CTE) is a

convenient tool for monitoring vapour profiles and surface or bulk emissions to be tested from up to six
emissions from a wide sample range. It offers fast samples simultaneously. Samples may be heated from
(S)VOC emissions screening for quality control of a ambient temperature to 120°C.
variety of materials including construction products,
The M-CTE120 is available with:
electronic components, furnishings and car trim
• Stainless steel micro-chambers (suitable for most
components. Samples may be tested at (near)
standard applications) or
ambient and elevated (up to 250°C) temperatures for
optimum correlation with reference methods .
1 • Inert-coated stainless steel micro-chambers (e.g.
for use with labile compounds).
2
Clean, dry gas is purged through each micro-chamber Toggle valves may also be fitted to the M-CTE120,
at a flow rate between 10 and 500 mL/min. A which enable the gas flow in unused chambers to be
constant flow is maintained through each chamber turned off, therefore reducing operating costs.
(independent of sorbent tube impedance), without the
use of either pumps or electronic mass flow control
3
M-CTE250
equipment . Compounds released from the test
specimen are swept through the exhaust and either
Comprises four (4) micro-chambers, each with a
collected onto sample tubes, [TD tubes for (S)VOC
volume of 114 cm3 (64 mm I.D. x 36 mm deep),
analysis, DNPH cartridges for formaldehyde analysis],
allowing surface or bulk emissions to be tested from up
or monitored online with an appropriate analyser. The
to four samples simultaneously. Samples may be
µ-CTE is supplied with a range of adapters allowing the
heated from ambient temperature to 250°C.
connection of both 6 mm and 6.4 mm O.D. sorbent
Similar to the M-CTE120, the M-CTE250 is available
tubes, or DNPH cartridges with 4 mm Luer lock ends.
with:
• Stainless steel micro-chambers (suitable for most
standard applications) or
• Inert-coated stainless steel micro-chambers (e.g.
for use with labile compounds).
Applications
The u-CTE offers both surface-only emissions testing

for planar products and bulk emissions testing of raw
materials and moulded components. Key applications
include rapid evaluation of chemical emission levels
from building & DIY products, car interior trim
components, furniture & furnishings, toys, electronic
components and general consumer goods. It can also
be used for characterising the odour (emission) profile
from foods and biological samples.
The µ-CTE is compatible with a variety of sample types

The Markes µ-CTE is used to test a wide range of
materials, including car trim components including polymers, textiles, paints/resins, foodstuffs,
wood-based products, plasterboard, insulation
The µ-CTE is available in two formats, configured to materials and adhesives. Generally, samples are
suit particular applications, i.e. weighed directly into an empty chamber or custom
1. Schripp, T., Nachtwey, B., Toelke, J., Salthammer, T., Uhde, E.,
made ‘sample boat’ which is placed into the chamber
Wensing, M. and Bahadir, M. (2007) A microscale device for measuring itself.
emissions from materials for indoor use. Analytical and Bioanalytical
Chemistry 387(5): 1907-19. 3. A means of secondary pneumatic control is recommended for typical
2. Air, nitrogen or helium µ-CTE use (e.g. U-GAS03p 77)
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39
Accessories Description Part number
(6 chamber/120°C µ-CTE versions)
Sample spacers for surface emissions testing Micro-Chamber (µ-CTE), 120°C M-CTE120
Micro-Chamber with inert coated chambers M-CTE120i
Sample spacers (15/5/1.5 mm), supplied with the (µ-CTEi)
µ-CTE may be used to raise planar test specimens Micro-Chamber (µ-CTE) with 6 toggle M-CTE120T
within each micro-chamber until the surface is touching valves
a circular collar that projects down from the lid. This Micro-Chamber (µ-CTE) with 6 toggle M-CTE120Ti
minimises edge effects for surface emissions testing valves (inert version)
and creates a well-defined and reproducible gas Start-up kit, Micro-Chamber, standard M-STUKT
volume above each test specimen, whatever its Start-up kit, Micro-Chamber, inert M-STUKTI
thickness.
Pneumatics accessory U-GAS03
PTFE discs Sample pan, for µ-CTE, pk 6 M-MCHSS
Sample pan, inert, for µ-CTEi, pk 6 M-MCHSI

A pack of 1 mm PTFE discs is available for use with removable lids, for µ-CTE, pk 6 M-MCTOP
sticky or resinous samples such as adhesives, pastes,
removable lids, inert, for µ-CTEi, pk 6 M-MCTOPI
etc. Using the PTFE disc ensures that the chambers
are kept clean during sampling. The discs may be Adjustable spring spacers for rigid M-SPGSC
re-used depending on the nature of the samples. materials, pk 6
Collar spacer, Al, 15 mm, pk 6 M-SPC15
Inserts for liquid standards Collar spacer, Al, 5 mm, pk 6 M-SPC05
Spacer disk, Al, 1.5 mm, pk 24 M-DSK15

A pack of PTFE inserts is available for use with small
Sample disk, 1.0 mm, PTFE, pk 6 M-DSKPF
volume (<1 mL) liquid samples and standards.
Inserts for liquid standard introduction, M-TSTIN
PTFE, pk 6
routine maintenance kits
O-ring, Size 010, to connect ¼” O.D. M-TCN64
tubes, pk 6
routine maintenance kits are available, containing a
O-ring, 5.92 mm I.D., to connect 6 mm M-TCN06
selection of o-rings and an insertion tool.
O.D. tubes, pk 6
O-ring 007 and spacer to connect 4 mm M-TCN04

Start-up kit (6 chamber/120°C µ-CTE versions)
Luer cartridge, pk 6
O-ring, 007, to connect 4 mm Luer M-TCN07

A start-up kit is available for both stainless steel and cartridge, pk 6
inert coated micro-chambers. It contains:
O-ring, 006, for gas line connection to M-MC006
• 6 sample pans, each with a detachable sample lid removable lid, pk 6
(stainless steel or inert coated, as applicable) routine maintenance kit, µ-CTE rMK-0006
• 6 tube interface caps Tube interface cap for removable lid, pk 6 M-TICAP
Micro-Chamber nut driver tool for releasing SErZ-0669

• 6 M4 flanged nuts for removable lids
removable lids, 7 mm
• 1 nut driver tool (for releasing lids) Nut M4, flanged for removable lid, pk 6 M-NM406
• 6 adjustable spring spacers O-ring, Micro-Chamber pan seal, pk 6 M-MCHOr
• 6 x 15 mm aluminium collar spacers
• 6 x 5 mm aluminium collar spacers
• 24 x 1.5 mm aluminium spacer discs
• 6 liquid sample inserts
• 1 routine maintenance kit (selection of o-rings)
• 20 tubes, st st, Tenax TA, conditioned/capped
• 1 CapLok tool
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40
Start-up kit (4 chamber/250°C versions) Description Part number
(4 chamber/250°C µ-CTE versions)
A start-up kit is available for both stainless steel and Micro-Chamber (µ-CTE), 250°C M-CTE250
inert coated micro-chambers. It contains:
Micro-Chamber with inert coated M-CTE250i

chambers (µ-CTEi)
• 4 sample pans, each with a detachable sample lid
(stainless steel or inert coated, as applicable) Start-up kit, Micro-Chamber, standard M-STUKT250
Start-up kit, Micro-Chamber, inert M-STUKT250I

• 4 tube interface caps
Pneumatics accessory U-GAS03
• 1 M3 hex ball driver
Sample pan, for µ-CTE, pk 4 M-MCHSS250
• 4 adjustable spring spacers
Sample pan, inert, for µ-CTEi, pk 4 M-MCHS250I
• 24 x 1.5 mm spacer disks
removable lids, for µ-CTE, pk 4 M-MCTOP250
• 12 x 5 mm collar spacers
removable lids, inert, for µ-CTEi, pk 4 M-MCTOP250I
• 8 x 15 mm collar spacers
Adjustable spring spacers for rigid M-SPGSC
• 4 liquid sample inserts materials, pk 6

• 1 routine maintenance kit (selection of o-rings)
• 10 tubes, st st, Tenax TA, conditioned/capped
Spacer disk, 1.5 mm, Al, pk 24 M-DSK15
• 1 Caplok tool
Sample disk, 1.0 mm, PTFE, pk 6 M-DSKPF
Inserts for liquid standard introduction, M-TSTIN

PTFE, pk 6
O-ring, Size 010, to connect ¼” O.D. M-TCN64

tubes, pk 6
O-ring, 5.92 mm I.D., to connect 6 mm M-TCN06

O.D. tubes, pk 6
O-ring 007 and spacer to connect 4 mm M-TCN04

Luer cartridge, pk 6
O-ring, 007, to connect 4 mm Luer M-TCN07

cartridge, pk 6
O-ring, 006, for gas line connection to M-MC006

removable lid, pk 6
routine maintenance kit, µ-CTE rMK-0006HT
Tube interface cap for removable lid, pk 6 M-TICAP
Adjustable spring spacers for rigid materials O-ring, micro-chamber pan seal, standard M-MCHOr250
(for applications <200°C), pk 20
O-ring, micro-chamber pan seal, ultra M-MCHOr250HT
high purity (for applications >200°C),
pk 4
Sample pan for µ-CTE
p 57
Permeation Accessory
Used in conjunction with any version of the µ-CTE to

monitor the permeability of a variety of materials
including food packaging, vehicle seat coverings,
membranes, protective clothing, latex gloves, etc.
Permeation accessory for both µ-CTE variants

(see page 57 for part numbers)
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41
Headspace - Thermal Desorption Direct Inlet accessory for UNITY 2 allows HS vapours
(HS-TD) from a wide range of sample containers to be focused
directly on the UNITY 2 cold trap.
Markes’ HS-TD systems bring together two powerful GC
Headspace with trap
introduction techniques: equilibrium headspace (HS)
and thermal desorption (TD). By combining a HS
system with TD, users are offered optimum sensitivity In HS-TD (HS-trap) mode, pressurised headspace
for trace VOCs in solid, liquid and vapour-phase vapours are transferred from the sample vial into the
samples, all on one versatile analytical platform. electrically cooled focusing trap of the UNITY 2 thermal
These HS-TD systems incorporate Markes’ world-leading desorber via a ‘pulsed direct sampling’ process. This
UNITY 2 or ULTrA-UNITY 2 thermal desorbers

pp 64-65
and works by pressurising the HS vial for a set time period
are designed to integrate with a range of equilibrium HS then shutting off the gas supply, allowing the carrier gas
systems to suit all applications and budgets. An HS-TD pressure to be released through the UNITY cold trap.
system is able to operate in the following modes: This process can be repeated many times before the
trap is finally desorbed and GC analysis starts. Multi-
• Semi-automated or automated headspace with trap
stage headspace trapping, combined with high efficiency
• Manual or automated TD of sorbent tubes and trap desorption/GC injection, offers maximum sensitivity
direct thermal extraction of materials for trace-level applications. repeated pressurisation
1
• Conventional automated equilibrium headspace and evacuation of headspace vials also extends the
analyte volatility range, allowing higher boiling point
compounds to be recovered and measured at the same
time as volatiles.
Trace level detection
HS-TD increases sensitivity by 1 or 2 orders of

magnitude relative to static equilibrium HS, but without
the foaming or aerosol issues that sometimes
accompany purge-and-trap methods. It is often
possible to exhaustively extract all volatiles, leading to
the same order of sensitivity as purge-and-trap
analysis.
Trichloroanisole (1)
Markes’ HS5-TD system with UNITY thermal desorber

Geosmin
TCA (2)
The following equilibrium HS units can be integrated

MIB
with (ULTrA-)UNITY 2:
• Markes’ HS5-TD; an entry level system for up to

five vials
• G1888; automated HS system for 70 vials (Agilent
5 ppt level odorants in drinking water
Technologies)
• G1290; automated HS system (HP7694) for 44 Wide volatility range
vials (Agilent Technologies)
• HS40/HS40XL; automated HS systems for 40 vials HS-TD is effectively a dynamic process because
2
(Perkin Elmer) volatiles are repeatedly extracted from the sample and
transferred to the UNITY 2 focusing trap in multiple
In addition to these systems, the manual Universal
steps. This increases the recovery of higher boiling
1. Only applicable with automated headspace analysers point analytes, thus extending the overall volatility and
e.g. G1888/1290 and HS40/40XL
2. Not compatible with PE TurboMatrix HS40 system
application range.
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42
Selective elimination of water and solvents Universal Direct Inlet Accessory
After the transfer of headspace vapours to the focusing The Universal Direct Inlet Accessory (U-INLET™) may
trap, the trap is purged with dry carrier gas to be added to any manual UNITY TD platform (series 1
pp 64-65
selectively eliminate unwanted interferents such as or 2) . It provides a simple and convenient
water and ethanol. This simplifies the chromatographic mechanism for direct introduction of headspace
analysis of complex vapour profiles. Selective vapours from a wide range of bulk sample containers.
retention of key olfactory compounds e.g. esters,
ketones and aldehydes, allows detailed flavour profiling The inlet comprises a purge line (which may be used to
of potable spirits, whilst water and ethanol are swept, direct carrier gas into the sample vessel), and a heated
unretained, from the system. This process also inert sampling line through which headspace vapours
facilitates flavour profiling by ENose sensors. Without are pumped or purged straight into the UNITY (2)
selective purging of the TD focusing trap, the sensor focusing trap. It is compatible with a wide range of
1, 2
response would be swamped by ethanol and water . sample vessels including smaller, sealed containers e.g.
headspace vials, reaction vessels etc., and open or
®
HS5-TD compressible containers e.g. bell jars, Tedlar bags
etc.
3
The HS5-TD accessory for UNITY 2, is an entry-level,
If sampling is to be performed from a non-pressurised
manually operated HS-trap system designed for up to
system, i.e. ambient air/gas sampling bag, then a
five (5) standard HS vials. Vials are accommodated in
suitable pump is required to provide a means of
a common heated zone, and are manually selected for
drawing sample through the system [e.g. the U-ASPM1
analysis. The inert needle is inserted into the HS vial p 75
(115 V) or U-ASPM2 (230 V) ].
before the UNITY 2 performs sample pressurisation and
extraction. In addition to HS-trap functionality, a
The Direct Inlet Accessory may be used to sample
UNITY 2 with HS5-TD is also fully compatible with
vapours from the same vessel semi-continuously in a
standard TD operation with sorbent tubes.
user-defined sequence. This is either done to increase
the total volume of vapour sampled and enhance
HS-TD interfaces for automated HS samplers
sensitivity, or to monitor vapour composition changes
over time.
The HS-TD interfaces enable connection of a range of
4
commercially available HS systems directly to UNITY 2,
The U-INLET can operate in two sampling modes:
allowing automated HS-trap type analysis to be
dynamic direct and pulsed direct. Sampling
performed. The interfaces do not prevent standard TD
times/sequences for both are controlled directly from
operation, and may be readily exchanged with the link
the UNITY software.
to an ULTrA 2 autosampler for automated tube analysis.
Dynamic direct sampling
Using a U-INLET, dynamic sampling involves a

continuous flow of carrier gas through (or from) the
sample vessel, sweeping the headspace vapours into
the UNITY cold trap for a defined time period. This
method is compatible with sampling from the following
systems:
• Sealed reaction vessel

• Sealed reaction vessel with an external gas supply
• Pressurised container e.g. canister
• Non-pressurised system e.g. whole air, gas bag
1. TDTS 26: Minimising analytical interference from water during the

analysis of sorbent tubes
Pulsed direct sampling
2. TDTS 84: Using TD to enhance aroma profiling by GC/MS – featuring
example applications from the tobacco industry
This is the same approach as used in the HS-trap
3. For further information please see Markes’ HS5-TD brochure
4. Agilent Technologies G1888/G1290; Perkin Elmer HS40/HS40XL systems described above.
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

43
Applications for HS-TD SPE-tD sorptive extraction cartridges
Typical HS-TD applications include: Markes’ SPE-tD cartridges offer a simple, convenient
method for sampling less volatile impurities in aqueous
• Environmental, health and safety
samples; applications which would otherwise require
• VOCs in drinking water, ground water, soils, waste manually intensive extraction or distillation techniques
• Detection of trace odorants such as geosmin and before GC/MS analysis. Applications include:
methyl-i-borneol in drinking water • Off-odours/taints in drinking water
• Food, flavour and fragrance • Semi-volatiles in processed fruit juices
• Profiling of consumer products, food, drink etc. • Profiling of hydrosols (aqueous fraction from steam
• Off-odour and taint in foods (e.g. trichloroanisole distillation of natural oils)
in wines and food shelf-life tests)
• residual solvents in packaging, investigation of

odour complaints
• Biological emissions: kinetic studies, fragrance

profiling, species identification, etc.
• Tobacco profiling and smoking research
• Volatiles in materials
• residual monomer in polymer
• Product and materials emissions screening SPE-tD cartridge alongside glass tube
• Forensic applications: ink characterisation, fire

SPE-tD cartridges comprise a hollow tube, coated
debris, explosive residues, proscribed drugs, etc.
inside and out with polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) for
• Organics in water-based paints optimum sampling capacity. The cartridge is placed
into the sample and agitated, causing volatile and
• residual solvents in powdered pharmaceuticals,
semi-volatile organics in the sample to partition
ointments and creams
between the aqueous matrix and the PDMS until
equilibrium is reached. The cartridge is then removed,

rinsed and placed into an empty TD tube prior to
analysis by direct TD-GC/MS. This allows semi-
HS-TD connection kit, UNITY(e) - G1290 U-HSTD-G1290
quantitative analysis of less volatile organics and direct
HS-TD connection kit, UNITY(e) - G1888 U-HSTD-G1888 comparison of organic impurity levels in two similar
HS-TD connection kit, UNITY(e) - HS40 U-HSTD-HS40 samples.
HS5-TD 5 vial headspace system U-HS5TD
HS5-TD starter kit, includes 500 crimp top U-HSKIT Description Part number
vials, 500 crimp tops, crimper tool
SPE-tD cartridge, pk 1 C-SPTD1
Vials, crimp top, 20 mL, clear, pk 1000 U-HSV00
SPE-tD cartridge, pk 5 C-SPTD5
Crimps, 20 mm aluminium cap, U-HSVC0
silicone/PTFE liner, pk 1000 SPE-tD cartridge, pk 10 C-SPTD10
Crimper, 20 mm crimp top vials U-HSVCr
Decapper, 20 mm crimp top vials U-HSVDC
routine maintenance kit, HS5-TD rMK-0008
replacement needle assembly for HS-5TD U-HSNAS
Universal Direct Inlet Accessory U-INLET
Pump, 115 V U-ASPM1
Pump, 230 V U-ASPM2
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44
Environmental, Health & Safety
Thermal desorption (TD) is now recognised as the technique of

choice for environmental air monitoring and occupational health
and safety. relevant standard methods include: ISO/EN 16017,
EN 14662 (parts 1 & 4), ASTM D6196, US EPA Methods TO-
15/TO-17, NIOSH 2549.
TD is also used for monitoring gas and vapour intrusion in soil,

fugitive emissions/stack emissions and for testing odorants,
volatiles and semi-volatiles in water (HS-TD and SPE-tD).
Markes offers an unrivalled range of specialised environmental

and occupational hygiene sampling to complement our state-of-
the-art range of thermal desorption instrumentation.
Please refer to the Markes International publication ‘Thermal

Desorption: A Practical Guide. I. Environmental Monitoring &
Exposure to Chemicals at Work’, for further application details.
Environmental, health and safety
Diffusive sampling 45
Axial 45
radial 46
Canisters 47
Gas sampling bags 48
Bio-VOC breath sampler 49
VOC-Mole soil sampler 51
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45

Diffusive sampling
Diffusive sampling is the process whereby VOCs are

taken from the atmosphere at a rate controlled by a
physical process (e.g. diffusion, permeation) rather
than by an active (pumped) movement of air. The
great benefit of diffusive sampling is that, as no pump
Sampler opening
is required, operating costs are much reduced. This Adsorbent bed
(Surface area A)
(Surface area A)
means that a larger number of samplers may be
Flow of matter
deployed, leading to a more accurate picture of VOC
concentrations across a region. Diffusive sampling is
Diffusion path length
widely used in all environmental-, health- and safety- Concentration Concentration at
l adsorbent surface Cads
monitoring scenarios. It is also used in a number of
Ambient
specialised applications, e.g. VOC-Mole soil probe concentration
p 51 Camb
monitoring of contaminated land and tracer gas
monitoring.
Key applications include: Axial diffusive sampling
• Personal exposure monitoring

Axial diffusive sampling is compatible with stainless
• Large-scale environmental studies steel and inert-coated TD tubes packed with a single
• Indoor air monitoring sorbent bed. Diffusion caps are need to be fitted onto
the sampling (grooved) end of the tube to ensure that
the diffusive path length (critical for quantitative
diffusive monitoring) is correct.
These industry standard diffusive samplers have a

typical sampling rate equivalent to 0.5-1.0 mL/min
(depending on the compound and sorbent) and are
widely used both for 8-hour occupational hygiene
exposure and long-term (two- or four-week exposure)
ambient air monitoring.
Axial diffusive sampling is compatible with a wide range

Deploying diffusive samplers for fenceline monitoring.
Picture courtesy of BP Chemicals, Hull, UK
of compounds, from very volatile (e.g. nitrous oxide,
1,3-butadiene) to semi-volatile (e.g. naphthalene), and
from non-polar (e.g. n-nonane) to polar (e.g. ethanol).
The precise sampling rate (uptake rate) for each
compound must be determined according to specific
Axial (tube-type) diffusive samplers 2
protocols . However, 30 years of widespread use has
resulted in a database of over 100 published uptake
In 1979, a group of UK experts (HSE, CAr, WG5)
rates, which are available in various reference
specified a tube-type (3½” x ¼” O.D.) diffusive
standards (e.g. EN ISO 16017 part 2) and other
monitor, compatible with thermal desorption, that has 3
documents . These tubes have minimum detection
now been accepted as an industry standard. The first
limits of about 10 ppb for short-term (8 hours)
keynote publication detailing the design was published
1 exposure and ~0.1 ppb for long-term (2 week)
in 1981 . These axial samplers have been used for
sampling.
nearly 30 years in the field of occupational hygiene,
and, more recently, for both indoor and ambient air
monitoring.
1. Brown, r.H., Charlton, J. and Saunders, K.J. (1981) The development 2. EN 838 Workplace atmospheres - Diffusive samplers for the
of an improved diffusive sampler. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 42(12): 865- determination of gases and vapours - requirements and test methods
869. 3. TDTS 01: Uptake rates on axial tube diffusive samplers
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46
Diffusion caps Radial diffusive samplers
Diffusion caps are usually made of clear, anodised The novelty of radial diffusive samplers is that the
aluminium. However, they can also be supplied in orientation of the diffusion path is parallel to the radius
stainless steel for use in more corrosive atmospheres if of the tube. During sampling, the sorbent cartridge is
required. For traceability purposes, diffusion caps may contained within a cylindrical, inert, porous polymer
also be supplied etched with a unique serial number. diffusive body which acts as the diffusion barrier. The
sampling surface area is therefore much larger than
The diffusion cap replaces the storage cap at the that for axial diffusive tubes and this, combined with
sampling (grooved) end of the TD sample tube for the the short diffusive path length, means they have an
duration of the exposure/monitoring period. The effective sampling rate typically 30-100 times faster
storage cap at the other end of the tube is left in than that of standard axial diffusive tubes.
place.
radial diffusive samplers are suitable for short term
monitoring (from 30 minutes up to 6 hours) of low
concentration atmospheres - a scenario previously
unsuitable for passive devices. For 6 hour exposure
times, these tubes have a minimum detection limit of
about 0.1 ppb.
Diffusion caps alongside stainless steel sorbent tube
Axial diffusive sampling with TubeTAG
Tagged tubesp 12 are fully compatible with diffusive

sampling. Diffusive sampling start and end times can
®
be recorded electronically on the tube tags. Radiello (radial diffusive) samplers
After sample collection, the cartridges are removed

Description Part number from the porous polymer body and inserted into
Caps, diffusion, axial, aluminium, pk 10 C-DF010 stainless steel carrier tubes for storage and analysis by
thermal desorption. Careful optimisation of the
Caps, diffusion, axial, aluminium, pk 100 C-DF100
desorption parameters ensures complete extraction of
Caps, diffusion, axial, aluminium, etched with C-DF010E the retained volatiles, leaving the cartridge clean and
serial number, pk 10
ready for immediate re-use.
Caps, diffusion, axial, aluminium, etched with C-DF100E
serial number, pk 100
radial diffusive sampling is generally valid for the
Caps, diffusion, axial, stainless steel, pk 20 C-DFS20
measurement of VOCs in a concentration range of
3
approximately 0.3-300 µg/m , for individual organic
compounds with exposure times up to 6 hours. The
high sampling rate and related risk of back-diffusion
typically restrict the volatility range of these samplers
to compounds of equal or lower volatility than
benzene.
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47

Back-diffusion also means that stronger sorbents are Canisters
generally required for these samplers compared to
either axial diffusive or pumped sorbent tubes. Markes’ (ULTrA-)UNITY (2) thermal desorbers can be
configured with accessories for online and canister/bag
p 64, 65
Furthermore, radial diffusive sampling of semi-volatiles analysis . Canister-compatible options offer full
is limited by the tendency of high boilers to stick to the compliance with US EPA Method TO-15 and other
polymeric diffusive body. Therefore, radial diffusive canister standards.
samplers work best for compounds in the range ~n-C6
to n-C10. A database of around 25 radial diffusive To complement this capability, Markes offers a selection
1 2
sampling rates is available . of TO-Can™ air monitoring canisters which are
optimised for EPA methods TO-14/TO-15 and ASTM
A number of components are required for radial D5466. The canisters are electropolished and contain
diffusive sampling: high quality metal-to-metal seals and a stainless steel
2
diaphragm valve. Also available are SilcoCan™
• Yellow polymeric diffusive body ®
canisters with Siltek treated valves which offer
• Sorbent cartridge unsurpassed inertness, even for sulphur-containing or
• Sealing adaptors (to hold and seal the sorbent brominated species. All canisters are pre-fitted with a
cartridge inside the diffusive body) ¼” 3-port valve and 30” Hg/60 psig vacuum/pressure
gauge, and are available in 1 L and 6 L sizes.
• Support plate (if samplers are to be used for
personal monitoring)
• Stainless steel carrier tubes for storage of clean

and sampled sorbent tubes and for TD analysis of
sorbent cartridges
• Brass storage caps to seal carrier tubes
• Shelters - may be required when sampling outdoors
radiello diffusive body, yellow, pk 10 C-rB010
radiello sorbent cartridge, graphitised carbon, C-rCC10 TO-Can and SilcoCan air monitoring canisters
pk 10
radiello sorbent cartridge, Tenax TA, pk 10 C-rCT10

All TO-Cans and SilcoCans are cleaned prior to
radiello sorbent cartridge, empty, pk 10 C-rC010 shipment thus maintaining the stability of TO-14/TO-15
N.B. packing sorbent cartridges is time- compounds during storage. The canister is evacuated
consuming and technically difficult, and is
and then pressurised with humidified nitrogen to 30
therefore not generally recommended
psig. This cycle is repeated three times to ensure
radiello sealing adaptor, pk 10 C-rA010
thorough cleaning, and the canisters are shipped clean
radiello, triangular support plate, pk 10 C-rSP10 and under pressure at 30 psig with dry nitrogen.
radiello cartridge carrier tubes, pk 10 C-rTB10
Caps, ¼” brass storage caps with PTFE C-CF020 Cleaning canisters is a critical part of any canister
ferrule, pk 20 methodology and there are several options available to
radiello, mountable shelter, pk 10 C-SHL10 the user. These range from simple heated jackets,
through large scale automated multi-canister systems,
to proprietary in-house cleaning systems. Markes is
happy to provide further information on these options.
Please contact us directly on enquiries@markes.com.
2. Supplied by Restek Corporation, USA. Please note these items are

1. TDTS 42: Uptake rates for radial diffusive samplers unavailable in some territories. Contact Markes for further information
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48
Canister air sampling Gas sampling bags
For time-weighted average air sampling using Gas sampling bags offer a simple, lightweight method
canisters, we recommend the use of a passive air of taking grab and time-integrated, whole air samples.
1 ®
sampling kit which incorporates all hardware Tedlar bags are available in a variety of sizes with a
necessary to collect air samples, and is easy to valve (polypropylene or stainless steel) which
assemble for field sampling. The air sampling kit incorporates the sampling septum.
available from Markes gives 1 hour sampling (from 1 L
canister) or 8 hour sampling (from 6 L canister).
TO-Can with gauge & ¼” valve, 1 L C-TOCAN1
TO-Can with gauge & ¼” valve, 6 L C-TOCAN6
SilcoCan with gauge & Siltek ¼” valve, 1 L C-SLCAN1
SilcoCan with gauge & Siltek ¼” valve, 6 L C-SLCAN6

3
Air sampling kit, st st C-ASK1168SS
gives 1 hr sampling from 1 l canister or 8 h
sampling from 6 l canister
4 Air sampling kit, Siltek C-ASK1168SL
gives 1 hr sampling from 1 l canister or 8 h
5 sampling from 6 l canister
replacement 2 µm frit filter for critical orifice C-ASK2USS
(includes washers), stainless steel, pk 3
1 2 replacement 2 µm frit filter for critical orifice C-ASK2UST

(includes washers), Siltek treated, pk 3
Tedlar bag, 1 L, polypropylene valve, pk 10 C-TED1P
Tedlar bag, 1 L, stainless steel valve, pk 10 C-TED1S
Tedlar bag, 10 L, polypropylene valve, pk 10 C-TED10P
Tedlar bag, 10 L, stainless steel valve, pk 10 C-TED10S
Tedlar bag, replacement septa, pk 10 C-TEDSEP
Passive Air Sampling Kit
1. Flow controller: maintains constant mass flow as pressure

changes from 60-2.5 psi. Siltek® option available
2. Stainless steel vacuum gauge: monitors canister vacuum
change during sampling
3. ¼” sample inlet: Siltek option available
4. replaceable 2 µm frit, filter, washer: prevents particles
from blocking the critical orifice. Siltek option available
5. Critical orifice: selected according to canister volume and
sampling time required. Interchangeable with other sizes.
Siltek option available
1. Supplied by restek Corporation
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49

Bio-VOC breath sampler The sampler harnesses the close relationship between
chemical concentrations in the blood and the air deep
The Bio-VOC breath sampler is a simple device down in the lungs - known as end-tidal (or alveolar)
designed for non-invasive biological exposure air. There is a rapid, almost instantaneous, exchange
monitoring, i.e. measurement of the total body burden between VOCs in the blood and air across the thin
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Elevated levels membranes surrounding the alveolar portion of the
of one or more VOCs within the body may indicate lungs. In fact, the VOCs in the end-tidal air are
environmental or occupational exposure (i.e. usually considered to be in constant equilibrium with
absorption of chemicals from the environment or those in the blood. Measurement of the VOCs in end-
workplace via skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation), tidal air is therefore an ideal non-invasive method of
or that the individual concerned has a clinical condition monitoring the body burden of these VOCs.
(some diseases can be diagnosed from a characteristic
pattern of VOCs in the breath). Constructed of safe, non-emitting plastic, the Bio-VOC
sampler may be operated with minimal training and
Conventional workplace biological monitoring methods without medically qualified staff in attendance. Each
measure the target compounds or their metabolites Bio-VOC is supplied with an individual disposable
directly in blood or urine. However, these methods are cardboard mouthpiece. Additional packs of
invasive, unpopular and require specially trained staff. mouthpieces are available to order.
This has made it expensive and practically difficult to
undertake large scale surveys of biological exposure in
the past, either in the workplace or of the general
public. As a result, occupational and environmental
scientists have had to content themselves with
standard tests of chemical concentrations in the
atmosphere and ignore or calculate potential exposure
via skin absorption and ingestion. The development of
the Bio-VOC sampler for exhaled air has dramatically
changed this situation. Based on pioneering work
1
carried out at the UK Health and Safety Laboratory ,
the Bio-VOC sampler provides, for the first time, a
non-invasive and low-cost solution to large scale
biological monitoring. Bio-VOC parts
An adult, exhaling deeply, typically breathes out over

4 L of air - only the last 127 mL of this, all from the
alveolar portion of the lungs, is retained by the
Bio-VOC sampler. The sampler therefore collects a
representative sample of end-tidal air, without
contamination or dilution with breath from the
bronchial tubes or mouth.
Once the breath has been collected, a screw-in plunger

is used to steadily discharge the sample into a sorbent
tube (or a direct read-out instrument). After collection
p 16
onto a sorbent tube the sample is sealed ensuring
the breath sample is stable for transportation and
analysis - a distinct advantage over blood and urine
samples. The Bio-VOC sampler may be re-used by the
Taking a breath sample using the Bio-VOC
same individual, using a new mouthpiece, typically
over the course of a day, and is then discarded or
cleaned before re-use.
1. Wilson, H.K. (1986) Breath analysis. Physiological basis and sampling

techniques. Scand. J. Work. Env. Health 12: 174-192.
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50
Industrial applications Clinical applications
Biological monitoring, i.e. measuring the actual body The Bio-VOC sampler is also used for research into the
burden of VOCs, is a way of assessing total exposure clinical diagnostic potential of breath. Clinicians have
by all routes (dermal, inhalation, ingestion) and is the long used the fruity smell of acetone on the breath as
ultimate exposure test for workers in high risk an early indication of diabetes and the pungent smell
industries such as paint manufacturing, petrochemicals of ammonia as a sign of possible kidney failure. It is
and dry-cleaning. now widely hypothesised that the presence of specific
chemicals or specific combinations of chemicals in the
Such monitoring can also provide vital information on breath may provide a reliable diagnosis of certain
the potentially harmful build-up of chemicals in the otherwise difficult to diagnose and disabling diseases –
body, particularly in fatty tissues, after prolonged low- among them psychiatric conditions, various cancers
level (chronic) exposure. In addition, breath and metabolic failure in premature infants. Laboratory
monitoring provides a unique check on the efficacy of and clinical research in this area has been hampered
respiratory protective apparatus and protective clothing until now by the lack of a reliable and simple method
at work. It can also be used to assess task based risk of sampling the alveolar portion of breath from
by taking samples before and after the operation of a patients and control groups. However, several
particular task and recording/measuring changes in the research groups worldwide are now using the Bio-VOC
VOC profile of the breath. Guidance notes are to undertake this exciting field of research.
1
available which provide information on interpreting
solvent exposure with respect to occupational limits.
The simplicity and ease-of-use of the Bio-VOC will also

facilitate new environmental studies of the impact of
long-term exposure to chemicals on vulnerable
members of society i.e. children, pregnant women, the
elderly, asthmatics etc.
2-butanone
Acetone
Bio-VOC breath sample from a patient. Trace levels of

1-methoxy-2-propanol
VOCs, e.g. butane, are used to assist in clinical

diagnoses
Toluene
Chromatogram reproduced by kind permission from Psychiatric

Xylene
Diagnostics ltd., Inverness, Scotland
Bio-VOC breath sampler, pk 1 C-BIO01

Skin-absorbed solvents in the breath of shoe workers
collected using the Bio-VOC
Disposable cardboard mouthpieces, pk 100 C-B100M
1. Breath Sampler Guidance Notes - Information on interpreting solvent

exposure. Health & Safety Laboratory, UK. Available from Markes
International (enquiries@markes.com)
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51

VOC-Mole soil sampler Constructed of stainless steel, the soil probes can be
left in situ semi-permanently with vapour samples
Underground fuel or chemical leaks can present a collected onto sorbent tubes quarterly, 6-monthly, or at
grave environmental risk and slow down the whatever frequency is demanded by the application.
regeneration of brownfield (remediated) sites. The
Markes’ VOC-Mole provides a simple method of The VOC-Mole is available in three probe lengths and
screening for volatile organics in contaminated land. It there is also a modified version for use in marshy
facilitates effective surveys of commercial, waste and ground. The unique aluminium sampling cap, a
brownfield sites, pinpointing underground leaks or Markes’ copyrighted design, renders the probe suitable
surface spills and cost effectively tracking pollution for both diffusive and pumped sampling. The cap
®
flow. contains Viton o-ring seals to prevent the ingress of
water, wildlife and general soil debris. Tube and
sampling cap assemblies may be prepared in the
laboratory and sealed ready for transportation to the
field, where the probes may already be in situ.
A variety of different sampling regimes can be

undertaken, for example:
• Standard diffusive monitoring over a long time

period (i.e. 24 hours)
• Pumped monitoring, with the sample tube placed

VOC-Mole soil probe and additional cap assembly with within or outside the probe
sample tube
• Pumped sampling using two tubes in series, to
Soil probes containing standard diffusive tube samplers monitor potential breakthrough of highly volatile
allow cost-effective, in situ screening of large areas of components
land including active production sites. They can also • Using hand-held PID or FID detectors to screen
be placed along the length of fuel pipelines to provide organic vapour levels inside the VOC-Mole
early warning of a leak. Diffusive tubes inside the soil
probes can monitor the soil gases for ~24 hours.
Pumped tubes can also be used.
VOC-Mole assembly, 29.5 cm long, pk 1 P-00001
VOC-Moles are typically arranged in a grid pattern over VOC-Mole assembly, 29.5 cm long, pk 10 P-00010
the site of interest allowing organic pollutants to migrate VOC-Mole assembly, 44.5 cm long, pk 10 P-00020
into the hollow probe and collect, either diffusively or via
VOC-Mole assembly, 89.5 cm long, pk 10 P-00030
active sampling, onto sorbent tubes inside. Automated
TD-GC/MS analysis allows rapid identification of the VOC-Mole assembly, 89.5 cm long, modified P-00040
for use in marshy ground, pk 10
nature, source and spread of ground contamination and
gives a good indication of soil gas vapour levels. VOC-Mole cap assembly, pk 1 P-CP001
VOC-Mole cap assembly, pk 10 P-CP010
Brass impact former for driving soil probes P-FOrMr

into the ground
O-rings, Viton, for VOC-Mole cap assembly, P-CP020

23 mm x 3 mm I.D., pk 20
Unions, for VOC-Mole cap assembly, pk 10 P-CPU10
Blanking plugs, for VOC-Mole cap assembly, P-CPP10

pk 10
Seals, dowty, for VOC-Mole cap assembly, pk P-CPS20

20
Ferrules, PTFE, for VOC-Mole cap assembly, P-CPF10

VOC-Mole soil probes arranged in a grid pattern around pk 10
an industrial site allow low-cost mapping of
contaminated ground
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52
Materials Emissions Testing
Vapour-phase organic chemicals are emitted from a variety of

construction products, furnishings and car trim components. This
causes elevated concentrations of VOCs indoors and in vehicle
cabin air, which may have adverse health effects. The advent of
new legislation requiring the measurement and reporting of VOC
emissions from materials has increased pressure on
manufacturers to test for (S)VOCs emitted from their products.
Similar issues affect the electronics business with materials

emissions, particularly of semi-volatiles, causing quality issues
during clean room fabrication and assembly of PC/electronic
components.
The chemicals of interest cover a wide volatility range and many

compound types (hydrocarbons, acids, glycol ethers, halocarbons,
phthalates, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, amines,
monoterpenes, nitrogenated compounds, sulphates, etc.). They
are present in materials at levels from low ppb to high
percentage.
Markes provides a range of innovative technologies for simple

and reliable materials emissions testing, and for measuring the
chemical content of products.
Please refer to the Markes International publication ‘Thermal

Desorption: A Practical Guide. II. residual Volatiles & Materials
Emissions Testing’, for further application details.
Material emissions testing
Direct sampling 53
®
FLEC cell 54
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)-TD 56
Permeation testing accessory for µ-CTE 57
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53

Direct sampling Empty, unrestricted glass tubes may be used where
the product is retained between two plugs of quartz
Thermal desorption can be used for the direct wool, held in place with a small spring. Alternatively,
desorption (extraction) of VOCs from a wide range of glass tubes which have a restriction 30 mm from the
matrices, e.g. sugar/salt solutions, suspensions, resins, end of the tube may be used. The restriction ensures
1 the sample is positioned correctly with respect to the
creams and plain solids . Applications include:
thermal desorption oven. A quartz wool plug and
• residual volatiles in ointments, packaging films,
stainless steel spring are positioned behind the sample
pharmaceuticals/drug powders, polymer beads;
to retain it in the tube.
• VOC emissions from construction products e.g.
paints, car trim components e.g. wood veneers, PTFE liners
moulded PVC & adhesives, carpets and textiles,
electronics, plastic toys; Although materials can be desorbed directly from empty
tubes, this may result in contamination of the tube as
• Characteristic vapour profiles from foodstuffs e.g.
the sample matrix melts or degrades. Using PTFE liners
spice mixes, consumer products e.g. shampoo,
(inserts) protects the inner walls of the tubes and can
alcoholic beverages, tainted products;
simplify sample weighing. PTFE liners are designed to
TD provides information on (semi-)VOC content of be used with empty stainless steel TD tubes.
materials which is complementary to that obtained by
conventional emissions testing. It features in several
2, 3
Two liners are available: snug fit liners, which should be
international and industry standard methods ,and also
used for most powdered/granular samples; and loose fit
facilitates selective concentration of the compounds of
liners, suitable for semi-solid samples which should be
interest, while water or other solvents are purged.
smeared around the inside of the liner. In all cases, it is
critical that the sample does not plug the liner and that
Some samples (materials/products) are homogeneous carrier gas can continue to flow through the liner
and suitable for direct thermal desorption/extraction in unimpeded. Loose fit liners may also be inserted into
empty TD tubes (see below). Other materials require tubes packed with a small bed (~1 cm) of sorbent e.g.
larger sample sizes in order to be representative. In Tenax TA. The sorbent ensures that no high boiling
p 38 p 41
these cases, the µ-CTE or HS-TD are often used. debris from the sample matrix can migrate into the flow
path of the thermal desorber.
Empty sample tubes
To carry out direct desorption using TD tubes, a known

amount of sample is weighed into an empty tube and
desorbed (normally at low temperatures). In this case,
sample cleanup, analyte extraction and sample injection
are all combined into one simple, automated operation.
PTFE liners for direct sampling shown alongside an
The method can be tailored to meet the specific empty tube
analytical requirements, e.g. a representative vapour
profile or complete quantitative extraction of specific
target volatiles. However, the sample must not be
heated above the decomposition point of the matrix Tube, empty, glass, unrestricted, pk 10 C0-FXXX-0000
itself. Tube, empty, glass, restriction @ 30 mm, C0-NXXX-0000

pk 10
Glass tubes are ideal for direct desorption. Their Tube, empty, st st, pk 10 C0-AXXX-0000
transparent nature makes method development easier,
Tube, empty, inert, pk 10 C0-CXXX-0000
as the physical state of the sample can be easily
Liner, PTFE, snug fit, pk 10 C-PI010
monitored after each desorption.
Liner, PTFE, snug fit, pk 100 C-PI100
Liner, PTFE, loose fit, pk 10 C-PL010
1. TDTS 09: Monitoring materials and processes for trace level VOCs Liner, PTFE, loose fit, pk 100 C-PL100
2. VDA 278 - determination of organic emissions from non-metallic trim
components used to manufacture the interior of motor vehicles by TD
3. US EPA Method 311 - Hazardous air pollutants in paints & coatings
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

54
FlEC - Field and laboratory Emission FLEC is also compatible with alternative air quality
Cell for materials emissions testing sampling and analysis methods including portable
TVOC detectors, formaldehyde monitors, DNPH
1 cartridges, etc. FLEC testing allows a profile to be built
The Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) is used
for testing VOC emissions from planar materials and up of how product emissions vary with time, and
coatings in compliance with international standard allows direct comparisons to be made between similar
2 products, e.g. from different batches or manufacturers.
methods . It offers a low-cost and easy-to-use
alternative to conventional, large scale emission Testing is generally required to be carried out on a
chambers, and can be used in the laboratory or in situ sample of new material soon after manufacture, and is
in the field. typically repeated two or three times as the product
ages. Sample storage conditions are critical during the
test period and guidance given in EN ISO 16000-11 or
equivalent standards should be adhered to. FLEC can
also be used to investigate indoor air quality problems
in existing buildings where old, damaged or incorrectly
maintained materials can be a source of unacceptable
indoor air quality and ‘sick building syndrome’.
FlEC air control unit
As FLEC is typically used to measure low level VOC

emissions, it is important that the supply of air is
stringently clean with respect to organic impurities. It
FLEC is essential that both the flow rate and humidity of air
entering the FLEC are controlled and kept constant
The FLEC is widely used in product development, throughout an emission test. Such factors are critical
industrial quality control and in environmental if test data are ever to be reliably compared.
monitoring for sources of indoor air pollution. Samples

compatible with VOC emission testing using FLEC The FLEC air control unit is designed to control the flow,
include: water-based paints, wood panel products, humidity and purity of the air supplied to the FLEC in
adhesives, flooring products, sealants, ceiling tiles, etc. one easy-to-use unit. Clean, dry, compressed air is
supplied to the controller and passed through a high-
The cell is constructed of acid-resistant stainless steel capacity interchangeable charcoal filter which removes
with a polished inner surface shaped like the mouth of trace-level organic contaminants. A portion of the air is
a trumpet. This is designed to optimise air velocity then humidified to 100%. The two air flows (dry air and
over the sampling surface and to eliminate sink effects. 100% humidified) are then mixed together to provide
It is placed onto the sample material such that the the required % rH. User access points facilitate
surface of the material effectively becomes one wall of independent measurement of air humidity and flow rate.
a mini (~35 mL) test chamber. A controlled flow of

purified and humidified air enters the cell and passes
over the test material surface at flow rates simulating
real-world conditions. Up to 80% of the exhaust gases
from the cell are typically drawn through one or two
p 34
sorbent tubes, using the FLEC pump , and analysed
using TD-GC/MS technology following standard
methods. Using two sorbent tubes allows for replicate
sampling.
1. Markes International Ltd. is the only worldwide OEM distributor for FLEC air control unit
FLEC and is the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor. We are proud to
promote and distribute the system worldwide
2. EN ISO 16000-10 (formerly ENV 13419-2), ASTM D7143-05
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

55

FlEC accessories The 150 mm I.D. unit is suitable for testing dry
materials with rough or porous surfaces, e.g. deep-pile
A range of accessories is available to accommodate carpets, wood, insulation, polyurethane foams, etc.
different sample types. The test materials must be cut to a radius of 150 mm
so that they seal up to the edges of the subunit.
Carpet test plates
Used together with the

carpet test plate adaptors
to allow FLEC to sample
emissions from carpets,
fabrics, etc. of varying
thickness (up to 10 mm).
Constructed of aluminium and insulated to provide

protection from temperature fluctuations.
Paints and coatings test plate
Used together with the The 152 mm I.D. unit is suitable for testing wet or
application roller to liquid materials. The material under test is placed in a
ensure that paint is glass petri dish with an outer diameter of 152 mm and
applied over a defined and I.D. of ~150 mm.
surface area to a defined

coating thickness. The Test kit for recovery measurements
roller is made of
chromium-plated solid The test kit facilitates testing for sink effects, as
steel, providing a highly durable and smooth surface. required by standard emission cell test methods. The
The weight of the roller provides constant pressure kit comprises a glass plate that is suitable for holding a
during application, ensuring a uniform distribution of small vial and an insulating pad. Sink effects for the
the material onto the test plate. FLEC are evaluated by placing a vial (containing the
compound of interest) into the glass plate vial holder,
Test plate for sealants, adhesives etc. positioning the cell over the glass plate and supplying
the desired gas input flow. The test compound
Sealants and adhesives released from the vial is collected onto sorbent tubes
often have a high level of attached to the cell, over a period of time. The sink
emissions and therefore effects of the cell are then determined by comparing
the FLEC needs to be the mass differences between the observed compound
exposed to a smaller quantities (retained by the sorbent tubes) with the
surface area of product actual mass of the test compound (based on the
than usual to prevent weight loss of the test compound from the vial).
overloading. The
sealants/adhesives test plate facilitates this and can be
easily dismantled for cleaning.
Subunits for non-planar surfaces and general

applications
Two subunits, measuring 150 mm I.D. and 152 mm

I.D, and constructed of solid aluminium with a
cylindrical chamber, are available for use with the FLEC
cell. These can be adapted for purpose by adjusting
the bottom of the chamber according to the thickness
of the material to be tested.
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56
Telescope extensions Thermal analysis/evolved gas

collection
A range of extension arms is available, making it
possible to place the FLEC directly on a ceiling or wall Thermal desorption may also be combined with the
in situ within a room. The FLEC telescope accessory analytical techniques of thermogravimetric analysis
extends from 2 to 3.5 m and the telescope extension is (TGA) and microthermal analysis to investigate the
a further 1 m long. nature of the gases evolved during the latter methods.
Gases evolved from the thermal analysis processes are
Accessories are available which allow the FLEC to be
pumped onto specially designed MacroTubes™ (TGA
positioned directly against a wall (FL-0202) or against
analysis) or MicroTubes™ (micro-thermal analysis).
the ceiling (FL-0204).
Both tube types are packed with sorbents and analysed
pp 64-66
by Markes’ thermal desorption systems . Evolved
gas analysis is used for a range of applications
including:
• Studies of degradation mechanisms for stabilisers,

flame retardents, smoke suppressants, etc.
• Polymer characterisation
• Toxicity studies
Description Part number • Catalyst investigations
FLEC FL-0001 • Solid/gas phase reaction studies

®
rilsan bags for FLEC, pk 10 FL-0001-01
Silicone o-ring for FLEC cell FL-0001-02
FLEC air controller FL-1000
Filter, charcoal for FLEC air controller FL-1000-01
Humidifier for FLEC air controller FL-1000-02
Spare fittings for humidifier for FLEC air FL-1000-02-1

controller
Test plates for carpets FL-0150
Carpet test plate adaptor, pk 5 FL-0151 MacroTubes and MicroTubes for evolved gas analysis
Application roller for paints and coatings FL-0160

FLEC aluminium test plates, pk 5 FL-0161
MacroTubes, general screening (n-C5 to E-MATBG5
FLEC subunit, I.D. 150 mm FL-2001
n-C30), preconditioned and capped, pk 5
FLEC subunit, I.D. 152 mm FL-2002 MacroTubes, high volatility (n-C3 to n-C10) E-MATBV5
preconditioned and capped, pk 5
Test plate for sealants FL-0170
Macro connector E-MACNT
Test kit for recovery measurements FL-0100
Macro connector carrier E-MACAr
Telescope accessory for FLEC field FL-0200
measurements MicroTubes, general screening (n-C5 to E-MITBE5
n-C30), condition prior to use, pk 5
Telescope extension 1 m long for FLEC field FL-0201
measurements MicroTubes, general screening (n-C5 to E-MITBE50
n-C30), condition prior to use, pk 50
Telescope wall clamp accessory for FLEC field FL-0202
measurements MicroTube carrier E-MICAr
Telescope pump clamp accessory for FLEC FL-0203 MicroTube carriers, pk 10 E-MICAr10
field measurements
O-ring, chemically inert, spare for MicroTube E-MICOr
Telescope ceiling clamp for FLEC field FL-0204
carrier, each
measurements
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57

Permeation accessory for µ-CTEp 39 The accessory consists of a membrane pan retainer
and septum. A section of the test material is stretched
Barrier materials are often used with products to over the membrane pan and secured. A small droplet
prevent or mitigate potentially harmful emissions from of test compound is placed in a well at the bottom of
other materials. Permeation testing of these materials the permeation accessory by injecting through a
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 septum. The complete assembly is then placed inside
is required by a number of standard methods .
one of the µ-CTE micro-chambers, and clean air is
Typical examples include: passed over the surface of the stretched material in
each micro-chamber. Permeation of the test compound
• Vehicle seat coverings - to prevent VOCs from through the stretched material is assessed by
polyurethane foam affecting IVAQ (in-vehicle air monitoring the air exhausted from the micro-chambers
quality) using sorbent tubes and TD-GC/MS analysis in the
• Food packaging film - to prevent oxygen or VOCs normal way (see pages 38-40).
from tainting foodstuffs
• Protective clothing (gloves, suits, etc.) - to protect

against harmful chemicals e.g. chemical warfare
agents
• Membranes used in vehicle fuel systems to prevent

the loss of fuel vapour
Traditional methods for permeation testing require

complex, expensive apparatus and only test one
material at a time. The Markes’ proprietary
permeation accessories for the µ-CTE, enable
permeation testing to be carried out on four (4) or six
(6) samples simultaneously. This is typically carried
Latex sample secured in the permeation accessory
out at ambient or near-ambient temperatures.
However, it is also possible to test permeation at
temperatures up to 250°C.
Permeation accessory for µ-CTE, pk 6 M-PrMIN
Permeation accessory for µ-CTE, pk 1 M-PrMIN1
Permeation accessory for µ-CTEi, pk 6 M-PrMINSS
Permeation accessory for µ-CTEi, pk 1 M-PrMINSS1
O-ring, 30 mm O.D., permeation accessory M-PrO30

seal, pk 6
Septa, ¼”, for permeation accessory injection M-PrSPT

port, pk 6
Permeation accessory in situ in the 120°C

micro-chamber
1. ISO 15105-1,2; ASTM F1307-02: Plastic films, sheeting, laminates

etc.
2. EN 374-3; ASTM F739: Gloves
3. ISO 13994: Penetration test
4. ASTM F739-99a: resistance of protective clothing materials -
continuous contact
5. ASTM F1407-99a: resistance of chemical protective clothing - liquid
permeation
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Food, Flavour, Fragrance & Odour
58
Flavour and fragrance profiles typically comprise contributions

from hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and those
at lowest concentration can be the most significant olfactory
components i.e. have the most profound effect on perceived
aroma. Historically, this has made it difficult to carry out
meaningful aroma tests using standard GC/MS instrumentation.
Conventional sample preparation methods (solvent extraction,

steam distillation, etc.) simply don’t offer the sensitivity required
and may also distort the vapour profile so that it is no longer
representative of the flavour/fragrance perceived by consumers.
Odour experts and aroma assessment panels have therefore
continued to play a significant role in product testing with respect
to flavour and fragrance. These olfactometry procedures work
well; however, they are to some extent, subjective, rarely able to
identify the precise cause of a problem and are also, by
definition, manual and consequently expensive/time-consuming.
In recent years, analytical thermal desorption (TD) has provided

a useful complement to GC/MS, enabling more aroma profiling
applications to be carried out using quantitative, automatic
instrumentation. TD combines automated sample preparation
with selective analyte enrichment, allowing organic compounds to
be injected into the GC/MS as a narrow concentrated band of
vapour, free of most/all sample matrix effects. The technology is
available in on- and offline configurations, and is now widely used
for vapour profiling in the food, flavour, fragrance and consumer
product industries.
Please refer to the Markes International publication Thermal

Desorption: A Practical Guide. IV. Food, Flavour, Fragrance &
Odour Profiling for further application details.
Food, flavour, fragrance & odour profiling
Overview of Markes’ sampling accessories for food, flavour,

fragrance and odour profiling 59
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Food, Flavour, Fragrance & Odour
59
p 41 p 42
Sampling accessories for food, flavour, • HS-TD and the Direct Inlet Accessory are
fragrance and odour profiling used extensively for aroma profiling. Typical
applications include: drinking water, beverages,
In many cases, the flavour and fragrance profile can be fresh foods and living organisms (plants, fungi,
p 32 microbial cultures, etc.).
easily obtained by straightforward pumped sampling
of the air around the sample in question. However, the
infinite variety of samples and matrices which may
require profiling in this way means that other sampling
Trichloroanisole (1)
methods may be required. Several of Markes’ general
sampling accessories have been utilised for food,
flavour, fragrance and odour profiling applications.
Geosmin
These include:
TCA (2)
MIB
p 53
• Direct sampling/thermal desorption for profiling
natural oils; dried foodstuffs; and some natural
products (e.g. spices, herbs, etc.). It can also be
used for direct desorption of volatiles from ground
Trace level odorants at 5 ppt level in drinking water
samples of polymeric/plastic food and drink
containers (e.g. PET bottles) p 61
• Online monitoring using a continuous or semi-
p 65
continuous TD system can be used to study
Tetradecane
product shelf-life. Monitoring the odour profile of a

product as it changes over time can give
Dodecane
Eugenol
information about product storage and freshness.

In addition, changes can be tracked as a function of
Hexadecane
time and/or ambient conditions e.g. temperature,

Eucalyptol
Thymol
Nonanal
n-C10
humidity, sunlight intensity, etc.
Compound
Direct desorption of dried animal-feed pellets weighed
• Methylene choride
into an empty glass tube
• Trichloroethylene
• Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor (µ-CTE) • Benzene
p 38
accessory often used when profiling non-
homogeneous foods such as dairy products
(yoghurt, cheese, etc.), leaf products (e.g. tobacco,
tea, etc.) and consumer products such as fabric Time (HH:MM)
conditioner, face creams, cosmetics, etc. Concentrations of vapour phase organic compounds
changing with time
Nonanal
Thiophenone
Decanal
p 43
• Markes’ SPE-tD cartridges offer a simple,
convenient method for sampling less volatile
Ethylhexanol
Limonene
impurities in aqueous samples – applications which

Heptanone
Octanal
would otherwise require manually-intensive

2-nonanone
Undecanal
Heptanal
extraction or distillation techniques before GC/MS

n-C9
analysis.
Flavour profile of natural greek yoghurt, sampled using

the µ-CTE
p 49
• Bio-VOC sampler ; as well as being used as a
“grab sampler” for headspace-type applications, the
Bio-VOC is used for investigations into breath
odours, halitosis and other conditions.
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

60
Defence and Forensic
Markes’ thermal desorption (TD) technology provides the ultimate

pre-concentration and high sensitivity analytical solution for
detecting chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic industrial
chemicals (TIC) in air/gas. Military and civilian security agencies
and government scientists from across the world are working
with Markes’ TD systems for monitoring:
• CWA stockpile sites
• Personal exposure of military personnel
• Performance of protective equipment
• Agent destruction facilities
• Key civilian locations (counter-terrorism)
TD is also used extensively in forensic science. Example

applications include:
• Identification & characterisation of accelerants in fire

debris (arson)
• Characterisation/detection of firearm propellant
• Detection of proscribed drugs
• Explosives detection
• Characterisation of crime scene materials (forensication);

inks, paints, drugs, etc.
Please refer to the Markes International publication Thermal

Desorption: A Practical Guide. III. Defence and Forensic for
further application details.
Defence and forensic
TT24-7 dual trap thermal desorber 61
DAAMS tubes 61
Other accessories 62
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61
TT24-7 - for continuous near-real time Description Part number
(NRT) monitoring Cold trap, TT24-7, for CW agents (in particular T-1VX
VX), each (N.B. two required per TT24-7)
The acute toxicity of many CWAs means that near real-
hereand Forensic
Cold trap, TT24-7, for CW agents (in particular T-2HD
time (NrT) data are often required to minimise risk to HD), each (N.B. two required per TT24-7)
human health. The Markes’ TT24-7 is a robust, Cold trap, TT24-7, for CW agents (in T-3GBGE
transportable NrT TD system incorporating two particular GB/GE analog of VX), each
electrically cooled (peltier), large-capacity traps which (N.B. two required per TT24-7)
Cold trap, TT24-7, empty for packing T-6EMP
are sampled sequentially at high flow rates (up to
(N.B. two required per TT24-7)
500 mL/min). This allows efficient pre-concentration of
Cold trap, TT24-7, custom packed T-7CUS
trace-level agent with 100% sampling efficiency (i.e. no
(N.B. two required per TT24-7)
dead time), and fast (5-15 mins) cycle times. The
Cold trap extraction tool, TT24-7 SErTTD-5032
TT24-7 connects to any make of GC/MS and is used, for
example, to continuously monitor the atmosphere at a Split filter tube, charcoal packed (e3 systems) SErUTD-5065
number of key civilian locations and military installations O-rings, size 010, pk 10 (e2/e3 systems) U-COV10
Defence
worldwide.
O-rings, size 007, pk 10 (cold trap seal) U-COV07
1 PTFE filter disks, 5.1 mm section, pk 10 U-DISK1

Three TT24-7 systems are available from Markes :
Text
Fused silica transfer line insert SErUTD-5093
• TT24-7e1 - standard system
(0.25 mm I.D.) and PTFE sleeve
• TT24-7e2 - standard system plus tube desorption, Ferrule, 1/16” x 0.4 mm graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV001
pre-purge to vent facility and leak test (connects fused silica transfer line)
recycle power box for TT24-7 U-rCYBX

• TT24-7e3 - standard system plus tube desorption,
(assists remote operation)
pre-purge to vent facility, leak test and split option
routine maintenance kit for TT24-7 rMK-0005
A range of spares and accessories for the TT24-7 are

available from Markes, including a routine maintenance
kit, which contains o-rings, ferrules, PEEK tubing, etc.,
sufficient for approximately 12 months’ use.
DAAMS tubes
Depot Area Air Monitoring Systems (DAAMS) are

typically deployed around weapon destruction (demil)
facilities and CWA/TIC storage bunkers. They involve
the use of 4½” or 3½” long sorbent tubes to confirm
the readings taken by automated continuous
monitoring systems, in the event of an alarm.
A wide range of standard 3½” sorbent tubes are

pp 6-10
available . Markes also supplies a range of 4½”
DAAMS tubes including:
• 6 mm O.D./4½” long glass tubes (standard)

Mustard (H)
• 10 mm O.D. (6 mm ends)/4½” long glass (high
flow)
p 65
Markes (ULTrA-)UNITY 2 TD technology is available
in 4½” DAAMS tube configuration as well as standard
3½” tube versions.
TT24-7 dual trap thermal desorber and chromatograms
Note that the TD-100 is only available for 3½” tubes.
of air samples containing mustard gas - near real-time
analysis using TT24-7 with GC-FPD
1. Further information about TT24-7 systems can be obtained from the

Monitoring Chemical Agents brochure (enquiries@markes.com)
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62
Markes’ Uni-DAAMS™ system (comprising a UNITY 2 Cold traps for CWA applications
configured for 4½” tubes and a range of CWA specific
accessories), offers high performance two-stage p 67
Specialised cold traps are required for many
desorption with leak test, electrically-cooled focusing and CWA/TIC analyses and are included as standard with
Defence and Forensic
ultra efficient trap desorption (100°C/sec) for sharp Uni-DAAMS and Auto-DAAMS systems.
peaks and optimum sensitivity. re-collection for repeat
analysis is also included as standard. Markes also offers
Auto-DAAMS™ systems, featuring the unmatched
analytical performance of UNITY 2 (Uni-DAAMS), but Cold trap, UNITY 2, CWAs. Included in Uni- U-T10CW-2S
DAAMS and Auto-DAAMS systems
with capacity for automatic processing of up to 100
standard or high-flow 4½” DAAMS tubes. Uni-DAAMS Cold trap, UNITY, CWAs U-T10CW
and Auto-DAAMS are compatible with any make of Cold trap, UNITY 2, custom packed U-T8CUS-2S
GC(MS). All Markes’ tubes can be supplied packed only,
Cold trap, UNITY, custom packed U-T8CUS
or packed, conditioned and capped with long-term
p 16
storage caps .
Other accessories
Other Markes accessories/sampling techniques widely

used in defence or forensic applications include:
3½” and 4½” glass DAAMS tubes

p 37
• MTS-32 sequential sampler for round the clock
p 12 offline monitoring of atmospheric concentrations of
All Markes’ DAAMS tubes are TubeTAG compatible.
chemical agent
[Please specify TubeTAGs for glass tubes (C-TAGG10 or
p 38
C-TAGG100) if ordering tags separately.] • µ-CTE permeation accessory for testing the
performance of protective clothing etc.
p 32
Description Part number • Pumped sampling of air above fire debris in
cases of suspected arson, and of explosive
Tubes, glass, 6 mm/4½”, Tenax TA, pk 10 C1-LXXX-7001
atmospheres, e.g. TNT, DNT, rDX
Tubes, glass, 6 mm/4½”, HayeSep D, pk 10 C1-LXXX-7003
p 53
• Direct sampling of various products, e.g.
Tubes, glass, 6 mm/4½”, C2-LXXX-7004
Tenax TA/HayeSep D, pk 10 • house dust for drugs of abuse
Tubes, glass, 6/10/6 mm/4½”, Tenax TA, pk C1-MXXX-7005
• paper samples for ink comparison testing
10
Tubes, glass, 6/10/6 mm/4½”, HayeSep D, C1-MXXX-7006

pk 10
Tubes, glass, 6/10/6 mm/4½”, Tenax C2-MXXX-7007

TA/HayeSep D, pk 10
Tubes, inert, Quartz Wool/Tenax TA, pk 10 C2-CXXX-5138
Tubes, inert, Quartz Wool/Tenax TA, C2-CAXX-5138

cond/capped, pk 10
Tubes, inert, HayeSep D, pk 10 C1-CXXX-5153
Tubes, inert, HayeSep D, cond/capped, pk 10 C1-CAXX-5153
Tubes, inert, quartz wool/HayeSep D, pk 10 C2-CXXX-5146
Tubes, inert, quartz wool/HayeSep D, C2-CAXX-5146

cond/capped, pk 10
Tubes, inert, Tenax TA/HayeSep D, pk 10 C2-CXXX-5250
Tubes, inert, Tenax TA/HayeSep D, C2-CAXX-5250

cond/capped, pk 10
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63
For over a decade, Markes International has pioneered and

commercialised enhancements to analytical thermal desorption
Instrument Spares
(TD) instrumentation and associated sampling apparatus. The
following key technical advances have all been introduced by
Markes since 1997, and have now set the standard for TD
instrumentation:
1
• SecureTD-Q™ (quantitative re-collection of split flow)
p 11 2
• Electronic tube tagging (TubeTAG)
3 p4 p 16
• Diffusion locking (SafeLok tubes , DiffLok caps )
4
• Patented inert valving for compatibility with every TD
application on a single TD analytical platform; ultra-volatiles,
semi-volatiles (up to n-C40) plus reactive species
(mercaptans, CS gas, etc.)
• Automated internal standard (IS) introduction onto blank

and/or sampled tubes
• Electrically-cooled sorbent trapping with uniquely fast trap

heating rates for splitless capillary GC and optimum sensitivity
without risk of ice formation
• Online desorbers with twin, electrically-cooled, reciprocally-

operated focusing traps for continuous air monitoring (TT24-7)
Thermal desorption instrument spares
UNITY series 1 64
UNITY series 2 65
TD-100 66
Cold traps and consumable starter kits 67
routine maintenance kits 68
routine maintenance consumables series 2 69
routine maintenance consumables series 1 70
General spares and consumables for UNITY 72
General spares and consumables for ULTrA autosampler 73
General spares and consumables for TD-100 systems 74
General spares and consumables for online air systems 75
1. Patent # GB 2395785, US 737847 (Automated re-collection using a single 3. Patent # GB 2337513, US 6,564656 B1
TD autosampler 4. Patent # GB 2336649
2. Patent # US 6,446,515 B2
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

64
UNITY series 11
Instrument Spares
Major accessories available for

existing UNITY series 1 installations
1. UlTRA series 2 autosampler range - multi-

functional TD autosampler featuring; capacity for up to
100 tubes (versions available for either 3½” or 4½” long
p 11
tubes), TubeTAG compatibility, stringent sample
sealing before and after desorption via patented • Internal standard/dry purge (ISDP) option -
p 16 ULTrA 2 can be factory configured with ISDP which
DiffLok caps, full compliance with key international
standard methods. Adds to any series 1 or 2 UNITY. allows an aliquot of gaseous internal standard to be
added to each tube before desorption to aid
ULTrA series 2 autosamplers can be configured with the analytical quality assurance. Can also be used to dry
following options: purge tubes prior to desorption/analysis
• TubeTAG read/write option - reads rFID tags • 50:50/ISDP - both the 50:50 and ISDP options
attached to sorbent tubes and automatically inputs may be factory configured on the same ULTrA 2
the information into the autosampler sequence unit.
table. After each analysis, ULTrA 2 can also write to 2. 3-channel Air Server (series 1) accessory -
the tube tag, e.g. to change tube status and clear adds to UNITY 1 to provide automated sequencing
sample-specific data from the tag between up to 3 canisters, bags or online air/gas
• 50:50 option - ULTrA 2 can be factory configured lines.
with a 50:50 preference for automated sample 3. Series 1 Mass Flow Control accessory - allows
re-collection using a single TD autosampler. It may the electronic mass flow control of UNITY 1 split flow.
also be used to dry purge tubes prior to Facilitates independent selection of different split flows
desorption/analysis and, if necessary, can for all stages of TD operation and allows automatic
incorporate either one or two mass flow controllers recall of desorption methods with different flow
(MFCs) settings during an automatic sequence of operation
For further information on all accessories available for

UNITY series 1 please contact Markes International
(enquiries@markes.com) or your local distributor.
For information on spares and consumables for UNITY
1. As of February 2008, UNITY series 1 has been replaced by UNITY
series 1 and associated accessories please see page
series 2. However, key accessories are still available from Markes
International to enhance your existing UNITY 1 installation 70.
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65
UNITY series 2
Instrument Spares
Options and key accessories
available for UNITY series 2
UNITY series 2, Markes’ next generation TD platform,

incorporates every system innovation of the last ten
years and the field-proven reliability characteristic of all
Markes’ instrumentation. UNITY 2 main features
include:
• UlTRA series 2 autosampler range i.e. ULTrA 2
p 12
• Compatible with electronically-tagged or autosampler and associated options (TubeTAG
untagged tubes, (versions available for 3½” or 4½” read/write, ULTrA 50:50, ULTrA ISDP and ULTrA 50:50
long tubes) ISDP) available in either 3½” and 4½” versions
• Provides a single platform for all TD applications • Online/canister accessories - a range of

i.e. labile species, semi-volatiles (up to n-C40), accessories for UNITY series 2 offering automated
ultra-volatiles (including C2H2 and freons), trace canister analysis and online air/gas monitoring
levels (ppt) and high concentrations (ppm/%)
• 3-channel air server accessory (3½” or 4½”)
• repeat analysis via SecureTD-Q overcomes the
• 8-channel air server accessory (3½” or 4½”)
one-shot limitation of conventional TD systems
• 8-channel free standing canister interface
• Cryogen-free operation. Electrically-cooled sorbent
accessory (3½” and 4½”) with thermostatted flow
trapping to -30°C eliminates ice plug formation and
paths and internal standard addition capability
reduces running costs
(TO-14/TO-15 compliant)
• Full compliance with key international standard
1
methods i.e. no flow, ambient temperature leak Further information on all accessories available for
test, pre-purge of air to vent, inert flow path, UNITY series 2 is available on the Markes website,
2
cryogen-free focusing trap, etc. www.markes.com, in the relevant brochures , direct
Accessories available for UNITY series 2 include: from Markes International (enquiries@markes.com) or
from your local distributor.
• Electronic control of split and desorb flows -
series 2 UNITY can be configured with one or two
For information on spares and consumables for UNITY
electronic mass flow controllers (MFC) which
series 2 and associated accessories, please see page
provide versatile electronic control of both split and
71.
desorption flows. The MFC modules also facilitate
flow rate recall during an automated sequence with
multiple TD methods
2. Series 2 UNITY thermal desorber, Series 2 ULTrA thermal desorption
1. EN ISO 16017, ISO 16000-6, ASTM D6196-03, US EPA Method
autosampler and series 2 Air Server thermal desorber options.
TO-17, NIOSH 2549 etc.
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

66
TD-100
Instrument Spares
The TD-100 is a 100-tube capacity, highly versatile and Further information on all accessories available for the
robust TD instrument. The TD-100 integrates all the TD-100 is available on the Markes website
main features and functionality of the series 2 ULTrA- (www.markes.com), in the relevant brochures, direct
UNITY system into a single unit. from Markes International (enquiries@markes.com) or
from your local distributor.
Two versions of the TD-100 are available.
For information on spares and consumables for the
The Standard TD-100 autosampler features manual TD-100 and associated accessories, please see page
re-collection and in-built TubeTAG read/write 74.
functionality. The following upgrade options are
available for this system:
• Electronic mass flow control (MFC) of split and

desorption flows
• Automated re-collection for repeat analysis (also

includes dry purge functionality)
• Internal standard/dry purge (ISDP) functionality
For convenience, an Advanced TD-100 is available

which, in addition to TubeTAG read/write capability,
comes pre-configured with automated sample re-
collection (including dry-purge functionality) and
electronic MFC. This system can also be upgraded to
incorporate ISDP functionality, should internal standard
addition be required.
Please note: TD-100 sytems are not compatible with

Air Server, CIA 8 or HS-TD units.
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67
Cold traps Consumable starter kits
For recommended series 2 UNITY and TD-100 cold The basic TD starter kit for 3½” (standard) tube
traps, see left hand column. For series 1 UNITY cold version for series 2 UNITY (C-KIT01-2S) comprises:
traps see right hand column.
C2-AAXX-5032 Tube, packed, st st, Tenax TA/Carbograph
Instrument Spares
1TD, conditioned & capped, pk 10 (suitable
UNITY 2 & Description UNITY 1 for pumped sampling of VOCs from C5/6-C20)
TD-100 Traps C-CPLOK
traps for tightening and undoing ¼” brass storage
U-T1HBL-2S Cold trap, high boilers, C6-C40 U-T1HBL CapLok tool caps
U-T2GPH-2S Cold trap, general purpose U-T2GPH C-QSC10 Quick seal column connector, pk 10
hydrophobic, C4/5-C26
either Cold trap, general purpose hydrophobic,
U-T6SUL-2S Cold trap, sulphur/labile U-T6SUL U-T2GPH-2S C4/5-C26, UNITY 2
or or
U-T7EMP-2S Cold trap, empty U-T7EMP
U-T11GPC-2S Cold trap, general purpose carbon, C4/5-
U-T8CUS-2S Cold trap, custom packed U-T8CUS C30/32, UNITY 2 (electronic carrier control)
U-T10CW-2S Cold trap, CWAs U-T10CW
The comprehensive TD starter kit for 3½” (standard)
U-T11GPC-2S Cold trap, general purpose U-T11GPC
tube version of series 2 UNITY (C-KIT02-2S)
carbon C4/5-C30/32
comprises:
U-T12ME-2S Cold trap, materials emissions U-T12ME
U-T15ATA-2S Cold trap, TO-15/TO-17 air U-T15ATA C3-AAXX-5266 Tube, pkd, st st, Tenax TA, Carbograph 1TD/
toxics x2 Carboxen 1003, conditioned and capped, pk
10 x 2, (pumped sampling VOCs C2/3-C20)
U-T16GHG-2S Cold trap, greenhouse gases U-T16GHG
C2-AAXX-5270 Tube, pkd, st st, Carbograph 1TD/Carboxen
U-T17O3P-2S Cold trap, ozone precursors U-T17O3P x2 1003, conditioned & capped, pk 10 x 2,
(pumped sampling VOCs C2/3 - C20)
Please note that series 2 UNITY/TD-100 traps are not compatible with C1-AAXX-5003 Tube, pkd, st st, Tenax TA, pk 10 (pumped
series 1 UNITY and vice versa - be sure to order the trap which is
or diffusive sampling VOCs C6/7 - C26)
compatible with your thermal desorber.
C-CPLOK CapLok tool for tightening and undoing ¼”
brass storage caps
Note that packs of 10 cold traps may be ordered by
C-DF010 Cap, diffusion, pk 10
affixing ‘10’ to the part number e.g. U-T1HBL-102S,
U-T14H2S10. C0-AXXX-0000 Tube, empty, stainless steel, pk 10
C-GZ020 Gauze, sorbent retaining, pk 20
C-SP010 Spring, gauze retaining, pk 10
C-TBMTE TubeMate tool for removing and fitting gauze

retaining spring
C-FP020 x 3 Ferrule, PTFE, one-piece, pk 20 x 3
C-PL010 PTFE liners, loose fit, pk 10

Packed (top) and empty (bottom) cold traps for UNITY C-BTX100-10 Certified reference standards: benzene,
series 2 toluene, o-xylene, 100 ng each, pk 10 (plus
shipping blank, chromatogram & certificate)
The entire range of all previously listed traps is still C-QSC10 Quick seal column connector, pk 10
available from Markes International. Contact U-T15ATA-2S Cold trap, water management, ethane-C20,
enquiries@markes.com for further details. UNITY 2 (Air toxics/water management)
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68
The starter kit (U-ULKIT) for the 3½” x ¼” tube Routine maintenance kits
version of the ULTrA 2 autosampler comprises:
routine maintenance kits are available for UNITY (1 &
C-DL160 Cap, DiffLok, st st, ¼”, pk 160 (sufficient for
1 2) and TD-100. Kits contain sufficient consumable
80 tubes, for routine analysis )
items (e.g. o-rings, PTFE filters, etc.) for approximately
U-COV07 O-rings, size 007, pk 10 (for UlTRA tube
receiver)
12 months’ use. Where indicated, the relevant cold
Instrument Spares
p 67
trap is included (specify trap type with order).
U-COV10 O-rings, size 010, pk 10 (for tube interface
seal) routine maintenance kits are also available for series 1
or 2 UNITY Air Server systems.
The starter kit (U-ULKIT-XZ) for the version of ULTrA 2
accommodating 4½” tubes with 6 mm O.D. ends Suggested maintenance schedule
comprises:
Suggested maintenance frequencies are given below.

C-DL160-XZ Cap, DiffLok, st st, 6 mm, pk 160 (sufficient
for 80 tubes, for routine analysis )
1 However, in some cases (depending on application
etc.), items may need replacing more frequently.
receiver)
U-COV45 O-rings, 5.92 mm I.D., pk 10 (for tube UNITY (series 1 or 2) & TD-100
interface seal)
Condition/change charcoal filter (split 3 months
The starter kit (U-TDKIT-100) for TD-100 (3½” x ¼” tube)

2
O.D. tubes) comprises: replace/repack cold trap 12 months
C2-AAXX-5032 Tube, packed, st st, Tenax TA/Carbograph replace fused silica transfer line 12 months
1TD, conditioned and capped, pk 10 (suitable Change sample tube O-rings/filters 12 months or if
for pumped sampling of VOCs from C5/6-C20) damaged/leaking
C-CPLOK CapLok tool for tightening and undoing ¼” Cold trap seals 12 months or if
brass storage caps damaged/leaking
C-QSC10 Quick seal column connector, pk 10
ULTrA & TD-100
C-DL160 Cap, DiffLok, st st, ¼”, pk 160 (sufficient for
1
80 tubes, for routine analysis ) replace o-rings in DiffLok caps If damaged/leaking
Change nozzle seals If damaged/leaking
receiver)
U-COV10 O-rings, size 010, pk 10 (for tube interface

Air Server/Online systems
seal)
replace filter gauzes 12 months
Basic thermal desorption consumables kit, C-KIT01-2S

UNITY 2, 3½”, manual pneumatic control
Basic thermal desorption consumables kit, C-KIT012-2S

UNITY 2, 3½”, Electronic Carrier Gas Control
Comprehensive thermal desorption C-KIT02-2S

consumables kit, UNITY 2, 3½”
ULTrA 2 autosampler starter kit, 3½” U-ULKIT
ULTrA 2 autosampler starter kit, 4½” U-ULKIT-XZ
TD-100 starter kit U-TDKIT-100
1. Note that if thermally labile compounds are to be analysed the use of

p 16
inert coated DiffLok caps at the sampling end is highly recommended
2. Note that the cold trap may need changing more frequently if the
series 1 or 2 UNITY is configured with an Air Server or ULTrA
autosampler
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69
routine maintenance kit, UNITY 2, 3½”, rMK-0001-2S

specify cold trap
routine maintenance kit, UNITY 2, 3½”, rMK-0004-2S

without cold trap
routine maintenance kit (ECC), UNITY 2, rMK-012-2S
Instrument Spares
3½”, contains U-T11GPC-2S cold trap
routine maintenance kit, UNITY 2, 4½”, rMK-0001-XZ

specify cold trap
routine maintenance kit, UNITY 2, 4½”, rMK-0004-XZ

without cold trap
routine maintenance kit, UNITY series 1, rMK-0001

specify cold trap
routine maintenance kit, UNITY series 1, rMK-0004

without cold trap
routine mainenance kit (ECC), UNITY series rMK-012

1, contains U-T11GPC cold trap
routine maintenance Kit, 3½”, Air Servers rMK-0003-2S

(3, 8-channel), Series 1 and 2
1
routine maintenance kit, ASIS 8 and CIA 8 rMK-0007
only, 3½”
routine maintenance kit, 4½”, (series 2 AS 3 rMK-0003-XZ
and AS 8 only)
routine maintenance kit, TD-100, rMK-0009

specify cold trap
routine maintenance kit, TD-100, without rMK-0010

cold trap
As well as routine maintenance procedures carried out

by the user, it is strongly recommended that a routine
maintenance service be carried out on your TD system,
by a trained service engineer, at least once per annum.
1. The ASIS (Air Service Internal Standard) 8 is compatible with Unity

series 1, and is further referenced on pp 73 and 75.
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70
Routine maintenance consumables for UNITY series 1
O-ring - not user changeable,

requires service engineer
PTFE filter disk, 5.1 mm section
U-DISK1
Instrument Spares
split filter tube, st st, 3½”,

packed with charcoal
SERUTD-5065
O-ring, low emission Viton, 010 split filter tube, glass, 3½”,
U-COV10 online systems, packed with
charcoal
Sample tube, see pp 6-10 SERAAA-1600
Cold trap, see p 67

O-ring, low emission Viton, 010
U-COV10
PTFE filter disk, 6.3 mm section O-ring, Viton, 3 mm I.D.,

U-DISK3 U-COV31

U-COV06
O-ring, low emission Viton, 006 PTFE filter disk, 5.1 mm section
U-COV06 U-DISK1
Description Part number Description Part number
O-ring, low emission Viton, 006, pk 10 U-COV06 Ferrule, 1/16” x 0.4 mm graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV001
(connects fused silica transfer line)
O-ring, low emission Viton, 010, pk 10 U-COV10
Ferrule, 1/16” x 1/16” graph vesp, pk 10 (PEEK U-FV002
O-ring, low emission Viton, 010, pk 100 U-COV100 connections/bypass line)

O-ring, Viton, 3 mm I.D., pk 10 U-COV31
connections/bulkhead unions)
Fused silica transfer line insert (0.25 mm SErUTD-5093 PTFE filter disks, 5.1 mm section, pk 10 U-DISK1
I.D.) and PTFE sleeve
PTFE filter disks, 6.3 mm section, pk 10 U-DISK3
Split filter tube, st st, 3½”, packed with SErUTD-5065
charcoal, each Quick-fit capillary connectors, pk 10 C-QSC10
Split filter tube, glass, 3½”, packed with SErAAA-1600 (connects fused silica to column)
charcoal, each (used for online systems)
Fuse, 5 mm x 20 mm 6.3 A, Antisurge SErZ-FS6A3
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71
Routine maintenance consumables for UNITY series 2
Split needle valve
Instrument Spares
Split flow vent
Desorb needle valve

Desorb flow vent
Heated transfer line assy containing:

0.25 mm I.D. uncoated fused silica
insert with PTFE sleeve SERUTD-5093
Fused silica insert connected with:

nut, 1/16”, st st, Swagelok
SERZ-0157
PTFE filter disk, 5.1 mm section Ferrule, 1/16” x 0.4 mm, graph vesp
U-DISK1 U-FV001
O-ring, low emission Viton, Split filter tube

3½” UNITY 2, size 010 U-COV10 3½” UNITY 2 SERUTD-5065
4½” UNITY 2, size 5.92 mm I.D. 3½” UNITY 2/online SERAAA-1600
U-COV45 4½” UNITY 2 SERAAA-5167
Sample tube
(see pp 6-10)
Tube desorption oven Cold trap (see p 67)

U-COV06
O-ring, low emission Viton, 006, pk 10 U-COV06 Fused silica transfer line insert (0.25 mm SErUTD-5093
I.D.) and PTFE sleeve
Ferrule, 1/16” x 0.4 mm graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV001
O-ring, low emission Viton, 010, pk 100 U-COV100 (connects fused silica transfer line)

O-ring, low emission Viton, 5.92 mm I.D., pk U-COV45
connections/bypass line/bulkhead union)
10
Split filter tube, st st, 3½”, packed with SErUTD-5065 Ferrule, 1/8” x 1/16” graph vesp, pk 10 (PEEK U-FV003
charcoal, each connections/gas supply connections)
PTFE filter disks, 5.1 mm section, pk 10 U-DISK1

Split filter tube, glass, 3½”, packed with SErAAA-1600
charcoal, each (used for online systems) Quick fit capillary connectors, pk 10 C-QSC10
Split filter tube, glass, 4½”, packed with SErAAA-5167 (connects fused silica to column)
charcoal, each
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General spares and consumables for Miscellaneous spares and accessories
UNITY series 1 and 2
Tools and installation connections UNITY series 2 software CD (includes U-SW001-2S

automation)
UNITY series 1 software CD (includes U-SW001

Instrument Spares

automation)
O-ring insertion tool SErZ-0285
Markes’ technical manual for series 2 TD U-TECHCD
O-ring extraction tool SErZ-0351 systems on CD
UNITY to UNITYe conversion kit (series 1) SErUTD-5103

O-ring service kit, 3½” tubes only U-OrKIT
(converts UNITY from manual to electronic
(includes U-COV10, U-DISK1, SERZ-0285,
carrier control)
SERZ-0351)
UNITY to UNITYe conversion kit (series 2) SErUTE-5103
Tube extractor tool SErUTD-5062
(converts UNITY 2 from manual to
Trap alignment tool SErUTD-5064 electronic carrier control)
UNITY 2, tube oven conversion kit, 3½” to U-35TO45KT
Standard tool kit SErUTD-5063
4½”. User installable
UNITY to GC transfer line clamp (for use as SErUTD-1125
UNITY 2, tube oven conversion kit, 4½” to U-45TO35KT
spacer inside GC oven)
3½”. User installable
Washer ¼” x 1” for use with SErUTD-1125 SErZ-0371
Mass flow controller (MFC), 2-100 ml/min, U-MFC100-2S
1
Washer ¼” x 1½” for use with SErUTD- SErZ-0372 series 2 UNITY
1125 Mass flow controller (MFC), 5-200 ml/min, U-MFC200-2S
1
Nut ¼”-20UNC st st for end of transfer line SErZ-NU14SS series 2 UNITY
(for series 1 UNITY from U-10284 and all Universal direct inlet accessory
p 42
U-INLET
series 2 UNITY) (Series 1 & 2 UNITY), 3½”
Nut M6 st st for end of transfer line (for SErZ-NM6FSS p 42
Universal direct inlet accessory U-INLET-XZ
series 1 UNITY prior to U-10284)
(series 2 UNITY), 4½”
Quick fit capillary connectors, pk 10 C-QSC10
Cables
Cable assembly, lead, null modem SErZ-0189

(serial port - PC cable)
Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to GC, standard SErUTE-5141

(not compatible with UNITY series 1)
Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to GC, Agilent SErUTE-5142

Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to GC, Thermo SErUTE-5143

Cable assemby, UNITY 2 to GC, Varian SErUTE-5144

Cable assembly, PCB GC Interface and SErUTD-5095

cable, standard (UNITY series 1 and 2)

cable, Agilent GC, (UNITY series 1 and 2)

cable, Thermo GC, (UNITY series 1 and 2)

cable, Varian GC, (UNITY series 1 and 2)
1. A UNITY 2 TD system configured with any Air Server/CIA 8 option

already includes one MFC100 as standard
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73
General spares and consumables for Description Part number
UlTRA autosamplers (series 1 & 2) O-ring, low emission Viton, 007, pk 10 U-COV07
(UlTRA tube receiver)
Tray assemblies for autosampler, 3½”, U-TrAY
including 20 tray labels, pk 10
Labels, autosampler tray, 3½”, strip of 10, SErMTD-1213BU
Instrument Spares
blue
Tray assemblies for ULTrA, 4½”, including U-TrAY-XZ
20 tray labels, pk 10
Labels, ULTrA tray, 4½”, strip of 10, blue SErMTD-1394BU
ULTrA/TD-100 O-ring insertion tool SErMTD-1382
AutoSecureTD interface kit (to add a second U-USKIT-2S
UlTRA 2 to UNITY series 2), 3½”
AutoSecureTD interface kit (to add a second U-USKIT-XZ
AutoSecureTD interface kit (to add a second U-USKIT
TubeTAG read/write option for ULTrA 2 U-TAGrW-2S
Connection kit, series 2 Air Server 3/8 or U-UASK2-2S
CIA 8 plus ULTrA 2 to same UNITY 2, 3½”
Connection kit, series 2 Air Server 3/8 or U-UASK2-XZ
Connection kit, series 1 Air Server 3/8 plus U-UASK1
ULTrA (ISDP) to same UNITY series 1
Connection kit, required for ASIS 8 plus U-UASK2
ULTrA to any UNITY 1, and for series 1 Air
Server 3/8 plus ULTrA 50:50 (ISDP) to
same UNITY series 1
U-COV07
Cap, DiffLok, inert, ¼”, pk 10 C-DLS10
Cap, DiffLok, inert, ¼”, pk 100 C-DL1S0
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, ¼”, pk 10 pairs C-DLP10
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, ¼”, pk 100 pairs C-DL1P0
Cap, DiffLok, inert, 6 mm, pk 10 C-DL1S0-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, inert, 6 mm, pk 100 C-DLS10-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, 6 mm, pk 10 pairs C-DLP10-XZ
Cap, DiffLok, st st/inert, 6 mm, pk 100 pairs C-DL1P0-XZ
O-ring, 010, low emission, high temp, pk 10 U-COV10

(for ¼” DiffLok caps)
O-ring, 010, low emission, high temp, pk 100 U-COV100

(for ¼” DiffLok caps)
O-ring, 5.92/1.93, low emission, high temp, U-COV45

pk 10, (for 6 mm DiffLok caps)
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74
General spares and consumables for TD-100 systems
O-ring, low emission Viton, 007 (U-COV07)

(indicated in enlarged sections)
Interrupted blue border indicates that
Instrument Spares
enlarged region is not visible from this angle
See also pages 72 and 73 for the tables of general spares and consumables for UNITY (2) and ULTrA
(2), respectively. See pages 67 and 68 for consumable starter kits for UNITY (2) and ULTrA (2).
Miscellaneous spares and accessories
O-ring, low emission Viton, 006, pk 10 U-COV06 Quick-fit capillary connectors, pk 10 C-QSC10
(connects fused silica to column)

Cables
Ferrule, 1/16” x 0.4 mm graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV001
(connects fused silica transfer line) Cable assembly, lead, null modem SErZ-0189
1/ 1/ (serial port - PC cable)
Ferrule, 16” x 16” graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV002
(PEEK connections/bypass line/ Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to standard GC SErUTE-5141
bulkhead union)
Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to Agilent GC SErUTE-5142
Ferrule, 1/8” x 1/16” graph vesp, pk 10 U-FV003
(PEEK connections/gas supply connections) Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to Thermo GC SErUTE-5143
ULTrA/TD-100 o-ring insertion tool SErMTD-1382 Cable assembly, UNITY 2 to Varian GC SErUTE-5144
Fused silica transfer line insert SErUTD-5093 Cable assembly, PCB GC Interface and SErUTD-5095
(0.25 mm I.D.) and PTFE sleeve cable, standard GC
Split filter tube, st st, 3½”, packed with SErUTD-5065 Cable assembly, PCB GC Interface and SErUTD-5098
charcoal, each cable, Agilent GC
PTFE filter disks, 5.1 mm section, pk 10 U-DISK1 Cable assembly, PCB GC Interface and SErUTD-5108
cable, Thermo GC
Tray assemblies for autosampler, 3½”, U-TrAY
including 20 tray labels, pk 10
cable, Varian GC
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75
General spares and consumables for online air systems
Ferrule 1/8” x 1/16”

U-FV003
Sample transfer line
Instrument Spares
SERASU-5041
(CIA 8/ASIS 8)
Attach
pump here
Interface link tube assembly Filter gauze (inside sample ports)

SERASU-5043 (series 2 AS3/8) SERASU-1028
SERASU-5021 (series 1 AS3/6/8)
1/ 1/ 1/
Ferrule, 8” x 16”, graph vesp, pk 10 (PEEK U-FV003 Filter, gauze, 8” diameter, pk 10 SErASU-1028
to 1/8”-inch brass unions)
Dryer kit for series 2 Air Server (AS 3/8), U-ASDrY
Tube, PEEK, 1/16” O.D. x 0.03” bore, 1m SErZ-0108 CIA 8, ASIS 8
Split filter tube, glass, 3½”, packed with SErAAA-1600 Dryer kit for series 1 Air Server (3, 6 or 8 U-ASDrY-1S
charcoal, each channel)
Tubing, PTFE 1/8”, 1 m SErZ-0062 Connection kit, ULTrA/ULTrA-ISDP and Air U-UASK1
Server to the same UNITY(e) (series 1)
Interface link tube assembly SErASU-5021
(series 1 AS 3/6/8) Connection kit, required for ASIS 8 plus ULTrA U-UASK2
to any UNITY 1, and for series 1 Air Server
Interface link tube assembly SErASU-5043
3/8 plus ULTrA 50:50 (±ISDP) to same UNITY
(series 2 AS 3/8)
series 1
Sample transfer line (ASIS 8 & CIA 8 only) SErASU-5041
Connection kit, series 2 Air Server 3/8 or U-UASK2-2S
Pump for Air Server, 115 V, series 1 and 2 U-ASPM1 CIA 8 plus ULTrA 2 to same UNITY 2, 3½”
Pump for Air Server, 230 V, series 1 and 2 U-ASPM2 Connection kit, series 2 Air Server 3/8 or U-UASK2-XZ
Ferrule, 1/8” x 1/8”, vespel (used on UNITY U-FV004
copper vents)
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

76
laboratory Accessories
Markes offers a range of laboratory accessories and tools to assist

with successful thermal desorption (TD)-GC/MS analyses.
laboratory accessories for successful thermal

desorption1
Pneumatic control accessories 77
Helium leak detector 77
Flowmeter 77
Gas purifiers 78
Miscellaneous supplies 78
1. Markes International provides a site preparation document for their thermal desorption equipment, which should be consulted prior to TD installation.
Contact your local distributor or Markes International (enquiries@markes.com) for further information
W: www.markes.com T: +44 (0) 1443 230935

77
Pneumatic Control Accessories Description Part number
Dual regulator (dry gas/carrier gas) U-GAS01
General purpose backing pneumatics for TD pneumatics accessory
operation (U-GAS01) Single regulator (high purity gas) pneumatics U-GAS03
accessory
pp 64-66
TD equipment typically requires a supply of high
purity carrier gas (usually helium) and a supply of dry
gas (either dry air or nitrogen) to operate. U-GAS01
controls both these gas supplies immediately up-
stream of the TD system. It consists of a high quality Helium leak Detector
(stainless steel) regulator and 0-60 psig for control of
the carrier gas and a standard regulator and 0-100 Accurate, sensitive and rapid detection of carrier gas
psig for control of the dry gas. Both lines also have leaks in a TD-GC system is essential for
on/off toggle valves. troubleshooting. Traditional wet methods of leak
detection using soap solution should be avoided, as
Markes strongly recommends that all thermal this can lead to contamination of the gas lines and TD
desorbers (UNITY, TD-100 and TT24-7) are configured flow path. Markes offers a portable, highly sensitive
with a U-GAS01 pneumatic control accessory. leak detector, designed to detect helium (or hydrogen)
leaks in TD-GC systems. It works on thermal
conductivity principles and is sufficiently sensitive to
detect leaks <0.01 mL/min. Gas leaks are indicated
via an LED display and a buzzer. The detector uses
rechargeable batteries and is supplied with the relevant
mains-powered battery charger.
Flowmeter
1
Markes offers a solid-state digital flowmeter for
measuring TD gas flows e.g. split flow, desorb flow,
etc. It provides measurement for eight gases: air,
argon, argon/5% methane, carbon dioxide, helium,
hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, within a range of 0.1
to 500 mL/min. resolution is 0.1 mL/min and
accuracy is typically better than ±2.5%. Calibration is
General pupose backing pneumatics - U-GAS01
traceable to the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
standards and an annual recalibration service is offered
Carrier gas backing pneumatic accessory for some
pp 64-66
on a return to factory basis.
TD accessories and applications (U-GAS03)

U-GAS03 consists of one high quality (stainless steel)
regulator, a 0-60 psig and an on/off toggle valve. Helium leak detector including 220 V charger C-HEL23
U-GAS03 is recommended for use in the following Helium leak detector including 110 V charger C-HEL11
configurations:
Digital flowmeter C-FLMTr
• controlling purge gas supply on ULTrA (1 or 2) and
recalibration service for digital flowmeter C-FLCAL
TD-100 autosamplers with ISDP accessory (return to Markes)
• regulating the pressure of the internal standard

(IS) gas supplying CIA 8 or ISDP accessory if no
other appropriate regulation is supplied
• controlling the supply gas to the Micro-

p 38 p 36
Chamber/Thermal extractor or TC-20
1. CSi 6000 - Cambridge Scientific Instruments
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78
Gas purifiers Description Part number
Gas purifier, hydrocarbon, 120 cc, 1/8” C-HCTrP

Markes strongly recommends the use of carrier gas fittings

purifiers upstream of the analytical system to remove Gas purifier, hydrocarbon, refill material C-rFHCT
hydrocarbons, oxygen and water. General purpose
Gas purifier, moisture, 200 cc, 1/8” fittings C-MSTrP
purifiers are available for standard TD-GC(MS)
operation as well as high capacity purifiers for Gas purifier, moisture, refill material C-rFMST
specialised applications. Gas purifier, oxygen/water 120 cc, 1/8” C-O2TrP

fittings
Hydrocarbon trap Gas purifier, helium purifier, 1/8” fittings C-HEPUr
Gas purifier, high capacity, 230 V, 1/8” C-HCP23

The hydrocarbon trap is suitable for the removal of C3+ fittings
hydrocarbons in helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, Gas purifier, high capacity, 110 V, 1/8” C-HCP11
argon/methane and air. refill kits are also available. fittings
The trap has a maximum flow capacity of 2 L/min and Gas purifier, high capacity, replacement C-HCPTB
1
the stated life is 16 cylinders . purifier tube, 1/8” fittings
Gas purifier, high capacity, replacement C-HCE23

Molecular sieve 5Å water vapour trap element, 230 V
Gas purifier, high capacity, replacement C-HCE11
Molecular sieve 5Å efficiently removes water from element, 110 V
helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, air, etc. A refill kit is Gas purifier, high capacity, outlet pressure C-HCPPG
gauge
available. The trap has a maximum flow capacity of
1
2 L/min and the stated life is 68 cylinders .
Oxygen/water trap
2
This trap reduces O2 levels to less than 2 ppb . It can
Miscellaneous Supplies
extract contaminating oxygen at 10 ppm from at least
three 8.5 m3 cylinders and the maximum flow capacity
is 250 ml/min. Syringes
3
High capacity helium purifier Markes offers a selection of syringes , for both liquid
and gas injections.
removes O2, H2O, hydrocarbons, CO2 and CO from

helium, giving an output gas which is 99.99999% pure. 1 µL liquid syringe
Maximum flow capacity is 8 L/min and the stated life is A 1 µL plunger-in-needle syringe fitted with a repeating
2
13 standard cylinders of 99.999% helium. adaptor provides ±2% accuracy and reproducibility for
injection volumes down to 0.1 µL.
High Capacity Gas Purifier
5 µL liquid syringe
This specialised purifier removes both O2 and H2O from
A 5 µL plunger-in-barrel syringe provides ±1%
any common carrier gas (except hydrogen) via a
accuracy and reproducibility for injection volumes
catalytic reaction. It can purify up to 60 tanks of
between 1 and 5 µL.
heavily contaminated gas containing 100 ppm O2
and/or H2O at flow rates of up to 1.1 L/min. A
50 mL and 100 mL gas syringes
pressure gauge should be fitted at the outlet to
monitor the pressure drop across the purifier - when 50 mL and 100 mL removeable Luer lock gas tight
the drop exceeds 10 psi the purifier tube should be syringes are available, providing ± 1% accuracy and
replaced. replacement purifier tubes are available. reproducibility for injection volumes down to 10 mL.
Maximum gas temperature is 120°C.
1. Based on std 218 cubic feet cylinder containing 50 ppm contaminants

2. When the level in the incoming gas does not exceed 10 ppm 3. Supplied by SGE
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79
Capillary column cutting tool Copper tubing and fittings
This is used to cut the ends of fused silica tubing (e.g. Gases supplied to TD-GC/MS systems (i.e. carrier gas
transfer line insert or capillary columns) to ensure and dry gas) should be supplied in solvent-washed 1/8”
burr-free square ends, which are essential for clean refrigeration-grade copper tubing. This tubing should
capillary-capillary connections and to reduce the never be brazed and should only be connected using
likelihood of blockage. GC-compatible Swage-type fittings.
Fused silica column connectors Description Part number
Syringe, 1 µL plunger-in-needle with C-SYL00-1UL

Quick seal column connector repeating adaptor, 50 mm needle length,
0.63 mm needle O.D.
Syringe, 1 µL replacement needle and C-SYLrP-1UL
plunger repair kit
Syringe, 5 µL plunger-in-barrel fixed C-SYL00-5UL

needle, 50 mm needle length, 0.47 mm
needle O.D.
Syringe, 50 mL gas tight, removeable Luer C-SYG00-50ML
lock
Syringe, 50 mL gas tight, replacement C-SYGPL-50ML

plunger
Syringe, 50 mL gas tight, replacement C-SYGND-50ML

Luer lock needles, 50 mm needle length,
0.63 mm needle O.D., pk 5
Syringe, 100 mL gas tight, removeable C-SYG00-100ML
Column connector
Luer lock
Syringe, 100 mL gas tight, replacement C-SYGPL-100ML

Quick-fit capillary column connectors are supplied with
plunger
pp 64-66
Markes’ TD systems for connecting the fused
Syringe, 50 mL gas tight, replacement C-SYGND-100ML
silica transfer line insert to the GC capillary column Luer lock needles, 50 mm needle length,
inside the GC oven. They are suitable for most routine 0.63 mm needle O.D., pk 5
applications. However, the connectors are single use Fused silica column cutting tool C-FSCCT
only and must be discarded each time the connection
Quick seal column connector, pk 10 C-QSC10
is remade.
Mini union, SilTite, connects 0.25 mm C-MU000
fused silica transfer line to capillary column
SilTite™ mini unions (up to 0.25 mm I.D.)
Ferrules, SilTite mini-union, 0.1-0.25 mm C-MUF25
For TD-GC systems incorporating an MS detector, a I.D. (columns up to 0.25 mm I.D.), pk 10
mini union is recommended for capillary-capillary Ferrules, SilTite mini-union, 0.32 mm I.D. C-MUF32
connections. SilTite mini unions use nuts and ferrules (0.32 mm I.D. columns), pk 10
to make the connection and may therefore be reused Copper tubing, 3 m C-CUTUB-3M
(with new ferrules when applicable).
Union, brass, 1/8” T-shaped SErZ-0104
Union, brass, 1/8” - 1/8” SErZ-0026
SilTite mini union
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80
GC/MS Software Utilities
ClearView software utility reprocesses stored GC/MS data files

and improves the analysis of trace compounds. ClearView is
compatible with GC/MS data files from most major vendors and
can be applied to general GC/MS data and TD-GC/MS data.
ClearView produces a second, separate, reprocessed data file for

each (TD-)GC/MS analysis. The original GC/MS data files remain
intact and uncompromised, meaning that the use of ClearView is
totally risk-free.
The benefits of ClearView include:
• Enhanced automatic identification of trace target analytes and

unknowns in complex samples
• Selective elimination of chromatographic interference –

flattening baselines, simplifying integration and improving
sensitivity
• Simpler integration - improving quantitative accuracy and run-

to-run reproducibility
• reduced costs and enhanced productivity
GC/MS software utilities
ClearView 81
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81
ClearView

ClearView software utility uses sophisticated Dynamic
Background Compensation (DBC) algorithms to
distinguish between chromatographic peaks and GC
background/baseline anomalies. It reprocesses stored
GC/MS data files, eliminating background ions from the
total ion chromatogram (TIC) and improving both
spectral purity and peak integration.
Automatic analysis of the ClearView reprocessed data
file shows greatly enhanced spectral purity, allowing
The software is fast, intuitive and works on most automatic identification of this trace component as
1
standard GC/MS data file formats . Files can be thiophene
processed individually or as a batch for optimum
efficiency. Processing takes about three seconds and ClearView: Enhancing sensitivity
produces a second, separate data file for the same run.
The original GC/MS data file remains intact and none of By minimising GC/MS background ion contributions,
the original GC/MS information is lost. ClearView reduces noise and increases sensitivity in full
scan mode. In the above example, thiophene has a
Eliminating system and sample background S/N ratio of ~3.0 (rMS) in the original GC/MS data file
versus a S/N of ~30 in the ClearView reprocessed data
GC column bleed, humps of unresolved sample matrix, file. This is a significant increase in sensitivity.
extended solvent tails and air ingress can all contribute
to the background response, compromising both ClearView: Enhancing quantitative accuracy and
spectral purity and peak integration accuracy. repeatability
ClearView provides an innovative solution.
ClearView provides a flatter baseline, facilitating more
ClearView: Improving compound identification accurate and reproducible automatic integration.
Furthermore, it does this without compromising any of
the mass ions contributing to the chromatographic peak.
TD-GC/MS analysis of landfill gas, showing extreme

column bleed. Original TIC data shown (black) together
with ClearView reprocessed data (blue)
TIC analysis of trace levels (3 pg on column) of
octafluoronapthalene (OFN) in diesel using high speed
chromatography and BenchTOF-dx Time-of-Flight (TOF)
MS. 5 minute run time. Original GC/MS data (black)
shown overlaid with ClearView reprocessed data
(blue)2.
1. Contact Markes on clearview@markes.com for details of applicable file

formats
2. In some cases, part of the signal eliminated by ClearView
compromises unresolved sample components. In these cases, both
Automatic analysis of the original GC/MS data file does original and reprocessed data files will be required - the original for
calculation of total VOC and simulated distillation type calculations, and
not correctly identify the trace component at 16.486
the reprocessed for more accurate/reproducible integration of resolved
minutes because high level background ions interfere components
with the mass ion fragmentation (MIF) pattern
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82
Compatible GC/MS file formats
The following GC/MS file types are accommodated by

Original ClearView:
ClearView • Agilent (*.d) format for processing directly in

®
ChemStation
®
• Thermo (*.raw) format for processing in Xcalibur
Diesel data shown in extracted ion mode. Note identical
• Shimadzu, Varian and other vendors via *.cdf
peak area/height for OFN 272 signal indicating that
format
peak-related information is not lost using ClearView
Free 30-day ClearView trial
A free 30-day trial copy of ClearView is available

directly from Markes International. Contact
clearview@markes.com to request your copy, or
download directly from www.markes.com/software.
Buying and operating ClearView software
A single-user copy of ClearView can be delivered on CD

Three overlaid, repeat high speed GC/TOF MS analyses
of OFN-spiked diesel, all reprocessed using ClearView.
or downloaded from the Markes website via the online
Full run (top), expanded area (bottom). Excellent shop.
integration (baseline assignment) and reproducibility
shown
ClearView will only operate on the PC used for initial
software installation. (Contact Markes to renew your
ClearView license if the installation PC is replaced
within 12 months.)
ClearView GC/MS reprocessing software C-CVIEW1

(single user licence)
ClearView GC/MS reprocessing software C-CVIEWYr

(12-month licence)
If the original data from this series of 3 analyses were

overlaid (i.e. as above, but without ClearView
reprocessing) the reduction in integration accuracy
(baseline assignment) and reproducibility are clearly Please contact Markes directly if you require any other
seen
combination of licences (clearview@markes.com).
ClearView: Enhancing and de-skilling GC/MS

productivity
By reducing the need for time-consuming manual re-

integration of complex TICs by skilled GC/MS
technicians, ClearView simultaneously improves data
quality and lab productivity for minimal cost.
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83
Applications notes
Applications/Trademarks
A series of TD Technical Support (TDTS) Notes is 84. Using TD to enhance aroma profiling by GC/MS - featuring
example applications from the tobacco industry
available (registration required) from the Markes
85. GC/MS data analysis using ClearView reprocessing software:
International website (www.markes.com). Examples dealing with common ions
include: 86. EPA Method TO-17 for monitoring “air toxics” in ambient air
using sorbent tubes and automated, cryogen-free thermal
1. Uptake rates on axial tube diffusive samplers
desorption
3. relevant national and international standard methods
87. A cryogen-free method for monitoring trace greenhouse
5. Advice on sorbent selection, tube conditioning, tube storage &
gases in air
air sampling
MiTT017. Technical support document for pumped air monitoring
6. Problem solving
of ambient air using US EPA Method TO-17
7. Calibration: preparing & introducing standards on sorbent tubes
8. Principles of diffusive monitoring
Markes International is continually publishing new applications
9. Monitoring materials and processes for trace level VOCs
data, which can be downloaded by visiting the the technical zone
14. Analysis of labile, high-boiling organic vapours
of our website.
16. round the clock, online and cryogen-free monitoring of
hydrocarbons (acetylene-trimethyl benzene) in ambient air
19. Minimising artefacts – considerations for storage &
transportation of sorbent tubes Trademarks
26. Minimising analytical interference from water during the
analysis of sorbent tubes Air Server™, ASIS 8™, Auto-DAAMS™, AutoSecureTD™, Bio-VOC™,
27. Sampling methods for monitoring VOCs in air by TD-GC(MS) CapLok™, CIA 8™, CSLr™, DiffLok™, HS-TD™, HS5-TD™, MacroTube™,
32. Analysis of sulphur compounds using TD-GC(MS) MicroTube™, MTS-32™, SafeLok™, SecureTD-Q™, SPE-tD™, TC-20™,
35. Thermal desorption of dioctyl-phthalate & other plasticizers TD-100™, TT24-7™, TubeMate™, TubeTAG™, µ-CTE™, U-INLET™,
36. The application of automated mass spectral deconvolution ULTrA™, ULTrA 50:50™, ULTrA-UNITY™, UniCarb™, Uni-DAAMS™,
using TD-GC/MS, for the analysis of CW agents in air UNITY™, VOC-Mole™ are trademarks of Markes International Ltd., UK
40. Direct desorption of volatile and semi-volatile organic Carbograph™ is a trademark of LArA s.r.l., Italy
compounds from furnishings such as leather or textiles Carbopack™, Carbotrap™, Carbosieve™, Carboxen™ are trademarks of
44. The analysis of free-VX from sorbent tubes at low levels Supelco Inc., USA
47. The analysis of landfill gas compounds using TD-GC/MS, ®
ChemStation is a registered trademark of Agilent Technologies Inc.,
GC/MS and a retention Time Locked Database
USA
49. Fence-line & ambient monitoring of benzene and other ®
hydrocarbons using diffusive sampling and TD analysis Chromosorb is a trademark of Manville Corporation, USA
52. The use of TD-GC(MS) in flavour/fragrance profiling and food CSI 6000™ is a trademark of Cambridge Scientific Instruments, UK
analysis ®
FLEC is a registed trademark of Chematec, Denmark
53. Quantitative recovery of High Boiling (>450°C) Semi- ® ® ®
Freon , Tedlar and Viton are registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont
Volatiles (sVOCs) using TD-GC/MS
de Nemours and Company, USA
56. TD-GC/MS analysis of VOCs for materials emissions testing ®
HayeSep is a registered trademark of Hayes Separations Inc., USA.
58. The application of thermal desorption-GC(MS) as a tool in
forensic investigations PoraPak™ is a trademark of Waters Associates Inc., USA
63. Using the TT24-7 with for continuous monitoring of trace ®
radiello is a registered trademark of Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri
level toxic chemicals (e.g. Chemical Warfare Agents) in Air IrCCS, Italy
64. Simultaneous TD-GC(MS) analysis of VOCs & Semi-VOCs ®
rilsan is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc., USA
67. Using the µ-CTE to automate materials emissions testing for ®
Sidekick is a registered trademark of SKC Ltd., UK
industrial quality control
®
75. Tube impedance and other factors which may cause SilcoCan is a registered trademark of restek, USA
®
discrimination during the calibration of TD Methods Siltek is a registered trademark of restek, USA
77. Using TD for industrial (stack) emission testing SilTite™ is a trademark of SGE Analytical Science Pty Ltd, Australia
78. Low ppt levels of geosmin, methyl-i-borneol and other ®
Tenax is registered trademark of Buchem B.V., The Netherlands
odorants in drinking water using HS-TD
79. Air monitoring - the respective advantages and applications TO-Can™ is a registered trademark of restek, USA
®
of canisters and tubes Tygon is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics,
80. Evaluation of a ‘Soil Gas’ sorbent tube for improving the USA
measurement of (s-)VOC fuel vapors in contaminated land ®
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Windows, USA
81. Analysis of canister air samples using cryogen-free thermal ®
Xcalibur is a registered trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, USA
desorption in compliance with US EPA method TO-15
82. TubeTAG™ - Enhanced tracking of sample- and tube-related
information for thermal desorption
83. Enhancing TD-GC/MS methods for trace compound analysis
using ClearView reprocessing software
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84
Index
(S)VOC.....................................................................38, 52 MTS-32......................................................4, 34, 37, 62, 83

µ-CTE...........................................38, 39, 40, 57, 59, 62, 83 Odour profiling...........................................................58, 59
Air monitoring..................2, 4, 19, 23, 28, 29, 32, 34, 33, 44, Off-odour........................................................................43
...............................................................45, 47, 61, 63, 83 O-rings.........................................16, 17, 39, 40, 51, 61, 68
Air sampling.....................................................4, 32, 34, 48 Penclips..........................................................................15
Air Server.................................64, 65, 66, 69, 72, 73, 75, 83 Permeation accessory......................................39, 40, 57, 62
Air toxics................................................7, 9, 29, 30, 67, 83 PoraPak....................................................2, 8, 9, 19, 20, 83
Barcodes.....................................................................5, 12 Pumped sampling adaptors...............................................13
Bio-VOC breath sampler.............................................49, 50 Quartz beads.............................................................24, 25
Brass storage caps....................................5, 6, 12, 13, 47, 67 Quartz wool.............................3, 8, 9, 10, 24, 25, 27, 53, 62
Cables............................................................................72 radiello...............................................................46, 47, 83
Calibration.....................................26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 77, 83 routine maintenance kits............................................39, 68
Canisters........................................................47, 48, 64, 83 SafeLok tubes...........................3, 4, 7, 12, 16, 31-34, 37, 63
CapLok..........................................15, 16, 39, 40, 67, 68, 83 Sample spacers...............................................................39
Carbograph........................2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 67, 68, 83 Sampling accessories.............................................36-43, 59
Carbopack.......................................2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 83 SecureTD-Q.........................................................63, 65, 83
Index
Carbosieve III....................................................8, 9, 10, 23 Sidekick....................................................................33, 83

Carbotrap.....................................................2, 8, 21, 22, 83 Silica gel...................................................................24, 25
Carboxen...................................2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 67, 83 Software..............................12, 13, 34, 42, 72, 80, 81, 82, 83
Carrier gas....................27, 36, 37, 41, 42, 53, 68, 77, 78, 79 Sorbent tubes.............................1-10, 12, 13, 15-21, 24, 25,
Certified reference standards.......................................28, 67 .................................................... 27-34, 36-38,41, 42, 47,
Charcoal.................25, 32, 37, 54, 56, 61, 68, 70, 71, 74, 75 ....................................................51, 54, 55, 57, 61, 64, 83
Chromosorb....................................2, 7, 8, 9, 17, 19, 20, 83 Sorbents.........................2-4, 6-10, 17-25, 29, 33, 37, 47, 56
ClearView.......................................................80, 81, 82, 83 Sorptive extraction cartridges............................................43
Cold trap................19, 20, 21, 24, 30, 41, 42, 61, 62, 67, 68, SPE-tD...........................................................43, 44, 59, 83
..........................................................................69, 70, 71 Stainless steel tubes.............................................3, 5, 6, 13
Conditioning..............2, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 36, 83 Syringes.........................................................................78
Consumable starter kits..............................................67, 68 TAGLok.....................................................................13, 15
CWA...................................................................60, 61, 62 TAGSCRIBE..................................................................12, 13
DAAMS tubes.......................................................12, 61, 62 TC-20.....................................................4, 5, 36, 37, 77, 83
DiffLok caps......................3, 4, 16, 17, 32, 37, 63, 68, 69, 73 TD-100...............................11, 13, 24, 28, 36, 37, 66-69, 72
Diffusion caps............................................................45, 46 ....................................................................73, 74, 77, 83
Diffusive sampling..............3, 4, 7, 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 45, 46, TD-GC(MS)..........................................................13, 54, 78
..........................................................................47, 67, 83 Tedlar bags.....................................................................48
Direct desorption.........................................3, 14, 53, 59, 83 Telescope extension.........................................................56
Dynamic Background Compensation (DBC)....................81, 83 Tenax.................................2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 19, 20, 21, 27,
Emissions....................28, 38, 39, 43, 44, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, .............................................29, 36, 39, 40, 47, 53, 62, 67,
..........................................................................57, 67, 83 ................................................................................68, 83
Exposure monitoring.............................................45, 46, 49 TIC (toxic industrial chemicals) ...................................60, 61
Ferrules..........................................5, 15, 16, 17, 51, 61, 79 TT24-7...........................................................61, 63, 77, 83
Flavour profiling...............................................................42 Tube conditioner (see TC-20)...................................5, 36, 37
FLEC...................................................34, 37, 54, 55, 56, 83 TubeMate.............................................................15, 67, 83
Fragrance profiling................................................43, 59, 83 TubeTAG....................2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 46, 62-66, 73, 83
G1290.................................................................41, 42, 43 ULTrA 50:50........................................13, 37, 65, 73, 75, 83
G1888.................................................................41, 42, 43 ULTrA autosampler..................................3, 11, 13, 28, 42, 73
Gas purifiers........................................................36, 37, 78 ULTrA Series 2............................................................64, 65
Gauzes..................................................................8, 15, 68 Unicarb............................................2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 23, 83
Glass tubes..................2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 53, 61, 62 Universal direct inlet accessory......................41, 42, 43, 72
Glass wool......................................................................25 VOC..........3, 5, 17, 21, 28, 30, 38, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50,
Graphitised carbon..............................................2, 7, 21, 47 ...................................51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 67, 68, 81, 83
HayeSep.............................................2, 8, 9, 19, 20, 62, 83 VOC-Mole soil probe....................................................45, 51
Headspace-thermal desorption..........................41, 42, 43, 59 Volatiles..........4, 21, 22, 24, 29, 30, 41, 43, 44, 47, 52, 53, 59,
HS40...................................................................41, 42, 43 ................................................................................63, 65
HS5-TD..........................................................41, 42, 43, 83 Zeolite molecular sieves....................................................24
Mass flow controller...................................................65, 66
Molecular sieves....................................2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 37
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85
Alphabetical index of part numbers
C0-AXXX-0000 7, 53, 67 C-CFA20 17 C-FLCAL 77 C-rSP10 47 C-TNXGr60 20
C0-CXXX-0000 53 C-CFA200 17 C-FLMTr 77 C-rTB10 47 C-TNXTA 20
C0-FXXX-0000 7, 53 C-CG120 22 C-FP020 17, 67 C-SCrIBE 13 C-TNXTA60 20
C0-NXXX-0000 53 C-CG140 22 C-FP020-XZ 17 C-SHL10 47 C-TO17XX-10 29
C-5BX10 17 C-CG160 22 C-FP200 17 C-SIL40 25 C-TOCAN1 48
C-5BX100 17 C-CG220 22 C-FP200-XZ 17 C-SILGW 25 C-TOCAN6 48
C-10BX100 17 C-CG240 22 C-FSCCT 79 C-SLCAN1 48 C-TPA10 13
C-10BX10 17 C-CG260 22 C-GS14A-1PPM 28 C-SLCAN6 48 C-TPA100 13
C-10LOK 15 C-CG320 22 C-GS15-1PPM 30 C-SP010 15, 67 C-TPAX10 13
C1-AXXX-5036 27 C-CG340 22 C-GSPAMS-EPA 30 C-SP100 15 C-TPAX100 13
C1-BXXX-5072 27 C-CG420 22 C-GSrEG-100 28, 30 C-SPBEB 33 C-UNCrB 23
C1-CAXX-5153 62 C-CG520 22 C-GSSUL-1PPM 30 C-SPBEC 33 C-UNS10 17
C1-CXXX-5153 62 C-CG540 22 C-GSVOL-1PPM 30 C-SPMF10 33 C-UNS100 17
C1-LXXX-7001 62 C-CHArC 25 C-GZ020 15, 67 C-SPMK1 33 C-UNSGW 25
C1-LXXX-7003 62 C-CHK10 29 C-GZ200 15 C-SPMK1A 33 E-MACAr 56
Index
C1-MXXX-7005 62 C-CL010 15 C-GZ2000 15 C-SPMK5 33 E-MACNT 56
C1-MXXX-7006 62 C-CL100 15 C-GZI10 15 C-SPMK5A 33 E-MATBG5 56
C-2C102 20 C-CPB10 22 C-GZI100 15 C-SPTA 27 E-MATBV5 56
C-2C106 20 C-CPC60 22 C-HCE11 78 C-SPTD1 43 E-MICAr 56
C2-CAXX-5138 62 C-CPLOK 15, 67, 68 C-HCE23 78 C-SPTD5 43 E-MICAr10 56
C2-CAXX-5146 62 C-CPX40 22 C-HCP11 78 C-SPTD10 43 E-MICOr 56
C2-CAXX-5250 62 C-CPX60 22 C-HCP23 78 C-SYG00-100ML 79 E-MITBE5 56
C2-CXXX-5138 62 C-CPY40 22 C-HCPPG 78 C-SYG00-50ML 79 E-MITBE50 56
C2-CXXX-5146 62 C-CPZ60 22 C-HCPTB 78 C-SYGND-100ML 79 FL-0001 56
C2-CXXX-5250 62 C-CSIII 23 C-HCTrP 78 C-SYGND-50ML 79 FL-0001-01 56
C-2HSPD 20 C-CSLr 27 C-HEL11 77 C-SYGPL-100ML 79 FL-0001-02 56
C2-LXXX-7004 62 C-CT020 22 C-HEL23 77 C-SYGPL-50ML 79 FL-0100 56
C2-MXXX-7007 62 C-CTC20 22 C-HEPUr 78 C-SYL00-1UL 79 FL-0150 56
C-2PPKN 20 C-CTX20 22 C-KIT012-2S 68 C-SYL00-5UL 79 FL-0151 56
C-2PPKQ 20 C-CTY20 22 C-KIT01-2S 67, 68 C-SYLrP-1UL 79 FL-0160 56
C-AC020 17 C-CUST-10 29 C-KIT02-2S 67, 68 C-T4GCF10 13 FL-0161 56
C-AC200 17 C-CUST-20 29 C-MS13X 23 C-T4GCF100 13 FL-0170 56
C-ASK1168SL 48 C-CUST-40 29 C-MSTrP 78 C-T6GCF10 13 FL-0200 56
C-ASK1168SS 48 C-CUTUB-3M 79 C-MSV5A 23 C-T6GCF100 13 FL-0201 56
C-ASK2USS 48 C-CVIEW1 82 C-MU000 79 C-TAG10 13 FL-0202 56
C-ASK2UST 48 C-CVIEWYr 82 C-MUF25 79 C-TAG100 13 FL-0203 56
C-B100M 50 C-DF010 46, 67 C-MUF32 79 C-TAGG10 13 FL-0204 56
C-BIO01 50 C-DF010E 46 C-O2TrP 78 C-TAGG100 13 FL-1000 56
C-BIO10 50 C-DF100 46 C-PI010 53 C-TAGKT 13 FL-1000-01 56
C-BIO100 50 C-DF100E 46 C-PI100 53 C-TAGKY 13 FL-1000-02 56
C-BIO50 50 C-DFS20 46 C-PL010 53 C-TAGLOK 13 FL-1000-02-1 56
C-BTX100-10 29, 67 C-DL010 17, 73 C-PL100 53 C-TAGTL 13 FL-1001 34
C-BTX1UG-10 29 C-DL010-XZ 17, 73 C-QSC10 67, 68, 70 C-TBMTE 15, 67 FL-1001-01 34
C-C569 23 C-DL100 17, 73 71, 72, 74, 79 C-TCF10 13 FL-1001-02 34
C-C1000 23 C-DL100-XZ 17, 73 C-QTZBD 25 C-TCF100 13 FL-1001-03 34
C-CF010 13, 17 C-DL1P0 17, 73 C-QUTZW 25 C-TCFP10 13 FL-1001-03-01 34
C-CF010-XZ 13, 17 C-DL1P0-XZ 17, 73 C-rA010 47 C-TCFP100 13 FL-1001-03-02 34
C-CF020 17, 47 C-DL1S0 17, 73 C-rB010 47 C-TED10P 48 FL-1001-06 34
C-CF020-XZ 17 C-DL1SO-XZ 17, 73 C-rC010 47 C-TED10S 48 FL-1001-06-1 34
C-CF100 13, 17 C-DLP10 17, 73 C-rCC10 47 C-TED1P 48 FL-1001-08 34
C-CF100-XZ 13, 17 C-DLP10-XZ 17, 73 C-rCT10 47 C-TED1S 48 FL-1001-09 34
C-CF200 17 C-DLS10 17, 73 C-rFHCT 78 C-TEDSEP 48 FL-1001-10 34
C-CF200-XZ 17 C-DLS10-XZ 17, 73 C-rFMST 78 C-TNXGr 20 FL-1001-20 34
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86
FL-1001-21 34 P-00030 51 SErUTE-5143 72, 74 U-HSV00 43
FL-1003 34 P-00040 51 SErUTE-5144 72, 74 U-HSVC0 43
FL-1003-04 34 P-CP001 51 SErZ-0026 79 U-HSVCr 43
FL-1003-05 34 P-CP010 51 SErZ-0062 75 U-HSVDC 43
FL-1003-06 34 P-CPF10 51 SErZ-0104 79 U-INLET 43, 72
FL-1003-07 34 P-CPO20 51 SErZ-0108 75 U-INLET-XZ 72
FL-1003-12 34 P-CPP10 51 SErZ-0189 72, 74 U-MFC100-2S 72
FL-2001 56 P-CPS20 51 SErZ-0022 28 U-MFC200-2S 72
FL-2002 56 P-CPU10 51 SErZ-0285 72 U-OrKIT 72
M-CTE120 39 P-FOrMr 51 SErZ-0351 72 U-rCYBX 61
M-CTE120i 39 r-FLTr4 37 SErZ-0371 72 U-SW001 72
M-CTE120T 39 rMK-0001 69 SErZ-0372 72 U-SW001-2S 72
M-CTE120Ti 39 rMK-0001-2S 69 SErZ-0669 39 U-T10CW 62, 67
M-CTE250 40 rMK-0001-XZ 69 SErZ-8138 33 U-T10CW-2S 62, 67
M-CTE250i 40 rMK-0003-2S 69 SErZ-FS6A3 70 U-T11GPC 67
M-DSK15 39, 40 rMK-0003-XZ 69 SErZ-NM6FSS 72 U-T11GPC-2S 67
M-DSKPF 39, 40 rMK-0004 69 SErZ-NU14SS 72 U-T12ME 67
M-MC006 39, 40 rMK-0004-2S 69 T-1VX 61 U-T12ME-2S 67

Index
M-MCHOr250 40 rMK-0004-XZ 69 T-2HD 61 U-T15ATA 67
M-MCHOr250HT 40 rMK-0005 61 T-3GBGE 61 U-T15ATA-2S 67
M-MCHSI 39 rMK-0006 39 T-6EMP 61 U-T16GHG 67
M-MCHSS 39 rMK-0006HT 40 T-7CUS 61 U-T16GHG-2S 67
M-MCHSS250 40 rMK-0007 69 U-35TO45KT 72 U-T17O3P 67
M-MCHSS250I 40 rMK-0008 43 U-45TO35KT 72 U-T17O3P-2S 67
M-MCTOP 39 rMK-0009 69 U-ASDrY 75 U-T1HBL 67
M-MCTOP250 40 rMK-0010 69 U-ASDrY-1S 75 U-T1HBL-2S 67
M-MCTOP250I 40 rMK-012 69 U-ASPM1 43, 75 U-T2GPH-2S 67
M-MCTOPI 39 rMK-012-2S 69 U-ASPM2 43, 75 U-T6SUL 67
M-NM406 39 r-TC20-1 37 U-COV06 70, 71, 74 U-T6SUL-2S 67
M-PrMIN 57 r-TC20-2 37 U-COV07 61, 68, 73 U-T7EMP 67
M-PrMIN1 57 SErAAA-1600 70, 71, 75 74 U-T7EMP-2S 67
M-PrMINSS 57 SErAAA-5167 71 U-COV10 17, 61, 68 U-T8CUS 62, 67
M-PrMINSS1 57 SErASU-1028 75 70, 71, 73 U-T8CUS-2S 62, 67
M-PrO30 57 SErASU-5021 75 74 U-TAGrW-2S 73
M-PrSPT 57 SErASU-5041 75 U-COV31 70 U-TDKIT-100 68
M-SPC05 39 SErASU-5043 75 U-COV45 17, 68, 71, 73 U-TECHCD 72
M-SPC15 39 SErMTD-1213BU 73 U-COV100 17, 70, 71 U-TrAY 73
M-SPGSC 39 SErMTD-1382 73 73, 74 U-TrAY50 73
M-STUKT 39 SErMTD-1394BU 73 U-COV450 17 U-TrAY-XZ 73
M-STUKT250 40 SErTTD-5032 61 U-DISK1 61, 70, 71 U-UASK1 73, 75
M-STUKT250I 40 SErUTD-1125 72 72, 74 U-UASK2 73, 75
M-STUKTI 39 SErUTD-5062 72 U-DISK3 70 U-UASK2-2S 73, 75
M-TCN04 39 SErUTD-5063 72 U-FV001 61, 70, 71 U-UASK2-XZ 73, 75
M-TCN06 39 SErUTD-5064 72 74 U-ULKIT 68
M-TCN07 39 SErUTD-5065 61, 70, 71 U-FV002 70, 71, 74 U-ULKIT-XZ 68
M-TCN64 39 74 U-FV003 70, 71, 74 U-USKIT 73
M-TICAP 39, 40 SErUTD-5093 61, 70, 71 75 U-USKIT-2S 73
MTS-32 37 74 U-FV004 75 U-USKIT-XZ 73
MTS-5009 37 SErUTD-5095 72, 74 U-GAS01 77
MTS-5010 37 SErUTD-5098 72, 74 U-GAS03 39, 40, 77
MTS-5011 37 SErUTD-5103 72 U-HS5TD 43
MTS-5013 37 SErUTD-5108 72, 74 U-HSKIT 43
M-TSTIN 39 SErUTD-5116 72, 74 U-HSNAS 43
P-00001 51 SErUTE-5103 72 U-HSTD-G1290 43
P-00010 51 SErUTE-5141 72, 74 U-HSTD-G1888 43
P-00020 51 SErUTE-5142 72, 74 U-HSTD-HS40 43
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87
Notes
Notes
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Introduction To Markes International. The Markes International Advantage. What Is Thermal Desorption

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Thermal Desorption

Accessories & Consumables

Formed in 1997, Markes International Ltd. is one of the

Markes has introduced several highly successful brands

The Markes International advantage

• Expert knowledge and innovative engineering keep

for GC and GC/MS. It combines selective customer support

concentration enhancement with direct extraction into • Excellence in applications development

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I. Environmental air III. Defence and

Environmental air monitoring Defence

• Atmospheric research • Monitoring chemical warfare (CW) stockpile sites

• Industrial (stack) emissions • Agent destruction facilities

• Odour components • Key civilian locations (counter-terrorism)

• Indoor air quality

Occupational health & safety • Arson residue analysis for accelerants

• Personal (inhalation) exposure monitoring • Drug analysis

• Biological exposure assessment (breath testing) • Detection of trace explosive vapours

Emissions from materials • Odour profiling for potable spirits

• Construction products e.g. paints • Quantitation of volatile components in dried

• Carpets and textiles

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UNITY 2 - A universal TD platform for tagged and

Series 2 Air Server options - Add to UNITY 2 for

TD-100 - Automated tube-based system with

TT24-7 - Twin-trap TD platform for continuous

UlTRA 2 - Multi-function TD autosampler for up to

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General purpose thermal desorption accessories Application specific thermal desorption

Environmental, health and safety 44

Calibration and standards 26 VOC-Mole™ soil sampler 51

Pumped sampling 31 Materials emissions testing 52

Sampling accessories 35 Direct sampling 53

Thermal analysis/evolved gas collection 56

Permeation accessory for µ-CTE 57

Food, fragrance, flavour and

Spares, accessories, software, miscellaneous

GC/MS software utilities 80

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Your order may be placed directly with:

Goods ordered from Markes in error may be returned to

• Markes International Inc. be accepted.

270 Presidential Drive

Please supply your account reference (if applicable) plus

Prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time

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The majority of thermal desorption applications require sampling

Markes International is a world-leader in thermal desorption and

Industry standard sorbent tubes (3½” long x

Stainless steel and inert coated tubes 3

Conditioning sorbent tubes 5

Special tube packing services 5

Part numbers for 3½” tubes 6

Popular tube types for general and specific applications 7

Cross reference to old part numbers 7

Single bed sorbent tubes 9

Dual bed sorbent tubes 9

Three bed sorbent tubes 10

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Tubes are available in stainless steel, inert coated

p4 tubes are impedance tested prior to shipment, and

Industry standard 3½” long tubes

Method TO-17, EN ISO 16017, EN 14662, ASTM sorbents