EMISSION MONITORING INCORPORATED

OFFERS

GCMS TESTING

WHAT is GCMS? - GCMS stands for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. It is an instrumental means of separating and positively identifying compounds.

 HOW does it work? - The GCMS that Emission Monitoring employs for testing works by sampling gases directly, separating the various components contained in the sample from each other using the GC, and identifying positively and quantifying the separated compounds using a mass spectrometer. The results from each ten-minute run are analyzed within minutes of completion, with results provided on-site. We have found that providing on-site results to our clients adds a dimension to testing services that is unsurpassed. It enables important decisions to be made that would previously have taken weeks because of off-site laboratory analysis. Additionally, we have found that our clients are absolutely thrilled when they receive their results before we leave the test site.

 WHAT are the applications of GCMS? - GCMS testing has been conducted at numerous stationary sources; foundries, mineral calciners, cement kilns, lead smelters, reciprocating engines and turbines. In addition, we have conducted testing at ambient sources and various emission points of industrial processes. In certain circumstances, we have analyzed Tedlar bag samples when sampling directly was impossible. The very low achievable detection limits of the technique make it particularly attractive for ambient sampling because the need to concentrate the sample on adsorbent media is not necessary. For example, benzene toluene and xylene compounds (BTX) can be detected and quantified positively at concentrations approximating 10 part per billion. Collection and analysis of these compounds by traditional methods usually provides for detection limits of 1 part per million or greater.

 WHY is this GCMS testing service Unique? - On-site GCMS testing is unique because, in the past, a GCMS was as big as your living room, and required a couple of scientists to operate and maintain. That's why sampling and analysis using mass spectrometry usually is performed in a laboratory, and takes from one week to one month to get the results. The HAPSITE GCMS was designed and manufactured to be fully portable. The GCMS weighs only 35 lbs. and is fully operational when mobile. This allows the technique to be utilized in a manner that was never possible until now. The technique requires a great deal of operator knowledge and experience with operating a GCMS.

 WHAT Compounds can be Analyzed for Using GCMS? - Technically, compounds that have a molecular weight between 44 and 300 can be analyzed for in combustion source effluent. Ambient applications can afford a lower molecular weight range of analysis. In general, the rule of thumb for this particular GCMS is that we can analyze volatile compounds (not metals or dioxins) with vapor pressures in the range from hexane up to naphthalene. We would be happy to discuss specific applications on a case by case basis. We typically calibrate for over 30 compounds, but the potential applications for analyzing volatile compounds are virtually unlimited.

 WHO is Emission Monitoring? - EMI is a small consulting firm with four employees. We conduct various laboratory evaluations and provide testing services that are difficult or impossible for other firms because of the large relative start-up costs and extensive training associated to gain market entrance. EMI employs skilled employees to operate and maintain the GCMS. We also can provide assistance in the conduct of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements and data analysis. Emission Monitoring has over 70 years of experience in the environmental field.