Automatic headspace analyzer

Automated Procedures Some of the difficulties associated with manual procedures can be eliminated with an automated headspace sampler. Such a device has been described in the literature (14), and is commercially available. The schematic diagram of such a semi-automatic headspace analyzer is shown in Figure 3. Precise control of times and temperatures, as well as the capability to hold samples at high temperatures, produces better chromatographic reproducibility. We have been able to analyze ppm levels of ethyl dodecanoate in aqueous solution with this system. Significant amounts of water vapor are introduced into the gas chromatographic column under these conditions. For this reason, columns with non-polar liquid phases or bonded Carbowax-type liquid phases... 

Automatic headspace samplers are available from manufacturers of gas chromatographs. These devices are based on the technique of sampling an amount of vapor above the sample itself. Samples are sealed, neat or in a suitable solvent, in containers, and hold at a preset temperature in a thermostatted liquid bath. The headspace vapor results as a partition equilibrium is established between the liquid or solid and the gaseous phase of the volatiles. As each sample is presented to the analyzer, the vessel is punctured and a portion of the headspace gas is withdrawn by a pneumatic injection technique and forced into the column. The main application for those samplers is in the routine analysis of low-boiling fractions in samples containing nonvolatile solids or high-boiling components. Some of the more popular applications today are ... 

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