title: A universal temperature controlled membrane interface for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.
abstract: A universal temperature controlled membrane interface (TCMI) has been constructed for hollow-fibre membranes. The membrane temperature is controllable in the range -70 to 250 degrees C using an electric heater and a flow of cooled nitrogen or helium gas. Volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds may be detected either by continuous diffusion across the membrane or by in-membrane pre-concentration followed by thermal desorption into the detector. The TCMI interface is demonstrated in combination with mass spectrometry and GC-MS, for the determination of VOCs and SVOCs in aqueous and air samples and for the on-line monitoring of a bioreactor.
authors.affiliation: School of Science, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, UK NG11 8NS. colin.creaser@ntu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Colin S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Creaser
authors.forename: David Gómez
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Lamarca
authors.forename: Luisa M Freitas
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: New
authors.forename: Phillip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D017022:Flow Injection Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009930:Organic Chemicals