Patent ID: 8088627
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for in-situ, chemical analysis of airborne particles, comprising the in-situ steps of: collecting an air stream from ambient air into a sampling and analysis system including a humidifier coupled via a first isolation element to a collection cell, the collection cell selectively coupled to a gas chromatography column isolated from the collection cell during said collecting by a second isolation element, the ambient air collected at a sampling inlet and passed to the humidifier; humidifying the sample air stream using the humidifier, passing the sample air stream from the humidifier through to the particle collection cell; depositing particulate material from the sample air stream in the collection cell; isolating the collection cell from the sampling inlet using the first isolation element; opening the second isolation element and directing carrier gas through the cell and through the gas chromatography column; thermally desorbing the particulate material in the collection cell into said carrier gas by heating the collection cell to provide desorbed particulate material; transporting the desorbed particulate material in the carrier gas through a heated transport line directly onto a head of the gas chromatography column; re-depositing the particulate material on the head of the chromatography column, the temperature of the chromatography column being controlled to less than or equal to 50° C.; separating the particulate material constituents using said gas chromatography column; and analyzing the constituents of the particulate material as they evolve from the gas chromatography column.