Patent ID: 7131341
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An instrument for detecting the presence of trace volatiles, comprising a sampling probe having a receptor adapted protectively to receive a coated fibre of a solid phase micro-extraction device (SPME) for introduction to a site to be sampled, the sampling probe including means associated with the receptor to direct a fluid stream from the site over the SPME fibre located within the receptor thus to cause one or more trace volatiles to be captured by the fibre coating, and the instrument further comprising a data acquisition device having an array of gas sensors contained within a chamber adapted to receive said coated SPME fibre having one or more trace volatiles captured thereby, means for causing said one or more trace volatiles to be released from the fibre coating into the chamber such that in use the gas sensors may detect said one or more trace volatiles released from the SPME fibre, and means responsive to the sensors to produce one or more signals identifying said one or more trace volatiles captured by and released from the SPME fibre.