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                            Library & Multimedia
 Torion GUARDION®-7 Gas Chromatograph Toroidal Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (GC-TMS) - Technology Evaluation
NCJ Number
              234034

Author(s)
          National Forensic Science Technology Center
Date Published

February 2009
Length
              5 pages
Annotation
              The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) evaluated the Torion GUARDION-7 Gas Chromatograph Toroidal Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (GS-TMS) instrument manufactured by Torion Technologies, Inc., which is currently used by civilian first responders, environmental monitoring personnel, and military recruits for the rapid identification of unknown gas, solid, and liquid chemical substances.
Abstract
              The evaluation determined that this portable device can be used to analyze gas, liquid, or solid (dissolved powder) samples that contain single or multiple component mixtures. The Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) syringe is a single mechanism by which both sample preparation (extraction) and sample injection can occur in one efficient, easy-to-use device.  After sample injection occurs, results can be obtained within 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the GC parameters set in the uploaded method. Unit power-up to sample injection time was noted to be 3 to 4 minutes. Most other portable GC/MS instruments take at least 25 to 30 minutes to reach operational vacuum and temperature conditions.  The GC-TMS instrument weighs approximately 25 pounds and is engineered to be housed completely encased within a 12 in x 7 in rugged pelican case, which protects the unit from shock, vibration, and harsh environmental conditions during transport. The unit is portable and does not require any external carrier gas supply or external power source, but it is capable of accessing these sources if needed. One limitation is the instrument’s limited mass scan range for small organic molecule identification. The samples used for this evaluation were selected to be a small representative subset of controlled substances and common cutting agents. 1 figure and photos of the instrument
      
  
          Additional Details
Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Award
        FY2008 Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence
    
  
  
Date Published: February 1, 2009
    
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