µ-airTOXIC – Portable GC-PID Analyzer for Trace-Level VOC Monitoring

The µ-airTOXIC is a portable gas chromatograph equipped with a photoionization detector (GC-PID) and a pre-concentration system, designed for the detection and measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at trace levels. Depending on the selected analytical method, the instrument can be configured for BTEX, 1,3-butadiene, and VOCs ranging from C3 to C12.

The C6–C12 configurations include a PAMS method covering 33 VOCs and a European method covering 45 VOCs, including terpenes. Additional analytical method libraries are available to expand the instrument’s application range.

Key Applications

  • Ambient air quality monitoring: Urban environments, environmental monitoring networks, and refinery fence-line monitoring.
  • Indoor and outdoor air monitoring: Assessment of VOC concentrations in indoor environments and outdoor air.
  • Industrial hygiene: Monitoring VOCs in occupational and industrial environments.
  • Specialized applications: CO₂ beverage analysis and other application-specific monitoring requirements.

Operating Principle and Field Deployment

The µ-airTOXIC combines an electrically actuated six-port valve, a single adsorbent trap, and a capillary separation column with a heated photoionization detector (PID) equipped with a 10.6 eV lamp. Programmable column-oven temperature control and precise carrier-gas pressure and flow regulation enable the instrument to operate according to the selected analytical method.

Designed for field use, the instrument integrates the main components required for on-site analysis into a portable suitcase, including the sampling and analytical systems, data storage, a battery, and an internal nitrogen tank. The analyzer can be ready for operation in less than five minutes.

Integrated Wi-Fi allows the instrument to be operated remotely from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. An optional local touchscreen is also available.

The Vistachrom LITE software supports measurement configuration, calibration, data recalculation, data storage, and data export, providing the tools required for field operation and subsequent data management.

Available Options and Accessories

The µ-airTOXIC can be configured with a range of options to meet specific analytical and operational requirements:

  • Calibration system: Portable permeation oven with certified permeation tubes.
  • Nitrogen supply: Nitrogen generator delivering up to 300 mL/min, requiring an external compressor for operation and/or internal tank refilling. Following refilling, the system can provide up to 10 hours of operation.
  • Remote connectivity: Modem support and remote instrument control.
  • Water analysis: Optional purge module for extracting VOCs from water samples, enabling online BTEX analysis.
  • Extended autonomy: Additional battery and a rechargeable internal high-pressure carrier-gas cylinder rated up to 150 barg.
  • External gas supply: External nitrogen cylinder supporting up to 20 days of operation when supplied at 70 bar, subject to operating conditions.
  • Expanded analytical capabilities: Multiple analytical methods and a library of more than 40 VOC compounds for the µ-airTOXIC C6–C12 configuration.
  • Biogenic VOC monitoring: Measurement of compounds such as isoprene, with potential co-elution of C4 or C5 ozone-precursor VOCs, depending on the selected method.

Standards and Application-Dependent Compliance

According to the technical product specifications (TSP), selected µ-airTOXIC applications support compliance with EN 14662-3:2015. The documentation also references EN 15267-1, EN 15267-2, and QAL1.

Important: The applicability of these standards and certifications depends on the selected instrument configuration, analytical method, and intended application. The relevant technical product specifications should be consulted to confirm compliance for each specific use case.

  • Configurations and compounds:
    • BTEX: Benzene, Cyclohexane, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m- and p-Xylenes, Styrene and o-Xylene. 1,3-butadiene, IAA or naphthalene are optional.
    • C6-C12 PAMS: 33 VOCs from benzene to n-undecane.
    • European C6-C12 configuration: 45 VOCs from benzene to n-decane, including biogenic VOCs (terpenes). Other method libraries, such as C3-C10, are optional.
  • Detection and linearity:
    • Automatic-mode LDL: ≤ 10 ppt. The TSP cites benzene or other VOCs (µ-A76022); performance depends on compound and configuration.
    • Benzene ranges: 0-10 ppb, 0-100 ppb or 0-1000 ppb.
    • Area linearity: R² > 0.995.
  • Repeatability:
    • Relative standard deviation over 48 hours: better than 1% for retention time; better than 2% for concentration at 1 ppb.
  • Cycle times:
    • 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes (µ-A73022); 30 minutes (µ-A73022-B).
  • Sampling and carrier gas:
    • Programmable sample volume: 20 to 700 mL or more.
    • BTEX and C6-C12 carrier-gas consumption: minimum 3 mL/min with an electric injection valve; varies with column internal diameter and application.
    • Internal nitrogen tank: up to 15 barg. Analysis up to 22 hours at 15 bar.
  • Detector and column:
    • Heated photoionization detector (PID) with a 10.6 eV lamp.
    • Electrical six-port valve, single adsorbent trap and capillary column. Programmed column-oven temperature gradient up to 200°C, with carrier-gas pressure/flow control.
  • Operating temperature:
    • 0°C to 40°C; may vary with the method used.
  • Power and battery:
    • 12 V DC; battery autonomy up to 8 hours, depending on the method used.
    • Battery rechargeable from 230 V / 110 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz.
  • Dimensions and weight:
    • Height: 410 mm; width: 340 mm; depth: 180 mm. Net weight: 7 kg.
  • Software, storage and communication:
    • Vistachrom LITE on Linux; Wi-Fi, Ethernet and one USB port.
    • Standard data capacity: 16 GB. Internal data storage up to 10 years; data transfer via USB.
    • Measurement configuration, calibration, recalculation and export; retention-time, area, mass and concentration profiles.
  • Tablet specifications:
    • 8.7-inch display, 1340 × 800 resolution; Android operating system; shock protection included.
    • Approximately 14 hours of continuous use and approximately 335 g. Characteristics may vary.