Newly developed coupling systems are introduced and discussed for the combination of a simultaneous TG-DTA apparatus with a quadrupole mass-spectrometer. In the study of decomposition processes under atmospheric pressure, two-stage pressure reduction systems allow an exact gas analysis by the simultaneous operation of a mass-spectrometer up to 1550‡. For measurements under high vacuum, the pressure reduction systems are removed, and by direct viewing between test body and ion source a high sensitivity is achieved. The function of these combined units is demonstrated by means of applications in inorganic and organic chemistry. © 1979 Wiley Heyden Ltd., Chichester and Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.