AUTOMATED STATIC HEADSPACE SAMPLER FOR GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY

A new automated static headspace thermal desorption system is described. This system allows for total control of the autosampler-gas chromatographic system, analog to digital conversion and data storage, prepurge functions to eliminate cross sample contamination and multiple modes of sample delivery. The system's ease of gas flow valve control and timing allows for optimal manipulation of carrier and headspace improving resolution. Larger-scale data acquisition and digital-to-analog control of the autosampler functions are discussed. System performance is illustrated using biological and environmental samples. The system's qualitative and quantitative performance was examined using statistical measures of retention time data and standard error for analyte responses.