AirDiscoveryTM System
for VOC Organics and PFAS Analysis in Ambient, Indoor, Workplace, and Fenceline Air
Introduction to the Air-Discovery System
The Entech Air-Discovery™ System, combined with Entech’s air monitoring Sorbent Pens™, provides a groundbreaking solution for the analysis of Organic and PFAS Chemicals in ambient air, indoor air, and workplace environments. Designed as a GCMS introduction platform, the system offers unparalleled precision across a wide boiling point range—from highly volatile to heavy semi-volatile compounds, including those bound to airborne particles.
At the heart of the system is an innovative thermal desorption process, which employs non-cryogenic “Capillary Only” focusing to eliminate the carryover issues and maintenance demands associated with traditional packed focusing traps. Sorbent Pens are directly desorbed within 1–2 cm of the GC’s capillary focusing column housed inside the oven, bypassing external rotary valves and transfer lines. This ensures maximum sample integrity and recovery, minimal contamination, and consistent results.
The automated system supports analysis of both Active Sorbent Pens (ASPs) for pump based or vacuum assisted sampling, and Diffusive Sorbent Pens (DSPs) for passive environmental monitoring. Central to its operation is the SPR Sample Preparation Rail (SPR40A), which facilitates Sorbent Pen transport to and from the sample trays, the 5800 SPDU Desorption Unit, the VIPERS spiking ports, and the 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner. The 5800A SPDU ensures precise and efficient thermal desorption directly onto the Capillary Focusing Column inside the GC oven, while the 3801A Conditioner performs a post desorption deep cleaning of Sorbent Pens exposed to high analyte concentrations or contamination. Together, these components provide automated, streamlined workflows that maximize throughput while reducing user intervention.
- Direct desorption of Sorbent Pens into all major GC brands, avoiding rotary valves and transfer lines.
- Dual split control module for optimized sample injection, reducing helium usage and enabling precise control over analyte concentration.
- Backflushing capability in the capillary focuser to minimize carryover, reduce column stress, and extend column lifespans.
- Automated spiking, thermal desorption, and conditioning for up to 120 Sorbent Pens using the Sample Preparation Rail (SPR) and SPRINT software.
- Versatile injection options, including SPLIT, SPLITLESS, and hybrid modes, for optimal performance across VOC, SVOC, and PFAS analyses.
- Automated leak checking of pneumatic connections prior to every desorption.
Ambient Air Monitoring
IAQ (Indoor Air Monitoring)
Vehicle Cabin Air
Fenceline (Method 325B)
Occupation Hygiene
Airborne PFAS
The 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner is a high-performance system designed to fully clean Sorbent Pens before initial use, after exposure to high concentrations, or when left uncapped. Unlike standard desorption-based cleaning, the 3801A uses a combination of vacuum and ultra-high purity nitrogen to ensure superior removal of residual compounds while also conditioning the three external sealing O-rings. A unique fourth O-ring design enhances vacuum exposure, improving contaminant outgassing and thermal cleaning efficiency. Integrated with SPRINT software, the 3801A operates fully automated with the SPR40A Sample Preparation Rail, enabling unattended conditioning of up to 30 Sorbent Pens per tray. This advanced system extends the longevity of Sorbent Pens while maintaining ultra-low background levels for high-sensitivity GCMS applications.Sorbent Pens™ for Quantitative Air Monitoring
Sorbent Pens are Entech’s advanced evolution of classic thermal desorption (TD) tubes, offering superior performance in both sample collection and delivery for GCMS analysis. Unlike standard TD tubes, which have retained the same geometry for decades, Sorbent Pens are optimized to enhance sampling efficiency and desorption reliability.
Sorbent Pens support three distinct air sampling methods, as outlined in the table below. Their intuitive design features an integrated valve at one end and a tool-free sealing sleeve at the other, eliminating confusion over orientation. This user-friendly approach ensures effortless operation while virtually eliminating the risk of improper use.
A key advantage of Sorbent Pens is their vertical support during both thermal desorption and conditioning. This orientation leverages gravity to maintain optimal sorbent packing, preventing gaps that can form in horizontally heated TD tubes due to expansion and contraction. The result is more consistent and reliable performance across all applications.
Refer to the table below to determine the best sampling approach for your needs:
Tool Free Operation in a Durable, Field Portable Package
DSP and ASP Sorbent Pens are designed to optimize the integrity of both the sampling device and the collected sample. One side of the Pen is isolated via the integrated micro-seal that must be actively opened, but is otherwise extremely leak tight. An integrated sleeve and plug complete the isolation of the Pen during storage and transportation to and from the field. A screw on cap prevents the Pen from coming out of the sleeve until the cap is removed. Simply remove the screw on/off plug on the sampling side of the Pen to start and stop the sampling. For DSPs, sampling will start as soon as the plug is removed. ASPs use a pump or a vacuum metering device on the micro-seal end of the Pen draw in a known volume of sample.
