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FEVE (Full Evaporative Vacuum Extraction) is a new Sorbent Pen™ extraction method that eliminates competition with the matrix for compound affinity. The matrix is fully evaporated through the sorbent, forcing the compounds of interest to transfer to the Sorbent Pens, allowing for equal recovery of both polar and non-polar compounds. Unlike other methods, FEVE uses the volatilizing matrix as the carrier gas, reducing the potential for channeling and analyte breakthrough, and reducing the total gas volume by up to 30X. With matrix evaporation rates of only 1-2cc/min, FEVE is most effective for samples with low solid or suspended solids content and relatively volatile matrices such as water.

For the analysis of SVOCs in water by FEVE, only a 1 mL sample is required to achieve the same sensitivity as analyzing 1 L of water through a Liquid/Liquid extraction. This is because only 1 µL of the final extract (out of 1000 µL) is typically injected into the GC-MS, while 100% of the FEVE extract is delivered to the GC detector(s). The compounds are evaporated slowly to enhance recovery and prevent channeling through the adsorbent material. The 1-2 cc/min of water vapor, carrying most compounds boiling under 350°C, is directed to the adsorbent at a slow flow rate that is only slightly higher than the diffusion rate under vacuum conditions, thereby eliminating the risk of channeling.

By removing the volatile fraction, FEVE does not have to compete against the sample matrix for “greater solubility”, as is the case with SBSE, full immersion SPME, Solvent Extraction, or SPE. After water removal, the glass sample vial becomes equivalent to a glass GC injection liner, so heating of the vial transfers any remaining SVOCs to the sorbent, but at lower temperatures due to the higher vacuum conditions. This leaves no chance for compounds to go anywhere but onto the Sorbent Pen.