High-Volume Sampling Front-End Collection and Thermal Extraction Device
alana.prince
Fri, 07/05/2024 – 14:48
High-volume collection and rapid sample preparation for thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.
Devices to screen for volatile organic compounds (VOC) are used to check for contraband, environmental hazards, or industrial hygiene. Typically, a surface is swabbed and the sample dissolved in a liquid solvent for testing. This two-step process is time consuming and not suitable in situations where fast screening is needed.
Developed by researchers at the Transportation Security Administration, the High-Volume Sampling Front-End Collection and Thermal Extraction Device (HVST-TED) is a portable, lightweight, and low-cost method for high-throughput testing. Air or surface swab samples are heated to release the sample VOCs, which are pulled through a filter and captured in a commercial thermal desorption tube that can be inserted into any gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) for sample analysis.
Technology Category
Transportation Security & Explosives Characterization
Stage of Development
Proven System
Inventor(s)
Inho Cho
US Patent number
US11,237,083; US11,543,333; US8,578,796
Partnerships Sought
License
DHS Component
Transportation Security Administration
Contact Information
T2C@hq.dhs.gov
