Backpack-portable mass spectrometer for measurement of volatile compounds in the environment. Technical report

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5951684

Hemond, H F

Environmental measurements of volatile pollutants and metabolic gases are preferably made in situ. In situ measurement provides immediate information to the investigator while minimizing disturbance and eliminating the need for sample collection, preservation, and transport. A self-contained mass spectrometer, capable of being carried by one person, has been designed and built for this purpose. The instrument is based on a compact crossed-field analyzer using a high-energy-product magnet and control circuitry optimized for low power consumption using a 12V DC primary power source. An internal, rechargable battery can provide up to several hours of operation in the field. Provision is made for interface, via RS-232, to a compact battery-operated laptop microcomputer. A variety of inlet configurations is possible, the simplest being a probe, containing a small silicone-rubber membrane, which may be inserted into a gas- or water-containing environment of interest.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (USA). Sea Grant Coll. Program
• OSTI ID: 5951684
• Report Number(s): PB-91-160853/XAB; MITSG-91-4; CNN: NA86AA-D-SG089
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MASS SPECTROMETERS
DESIGN
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
GAS ANALYSIS
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
PROGRESS REPORT
VOLATILE MATTER
DOCUMENT TYPES
EQUIPMENT
MATTER
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROSCOPY
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540320 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540220 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)