A new automated sampling system from gas measurement expert Markes International aims to simplify studies of how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) change over time, enabling researchers to generate detailed time-series datasets using established thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD–GC–MS) workflows.
The MTS-32 Pro automatically collects sequential air samples onto industry-standard sorbent tubes or mini-tubes according to user-programmed schedules, allowing changing VOC concentrations to be monitored over periods ranging from minutes to hours without manual intervention.
The system has been developed to address the practical challenges associated with capturing the evolution of volatile compounds over time. Conventional manual sampling can provide only isolated measurements, making it difficult to characterise dynamic processes such as the release, persistence and dissipation of VOCs.
“Understanding how aromas change over time can be difficult with traditional sampling approaches,” said Rachael Szafnauer, Group Product Marketing Manager – GC Sample Introduction Technologies at Markes. “Researchers increasingly want to move beyond single measurements and build a clearer picture of how volatile compounds are released, evolve and dissipate. The MTS-32 Pro makes this practical by automating the collection of sequential air samples, supporting product development, performance testing and quality assessment.”
The instrument supports unattended sequential sampling of up to 32 sorbent tubes and incorporates integrated flow control with adjustable flow rates from 20 mL/min to 1 L/min. User-programmable sampling and dwell times allow sampling frequency to be varied according to changing VOC concentrations, enabling more frequent collection during periods of peak emissions and longer intervals as concentrations decline.
According to Markes, dedicated high-flow micro-check valve caps help protect collected samples against contamination and analyte loss before and after sampling, supporting confidence in subsequent laboratory analysis.
While the system has been developed with fragrance and consumer product testing in mind, Markes says it is also suited to applications requiring time-resolved VOC measurements more broadly. These include studies of indoor air quality, emissions from products and materials, and other investigations where VOC concentrations change over time.
The company says the technology has already been deployed by fragrance and consumer goods organisations for fragrance-release studies and product performance evaluation.
Compatible with existing TD–GC–MS analytical workflows, the system is intended to reduce the manual workload associated with repeated sampling while enabling researchers to obtain a more complete picture of how VOC emissions evolve throughout a test period.
