SEDL / STP / STP1221-EB / STP12654S

Integrated Intelligent Instruments Using Supercritical Fluid Technology for Soil Analysis

Liebman, SA
Vice-president, director of contract research and applications, CCS Instrument Systems, West Grove, PA

Phillips, C
Senior engineer,

Fitzgerald, W
Production supervisor,

Levy, EJ
President and research manager,

Pages: 5    Published: Jan 1994

Download this paper for $25 PDF (100K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Contaminated soils pose a significant challenge for characterization and remediation programs that require rapid, accurate and comprehensive data in the field or laboratory. Environmental analyzers based on supercritical fluid (SF) technology have been designed and developed for meeting these global needs. The analyzers are designated the CHAMP Systems (Chemical Hazards Automated Multimedia Processors). The prototype instrumentation features SF extraction (SFE) and on-line capillary gas Chromatographic (GC) analysis with Chromatographic and/or spectral identification detectors, such as ultra-violet, Fourier transform infrared and mass spectrometers. Illustrations are given for a highly automated SFE-capillary GC/flame ionization (FID) configuration to provide validated screening analysis for total extractable hydrocarbons within ca. 5–10 min, as well as a full qualitative/quantitative analysis in 25–30 min. Data analysis using optional expert system and neural networks software is demonstrated for test gasoline and diesel oil mixtures in this integrated intelligent instrument approach to trace organic analysis of soils and sediments.