Markes International

Starter kits

Markes offers a comprehensive range of starter kits – handy packages of tubes, traps, tools and accessories to get you up and running quickly. The range includes general-purpose kits for all UNITY-xr/TD100-xr models, specialist kits for environmental and material emissions applications, and convenient kits for specific instruments and accessories.

- Optimised for system and/or method setup: Providing the right tools for the job and saving time in the laboratory

- The most cost-effective approach to purchasing essential bundles of items

- Complement instrument shipping kits, to prevent duplication of parts

Column connectors

When connecting a TD transfer line insert to a GC column, a connector such as a single-use quick-seal capillary connector (QSCC) is required. These are suitable for most routine applications, and are commonly used at the point of install for Markes’ instruments. When working with an MS detector, the use of a SilTite™ mini‑union is recommended.

- QSCCs are easy-to-use, single-use connectors used to interface the transfer line insert provided by Markes to any standard GC column

- Mini-unions are re-usable, and should be used when working with an MS detector to achieve the required baseline

- A column-cutting tool ensures a clean square cut of the transfer line insert and column

Read more: Column connectors Instruction for use

Transfer line insert

The uncoated deactivated fused silica transfer line insert is used to connect a Markes’ TD instrument to a GC column, and allows rapid sample transfer from the TD focusing trap to the head of the GC capillary column for subsequent analysis.

- User-replaceable: ‘How-to’ video available with step-by-step instructions

- Should be checked and replaced regularly as part of a routine maintenance plan

- Included in relevant routine maintenance kits (RMKs), which contain sufficient spares for approximately 12 months of use, for an average user

Trays for autosampler

Markes’ automated TD instruments hold tubes capped with DiffLok caps in trays, both before and after analysis. Each tray houses up to ten tubes, and there are five or ten numbered trays in each autosampler (depending on the instrument). Trays can be removed from the autosampler and used for temporary storage, or for transporting tubes around the lab.

- Image on the outside of the tray indicates which direction to insert the tubes

- Numbered to aid with sequence setup

- Can be replaced if lost or damaged

Gas regulators

Gas regulation is essential to control gas supply into an analytical system or off-line accessory. Markes offers two types of regulator: one for use with all Markes’ thermal desorption instruments such as the TD100-xr and UNITY-xr, and the other for off-line accessories such as a tube conditioner (TC-20) and Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR).

- Regulate high-purity carrier gas/dry gas

- Fitted with on/off toggle(s)

- Lightweight, with minimal footprint

Flowmeter

A digital flowmeter is required to measure gas flows associated with thermal desorption equipment and sampling.

Markes’ recommended flowmeter is tested over the range of 0.0 to 500.0 ml/min with an uncertainty of +/- 0.4 ml/min or 2.5%, whichever is greater. Calibration Reference Temperature and Pressure: 0°C and 760 mm Hg. Compatible with eight gases including helium, hydrogen and nitrogen, in the range 0.1–500 mL/min.

- Enables repeatable analysis and compliance with standard methods

- Rechargeable battery

- Calibration traceable to UKAS standards

Electronic leak detector

- User-friendly look, feel, and interface

- Backlit colour LCD display.

- Two power options: 3x AA batteries or USB-C for continuous operation.

Read more: Electronic leak detector Instruction for use

Barcode scanners for sorbent tubes

All Markes International’s thermal desorption tubes (sorbent tubes) are permanently labelled with a unique serial number in clear barcode and numerical format for identification and tracking purposes. To reliably read these barcodes, Markes supplies a tried-and-tested barcode scanner that reads from the curved surfaces of stainless steel, inert and glass tubes with ease. 

- Eliminates time-consuming manual data entry

- Reduces the risk of human error, which could result in misreporting

- Helps maintain sample integrity and keep track of samples

CapLok and TAGLok tools

CapLok is a two-part tool specifically designed to simplify the capping and uncapping of sorbent tubes. It is intended to be used in place of a pair of wrenches, to allow the tube to be gripped appropriately, allowing correct compression of long-term storage caps and prevent overtightening. When using Markes’ patented TubeTAG technology for tracking tubes, a TAGLok tool is needed in place of the CapLok tool.

- Ensures an effective seal is achieved between the ferrule in the long-term storage cap and the tube

- Prevents overtightening of caps, which can cause distortion of the tube ends and the PTFE ferrule within the cap

- Robust and simple to use

Read more: CapLok tool Instruction for use

Direct desorption/thermal extraction

Direct desorption is a variation on the principle of dynamic headspace that can be used to rapidly screen small quantities of solid or semi-solid materials. Small samples are placed directly into empty TD tubes or via tube liners. These are then heated in a stream of inert gas to sweep volatiles directly from the sample matrix onto the focusing trap of the thermal desorption instrument, for subsequent analysis by GC.

Direct desorption is typically applied to homogeneous waxes, powders or pastes. Analytes monitored are generally in the range C₃ to C_30. Applications of direct desorption include the odour profiling and quality control of a range of materials:

- Residual volatiles in ointments, packaging films, pharmaceuticals/drug powders and polymer beads.

- Emissions from consumer goods, such as paints, car trim components, moulded PVC and adhesives.

- Characteristic vapour profiles from foodstuffs and fragrant products, including soap powder and shampoo.

Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR)

Markes’ Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR) has been designed for loading sorbent tubes with gas- or liquid-phase standards. It allows you to calibrate the entire TD–GC–MS analytical system for qualitative and quantitative analysis. It is used as part of routine quantitative analysis, or when changing methods and/or analytical conditions.

- Specifically designed for loading sorbent tubes with VOC gas standards

- Key to TD standard methods, such as ISO 16017 and US EPA TO-17 – standards are loaded onto a tube in a stream of carrier gas using an unheated apparatus

- Compatible with ¼″ and 6 mm o.d. tubes – for 6 mm tubes a different ferrule is required (C-FP010-XZ)

Read more: Calibration Solution Loading Rig Instruction for use