Project Title:

Ion Mobility Sensing of Extraterrestrial Volatiles from Gas Chromatography

08.10-0507
Ion Mobility Sensing of Extraterrestrial Volatiles from Gas Chromatography
PCP, Inc.
2155 Indian Road
West Palm Beach
FL
33409
R. F.
Wernlund
(407-683-0507)
ARC

Abstract:

The goal of this project is a miniature, specialized, flight-qualified, ion mobility
spectrometer (IMS) to identify and quantify organic volatile effluents from a gas
chromatograph (GC) at concentrations of 10-14 moles per second.
In Phase I, a combined IMS and quadrapole mass spectrometer will be modeled to determine
optimum structural parameters. Alternate ion sources, including alpha and beta emitters,
ultraviolet lamps, and corona discharge will be considered. A demonstration of an
IMS feasibility model using a laboratory GC will be made. The Phase I report will
contain preliminary design recommendations for the flight-qualified IMS sensor. In
Phase II, the IMS design will be perfected for optimum performance, a prototype built
and tested, and a few units delivered. Concurrently, a data base will be prepared
for selected gas chemistry and pertinent volatile compounds.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Products of this work could be a pocket-sized,
personal IMS sensor of toxic organic volatiles and, in combination with a portable
GC, a monitor for environmental and industrial volatile matter.