Analysis of Odorous VOCs using TD-GC-MS/FID/PFPD: Development and Applications to Real Samples

This work aims to present the applicability of a gas chromatograph equipped with three detectors for the analysis of odorous mixtures. An Agilent gas chromatograph (mod. 8890), equipped with a mass spectrometer (Agilent 5977B MSD), a Flame Ionization Detector (FID, Agilent) and a Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector (PFPD, OI Analytical mod. 5833) was adopted, obtaining simultaneous acquisition with MS, FID and PFPD detectors. The splitting of the sample into the three detectors was carried out at the end of the chromatographic column, by a capillary flow technology splitter (Agilent Splitter CFT). By using this system, it is, therefore, possible to achieve the specific detection and quantification of organic compounds by FID analysis, sulphur compounds by PFPD and the identification of the compounds by MS analysis, via comparison with mass spectra. Based on the preliminary outcomes obtained,the application of this system in the analysis of odour samples enabled the determination of specific classes, even in traces: by this, the subsequent identification of these compounds during a single chromatographic run is possible. This combination provides significant time and costs savings in the calibration and analysis of chromatographic data.