Nutech 8910 Ambient Air Sample Preconcentrator for VOCs Analysis
The Nutech 8910 preconcentrator is the successor of Nutech’s classic model 8900DS. It has the most advanced hardware and software with unique features for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) listed in U.S EPA Methods TO-14A, TO-15 and TO-15A. Functionality and longevity were the main goals in the development of Nutech’s ambient air preconcentrator.
It is suitable for the ambient air sample preconcentration in VOCs analysis which is widely adopted by environmental monitoring stations, 3rd party labs, universities and research institutes and related companies.
Application Notes
Nutech 8910 Preconcentrator Key Features
1. Broad Method Compatibility and Application Flexibility
The 8910 is built on a proven three-stage trapping architecture (dual cryogenic traps + cryofocuser), combined with next-generation H₂O and CO₂ management technology.
It fully supports established methods including EPA TO-15, PAMS, and sulfur compound analysis without requiring hardware modification or additional accessories.
A wide sampling capability ensures flexibility across applications:
- Sample volume: 4–2000 mL
- Minimum injection volume: down to 0.2 mL (loop injection)
- Dynamic range: up to 4 orders of magnitude
This enables reliable performance from trace-level ambient air monitoring to higher concentration samples.
2. High Sensitivity and Analytical Integrity
The system delivers enrichment factors exceeding 1000×, significantly improving detection limits for GC and GC/MS systems.
Key design features ensure data quality:
- Temperature stability within ±2 °C for consistent trapping and desorption
- Fully inert flow path (tubing, valves, traps) to prevent adsorption and reactions
- Minimal carryover and maximum compound recovery
This makes the 8910 suitable for demanding trace-level VOC analysis, including reactive and polar compounds.
3. Precision Flow Control and Reliable Sampling
The integrated high-precision flow control system operates from 5 to 120 mL/min with ±1% accuracy, ensuring reproducible sample handling.
The system uses negative pressure for automated sample intake and injection, simplifying operation while maintaining consistency across runs.
4. Advanced Automation and User-Oriented Software
The control software is designed for both routine and advanced users, offering:
- Automated leak checking
- Real-time system status monitoring
- Integrated data logging and reporting
- QA/QC report generation
- Intelligent alarms and error diagnostics
This reduces operator workload while improving system reliability and traceability.
5. System Integration and Expandability
The 8910 is designed for seamless integration into laboratory workflows:
- Compatible with a wide range of GC and GC/MS systems
- Supports standalone operation or coupling with autosamplers
- Flexible method development for custom applications
This ensures long-term adaptability as analytical requirements evolve.
6. Robust Design for Long-Term Stability
A modular internal architecture isolates critical components, including temperature control zones and sensitive electronics, minimizing thermal fluctuation and condensation effects.
Additional design optimizations include:
- Reduced risk of corrosion and electronic damage
- Stable operation under continuous use
- Optimized trap design for efficient cryogen consumption
The result is a system engineered for reliability, durability, and low operating cost.
3-Stages H₂O & CO₂ Management Technology
The 8910 incorporates a multi-stage moisture and CO₂ management strategy to ensure optimal trapping efficiency and analytical performance, especially for humid air samples.
1. Controlled Water Retention in Trap 1
During the transfer from Trap 1 to Trap 2, system parameters (temperature and flow control) are precisely optimized to partially retain water in Trap 1.
This prevents excessive moisture from entering downstream traps, reducing interference and improving system stability.
2. Selective Trapping in Trap 2
Trap 2 is designed with optimized sorbent materials and temperature control to exclude water and CO₂ while efficiently trapping target VOCs.
This ensures:
- Improved chromatographic performance
- Reduced background interference
- Enhanced compound recovery
3. High-Speed Focuser Heating for Efficient Injection
The system utilizes externally heated nitrogen (N₂) to achieve ultra-fast thermal desorption of the focuser:
- Heating rate: >10,000 °C/min
- Preheated N₂ ensures consistent and reproducible injection
A small fraction of residual moisture may remain in the focuser and can be optionally purged at the end of the GC run, minimizing impact on subsequent analyses.
Nutech 8910 Preconcentrator Technical Data
| Detection Limit | 0.1ppbv |
| Loading Range | 4-2000ml |
| Concentration Ratio | >1000:1 |
| Temperature Control | ±2℃ Accuracy |
| RSD for Most VOC Compounds with A Sample | ≤3% |
| Heating Rate | 10000℃/min |
| Maximum Power | 2 KW |
| Voltage | 110V/60Hz or 220V/50Hz±10% |
| Cryogenic Trap I Temp ( Dewater) | -190℃~250℃ |
| Cryogenic Trap II Temp ( Enrichment) | -190℃~250℃ |
| Cryogenic Trap III Temp ( Cyofocuser) | -190℃~250℃ |
Chromatogram
U.S EPA Method TO-14
U.S EPA Method TO-15
Typical Lab Configuration
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Compatible with various Sampling Media
Canister, Tedlar bag, syringe and sampling bottle
Customer Testimonials
FAQ
A TO-15 preconcentrator uses a three-stage cryogenic trapping system:
Trap 1 removes moisture, Trap 2 concentrates VOCs while removing CO₂ and air components, and Trap 3 performs final cryofocusing before GC injection. This staged design ensures high sensitivity and sharp peak shapes.
Nutech 8910 achieves detection limits down to 0.01 ppbv (ppt level), depending on sample volume and GC-MS configuration. This is enabled by high enrichment factors (>1000×) and cryogenic trapping.
Nutech 8910 Preconcentrator support 4–2000 mL or even lower volumes with loop injection. Larger volumes improve detection limits but increase analysis time.
Water vapor can:
- freeze in cryogenic traps
- distort peak shapes
- damage GC-MS performance
That’s why TO-15 systems use a dedicated dehydration step before VOC trapping.
TO-15 is a quantitative method based on injected volume.
If the actual sample volume differs from the set value, the concentration results become unreliable.
Carryover is minimized through:
- trap bakeout procedures
- sample line purging (reverse flush)
- inert-treated flow paths
These steps are essential after high-concentration samples.
Trap bakeout is recommended:
- after high-concentration samples
- when switching between sample types
- when contamination or ghost peaks are observed
It removes residual VOCs from the traps.
LN₂ enables ultra-low temperatures (down to −190 °C), allowing efficient trapping of VOCs across a wide volatility range. Without sufficient cooling, analytes cannot be fully captured.
Nitrogen is commonly used as:
- purge gas
- heating gas
Helium is still typically used as carrier gas from the GC. However, many systems are moving toward reduced helium consumption.
High-purity gas (≥99.999%) is required.
Impurities in gas lines can cause:
- ghost peaks
- elevated baseline
- failed blank tests
Inert surfaces prevent adsorption and chemical reactions, especially for polar compounds like aldehydes and alcohols. This ensures accurate recovery and reproducible results.
Flow calibration is done by:
- comparing set flow vs. measured flow using a certified flow meter
- generating a calibration curve
- applying slope and intercept corrections
This ensures accurate volume measurement for quantitative analysis.
Recommended practices include:
- regular leak checks
- periodic blank runs
- replacing gas filters (hydrocarbon and moisture traps)
- monitoring GC-MS air and water levels
Proper maintenance ensures consistent performance and data reliability.
Intuitive Software for Method Setup and System Monitoring
Coupled with 3608H Autosampler for Both High Conc. & Low Conc. Analysis
MFC for Low Conc. and Loop for High Conc.
Supported Methods & Standards
Nutech instruments are designed to support a wide range of internationally recognized monitoring methods and standards.
US EPA Method TO-14A/15/15A
Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Collected in Specially Prepared Canisters and Analyzed by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
US EPA Method 327
Fugitive and Area Source Measurement of Selected Volatile Organic Hazardous Air Pollutants Using Specially Prepared Canisters
US EPA Method OTM-50
Sampling and Analysis of Volatile Fluorinated Compounds from Stationary Sources Using Passivated Stainless Steel Canisters
NIOSH Method 3900
Volatile Organic Compounds, C1 to C10, Canister Method
ASTM D5466-21
Standard Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Atmospheres (Canister Sampling, Mass Spectrometry Analysis Methodology)
GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) Report 204
Standard Operating Procedures for Air Sampling in Stainless Steel Canisters for Non-Methane Hydrocarbons Analysis
China HJ 759
Ambient air-Determination of volatile organic compounds- Collected by specially-prepared canisters and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
China HJ 1444
Ambient air－Determination of 10 sulfur compounds－Collected in canisters and analyzed by preconcentration/gas chromatography
Japan National VOCs Analysis Standard (7 Compound with TO-17 and 14 Compound with TO-15)
Manual for Measurement Methods for Monitoring Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Concentrations in Ambient Air
Japanese original name: 環境大気中の揮発性有機化合物（VOC）濃度モニタリングに係る測定方法マニュアル
Taiwan NIEA A715.16B
Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Collected in Canisters and Analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Taiwan NIEA A741.12B
Method for Determination of N-Butyl Acetate and Other VOCs in Air Collected in Canisters and Analyzed by GC/MS
