A field deployable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer for industrial hygiene applications.

To study the feasibility and efficacy of field gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers (GC/MS), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted laboratory and field testing of a commercial transportable GC/MS. That unit was reengineered and reconstructed by NIOSH as a more portable GC/MS (can be moved, set up, and operated by one person), incorporating novel weight and size-reducing vacuum technology. Further laboratory and field tests were then accomplished. This NIOSH-developed vacuum technology has proven important in reducing the size and weight of the GC/MS by up to 50%, making it much more suitable for field use. Experience has shown that for a large class of survey situations involving monitoring of components of complex mixtures of vapors and gases field use of GC/MS can be very useful.