Automated, microprocessor controlled short path thermal desorption system for analysis of volatiles in foods

An automated short path thermal desorption system gas chromatograph (GC) accessory was constructed to facilitate the unattended analysis of up to twelve individual samples. The system is personal computer controlled, operates directly on the GC with little or no modification, and was tested in both direct thermal and purge and trap thermal desorption mode. The apparatus was evaluated for overall performance, ruggedness, baseline blanks, efficiency, and precision. Mechanical performance was flawless and a clean baseline was obtained under high sensitivity GC-FID conditions. Linearity and precision was evaluated by quantifying butylated hydroxy toluene standards, safranal in saffron spice, and cinnamic aldehyde in cookies.