BenchTOF-dx | ALMSCO International | WMD Detector Selector

General Description
BenchTOF-dx is a high performance GC based time-of-flight mass spectrometer for the detection of both target and unknown compounds in complex matrices. The MS detector has a "bench top" size, approximately equivalent to a conventional GC. It is compatible with every GC application and offers full spectral sensitivity (1-1500 Da) at similar levels to the selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode of quadrupoles. The instrument can be located in either a conventional laboratory or transported in a mobile laboratory environment, with no reduction in performance. BenchTOF-dx is GC platform neutral. GC control and data analysis uses existing vendor software or proprietary data analysis software (MOSAIG) is available. BenchTOF-dx is currently being used in a broad range of applications e.g. CWA, environmental, toxicology and food safety.

Technical Description
BenchTOF-dx MS detector is designed specifically for the analysis of CWA compounds. BenchTOF-dx is a reflectron based TOF instrument which incorporates innovative design features. The TOF detection technology is based on the flight time of charged ions derived from electron ionization of compounds within an ion source. This time interval accurately identifies the mass of all the ions generated for a compound and ultimately creates a spectrum. By careful design of the ion optics, flight tube and detector, spectra created by BenchTOF-dx have a classical profile which allows conventional identification of both target and unknown compounds at trace levels using well known MS libraries. The ionization technique is based on direct extraction in which both ionization and extraction down the flight tube occur within the same ion source volume. BenchTOF resolution is sub unit mass and sufficient to exclude matrix effects and chemical noise. System sensitivity with full spectrum data is equivalent to Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) using quadrupole detection.

Evaluation Criteria

THROUGHPUT:

Between 2 and 15 minutes for detection
1 sample, >10 tests/sample per run
95-32 samples every 2 hours
The system or device is currently fully automated
Device or system is intended for multiple detection assays
1 component
Less than 5 minutes is required for set-up
1-2 steps are required for detection

LOGISTICS:

More than a day of training and significant technical skills are required
Approximately the size of a carry-on luggage suitcase
Wireless and wired connections are available
System or device has 110V electrical requirement

OPERATIONS:

Can be used from 4°C to 37°C
Device must be used in a temperature stable, dry environment for optimum performance
Greater than 10 years expected life
Results can be viewed in real-time
The system or device is currently fully autonomous
The system software is closed and not available for modification
The system hardware is closed and not available for modification

DETECTION:

Less than 50 µL
Excellent specificity. System has occasional false alarms under certain conditions (<2%)
<1x10-6 mg/m3
1 ppb – 1 ppm
System currently can identify aerosolized chemical agent
System currently can identify liquid chemical agent

Tier Selection