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Evaluation of Gas Chromatography/Mini-IMS to Detect VOCsThe Toxicology Laboratory at Johnson Space Center (JSC) has pioneered the use of gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC/IMS) for measuring target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) aboard spacecraft. Graseby Dynamics, under contract to NASA/Wyle, has built several volatile organic analyzers (VOA) based on GC/IMS. Foremost among these have been the volatile organic analyzer-risk mitigation unit and the two flight VOA units for International Space Station (ISS). The development and evaluation of these instruments has been chronicled through presentations at the International Conference on Ion Mobility Spectrometry over the past three years. As the flight VOA from Graseby is prepared for operation on ISS at JSC, it is time to begin evaluations of technologies for the next generation VOA, Although the desired instrument characteristics for the next generation unit are the same as the current unit, the requirements are much more stringent. As NASA looks toward future missions beyond Earth environs, a premium will be placed upon small, light, reliable, autonomous hardware. It is with these visions in mind that the JSC Toxicology Laboratory began a search for the next generation VOA. One technology that is a candidate for the next generation VOA is GC/IMS. The recent miniaturization of IMS technology permits it to compete with other, inherently small, technologies such as chip-sized sensor arrays. This paper will discuss the lessons learned from the VOA experience and how that has shaped the design of a potential second generation VOA based upon GC/IMS technology. Data will be presented from preliminary evaluations of GC technology and the mini-IMS when exposed to VOCs likely to be detected aboard spacecraft. Results from the evaluation of an integrated GC/mini-IMS system will be shown if available.
Document ID
20000096494
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Limero, Thomas
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
Reese, Eric
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
Peters, Randy
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
James, John T.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Billica, Roger
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Inorganic, Organic And Physical Chemistry
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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