A Prototype Gas Analysis System Using a Miniature Gas Chromatograph

摘要

The techniques of integrated circuit processing have been utilized to miniaturize the main components of a gas chromatography system. These components are combined with a sophisticated microcomputer system, consisting of a microprocessor, solid state memory, analog-to-digital converter, keyboard, and display, to form an advanced, portable gas analysis and data logging system. The system can automatically sample the air, measure the concentration of up to 10 contaminant vapors, calculate and store contaminant concentrations, and estimate average worker exposures. The instrument can be used as an exposure monitor to sample the air at 1.5 minute intervals for an 8-hour shift, or it can be used as a survey instrument to take and analyze samples and provide concentration information within 30 seconds of sampling. The small size, advanced capabilities, and ease of operation of the system should have a significant impact on the fields of industrial hygiene and occupational safety and health. The instrument will greatly expand the ability to monitor workers' exposures to toxic gases and therefore aid in the reduction of such exposures, and provide better epidemological data in future health studies.