UNITY 2™: Universal thermal desorption system for single tagged or untagged tubes

UNITY 2 main features: Either 3.5-inch (standard) or 4.5-inch (DAAMS*) tubes format Compatible with electronic tagging (TubeTAG™) for recording tube history Single platform for all TD applications Sample re-collection (SecureTD-Q) for repeat analysis Cryogen-free: Enhanced electrical cooling retains acetylene from up to 1.5L of air Method compliant including stringent leak testing Fully upgradeable to multi-tube, multi-canister, headspace and/or online automation Optional electronic control of gas flows – split, desorb flow, etc. Aids method resettability and stabilises retention times UNITY 2 adds to any commercial GC(MS) and is designed for easy maintenance Time saving overlap mode allows desorption of a subsequent sample to begin while GC analysis of a previous sample continues. * DAAMS: Depot Area Air Monitoring System as used in some chemical agent destruction facilities

UNITY 2, Markes next generation thermal desorber, harnesses every technical innovation of the last ten years and incorporates every feature required for TD compliance. It provides the perfect platform for a state-of-the-art yet robust range of thermal desorbers with systems available at prices to suit every budget.

Universal platform for all applications

UNITY 2 is a full functionality, single tube, two-stage desorber operating cryogen-free and offering unlimited upgrade routes. It offers unique application versatility:  

• Compatibility with reactive analytes which requiring low flow path temperatures (e.g. mercaptans, CW agents and explosives)
• Uniquely effective cryogen-free retention of ultra-volatiles such as acetylene from over 1.5 L of air (Boosts sensitivity for key online air monitoring applications such as ozone precursors)
• Quantitative of high boilers such as phthalates, 5/6 ring PAHs and n-C₄₀
• Simultaneous analysis of volatiles and semi-volatiles.
• Direct desorption of materials as well as desorption of sorbent tubes
• Accessories available for interfacing headspace samples, canisters, bags and online air/gas streams

Quantitative recovery of analytes from sample tubes can be validated using SecureTD-Q (quantitative re-collection for repeat analysis) per standard methods

Error-free sample tracking with TubeTAG

Electronic tube tagging and tracking allows individual TD samples to be tracked from the laboratory to field and within a laboratory. UNITY 2 can be used to analyse tagged tubes (tags do not have to be removed).

This allows a tag to remain on the same tube indefinitely, allowing it to record tube history and track performance. 

Multiple tube sizes

UNITY 2 is available in two configurations:  

• Standard - compatible with 3.5-inch long x 1/4–inch O.D. tubes in glass, stainless steel or inert-coated stainless steel
• DAAMS tube – compatible with 4.5-inch tubes: both 6 mm O. D. and 100 mm O.D. tubes with 6 mm ends.

Kits are available for easy interchange between the 2 different UNITY 2 configurations.

Sample re-collection: SecureTD-Q

The SecureTD-Q feature of UNITY 2 uniquely facilitates the quantitative re-collection of split flow during BOTH tube desorption and trap desorption.

This allows repeat analysis of all single and double split methods and overcomes the one-shot limitation of other TD instruments. Moreover, SecureTD-Q simplifies method and data validation per standard methods and allows critical samples to be archived.

SecureTD-Q can be fully automated by upgrading UNITY 2 to a series 2 ULTRA 50:50 system (patented single autosampler configuration) or to a double-ULTRA series 2 AutoSecure TD system.

From splitless to double split

• Optimum detection limits via splitless operation. The UNITY cold trap is so efficient that it is capable of splitless operation with high-resolution capillary chromatography.
  
• Single/double split operation for high concentration industrial monitoring and the analysis of % level volatiles in materials. Split ratios in excess of 10,000:1 can be achieved if required. 

Optional electronic carrier gas control (ECC)

Markes TD systems harness back-pressure-regulated electronic carrier gas control (ECC) available on leading brands of GC to control carrier gas flow through the entire TD-GC(MS) system. This stabilises retention times, independent of TD method parameters and enhances confidence in component identification/quantification. ECC is complemented by the MFC accessories available for control of split and desorption flows on UNITY 2.

Enhanced accessibility and ease-of-use

• Easy-change focusing trap
• Low dry air/N₂ consumption
• Fast trap cool down
• Negligible air/water background
• Overlap mode for maximum productivity
• Negligible artefacts and <0.1% carryover
• Intuitive control via software loaded onto same PC as GC(MS) control