Application of microtrap-GC for continuous monitoring of organic emissions from a catalytic incinerator

In the last few years we have reported the development of a microtrap for the dual purpose of concentration and injection in continuous gas chromatography (GC) monitoring of air emissions. Microtrap-GC exhibits low detection limits, is functionally simple, and can be operated automatically. In this article we report its application in on-line monitoring of trace level organic emissions from a catalytic incinerator which is a widely used emission control device. The microtrap has been configured in two different ways; in a sequential valve microtrap (SVM) mode where it is connected in series with a gas sample valve and in a back-flush desorption mode referred to as the on-line microtrap backflush (OLMT-BF).