High Throughput, Rugged, and Energy Efficient TPH AnalysisNew Organic Monitoring Techniques
Oral Presentation
Presented by K. Murrell
Prepared by J. Aranda1, C. Sales2, J. Rivero2, N. Font1, J. Serrano1, �. Soler1
1 - Eurofins IPROMA, C. Lituania, 8, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón, 12006, Spain
2 - Agilent Technologies, Moll de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08039, Spain
Contact Information: [email protected]; +34964251072
ABSTRACT
Contract environmental laboratories need faster cycles, minimal downtime, and predictable cost of maintenance. This presentation describes a modernized total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) workflow achieved by moving from fragile LTM based configurations to a fast ramping 8850 GC paired with rail automation, targeting throughput, ruggedness, and sustainability.
Method development emphasized speed without complexity. Using hydrogen carrier gas and a short DB‑1–type column (5 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm), with no pre/post columns - we achieved C10–C40 in 2 min and run‑to‑run times <6 min, enabling rapid screening and high daily sample volumes. PAL rail capacity increased from ~150 to ~324 samples, supporting longer unattended sequences. Analytical performance included linearity from ~2 ppm to 10,000 ppm, 2 ppm sensitivity, and a C40/C20 area ratio >0.8 for system suitability; repeatability was confirmed by overlaying 20 injections at 500 ppm (FID).
Ruggedness translated directly to fewer stoppages and lower cost of maintenance. With a simplified single‑column layout, and optimized thermal/flow program, we completed ~6,000 injections on one trimmed 5 m column, with no column swaps and minimal gold‑seal changes and only a single trim—minimizing interventions that drive downtime and variability. These design choices delivered predictable chromatography while materially reducing consumables handling and instrument touches across long sequences, making routine operation and maintenance significantly easier for the user.
Sustainability gains were realized alongside performance. The fast‑heating, fast‑cooling GC uses ~45% less power than traditional benchtop systems; like‑for‑like method comparisons demonstrated ~50–53% lower energy consumption versus a conventional GC, translating to substantial savings on electricity. Combined with hydrogen carrier gas options and shorter cycle times, the platform advances both operational and environmental KPIs.
The developed method and hardware stack - rapid heating and cooling, short‑column ultrafast separation, and automated rail handling - simultaneously maximize throughput, enable maintenance‑free operation over thousands of injections, and reduce energy consumption, without compromising data quality.
