Scientific equipment

HiSorb probes

HiSorb™ probes are designed for use with industry-standard sorbent tubes with the TD100-xr™ or used directly in the Centri automated sample extraction platform. HiSorb probes are able to sorptively extract VOCs and SVOCs from a range of sample types, including water-based solutions, emulsions and suspensions, as well as solids with both immersive and headspace sampling.

Read more: HiSorb sorptive extraction brochure

Gas sampling bags

Gas sampling bags are a popular method of capturing whole-air samples. Like canisters, they enable the analysis of VVOCs using on-line TD systems, that cannot be quantitatively retained on sorbent tubes.

Available in Tedlar and multi-layer foil:

- Tedlar bags are suitable for general-purpose VOC sampling.

- Multi-layer foil bags are suitable for sampling thermally labile and reactive compounds, such as volatile sulfur species.

Both bag types are available in 1, 2, 5 and 10 litre capacities.

Air Sampling Canisters

Air sampling canisters are used for the collection, storage, and analysis of the most volatile organic compounds, such as C2 hydrocarbons and freons. Canisters are available in stainless steel (TO-Can) and inert-coated stainless steel (SilcoCan), in volumes ranging from 1 to 15 L. These canisters are ideal for grab-sampling to determine the time-weighted average (TWA) of ambient air.

- Equipped with a three-port RAVE valve featuring a vacuum/pressure gauge (-30" Hg/60 psi).

- Supports US EPA Methods TO-14A/15.

- Compatible with Markes’ CIA Advantage-xr system.

Re-collect 10

Easily produce ten replicate samples for advanced quality control

Re-collect 10™ is a versatile, stand-alone, off-line sample replication system for TD–GC–MS, founded on the tried-and-tested re-collection technology that we originally pioneered for our thermal desorption instruments.

Re-collect 10 revolutionises quality control by enabling the reliable generation of up to ten replicates from a single original sample. This is particularly useful for unique events like biological processes, pollution incidents and food degradation, where the number of representative samples that can be collected is very limited. It is also useful for inter-lab studies, quality control, method development, and composite sample creation.

Read more: Re-collect 10 flyer

Barcode scanners for sorbent tubes

All Markes International’s thermal desorption tubes (sorbent tubes) are permanently labelled with a unique serial number in clear barcode and numerical format for identification and tracking purposes. To reliably read these barcodes, Markes supplies a tried-and-tested barcode scanner that reads from the curved surfaces of stainless steel, inert and glass tubes with ease. 

- Eliminates time-consuming manual data entry

- Reduces the risk of human error, which could result in misreporting

- Helps maintain sample integrity and keep track of samples

CapLok and TAGLok tools

CapLok is a two-part tool specifically designed to simplify the capping and uncapping of sorbent tubes. It is intended to be used in place of a pair of wrenches, to allow the tube to be gripped appropriately, allowing correct compression of long-term storage caps and prevent overtightening. When using Markes’ patented TubeTAG technology for tracking tubes, a TAGLok tool is needed in place of the CapLok tool.

- Ensures an effective seal is achieved between the ferrule in the long-term storage cap and the tube

- Prevents overtightening of caps, which can cause distortion of the tube ends and the PTFE ferrule within the cap

- Robust and simple to use

Read more: CapLok tool Instruction for use

TF SPME

TF-SPME (thin-film solid-phase microextraction) is a novel sampling approach for ultra-trace-level analysis of VOCs and SVOCs using sorptive extraction. TF-SPME uses a carbon mesh strip impregnated with a sorptive phase with 100× greater volume than a typical SPME fiber.

- Applicable to a wide range of compound classes

- Environmentally friendly and solvent-free

- Split-flow re-collection on compatible instruments enables repeat analysis under different split conditions for analysis over a wide concentration range

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TF-SPME flyer

Thin Film SPME Instruction for use

SPME fibers

Sorptive extraction is a convenient approach for complex samples and for monitoring persistent organic pollutants in foods, beverages and other products derived from natural sources. In SPME, (solid-phase microextraction) fibers are coated with absorptive phase(s), to extract volatiles in either headspace or immersive modes.

- Compared with static headspace, SPME can offer improved selectivity and concentration capability

- A variety of sampling phases are available to extend the applicability of SPME over a range of target analytes

- SPME can be extended to SPME–trap with the Centri sample extraction and enrichment platform

Direct desorption/thermal extraction

Direct desorption is a variation on the principle of dynamic headspace that can be used to rapidly screen small quantities of solid or semi-solid materials. Small samples are placed directly into empty TD tubes or via tube liners. These are then heated in a stream of inert gas to sweep volatiles directly from the sample matrix onto the focusing trap of the thermal desorption instrument, for subsequent analysis by GC.

Direct desorption is typically applied to homogeneous waxes, powders or pastes. Analytes monitored are generally in the range C₃ to C_30. Applications of direct desorption include the odour profiling and quality control of a range of materials:

- Residual volatiles in ointments, packaging films, pharmaceuticals/drug powders and polymer beads.

- Emissions from consumer goods, such as paints, car trim components, moulded PVC and adhesives.

- Characteristic vapour profiles from foodstuffs and fragrant products, including soap powder and shampoo.

With a scale of 15,000 to 20,000 samples per year for over 150 types of raw materials, QLIMS has helped a leading global confectionery group fully digitize its quality management process over the past 11 years:

- Risk-Based Testing Automation: Utilizes algorithms to manage testing frequency based on material risk levels and supplier ratings, significantly optimizing laboratory efficiency.

- "Cradle to Grave" Traceability: Provides instant visibility from warehouse entry to final product dispatch, allowing for the precise identification of raw material pallets in the event of a product recall.

- Operational Process Digitization: Strictly manages material codes, batch numbers, and containers; a "Green/Red light" warning system ensures absolute control over releasing materials into production.

- Transparent Audit Support: Securely stores system data to easily provide evidence for rigorous annual external audits.

- User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive design that is accessible even to non-technical personnel.

Read more:

The Garvan Institute, a leading research entity with over 700 scientists, needed to solve the challenge of managing >1,000 tumor mutation samples annually. QLIMS helped them transition from manual workflows to a medical-grade automated system:

- 100% Automated Reporting: Data is exported into reports for clinicians and patients with absolute accuracy at the click of a button.

- Digital Connectivity (HL7): Integrated the HL7 international medical data standard, enabling smooth receipt and secure encryption of data from partner labs (SydPath).

- NATA Standard Compliance: Helped Garvan meet rigorous audit standards to receive NATA accreditation, reaffirming a secure chain of information custody.

- Flexible Customization: Met 75% of requirements off-the-shelf, with the remaining 25% easily customized to the Institute’s specific workflows.

Read more: OnQ Software - Garvan Institute QLIMS Case Study

Comvita is a world-leading natural health brand specializing in bee products with over 40 years of experience. With 40,000 hives in New Zealand and large-scale olive farms in Australia, the company controls its supply chain "from source to shelf," ensuring superior traceability. Comvita operates two core teams: Analytical and Quality Control (QC). To overcome hurdles caused by rapid growth and stringent MPI regulations, Comvita implemented QLIMS to comprehensively digitalize and optimize operational productivity.

Breakthrough Values Delivered by QLIMS:

- 100% Digitalization: Completely eliminates manual data entry in Excel and Word, transitioning to automated workflows on a Cloud-based platform.

- Instrument Integration: Data from analytical instruments is transmitted directly into the system via QLIMS Bridge, ensuring total data integrity.

- Personnel Optimization: Frees up 20% of technicians' time, allowing them to focus on high-value specialized tasks.

- Smart Management: Direct connectivity with ERP systems and BI Dashboards to extract data and facilitate accurate real-time decision-making.

- International Compliance: Flexible customization capabilities help meet all stringent regulations and standards in major markets such as the USA, UK, and China.

Read more: OnQ Software - Comvita QLIMS Case Study