The Sercon-GSL is a combined elemental analyser and gas purification module which produces clean gas samples for a 20-20 or GEO series isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Choosing the Sercon-GSL module gives the researcher great flexibility in applications.

The Sercon-GSL module allows samples such as soil, viscous liquids, plant material and organic compounds, to be analysed directly by utilizing Dumas combustion for ¹⁵N, ¹³C & ³⁴S or pyrolysis for ¹⁸O and D. It also allows isotope analysis of abundant gases from septum sealed containers.

During combustion mode, a capsule containing the sample falls into the combustion tube and is converted in the presence of oxygen to CO₂, N₂, NO_x and H₂O. An elemental copper stage reduces NO_x, a MgClO₄ trap removes water vapour, a switchable Carbosorb trap can be used to remove CO₂ (for 15N only analyses) and a GC column separates CO₂ from N₂ (allowing dual isotope analysis). Modified packings, a Nafion dryer and different GC column allow ³⁴S analysis as SO₂.

During pyrolysis mode, a capsule containing the sample falls into the pyrolysis tube containing glassy carbon grit. The pyrolysis products, CO, N₂, and H₂ are purified by chemical processes. A MgClO₄ trap removes water vapour, a Carbosorb trap removes any CO₂ (minor by-product of the reaction) and a GC column separates CO from N₂.

The gas analysis facility of the ANCA-GSL is provided by an automated sampling needle and the gas chromatograph part of the module. N₂, CO₂ and O₂ can be analysed at atmospheric concentrations while H₂, SO₂, N₂O, CO₂ and NO can be measured at elevated levels e.g. from a head space, water equilibrations, continuous flow carbonate measurements and DIC analyses.

The Sercon-GSL is a bench-top preparation module ready to be connected to the continuous flow interface of our 20-22 or GEO 20-22 series of isotope ratio mass spectrometers.

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