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Figure 1: Principle cross-section of a channel
plate chip with assembly of a fluidic chip component
because of a decreased noise level and relaxes the
requirements on selectivity of the detector drastically. These requirements
are fulfilled by a combination of a miniaturized gas chromatograph
with a miniaturized ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) or mass spectrometer
(MS). C2V introduced the technology platform to manufacture this
as well as the fully integrated micromachined gas chromatograph.
The C2V system contains a micro injector, detector and flow diagnostics
all manufactured by a microfluidics technology platform. The system
is completed with a separation column, electronics and temperature
control. Due to the well-defined sample definition and injection
capability, the resulting separation quality exceeds that of today's
laboratory equipment, resulting in both better and faster separation
while at the same time enabling a real miniature instrument. The
basis for the miniaturized fast gas analyzer is enabled by a Fluidic
Multi Chip Module (FMCM) inte-
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gration technology: chip components are
fluid tight assembled on a fluid channel board, such that an electrical
flip-chip connection can be made. This reduces both internal and external
system volumes. In specific the extreme low dead volumes inside the
microGC increase separation quality, or alternatively, decrease measurement
time. It is the objective to achieve real time analysis of air or
atmospheric composition. For the miniaturized fast gas analyzer, the
FMCM integration technology allows a larger variety of systems for
lower costs. The FMCM technology allows fluidic and electrical circuit
design on a substrate: the channel plate chip. In the chip there are
micro- machined fluidic channels, and on the chip the fluidic chip
components, see figure 1. The technology platform enables better and
faster separation as demonstrated in figure 2, while at the same time
providing a low costs assembly platform. These are crucial building
blocks for the detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents.
Today's C2V system is in essence a miniaturized laboratory on a chip
comprised of a micro injector, a micro thermal conductivity detector
(TCD), and micromachined column or capillary columns. Due to the minimized
internal and dead system volumes, good quality separation and detection
can be obtained in less than 10 seconds |
Figure 3: Micro gas-chromatographic micromachined columns.
Figure 4: C2V's fast miniaturized gas analyzer
cartridge, providing detection in seconds with low ppm sensitivity
(ppb sensitivity in development). The sizes are (in inches): 3"
x 4.5" x 1.2".
C2V's technology platform enables the integration
of a variety of detectors, including, but not limited to, thermal
conductivity detectors, mass spectrometers or ion mobility spectrometers.
Different detectors will serve different applications. The challenge
of detecting ppb level explosives and chemical warfare agents against
low costs and virtually zero false alarm rate is amongst the most
demanding challenges for chemical analysis. C2V has developed the
technology platform as well as crucial building blocks to fulfil
the demanding specifications. A miniaturized gas chromatograph combined
with miniaturized IMS or MS detectors enables better and faster
detection against lower costs.
Contact:
Concept to Volume B.V.,
Enschede,
The Netherlands
E-Mail: info@c2v.nl
www.c2v.nl
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