Innovative Multi-Mode Vapor Thermal Desorption Devices

The US Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 15,300 non-fatal occupational incidents of respiratory illness during 2016.Many workers are exposed to harmful chemical vapors in the workplace.To study exposures to these vapors, industrial hygienists and environmental scientists use vapor-sampling technologies to measure both intensity and duration of exposures.Current air-sampling technology is bulky and is becoming obsolete in view of rapid development and miniaturization of electronics and pneumatics.The design objective in the proposed project is a readily transportable air sampler that is compatible with commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) thermal desorption tubes.A prototype multi-tube sampler was demonstrated in Phase I and serves as a prototype for the commercial product proposed as the product for Phase II. In Phase I, Seacoast demonstrated a 4-tube system, which automatically initiated sampling, switched between tubes, and controlled flows through the tubes using preprogrammed, user-defined sequences.Based on the successful results from Phase I work, Seacoast intends in Phase II to miniaturize the sampler so that it will be capable to be used as a personal environmental monitor.In Phase II Seacoast will complete the additional features necessary for commercial acceptance and complete UL certification for safety compliance.