DMS

Introduction

DMS (Dimethylsulfate) is a liquid compound with a high vapor pressure. It is a widely used basic chemical in the production of Agrochemicals, Cosmetics and Pharmaceutics. It is very toxic at ppb- concentrations already, but also carcinogenic and mutagenic. Furthermore by hydrolysis sulfuric acid is formed, so it is very corrosive also. Since there’s no warning effect in terms of irritation and/ or odor, dangerous amounts can be incorporated without realizing. The effects of intoxication, which are mainly chemical burn of the lungs, occur 6 to 12 hours after exposition. Thus, it is very dangerous.

Challenge

A potential exposition to human bodies can occur by inhalation, but also by very fast diffusion through the skin. Due to the properties of DMS, this will even not be recognized immediately. Humans potentially exposed to chemicals like this, normally are workers in chemical plants, where DMS as basic Chemical is produced and stored, but also workers in the production Agrochemicals, Cosmetics and Pharmaceutics. Furthermore for living areas close to such production sites this poses a significant threat. So it is mandatory to monitor not only work places but also the whole production plant environment for the presence of traces of DMS. Adequate monitoring equipment is therefore a LTO- requirement.

Solution

IUT Technologies‘ IMS-Analyzer is capable of detecting and quantifying substances like these in the required ppb concentration level. The coupling of a gas chromatographic pre- separation prior to the high sensitive IMS technology provides an analyzing performance, where compounds like DMS can be measured and quantified with outstanding sensitivity, repeatability within cycle times of minutes. By applying GC- pre separation, the unique method properties of IMS are available even in the background matrix of chemical production plants.

IMS-Analyzers are based on a field-proven Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technique that is highly selective and sensitive to chlorinated hydrocarbons. IMS is an atmospheric pressure, time of flight detection technique. The sensitivity, selectivity, and speed of response make the technique superior in many aspects compared to other monitoring methods. The industry- proof spectrometer design allows using these advantages in 24/7 stand- alone operation. Unlike electrochemical devices, the IMS units are impervious to extreme temperature or humidity conditions. IUT Technologies‘ IMS units are designed for long term, continuous measurements with little or no maintenance and few consumables. The electronics are completely solid-state without moving parts or optics to require alignment.