TCP (1,2,3- Trichloropropane) and DCP (2,3- Dichloropene) are liquid compounds from the group of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, defined as carcinogenic and mutagenic at low concentrations already. Due to the pretty high vapor pressure of these liquids, a significant health- risk is created by handling. TCP and DCP are widely used as chemical precursors in production processes for the synthesis of various products, such as chlorinated solvents and Agrochemicals. Furthermore DCP is also used as a Monomer.
A potential exposition to human bodies can occur by inhalation and by cutaneous adsorption. Humans potentially exposed to chemicals like this, normally are workers in chemical plants, where Agrochemicals and polymers from chlorinated Hydrocarbons are fabricated. Furthermore for living areas close to such production sites this poses a significant threat. So it is mandatory to monitor work places and the whole production plant environment for the presence of traces of TCP and DCP. Adequate monitoring equipment which meets the growing requirements in terms of work place safety and plant safety is therefore necessary.
IUT Medical’s 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 TCP/ DCP 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 fluorinated 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 Medical’s 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.