The application of classical thermal analysis for the investigation of waste, solid materials, contaminated soils, for their incineration or decontamination and for the detection of the gases evolved into the environment is limited because of the in homogeneity of the materials to be tested and due to the detection systems.

So, coupling of the thermal analysis with selective and sensitive detection systems like QMS, FTIR or GC/MS is very helpful.

A new thermal analyser was developed for these very specific requirements. The sample volume of 170 ml and the balance capacity of 500 g allow a real up scaling, i.e. representative amount of sample can be tested. The furnace is designed for a homogeneous heating of this large sample volume and the gas flow system guarantees a direct interaction between the purge gas (up to 1000 ml/min) and the sample. Simultaneous thermografimetry and differential thermal analysis are possible up to 1200°C. Because of the ecological importance of the evolved volatiles during waste incineration, this Macro-STA, modes 419, is equipped with an on line mass spectrometer coupling by a double orifice system, heatable up to 350°C. All construction parts which come in contract with the sample and the decomposition products are resistant against corrosion

Instead of a QMS the coupling with FTIR is also possible.

In addition the coupling of a GC/MS-system guarantees the identification and quantification of larger molecules like PAH's resp. PCDD/F's.

The new developed system will be introduced, some specific technical requirements discussed together with their solutions, and applications will be presented.

- back to SKT 2000 abstracts -