Frequently Asked Question

[Pyrolyzer]
While other companies guarantee the reach temperature of the furnace of their pyrolyzers, why don't they guarantee the reproducibility of pyrograms?

We think that other companies do not guarantee the reproducibility in the specifications in the manual mode, because their reproducibilities of pyrograms are generally 20-30%, and its reliability is too poor to put it in the specifications. The major reason for this is that samples are not instantly pyrolyzed in the furnace, thus giving poor reproducibility of the results. The reproducibility is greatly influenced by the actual sample temperature, sample shape, and the position held in the furnace. The temperature of pyrolyzer and heating rate claimed by other companies are in fact temperatures of the heating filaments and metal foils. Frontier Lab has developed a high precision temperature controller, with extensive optimization of relevant parts used, we thus are able to guarantee the reproducibility be less than 3% relative standard deviation by peek area ratios for monomer and trimer of polystyrene pyrolyzed at 550‹C

Q	[Pyrolyzer] How do we know that the pyrolyzer is working properly prior to shipment?
A	Before we ship the product, we check to see if the peak area ratio and the peak shape of the styrene monomer and trimer comply with our specifications. Also, we check and compare the chromatograms of polar and high boiling compounds sample using Test mixture 1 and Test mixture 2.

[Pyrolyzer]
What is the rate of pyrolysis? How does it compared with Currie Point Pyrolyzers? How would the influences reflect in the final results?

The rate of pyrolysis in a N2 atmosphere using a vertical furnace is less than 100msec, as reported by Dr. Tsuge, Emeritus Professor of Nagoya University. Theoretically, the time will be reduced by one severalth in a helium atmosphere, and is, therefore, comparable to the rate of decomposition using a Currie point foil. The actual rate of pyrolysis and temperature reproducibility determine the reproducibility of the pyrogram, as well as the actual pyrozates themselves. In the case of Currie point devices, the temperature of the ferromagnetic foil increases instantly, however, the contact between the sample and sample holder is different in each run, resulting in reduced reproducibility of the pyrograms. In the case of pyrolyzers using a filament, the sample position in a quartz tube (id 2mm or less, length 30mm) relative to the filament coils differs in each run, resulting in poor reproducibility.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What is the precision of the temperature control?
A	It is within +-1°C of set point.

[Pyrolyzer]
Does any adsorption occur in the pyrolyzer?

The pyrolysis tube is quartz, and the inner surface of the interface needle, which is located between the GC injection port and the pyrolyzer furnace, is deactivated with our Ultra ALLOY technology, thus adsorption inside the pyrolyzer should be negligibly small. We only ship pyrolyzers that have passed our most stringent inertness tests (that test inertness from pyrolyzer to the outlet of separation column). However, contamination of the liner or the needle may result in adsorption of active compounds.

[Pyrolyzer]
What is the purpose of the cooling gas used with the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer? Is it required?

Cooling gas is required. It is used to cool the furnace temperature down to the initial temperature in repetitive runs such as in evolved gas analysis or thermal desorption experiments using Double-Shot Pyrolyzer that require repetitive programmed heating from low to high temperatures. On the other hand, Single-Shot Pyrolyzer is used at a constant temperature, therefore cooling gas is not required.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] How much cooling gas is needed for the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer? What grade of gas do you recommend? What is the actual cooling time?
A	The consumption of cooling gas is 7L/min at an inlet supply pressure of 500kPa. Compressed air with mist-trap or industry grade compressed air or N2 can be used. In the case of PY-2020iD, it takes about 10 minutes to cool from 600‹C to 100‹C.

[Pyrolyzer]
What is the difference in the final results between evolved gas analysis using the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer and a head-space sampler?

Because the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer is designed to minimize cold points in its flow path from the furnace to the GC injection port, a wide range of compounds from low boiling to high boiling compounds up to C40 compounds can be analyzed. The amount of sample required is several tens of milligrams; therefore, chemical species as low as several ppm levels can be analyzed. If a GC/MS is used, almost all samples can be analyzed up to several ppb levels. Although, head space samplers can handle several hundreds mg of samples, thermal desorption of target compounds with boiling point near the constituents of the sample matrix are difficult to analyze. Because headspace sampling is normally limited to 200‹C and the fact that most have a relatively long flow path from the sample heater to GC injection port, headspace is generally limited to relatively low boiling compounds, up to C20.

[Pyrolyzer]
There are three types of pyrolyzers; filament, Currie point, and heating furnace pyrolyzers. What are the differences?

The basic differences are how sample is heated.

Filament type: a sample held in a quartz tube (id 2mm) that is placed in a filament coil with a thickness of a human hair is rapidly heated by the radiation from the heated filament. The pyrolysis temperature, however, is largely different from the actual sample temperature.

Currie point type: a sample is wrapped in a ferromagnetic sample holder (pyrofoil), then the foil is heated by electromagnetic induction and the sample is also heated by the thermal conduction. The temperature attained depends on the composition of ferromagnetic foil.

Heating furnace type: a sample placed in a small sample cup is dropped by a free-fall action into preheated furnace, and the sample is instantly heated.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] There may be some dead volume in the pyrolyzer, but will it influence the data?
A	The flow path from the quartz pyrolysis tube to the GC injection port is designed so that dead volumes are minimized. During "final checkout", we confirm that there is no peak broadening due to the presence of dead volume.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] We currently use Double-Shot Pyrolyzer. Can we buy only the pyrolyzer main unit?
A	Our Double-Shot Pyrolyzer is marketed as an integrated package consisting of the heating source and the temperature controller. We therefore do not sell heating source or temperature controller separately.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] When the sampler is removed from the pyrolyzer, will air get into the pyrolyzer? Does it cause any trouble?
A	Just as is the case of the GC septum purge, the sampler on the pyrolyzer is being purged with carrier gas at all times. When air gets into the system it is purged out of the system in a short time. For example, when the total carrier gas flow rate is 50mL/min, any air in the system will be completely purged two minutes after the sampler is re-attached.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What is Single-Shot-GC analysis?
A	The sample is dropped into the preheated pyrolysis furnace, causing the sample to be instantly pyrolyzed. Pyrolyzates thus produced are introduced into a GC separation column for analysis (PY-GC). This technique is generally called, Flash Pyrolysis.

[Pyrolyzer]
What is evolved gas analysis (EGA)?

The EGA technique is a simple thermal analysis technique, in which relatively volatile gases released by the continuous programmed heating of a sample are directly analyzed by a GC detector. The technique uses a deactivated metal tube (Ultra ALLOY, 0.15mm id, 2.5m in length) to connect the split/splitless injection port and the GC detector. The EGA thermograms obtained from this technique provide a wide range of information including details about additives and volatile components contained in sample.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What is the Double-Shot-GC analysis?
A	This technique allows a polymer sample to be sequentially analyzed for volatile and polymer components. Generally, volatile components contained in a sample first desorbed at relatively low temperatures, this is followed by flash pyrolysis in which the sample polymer is dropped into the hot furnace and the base polymer is pyrolyzed.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What is heart-cut EGA-GC analysis?
A	This is an analytical technique in which ONLY the evolved gases from a selected temperature zone of an EGA thermogram are introduced into a GC separation column for analysis.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] When doing "manual" analysis, how do I retrieve the sample cup from the pyrolyzer furnace?
A	To recover a sample cup when using a Single-Shot Pyrolyzer, use the sample cup retriever supplied as a standard accessory. When using the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer, the sampler must first be removed. The tip of the sample cup stick is now visible. Pull it out using tweezers.

Q
A

[Pyrolyzer]
Is it all right to turn off the temperature controller immediately after the analysis?

Turning off the power to the temperature controller also turns off the cooling fan that cools the sample cup positioned at the top of quartz pyrolysis tube. If the cooling fan stops, the top seal on the quartz liner is heated by thermal conduction, and radiant heat from high-temperature pyrolysis furnace (500°C or above). We therefore recommend that the temperature controller be turned off only when the temperature of the pyrolysis furnace is 300°C or below.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] How do I clean the quartz pyrolysis tube?
A	First remove the quartz pyrolysis tube from the pyrolyzer. Polymeric residues and tars are removed by heating the quartz tube with a propane torch. Alternatively, heat the tube in an electric furnace.. Inorganic contaminants may be removed by acid treatment. If this is done, heat the quartz tube to red hot before use.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] How often should I clean the quartz pyrolysis tube?
A	Contamination of the pyrolysis tube depends on the type and amount of sample being analyzed. When ghost peaks are observed on the GC TIC, or peak response is low or even absent due to adsorption on the tube surface, the quartz pyrolysis tube and/or interface needle must be cleaned or replaced.

[Pyrolyzer]
Can I use an MS as a detector when performing evolved gas analysis with air as a carrier gas?

MS can be used as a detector when air is being used as the carrier gas, but this may cause some damage to the MS filament depending on models and makes of the MS. Please check with the manufacturer of the MS.
The EGA capillary tube (P/N:UADTM-2.5N) used for evolved gas analysis should not be used at temperatures above 250°C. Exposure to air at elevated can damage the inertness of EGA tube surface.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] If the pyrolyzer is not going to be used for a long time, does the furnace temperature need to be lowered?
A	We recommend that its furnace temperature be kept below 600°C when not in use.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] When pyrolyzer is not used, should the carrier gas remain on?
A	There is no need to keep the carrier gas flow on, if pyrolyzer is not used for a long period of time.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Can I easily remove the pyrolyzer from a GC and install it on another GC?
A	This will be a very simple process. When moving the pyrolyzer to a different GC, we recommend that mounting brackets be installed on each mainframe in order to facilitate easy installation of the pyrolyzer on either system.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Can a liquid sample be analyzed using the pyrolyzer?
A	When analyzing a liquid sample, you can use a sampler for liquids, provided as a standard accessory. Inject sample using a normal micro syringe. The furnace of the pyrolyzer serves as injection port, therefore; set the furnace temperature 50°C higher than the GC injection port. Better reproducibility will be obtained than is normally obtained using direct injections.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] How do I remove the quartz pyrolysis tube?
A	Remove the pyrolyzer from the GC injection port, and loosen the interface union located at the bottom of the pyrolyzer. Loosen the nut located at the top of quartz tube. Now the quartz tube can easily be pulled out. See Operation Manual for details.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Does the pyrolyzer come with a control PC?
A	Unfortunately no. The PC used to control the GC or GC/MS is used for control PC for pyrolyzer.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What are the required specifications for the control PC?
A	A PC running either Windows Vista(32bit OS), XP, 2000, 98, or NT4.0 with a hard disk space of 5MB. Any PC used for GC or GC/MS should be adequate. The Pyrolyzer requires an RS-232 interface port, and the Auto-Shot Sampler requires a RS-232 port.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Is control software included with the pyrolyzer?
A	The control software comes standard with the Pyrolyzer.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Is the pyrolyzer control software for dependent on the control software for the GC/MS?
A	The control software for Pyrolyzer is independent from that for GC/MS. However, gREADYh and gSTARTh signals from GC or GC/MS are shared with the Pyrolyzer.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] What is the difference between PY-2020iD and the PY-2020D (old model)
A	The PY-2020D has a built-in temperature controller, while the PY-2020iD uses a PC to control the temperature and the various accessories. The Auto-Shot Sampler (AS-1020E) works only with the PY-2020iD.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Can I upgrade my Single-Shot Pyrolyzer (2020iS) to Double-Shot Pyrolyzer (2020iD)?
A	Unfortunately, upgrading to Double-Shot Pyrolyzer is not supported.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Can I upgrade model PY-2010D to either PY-2020D or PY-2020iD?
A	No.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Can I upgrade model PY-2020D to PY-2020iD?
A	Yes. This is done at the facility in Koriyama. The PY-2020D must be sent to us to be upgraded.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] The sampler (Double-Shot or Single-Shot) will no longer hold the sample cup stick. Can it be fixed?
A	This is caused by wear of the chuck that holds the sample cup stick. It needs to be sent to us for repair. Call your local dealer or contact us directly.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Double-Shot sampler does not slide well. Would cleaning help?
A	Prolonged use can cause this trouble. Since disassembling is needed and a special lubricant must be applied on the sliding surface, it must be sent to us for repair. Check with your local dealer or contact us directly.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Is regular inspection of the Pyrolyzer needed?
A	Yes. Please consult the Operation Manual to see what regular maintenance is recommended.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] Are yearly maintenance contracts available?
A	Yes. Call your local distributor or contact us.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] We currently use a PY-2010D, can it be used with other accessories?
A	The 2010D can be used with all accessories except for the Auto-Shot Sampler. It is necessary to verify that the accessory is compatible with the gas chromatograph.

Q	[Pyrolyzer] We would like to conduct evolved gas analysis (EGA). What other accessories do we need in addition to Double-Shot Pyrolyzer?
A	None. The Double-Shot Pyrolyzer is all that is needed to perform EGA. If there is a need to perform EGA in air, two accessories are required: Carrier Gas Selector (CGS-1010E) and the Selective Sampler (SS-1010E).

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Which models of GC are compatible with the Auto-Shot Sampler?
A	It is designed to work with Agilent 6890/7890, Shimadzu GC-2010/17A, Thermo TRACE GC, and the Varian CP3800 gas chromatographs.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Is the sampler easy to remove and install on the pyrolyzer?
A	Yes, you can install and uninstall the Sampler easily, since there no adjustment needed.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can I use it with a PY-2010D?
A	No.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can I use it with a PY-2020D/S?
A	Yes, but the temperature controller must be upgraded.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Does the Sampler come with control software?
A	Yes, the control software for the Auto-Shot Sampler is included with the control software of the Pyrolyzer.

[Auto-Shot Sampler]
When a sample cup is dropped into the pyrolysis furnace or when the sample cup is retrieved, wonft the sample spill from the sample cup?

The amount of sample placed in a sample cup is normally less than 1mg; therefore the likelihood of spilling the sample is low. If a large amount of sample is loaded in the cup, there is a possibility of spilling the sample. The amount of sample can be up to 50% of the cup capacity. Use some clean quartz wool to cover the sample.. In Double-Shot analysis or EGA heart-cup analysis, because the sample cup moves up and down, we recommend that the sample should always be covered regardless of the amount of sample being analyzed.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] What type of sample cups can be used?
A	Only 80µL Eco-cup L can be used. Inspect each sample cup using the cup inspection jig provided with the unit, and use only undistorted cups.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] What are the precautions that need to be taken when loading sample into a sample cup.
A	The volume amount of sample can be up to 50% of the cup capacity. If a large amount of residues is expected, cover the sample with quartz wool. In Double-Shot and EGA heart-cut analyses, cover the sample with some quartz wool since the sample cup is moving up and down several times.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] How much sample can I put in a sample cup?
A	The volume amount of sample can be up to 50% of the cup capacity. If a large amount of residues is expected, cover the sample with quartz wool.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can I re-analyze a sample that has already been analyzed and recovered?
A	Recovered sample cups are collected in a glass vial and can not be re-analyzed.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Is there any carry over contamination?
A	If the pyrolyzer is mounted correctly and functioning properly, there is almost no contamination from previously analyzed samples.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] In the sequence table, when it comes to a position where there is no sample cup loaded, will the sequence be terminated at that position?
A	It will proceed without interruption, but there will be a blank run at this point in the sequence. The row is highlighted by yellow background in the sequence table.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] If the Auto-Shot Sampler is removed from the Pyrolyzer, can I still use the pyrolyzer?
A	Yes, but leave the gas purge valve open.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can the GC carrier gas be split and serve as the sample cup recovery gas?
A	Yes. But, in a situation where the same gas line is shared with other analytical instruments, the sample cup recovery may affect other instruments (especially, in the case where the same He gas is used for additional gas for FID).

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] How much gas is consumed during the sample cup recovery?
A	About 1 litter of gas per every cup recovery is consumed.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can nitrogen be used for recovering the sample cup?
A	Yes, but only if the carrier gas is nitrogen. Use the same gas as carrier gas.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] What daily maintenance is required when using the auto-shot sampler?
A	Regular cleaning of the sample cup tray and sample cup passage is recommended. The cleaning frequency will be a function of the samples being analyzed. Routine monitoring of system function and inertness is recommended.

Q	[Auto-Shot Sampler] Can I use the pyrolyzer with the Magic Chemisorber?
A	You can use the Magic Chemisorber with the pyrolyzer. It is important to guard against contamination of the samples by atmosphere gas when using the auto-shot sampler.

Q	[Selective Sampler] Which model of GC is compatible with the selective sampler?
A	It is designed to work with Agilent 6890, HP5890, Shimadzu GC-2010, 17A, and Thermo TRACE GC.

Q	[Selective Sampler] When the pyrolyzer is idle, can I conduct a GC analysis with the SS Selective Sampler installed?
A	There will be no problem if it is used in the split mode. With the SS adapter attached, several mL/min of carrier gas are purging the flow path; therefore, the adapter must be removed or the purge flow turned "OFF" when performing splitless injection.

Q	[Selective Sampler] When the Selective Sampler is not in use, what should I do with it?
A	When the power of the Selective sampler's controller is "on", turn the Sampling switch to "ON". This will direct the sample introduced from the GC injection port to the separation column.

Q	[Selective Sampler] Can I install the Selective Sampler by myself?
A	Yes, you can. The operation manual for the Selective Sampler has a well documented "Installation" section.

[Selective Sampler]
What is the reproducibility when conducting zone analysis of evolved gases using the Pyrolyzer and Selective Sampler?

The Selective Sampler will not degrade the basic performance of the GC, because it is based on Dean flow switching. When analyzing a temperature zone, the reproducibility will vary depending on the target components and thermal desorption conditions. For example (see Technical Note PY1-002), in the quantitative analysis of polystyrene for residual styrene monomer and trimer at several 100ppm using Selective Sampler (SS-1010E) and Micro-Jet Cryo-Trap (MJT-1030E), the relative standard deviation of the results is be less than 2%.

[Selective Sampler]
We would like to pyrolyze a sample in air. Is this possible using the Carrier Gas Selector and Selective Sampler?

The Carrier Gas Selector is a device that selects the gas flowing into the Pyrolyzer. When a sample is heated in air, the desorbed or pyrolyzed components are carried into the separation column by the carrier gas. At this point, the carrier gas is switched from air to helium. It takes a few minutes before the air in the column is completely replaced by helium. During this period, it is recommended that the Micro-Jet Cryo-Trap (MJT-1030E) be used to trap pyrolyzed components at the head of the separation column.

Q	[Carrier Gas Selector] Which model of GC can I install the Carrier Gas Selector to?
A	It is designed to work with Agilent 68907890, HP5890, and Shimadzu GC-2010/17A gas chromatographs.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] Which model of GC can I install the MicroJet Cryo-Trap to?
A	You can attach it to Agilent 6890/7890, HP5890, Shimadzu GC-2010/17A, Thermo TRACE GC, and Varian CP3800 gas chromatographs.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] Must the Micro-Jet Cryo-Trap be used with the Double-Shot Pyrolyzer?
A	Yes. However, the Cryo-Trap is manually operated. In manual operation, please allow a minimum of 2 minutes for the trap to cool before introducing sample. The temperature of the column cooled by the Cryo-Trap can be monitored with a commercially available thermometer complied with type K sensor.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] How much liquid nitrogen does it consume?
A	2 litters of liquid nitrogen in a standard Dewar lasts for about an hour when cooling is "ON". An optional 10 litter Dewar will extend the cooling time to 4 hours.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] What type of container do you recommend for liquid nitrogen?
A	A 2 litter Dewar is provided. Commercially available 10 or 30 litter liquid nitrogen Dewars can be used, but it will be necessary to replace the heat exchanger to accommodate the larger Dewar. Call your local distributor for details or contact us.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] What is the rate of nitrogen gas consumption?
A	While it is cooling, 10 L/min of nitrogen is consumed. When it is not cooling, 10mL/min is consumed.

Q	[Micro Jet Cryo-Trap] When it is not used, is it all right to leave the liquid nitrogen feed tube immersed in liquid nitrogen?
A	When the MJT-1030E is not in use, leaving the liquid nitrogen feed tube immersed in liquid nitrogen should not pose a problem.

Q	[F-Search System] Can libraries compiled by Frontier Lab be searched with data generated on a GC/MS of any manufacturer?
A	The F-Search (PY-1110E) software is totally different from GC/MS analysis software from other companies. F-Search is compatible with NetCDF MS data format applicable by all GC/MS systems manufactured by Agilent, JEOL (Auto MASS, K9), and Shimadzu. For NetCDF (AIA) conversion software, contact the manufacturer of your GC/MS.

Q	[F-Search System] I use F-Search (PY-1081E). Can I use the Additive Library?
A	Yes, you can, but you need to upgrade the search engine that you currently use. P/N = PY-1111E. Contact your dealer for upgrade information.

Q	[F-Search System] What is the minimum configuration requirement for the PC?
A	A PC running either Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 98, or NT4.0 with hard disk space of at least 130MB.

Q	[F-Search System] Can I buy just MS Library software?
A	Yes. The MS Library of F-Search System consists of Polymer EGA, Pyrograms, Pyrolyzates and Additives Libraries. Each is sold separately. These libraries require seach software(PY-1111E).

[Consumables]
What material is the Eco-cups made? Is there any interaction between the Eco-cup material and pyrolyzates?

Eco-cups are made of stainless steel; the surface has been deactivated using the same proprietary technology used for Ultra ALLOY columns. The outer surface is a thin layer of silicon oxide that has the same compositions as fused silica. There is very little interaction with the pyrolyzates. However, repeated heating using high temperature (flame) flame may damage the surface and expose the stainless surface. It is recommended that the cup be tested, in advance, using a standard sample. Or the cup can be solvent cleaned prior to use. This will prevent damage to the surface caused by excessive heat.

Q	[Consumables] What is the max use temperature of sample cups?
A	800°C

Q	[Consumables] Are quartz pyrolysis tubes deactivated?
A	The surface of quartz tubes is an inactive siloxane (SiO2) structure, therefore; no special deactivation treatments is necessary.

Q	[Consumables] Do all the Pyrolyzer models share the same consumable parts?
A	Yes.

Q	[Consumables] Are the different interface unions interchangeable?
A	There are three types of interface unions. Currently, the unions being used have a "V" marking on the surface (P/N:PY1-3351). If an old interface union is replaced with a new one, the ferrules must be replaced: graphite Vespel ferrules (P/N: PY1-7911).

Q	[Consumables] The Septum removal liquid has been discontinued. Is there a replacement?
A	There is no replacement available. Use a surface treated septums: PY1-7301(for Agilent GC), PY1-7302(for Shimadzu GC)

Q	[Consumables] What is the difference between the EGA capillary tube used for evolved gas analysis and a simple deactivated tube?
A	The EGA capillary tube used for evolved gas analysis(P/N:UADTM-2.5N) is designed specifically for evolved gas analysis(0.15mm id, 2.5m length, with cage) and is included with the Double-Shot Pyrolyze. and the Selective Sampler. A deactivated tube(P/N:UADTM-5N) having the same inner diameter is 5m in length and does not include a cage. The surface deactivation is the same.

Q	[Consumables] When do I use an Eco-cup S and when should I use an Eco-cup L?
A	Eco-cup S and Eco-cup L have the same inner diameter, but they are different lengths, 5mm and 8mm, respectively. In normal analysis, Eco-cup S is used. Eco-cup L is used when analyzing a large amount of sample (several mg to several tens of mg). It is used with the Auto-Shot Sampler.

Q	[Consumables] When do I use an Eco-stick S and when should I use an Eco-stick L?
A	The Eco-stick S is used in normal (single-shot) pyrolysis experiments. Eco-stick L is used in Double-Shot analysis. Note that when an Auto-Shot Sample is used, an Eco-stick is not used.

[Consumables]
I have purchased Eco-cups; do I need to clean them before using them for the first time?

Normally, there is no need to clean Eco-cups before using them. Eco-cups are cleaned prior to shipping. However, if they are exposed to laboratory air for an extended period of time, or when performing trace analysis, ghost peaks originating from atmospheric contamination may be observed. To avoid these peaks, clean Eco-cups using volatile solvents such as acetone or dichloromethane before use. Also, care must be exercised in handling the sample cup holders, tweezers used in sampling, and Eco-pickup to prevent contaminations.

[Consumables]
I understand that Eco-cups are considered a disposable item, but is there way to reuse them?

Depending on the types of samples and analyses you are running, Eco-cups can be reused, if they are properly cleaned. When reusing the cups, analysts must be able to judge whether it is acceptable or not for their analytical purposes. The sample cup is cleaned using an appropriate solvent that will dissolve (or swell) the sample. Next, the sample cup is heated for a few seconds using a small propane or butane torch. When heated, the cup will be slightly red1). (If the cup is glowing red there is a good chance that the surface deactivation has been damaged). Depending on the samples being analyzed, there may be inorganic residues and/or burned polymer (carbon) remaining in the sample cup. Remove the residue using a cotton swab and a volatile solvent such as acetone. Dry the clean cup before use. Keep a record of the sample cup weight. This will very quickly indicate when there is carbonized residue remaining in the cup.

1) Note: Tests conducted by Frontier Lab with polyethylene and polystyrene show that reproducible pyrograms (n=5) are obtained when the cup is cleaned as described above.

If a large number of Eco-cups are to be cleaned, a muffle furnace can be used. As described above, first clean the sample cups using a solvent such as acetone, and dry them. Heat the sample cups at 600ºC for one hour in a muffle furnace, then cool the furnace down to room temperature. If residues are still found in the cups, clean and dry in the manner described above.

[Consumables]
Can Eco-cups be reused in the analysis of brominated flame retardants (PBDE)?

When analyzing compounds susceptible to thermal decomposition such as brominated flame retardants and compounds which are very polar such as acids and bases, sample cups should NOT be cleaned and re-used. DecaBDE in particular may decompose (debrominate) during thermal desorption if the surface of the sample cup has any chemical activity. Frontier Labs has demonstrated that the DecaBDE response may decrease up to 10 % if used sample cups are reused.

[Consumables]
Does heating an Eco-cup by a torch generate active points? Or, are they generated under normal analytical conditions (e.g., 600ºC)? What compounds are vulnerable to decomposition caused by active points? How about large molecular-weight compounds, halogenated compounds, or phthalic esters?

As a general rule, active points are generated when the cup is cleaned using a propane or butane torch. Normal pyrolysis temperatures will not harm the sample cups. When analyzing compounds susceptible to decomposition such as brominated flame retardants, avoid heating the sample cups until it 'glows' red. It is difficult to tell whether compounds are thermally degraded; however; high molecular weight compounds generally have high elution temperatures during thermal desorption, and therefore tend to degrade if so inclined.

Q	[Others] Where can I find a list of Frontier distributors?
A	Frontier Lab's products are marketed through manufacturers of GC and GC/MS systems and their distributors (see the list of distributors on the web). Alternatively, contact Frontier Laboratories Ltd. directly.

Q	[Others] Can I purchase products at your oversea offices? What about after sale support?
A	There are many distributors (see the list of distributors on the web page). These distributors provide product support and service using local technicians who have been trained at Frontier Labs. In countries and areas where there is no distributor, please contact us.

Q	[Others] Where can I purchase consumable parts and supplies for the Pyrolyzer?
A	Check with your local distributor.

Q	[Others] Will you analyze our samples before we make a purchase decision?
A	For evaluation purposes only, we will accept analysis requests at no charge. Also, check with our local distributors to see if they are able to accept such requests.

Q	[Others] Where can I see the product?
A	Check with your local distributor. If you would like to come to our facility in Koriyama, to actually see the product, contact us directly.

Q	[Others] Do you demo equipment on-site?
A	We only demo equipment at our laboratory in Koriyama. Contact your Frontier distributor and ask what their policy is regarding on-site demos.

Q	[Others] I would like to request a quote for the product.
A	We market our products through a number of distributors. Contact the manufacturer or distributor of the GC or GC/MS to be used with the pyrolyzer or go to our web site for a complete list of our distributors.

Q	[Others] Describe how you support your products.
A	We only offer service at our facility in Koriyama, If you are interested in our annual maintenance plan, contact your local dealer. Frontier Laboratories Ltd. or our distributors provide after sales support and services.

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