Advancing atmospheric research in India using solvent‑free, cryogen-free thermal desorption

India’s PRL boosts VOC monitoring efficiency with cryogen-free thermal desorption

India’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) has boosted its atmospheric VOC monitoring by switching from solvent-based, cryogen-cooled systems to Markes’ UNITY–Air Server-xr. The new setup allows fully automated, unattended analysis of trace VOCs without the hassle of liquid nitrogen or solvents – ideal for remote sites and long-term studies. It’s improved sample throughput and data quality, especially for tricky compounds like alpha-pinene and limonene. With flexible sorbent options and strong support from Markes, PRL has published breakthrough research on VOC emissions and source tracking in India’s complex air environments.

• Customer: Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Space and Atmospheric Sciences Division, Ahmedabad, India
• Application: Monitoring trace-level atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air
• Challenge: Eliminating labour-intensive and logistically difficult analytical workflows involving solvent extraction and liquid nitrogen
• Solution: UNITY–Air Server-xr™
• Results: More efficient, unattended monitoring of ppt–ppb atmospheric VOCs, leading to significant research publications