Tube & trap packing supplies
With the right experience and approach, self-packing of sorbent tubes can be a cost-effective option for thermal desorption. Sorbent choices, packing procedures and approach to tube conditioning are all factors underpinning the quality of data produced. It is crucial that users undertaking the packing of tubes themselves use the appropriate tools and supplies.
To support the experienced user, Markes offer a range of supplies for self-packing. As well as the empty tubes, caps and sorbent, specialist tools are available to help optimise the packing and retention of sorbent, depending on whether your method uses glass or metal tubes.
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Metal tubes
When packing empty stainless steel or inert coated tubes, a sorbent-retaining gauze is required to fit into the sampling end of the tube. This retains sorbent within the tube and prevents debris entering the tube. This also defines the air gap, allowing use of published uptake rates for diffusive sampling.
When using active sampling, multiple sorbents can be used, with multiple gauzes being required to separate the sorbents. To secure the final gauze, a gauze spring is inserted and extracted using a using a TubeMate™ tool.
Glass tubes
When packing glass tubes, the sorbent is held in place with a plug of quartz wool. For active sampling with multiple sorbents, additional quartz wool plugs are used to separate sorbents. A torsion spring sits securely in the non-sampling end of a glass tube to secure the contents.
For direct desorption, self-packing supplies e.g. liners are also needed to retain a sample centrally within a direct desorption tube or unrestricted glass tube.
