Improving the performance of headspace sampling using trap-based preconcentration

Headspace sample injection for GC and GC–MS is a mature technique that is used in a wide variety of applications. However, some aspects of method development for conventional static headspace can be time-consuming.

A particularly important consideration is the injection volume, which can be limited by either injector loop size, injection time or capacity of the injection liner (and exceeding the liner volume can cause chromatographic problems, especially for early-eluting compounds). One solution to this problem is to use a split flow, which may give better chromatography, but results in less sample reaching the detector. Balancing these factors can be difficult, and add significant time to method development.