Reilap Explorer Portable GC-MS System

Overview

The Reilap Explorer Portable GC-MS System is a field-deployable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry instrument engineered for rapid, on-site identification and quantification of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs). It integrates low-thermal-mass (LTM) fast gas chromatography with a linear ion trap (LIT) mass analyzer to deliver high-resolution separation and sensitive, selective detection in non-laboratory environments. Unlike benchtop GC-MS systems requiring controlled HVAC and stable power infrastructure, the Explorer is designed for operational flexibility—capable of deployment from mobile monitoring vehicles, handheld operation via integrated ergonomic carry handles, or shoulder-mounted configuration for extended field surveys. Its core measurement principle relies on thermal desorption or direct injection of gaseous/liquid/solid samples into the LTM column, followed by electron ionization (EI) and/or chemical ionization (CI) in the ion trap, enabling full-scan, selected ion monitoring (SIM), and tandem MS/MS acquisition modes. The system is optimized for real-time decision support in time-critical scenarios where laboratory turnaround is impractical.

Key Features

• Low-thermal-mass (LTM) gas chromatograph with <10-second oven cool-down and sub-30-second run times for targeted VOC screening
• Linear ion trap mass spectrometer offering unit-mass resolution, >10⁴ dynamic range, and MSⁿ capability up to MS³ for structural elucidation
• Multi-mode sample introduction: built-in thermal desorption tube interface, direct liquid injection port, and optional solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and headspace autosampler compatibility
• Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack supporting ≥4 hours of continuous operation under typical analytical conditions
• Ruggedized chassis rated IP54 for dust and water resistance; operating temperature range: 0–40 °C; relative humidity: 20–80% non-condensing
• Embedded 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen with offline spectral library search (NIST MS Search + custom user libraries)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Explorer accommodates diverse sample matrices without pre-concentration or derivatization in many cases—including ambient air (via canister or sorbent tube), aqueous extracts (e.g., wastewater, leachates), soil headspace, biological fluids (urine, blood, saliva), and swab-eluted surfaces. It supports compliance workflows aligned with EPA Methods TO-15, TO-17, and 8260D for VOC analysis, as well as ASTM D7723-19 for portable MS validation. Data integrity adheres to ALCOA+ principles; audit trail functionality meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when used in regulated environments. Instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ) is provided per GMP/GLP guidance for environmental and forensic applications.

Software & Data Management

The proprietary Reilap MS Navigator software runs natively on the device’s embedded Linux OS and supports method development, real-time spectral deconvolution, library matching (with confidence scoring), and quantitative calibration curve generation using internal standards. All raw data (.raw) and processed results (.pdf, .csv) are stored locally with optional encrypted USB export or secure Wi-Fi upload to cloud-based LIMS platforms. Software updates are delivered via signed firmware packages with SHA-256 verification. Remote diagnostics and method sharing across Explorer units are supported through authenticated enterprise server integration.

Applications

• Chemical Weapons Verification: Detection and identification of organophosphorus nerve agents (e.g., sarin, VX), mustard agents, and related degradation products at trace levels (sub-ppbv)
• Explosives Screening: Field confirmation of nitroaromatics (TNT), nitrate esters (nitroglycerin), and ammonium nitrate-based formulations in cargo, luggage, or post-blast debris
• Environmental Emergency Response: Real-time mapping of VOC plumes from chemical spills, landfill emissions, or industrial fugitive releases
• Forensic Toxicology: Targeted and untargeted screening of >40 controlled substances—including opioids, stimulants, cannabinoids, and novel psychoactive substances—in biological specimens
• Food & Agrochemical Safety: Residue analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and mycotoxins in produce, grains, and animal feed
• Point-of-Care Clinical Analysis: Exhaled breath condensate profiling for biomarkers of lung inflammation, metabolic disorders, and acute poisoning events
• Industrial Process Monitoring: In-line detection of hydrocarbon leaks, catalyst deactivation byproducts, and off-gas composition in petrochemical facilities

FAQ

What is the mass range and resolution of the linear ion trap?
The mass analyzer operates from m/z 10 to 650 with unit mass resolution (FWHM ≤ 0.7 Da at m/z 200) in full-scan mode.
Can the system be calibrated for quantitative analysis without lab-based standards?
Yes—integrated internal standard calibration (e.g., deuterated surrogates) enables field-validated quantitation; NIST-traceable calibration kits are available for initial setup and periodic verification.
Is the Explorer compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 for accredited testing laboratories?
While the hardware meets key performance criteria outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 5.4 (Equipment), formal accreditation requires site-specific validation and documented quality management system implementation by the end-user laboratory.
How is data security maintained during wireless transmission?
All Wi-Fi communications use TLS 1.2+ encryption; device authentication employs certificate-based mutual TLS (mTLS), and exported datasets are AES-256 encrypted at rest.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for field operation?
Ion source cleaning every 50–100 sample injections; GC column trimming every 200 runs; annual vacuum pump oil replacement and mass calibration verification. A predictive maintenance log is embedded in the diagnostic dashboard.