GC-MS Griffin G510

Griffin 510 is the first truly portable, full-featured GC-MS system (gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer) featuring an integrated vacuum system and MIMS (Membrane Introduction Mass Spectrometry) interface for direct gas-phase analysis. The instrument uses a quadrupole mass analyzer, producing spectra that are fully compatible with the NIST library and enabling immediate identification of more than 300,000 substances. All previously available systems had certain limitations, including the following:

• The mass spectrometer is not a quadrupole type (most commonly a small ion trap) and produces spectra that are not compatible with the NIST library. Detection capabilities are therefore limited to a restricted range of substances, typically no more than several tens to hundreds of compounds. The available m/z range or mass resolution is also often limited.

• The system does not have its own active vacuum system. The vacuum must therefore be generated in an external station and is typically maintained using getters. This makes operation of the instrument expensive and limits the available sample introduction options (conventional split/splitless injection is not used, and MIMS applications are problematic).

• These are large and heavy systems (35–80 kg) that are not easily portable and often cannot operate directly in a contaminated area.

• Typically, the purchase price is very high, as are the operating costs.

The Griffin 510 eliminates all of the above limitations while also introducing additional innovations for field analysis.

The instrument uses an LTM (Low Thermal Mass) gas chromatograph, enabling very fast and reproducible analyses with minimal energy consumption. The gas chromatograph is equipped with both standard split/splitless injection and an integrated thermal sorption/desorption module. This module can directly sample ambient air, trap target compounds on suitable sorbents, and subsequently perform desorption into the gas chromatograph for separation and analysis by the mass analyzer. The entire analytical process is fully automated.

When gas-phase measurements with an extremely fast response are required (reaction times on the order of seconds), the MIMS interface can also be used. In this mode, the sample is introduced to a heated permeable membrane through which the target compounds pass directly into the mass analyzer. This mode is suitable, for example, for locating sources of chemical releases during accidents or for continuous air monitoring (protection of VIP areas, monitoring chemical releases during technological processes, etc.). The analysis time is as short as 1 second.

For direct gas-phase analysis, a heated probe is used for sample collection. The probe is an integral part of the Griffin 510 system.

The mass analyzer is a quadrupole with a resolution of 0.7 amu and an effective mass range of m/z 15 to 515. The mass analyzer produces standardized spectra that are fully compatible with the latest generation of the NIST library (version 2023 or later is included as an integral part of the system), as well as the EPA and NIH libraries.

The system features its own vacuum system combining a new-generation miniaturized turbomolecular pump with a membrane pump. As a result, the instrument reaches full operating condition in less than 15 minutes after startup and requires neither external vacuum sources nor expensive sorption cartridges (getters) for operation.

For direct analysis of solid samples or surface swabs, the patented PSI Probe technique can be used, enabling direct introduction of solid samples into the GC-MS system.

For the analysis of organic compounds in aqueous matrices, SPME or the patented Twister technique can be used. Twister provides significantly improved sensitivity and analytical reproducibility. This makes it possible, for example, to quantitatively analyze drug residues in urine directly in the field.

With a weight of 16 kg, the Griffin 510 is equipped with an integrated high-performance computing system featuring a 9-inch high-resolution touchscreen LCD, 250 GB SSD, Wi-Fi and GPS, standard Ethernet and USB interfaces, an internal He gas cylinder, and battery power. Two batteries can be replaced while the instrument is operating, allowing virtually continuous operation.

The instrument is designed to allow decontamination of the system and can therefore also be used in the so-called “hot zone.”

Considerable emphasis has been placed on software development. The software provides both easy operation in the hot zone and extensive capabilities for “expert analysis,” including the programming of fully automated methods. When an external PC or rugged notebook is used, software from FLIR’s larger GC-MS/MS systems can also be operated, providing all the capabilities familiar from standard laboratory GC-MS systems.

The Griffin 510 represents a breakthrough in mobile analysis of low-concentration or complex samples. GC-MS technology is considered the “gold standard” in environmental analysis laboratories and forensic laboratories. However, its wider use for field analysis has previously been limited by the technical constraints of available instruments, their high purchase price, and often high operating costs.

The Griffin 510 addresses all of these challenges and opens the way for broad deployment of GC-MS technology directly in the field, where it can provide reliable results immediately.

Griffin G510 – Universal Solution for Chemical Identification

Griffin G510 is a versatile portable GC-MS system designed for a wide range of analytical applications. It combines high sensitivity, precise chromatographic separation, and reliable mass spectrometric identification, enabling the rapid identification of hundreds to thousands of organic chemicals directly at the scene. The instrument is particularly suited for the identification of industrial chemicals, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), chemical warfare agents (CWAs), explosives, fire accelerants, drugs, pesticides, and other organic contaminants. Its high degree of flexibility makes it suitable for industrial accident response, environmental incidents, forensic investigations, critical infrastructure protection, and CBRN response operations. The integrated injection port enables the analysis of liquid, solid, and gaseous samples. Using the supplied Sample Prep Kit, field-collected samples can be easily prepared and a definitive confirmatory identification obtained within minutes.

Griffin G510 is an ideal solution for users seeking a versatile portable GC-MS system capable of identifying a broad range of unknown chemical substances with laboratory-grade accuracy directly in the field.

Griffin G510e – Specialist for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Griffin G510e is a specialized configuration of the Griffin G510 designed primarily for environmental applications requiring high sensitivity and high-quality chromatographic separation of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Compared with the standard configuration, it is optimized for the analysis of low-boiling and highly volatile compounds that are commonly monitored in air quality assessment, industrial emissions monitoring, environmental emergencies, and environmental contamination assessment. To achieve maximum analytical performance, Griffin G510e combines a specialized chromatographic column with an integrated sample preconcentration system. The preconcentrator traps trace amounts of VOCs from ambient air and concentrates them prior to analysis, significantly increasing measurement sensitivity and enabling reliable identification of substances even at very low concentrations.

Like other models in the Griffin G510 series, it uses GC-MS technology to provide laboratory-quality analysis directly in the field. Griffin G510e is an ideal solution for environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, emissions monitoring, and response to environmental incidents.

Griffin G510x – Specialist for Drugs and Explosives

Griffin G510x is the latest specialized variant of the portable Griffin G510 GC-MS system, optimized for the rapid and reliable identification of narcotics, explosives, and other hazardous substances directly in the field. Its specially developed analytical methodology provides laboratory-reliable results within minutes and significantly expands the capabilities of law enforcement, customs, forensic, and military units. The instrument can provide confirmatory identification of both major and minor components of illicit drugs in less than five minutes, even in highly complex mixtures containing cutting agents, additives, or new psychoactive substances. Its high sensitivity enables the detection of trace amounts of substances that are typically beyond the capabilities of other portable analytical technologies.

Griffin G510x also serves as a confirmatory system for results obtained using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, or HPMS. Users can therefore obtain rapid laboratory-grade confirmation directly at the scene, without the need to transport samples to a specialized laboratory. The integrated injection port enables the analysis of environmental, forensic, and hazardous chemical samples. The supplied Sample Prep Kit facilitates sample preparation under field conditions.

Griffin G510x includes an extensive database containing more than 3,500 drugs, metabolites, precursors, and other related compounds, which is regularly updated with new psychoactive substances. Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and secure data transfer enable analysis results to be shared in real time with other response team members or the command post.

Griffin G510x is an ideal solution for organizations requiring rapid, accurate, and confirmatory identification of drugs, explosives, and other hazardous substances directly at the scene.