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mass spectrometry
Journal of Chromatography,
329 (1985) 211
Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.. Amsterdam -
Printed in The Netherlands
CHROM. 17 817
Book Review
Practical aspects of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, by G. M. Message, Wiley,
New York, Chichester, 06277-4.
1984, XVI + 351 pp., price f 69.35, ISBN O-471-
This small work consists of thirteen chapters which are grouped into four parts. The first of these (Chapters l-6) considers the details and theory of operation of the individual components of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Part Two (Chapters 7-10) develops the earlier theory and largely concerns ,operation. Parts Three (Chapters 11 and 12) and Four (Chapter 13) describe trouble-shooting and instrument selection, respectively. After a short introduction, Chapter 2 details vacuum systems where the appropriate nomenclature and units precede a treatment of the individual components. The characteristics of various pumps, gauges and ancillaries are clearly indicated. Chapter 3, entitled “Mass Spectrometers” commences with a brief list of terms and follows with the procedures used to achieve ionisation described in turn. Electron-impact and chemical ionisation procedures expectedly predominate after which mass analysers and signal detection are briefly reviewed. Gas chromatography forms Chapter 4 and the earlier format is followed with the majority of the chapter describing the individual components, i.e. columns, injectors, detectors and flow measurement and control devices, in sequence. Interfacing forms Chapter 5 with the various separators being illustrated followed by transfer ancillaries and auxiliary inlets. The final chapter in the section concerns data systems and the aspects of instrument control, data acquisition, data storage manipulation, display and appropriate software are clearly explained. The chapter may present a minimally more detailed treatment than some of those that precede it. Chapters 7 (GC) and 8 (MS) on operation are clear and in rather limited detail; some repetition of ionization procedures occurs but calibration and tuning, both features inbuilt with many instruments, are of interest. The following small contribution, entitled “Laboratory Practice” (Chapter 9) contains material which should be obvious and essential to reliable operation. Chapter 10 (“Preventive Maintenance”) contains material expected in a manufacturer’s operation manual and is the type of detail that must be followed if near optimum results are to be achieved. Part Three again contains material which should be provided by the instrument suppliers, while Part Four on instrument selection is interesting, but most readers realise that obtaining an instrument is frequently based on non-ideal constraints. The work in general is interesting, it is brief and, as the author indicates, probably no comparable work is available. The contributions might be expected to appeal to workers of any level who might be about to venture into the use of GCMS. It is, however, evident that a serious worker will very rapidly seek more detailed literature sources, such as those listed in the further reading section of the work.
329 (1985) 211
Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.. Amsterdam -
Printed in The Netherlands
CHROM. 17 817
Book Review
Practical aspects of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, by G. M. Message, Wiley,
New York, Chichester, 06277-4.
1984, XVI + 351 pp., price f 69.35, ISBN O-471-
This small work consists of thirteen chapters which are grouped into four parts. The first of these (Chapters l-6) considers the details and theory of operation of the individual components of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Part Two (Chapters 7-10) develops the earlier theory and largely concerns ,operation. Parts Three (Chapters 11 and 12) and Four (Chapter 13) describe trouble-shooting and instrument selection, respectively. After a short introduction, Chapter 2 details vacuum systems where the appropriate nomenclature and units precede a treatment of the individual components. The characteristics of various pumps, gauges and ancillaries are clearly indicated. Chapter 3, entitled “Mass Spectrometers” commences with a brief list of terms and follows with the procedures used to achieve ionisation described in turn. Electron-impact and chemical ionisation procedures expectedly predominate after which mass analysers and signal detection are briefly reviewed. Gas chromatography forms Chapter 4 and the earlier format is followed with the majority of the chapter describing the individual components, i.e. columns, injectors, detectors and flow measurement and control devices, in sequence. Interfacing forms Chapter 5 with the various separators being illustrated followed by transfer ancillaries and auxiliary inlets. The final chapter in the section concerns data systems and the aspects of instrument control, data acquisition, data storage manipulation, display and appropriate software are clearly explained. The chapter may present a minimally more detailed treatment than some of those that precede it. Chapters 7 (GC) and 8 (MS) on operation are clear and in rather limited detail; some repetition of ionization procedures occurs but calibration and tuning, both features inbuilt with many instruments, are of interest. The following small contribution, entitled “Laboratory Practice” (Chapter 9) contains material which should be obvious and essential to reliable operation. Chapter 10 (“Preventive Maintenance”) contains material expected in a manufacturer’s operation manual and is the type of detail that must be followed if near optimum results are to be achieved. Part Three again contains material which should be provided by the instrument suppliers, while Part Four on instrument selection is interesting, but most readers realise that obtaining an instrument is frequently based on non-ideal constraints. The work in general is interesting, it is brief and, as the author indicates, probably no comparable work is available. The contributions might be expected to appeal to workers of any level who might be about to venture into the use of GCMS. It is, however, evident that a serious worker will very rapidly seek more detailed literature sources, such as those listed in the further reading section of the work.