VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY VACUUM DIS

2.1 The sample is introduced into a sample flask which is then attached to the apparatus (Figure 1). The sample chamber pressure is reduced using a vacuum pump and remains at approximately 10 torr (vapor pressure of water) as water is removed from the sample. The vapor is passed over a condenser coil chilled to a temperature of -10 C or less, which results in the o condensation of water vapor. The uncondensed distillate is cryogenically trapped on a section of 1/8 inch stainless steel tubing chilled to the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 C). After an o appropriate distillation period which may vary due to matrix or analyte group, the condensate