Research & Development Services
Torion Technologies develops, manufactures, and markets the world's smallest and most advanced chemical separation and detection systems. Our experienced staff includes scientists and engineers with diverse backgrounds and many years of experience designing and commercializing analytical instrumentation. In addition, Torion has access to over 20 expert consultants in a variety of disciplines including microfabrication, flow engineering, statistical algorithms, and more. Torion has made several breakthrough advancements that have enabled the creation of chemical detectors of unprecedented performance and reliability.
We regularly work with both commercial and university customers to design and develop instrumentation and devices to meet their requirements.
Examples of current development projects at Torion:
Portable Sampling Device for the GUARDION®-7 GC-TMS System
In collaboration with a major portable chemical detector manufacturer, Torion scientists and engineers are developing a universal sampling interface for the hand-portable GUARDION-7 GC-TMS system. This device includes capabilities for portable air sampling based on solid phase microextraction (SPME) technology. Torion is also conducting research on other high-capacity sampling devices suitable for liquids and dissolved solids. The sampling interface will have broad application to numerous markets including environmental, forensics, foods/flavors/fragrances, military/security, and many others.
Microfabricated Mass Spectrometer for Near Real-Time Toxic Chemical Detection
Torion Technologies has been awarded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant for the development of miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS) instrumentation for both stationary point monitoring and field applications where instrument size and ease of serviceability are critical. Applications include reaction stream monitoring, fixed environmental space monitoring, and field detection of airborne toxic chemicals important for environmental detection, arson investigations, and other first responder operations. Torion's efforts are focusing on the development of a planar, microfabricated ion trap (IT) MS device that can be constructed to meet the requirements and demands for small MS systems, including high sensitivity, high resolution, tandem MS operation, high operating pressure, reduced cleaning and service requirements, unsurpassed robustness, and ease of use.
Hand-Portable GC-TMS for Chemical Agent Detection
Since 2003, Torion has been contracted with the Department of Defense (DOD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to develop a handheld chemical and biological agent detector. Torion has been actively engaged in an intensive multi-year development program including the design, engineering and testing of prototype, alpha, beta, and charlie versions of the instrument. A technical evaluation of the hand-portable GC-TMS system was successfully completed in April 2007 using live chemical agents, simulants, and interferents, and resulted in the commercialization of the GUARDION®-7 (G-7) hand-portable gas chromatograph-toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer (GC-TMS) product currently available from Torion. Continued development of G-7 enhancements and capabilities are underway through on-going DOD/DTRA contracts.
Portable Biological Agent Air Sampling and Detection System
Torion scientists and engineers were awarded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract to develop a hand-portable gas chromatograph-toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer (GC-TMS) for detection and differentiation of airborne biological threats. Technical objectives including collection of bacterial endospores, generation of reproducible chemical biomarker signatures, and the application of a new classification and discrimination algorithm for identifying bacterial endospores have been achieved. Development and optimization of a compact air sampler/reactor system, refinements to the biological marker generation process, and expansion of a new endospore classification and discrimination algorithm is continuing as part of an ongoing research program.
Toxic Industrial Chemical (TIC) Permeation Detection System for Emergency Responders
Torion has been contracted to develop a near real-time swatch permeation system for the detection of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) through swatch materials for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD). The focus of this program is the sensitive detection of a variety of chemicals that are used to challenge the resistance of various fabrics and other barrier materials (neoprene) used for First Responder Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Torion staff scientists and engineers are working closely with DHS/DOD and contractor personnel to develop an integrated swatch testing fixture and detection system based on sound scientific principles. Rapid detection of TICs is vital to the health and safety of our nation's Emergency Response personnel and military warfighters.
High Efficiency Electron Ionization Source for Enhanced Sensitivity in GC-MS Instruments
Torion's team of scientists and engineers have designed, constructed, and tested a high efficiency electron ionization (HEEI) source for a commercial instrument company's benchtop quadrupole mass spectrometer. The new HEEI source utilizes a cylindrical magnetic field to enhance trapping of electrons from an 'on-axis' electron gun. The electrons are then efficiently contained in an RF quadrupole field where analyte ions are efficiently generated and contained. Analyte ions are then efficiently extacted into the analyzer region of the MS. This novel source provides higher ion counts and improved signal-to-noise when compared to standard ion sources supplied with conventional GC-MS instruments. This innovation is patent protected technology from Torion.
