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microFASTTM GC System for
Tea Aroma in Product Quality Control
Tea Aroma in Product Quality Control
Preserving Flavor and Fragrance in Natural
Products and the Measurement Problem
Consumer products based on natural products
are complex mixtures. The exact composition is
often very difficult and sometimes impossible to
determine. Consumers define “product
goodness” or “not goodness” based on their
subjective perceptions of taste, smell and even
sight and touch (texture). Product consistency
measurements are required.
Processor Situation
For years, processors have employed “sensory
panels” or skilled individuals who classify
production as conforming or non-conforming.
Capacity demands, personnel turnover and the
variability of the human condition (cold or
allergies today?) have driven the desire to make
product quality assessments more quantitative
and objective. The R&D laboratories have
developed lengthy, detailed GC/MS methods
that work well. However these methods are not
suited for the production environment.
Products and the Measurement Problem
Consumer products based on natural products
are complex mixtures. The exact composition is
often very difficult and sometimes impossible to
determine. Consumers define “product
goodness” or “not goodness” based on their
subjective perceptions of taste, smell and even
sight and touch (texture). Product consistency
measurements are required.
Processor Situation
For years, processors have employed “sensory
panels” or skilled individuals who classify
production as conforming or non-conforming.
Capacity demands, personnel turnover and the
variability of the human condition (cold or
allergies today?) have driven the desire to make
product quality assessments more quantitative
and objective. The R&D laboratories have
developed lengthy, detailed GC/MS methods
that work well. However these methods are not
suited for the production environment.
Processor Requirements
A simple, fast and cost effective surrogate for
the GC/MS is desired for near process
measurements or in-plant support laboratories.
Sampling and analysis automation is
necessary. Manual sample pretreatments such
as filtration, derivatization or syringe injections
are not functional or acceptable.
The Solution
The microFASTTM GC is capable of delivering
fast and easy to use analysis. 60 minute runs
on the GC/MS are essentially duplicated for
production purposes in about 80 seconds.
The total analysis time is approximately 5
minutes including the use of a heated
headspace gas autosampler to sample the
gas using SP/ME fiber technology. The system
is economical, easy to use and eliminates a
separate sampling step. Pattern recognition
software from Infometrix is employed for
classification of the product quality.
A simple, fast and cost effective surrogate for
the GC/MS is desired for near process
measurements or in-plant support laboratories.
Sampling and analysis automation is
necessary. Manual sample pretreatments such
as filtration, derivatization or syringe injections
are not functional or acceptable.
The Solution
The microFASTTM GC is capable of delivering
fast and easy to use analysis. 60 minute runs
on the GC/MS are essentially duplicated for
production purposes in about 80 seconds.
The total analysis time is approximately 5
minutes including the use of a heated
headspace gas autosampler to sample the
gas using SP/ME fiber technology. The system
is economical, easy to use and eliminates a
separate sampling step. Pattern recognition
software from Infometrix is employed for
classification of the product quality.