Comprehensive Analytical Project Management

Analytical chemistry data is just that...data.  In and of itself it does not solve problems, on the contrary, if the project is not defined properly it can lead to erroneous conclusions.  It is a reality that supportive analytical R&D has been grossly depleted in many companies.  MPSI can act as that bridge from data to problem solving.  While we will work at any phase in a project, we prefer to engage early in the project definition, at the field level, to define sampling and data quality objectives for the project.  This involves making field observations, discussing problems with operations personnel, and developing sample collection procedures prior to the measurement stages.  While MPSI has an impressive array of analytical tools, no single laboratory will have all of the tools.  We have trusted and qualified laboratory subcontractors for various chemical measurements that we work with.  We review and assemble all of the project data and supporting QA/QC, interpret the results, and author final reports that
translate data into meaningful information upon which you can make decisions.

Our PerkinElmer Axion 2 time of flight (TOF) liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) is equipped with both atmospheric pressure (APCI) and electrospray (ESI) ionization sources.  With trap pulse ion collection and V-shaped flight path it is is one of the most sensitive LC/MS instruments commercially available.  With a resolution of around 15,000 and excellent mass stability it is capable of compound identification via emperical formula with assistance from extensive library data base searches.  ESI is used in the case where the compound can form ions in solution, whereas APCI is used to perform more classical chemical ionization in the gas phase.  ESI is capable of analyzing compounds with high mass such as proteins and polymers.  Both ESI and APCI can be used to produce either positive or negatively charged ions and the system operates in either mode.

Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) systems are used for the analysis of lower molecular weight compounds which can be volatilized with temperature.  Most routinely we use the PerkinElmer 600C GC/MS with either packed or capillary columns.  The instrument has both electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) ion sources.  Structure elucidation using GC/MS EI is performed using NIST data base search and through first principle interpretation of the rich fragmentation pattern data.  When molecular weight determination must be made, CI methods are developed.  When performed with the proper reagent gas, CI is a "soft" ionization process where molecular ion information dominates the spectrum.  In addition, CI can be performed using both positive and negative ion modes of operation.

In order to isolate fractions from complex mixtures or heterogeneous matrices for instrumental analysis, extraction and cleanup methods are often applied.  MPSI has extensive experience with developing liquid:liquid, liquid:solid, solid phase extraction (SPE), and gas phase extraction methods.

Wet Chemistry

Inorganic anion analyses in liquid or solid matrices is often based on colorimetric methods.  MPSI has complete inorganic anion and cation reagent systems as well as UV/Vis for final analysis.

Ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are also frequently used for anion and metals analyses respectively.  MPSI has strategic partnerships with other labs in our area that specialize in these methods. 

Field methods

MPSI has extensive field analytical project experience.  To augment our capabilities we have added significant field instrumentation and field support equipment.  

​This includes a wide range of high pressure teflon lined gas cylinders for the collection and transport of process gases.

When instrumentation must be placed into the field due to sample transport problems, MPSI has equipment to perform field measurements.  One of our products, ProCHRO, is a gas chromatograph that can be rapidly placed on-line for general gas analytical problems.  See more about this exciting product in our Products page.

​The result of any of our work, laboratory or field based, is to assist you to solve meaningful problems.  We make that pledge with every project in which we engage.