Progress in Instrumental Analysis of Exhaust Odorants

Odorants from the exhaust gas of combustion engines can be determined qualitatively and quantitatively by means of two-dimensional gas chromatographic separation, using human sense of smell, a flame ionization detector and a mass spectrometer as detectors.

Maintaining certain test conditions is the deciding factor for the success of such investigations. Considerable progress was made with regard to complete, reproducible analyses of organic exhaust components after the test equipment and procedure had been modified, and after the optimal conditions for adsorption, desorption and substance transfer into the analytical equipment had been established.