Prepare
Bulk sample, gas or separate compound enters the appropriate peripheral.
Thermo Scientific · Gas IRMS
DELTA Q isotope ratios with a connecting platform
Analysis isotope signatures of C, N, S, O and H in whole samples, gases or compounds Separate. The introduction system defines the analytical question; DELTA Q delivers measurement Isotopic.
- C · N · S · O · H
- Stable isotopes according to configuration
- Up to 10 collectors
- Settings up to m/z 96
- CF + Dual Inlet
- Flexible introduction of gases
Sample type
Four analytical routes
01↗
Bulk sample
Solids and liquids converted by combustion or conversion to high temperature.
02↗Gases and headspace
Water, carbonates and atmospheric gases are automatically prepared.
03↗Volatile compounds
GC separation and isotope analysis specific to each compound.
04↗Polar compounds
HPLC separation and on-line determination of ratios 13C/12C.
01 / GENERAL VISION
What the Technique Answers
Isotopic signature of origin and process
The ratio between isotopes of the same element records physical, chemical and chemical processes. biological. DELTA Q measures these differences with high precision to compare origin, transformation, authenticity and cycling.
Before reaching the spectrometer, the sample is converted into simple gases or their compounds are separated by chromatography. In the analyzer, the gases are ionized, separated into a magnetic sector and measured simultaneously in Faraday collectors. A correct peripheral choice is a central part of the method — so this page organizes the solution from the sample and the scientific question.
Convert
Analyte is transformed quantitatively into gases such as CO2, N2, H2, CO or SO2.
Separate
Ions are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio in the magnetic analyzer.
Compare
Isotopic beams are measured simultaneously and related to gases and reference patterns.
02 / APPLICATION SELECTOR
Choose your field of study
Project-specific configuration
The result below combines application, type of information and most likely introduction systems.
Soils and agronomy
EA IsoLink as core; GasBench Plus for gases and water
Quantify δ13C, δ15N and δ34S in soil, plants, fertilizers and organic matter; use settings OH to δ18 O and δ2H in appropriate matrices. For carbonates, water and gases of headspace, GasBench Plus expands the same DELTA Q platform.
Information
Cycling, sources, fertilization and water dynamics
Main entry
EA IsoLink · GasBench Plus
Type of analysis
Bulk and selected gases
A platform, different inputs
The sample introduction system defines the information level
They're not competing versions of DELTA Q. These are complementary routes to prepare or separate the sample before isotopic measurement.
Full analysis · EA-IRMS
EA IsoLink
Combine Flash IRMS EA, ConFlo IV and DELTA interface Q for automated isotope analysis of integral samples.
- C, N and S by flash combustion
- O and H by high temperature conversion
- Samples from μg to mg and unsupervised operation
Gases · headspace
GasBench Plus
Preparation and online introduction of gases with automation for samples in sealed bottles.
- Water balance for O and H isotopes
- Carbonates for C and O
- Atmospheric gases and molecular relationships
Specific compound · GC-IRMS
GC IsoLink II
It separates mixtures by gas chromatography and converts each compound into simple gases for isotope analysis.
- 13C, 15N, 18O and 2H in GC-compatible compounds
- Combustion and conversion to high temperature
- Configibility GC-MS-IRMS
Polar compounds · LC-IRMS
LC IsoLink II
It integrates HPLC to IRMS for on-line determination of 13C/12C in separate polar compounds in liquid phase.
- Carbohydrates, amino acids and other polar compounds
- Food integrity, metabolism and forensics
- Conversion in aqueous mobile phase without derivatization to GC
Current EA IsoLink Settings
The platform can start with a specific need and grow by upgrade paths. The final definition depends on the elements, matrices, sample masses and throughput.
About TC/AS: the CT/EA equipment was discontinued. The conversion function to High temperature for O and H is now embedded in EA IsoLink OH configuration and configurations combined from the platform. Therefore, TC/EA is not presented here as a current product.
04 / APPLICATIONS
01
02
03
04
05
06
Isotopic signatures in different areas
From the origin of food to the dynamics of the ecosystem
The combination of element, matrix and introduction system determines the appropriate method for each question.
Soils, plants and fertilizers
δ13C and δ15N for carbon and nitrogen cycling, fertilization efficiency and tracers; δ34S for sulfur sources and processes.
EA IsoLink · GasBench PlusEcology and Limnology
trophic networks, organic matter sources, habitat connectivity and biogeochemical processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
EA IsoLink · GC IsoLink IIFood and drink
Authenticity, geographical origin, adulteration and comparison between integral signature and specific compounds in honey, wine, coffee and other products.
EA · GC · LC · GasBenchGeosciences and paleoclimate
Sediments, carbonates, ice testimonials and natural archives for reconstruction of vegetation, precipitation, temperature and environmental processes.
EA IsoLink · GasBench · GCForensics and doping control
Origin of materials, drugs, explosives and tissues; isotopic differentiation between endogenous steroids and synthetic analogues.
GC IsoLink II · LC IsoLink IIEnvironment, oil and energy
Pollutant tracking, hydrocarbon origin and maturation, biodegradation processes and exploitation impacts.
GC IsoLink II · EA IsoLinkAnalytical architecture
Performance with operational stability
The following data are capabilities declared by Thermo Scientific for DELTA Q analyzer and can vary according to configuration and method.
CO2 molecules per ion
Sensitivity declared up to 800 in dual inlet and 1,000 in continuous flow.
Application range
Collector settings for isotope ratio applications in the specified mass range.
Collectors
Different configurations for simultaneous acquisition of the required isotopic beams.
Simultaneous mass range
Simultaneous amplitude declared to support different collection geometries.
Fixed alignment
Iono-optical and electromagnet components with fixed alignment for robustness and less intervention.
Pumps and input modules
Compact design with built-in pumps and dual inlet, multiport and μ-volume options.
06 / QTEGRA ISDS
From preparation to result
One interface for the entire workflow
Qtegra ISDS integrates control, acquisition, evaluation and traceability, and facilitates the change between settings connected to DELTA Q.
Automated Get Ready
Preparation and diagnostic routines help confirm system status before analysis.
Templates and workflows
Workflow-oriented methods reduce repetitive steps and facilitate configuration exchange.
Embedded Quality
Quality control tools accompany acquisition, evaluation and consistency of results.
Traceable data and metadata
Method and acquisition information remains associated with results and reports.
Official documentation Thermo Scientific
Catalogs for download
The files below follow this version of the page and can be saved for technical consultation.
DELTA Q IRMS
Overview of analyzer, Qtegra, applications and connectivity with peripherals.
Download catalog ↓EA IsoLink IRMS
Settings CN, CN/OH, OH and CNSOH, automation, throughput and applications.
Download catalog ↓GC IsoLink II IRMS
Compound-specific analysis, conversion, GC-MS-IRMS and current applications.
Download catalog ↓
09 / FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Technical questions
The essentials before configuring the system
What isotopes DELTA Q IRMS measures?
According to configuration and introduction system, DELTA Q supports isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen.
What is the difference between EA IsoLink and FlashSmart?
EA IsoLink uses Flash IRMS EA with ConFlo IV and DELTA Q for isotope ratios. FlashSmart is directed to the quantitative determination of elemental composition, although it shares the Flash EA technology platform.
Does TC/EA still exist as a current product?
No. TC/EA was discontinued. The high-temperature conversion to O and H is now offered in the EA IsoLink OH configuration and combined platform settings.
When should GC IsoLink II be used instead of EA IsoLink?
Use EA IsoLink when the entire isotope signature of the sample answers the question. Use GC IsoLink II when it is necessary to separate a mixture and individually measure compounds compatible with gas chromatography.
When is LC IsoLink II required?
When polar compounds need to be separated by HPLC and analyzed individually for 13C/12C, such as in food applications, metabolism, physiology, drug and forensic origin.
Does DELTA Q replace Orbitrap Isora?
No. DELTA Q measures gases derived from the sample or introduced by peripherals. Orbitrap Isora preserves molecular information and separates isotopes by exact mass. The approaches are complementary.