High resolution and exact mass
Resolution from 120,000 to 250,000, according to the model, to reveal previously overlapping signs and restrict elemental compositions.
Karsa · HRAM-MS com MPCI
Orbion: high resolution to understand air chemistry
An integrated system of multipressure chemical ionization and high resolution mass spectrometry and exact mass, developed to separate nearby species, assign molecular formulas and track complex atmospheric chemistry in real time.
A system, from lab to fieldIntegrated architecture, automated cycles and solid reagents.
Main capacities
High-resolution molecular characterization across a broad chemical range
Orbion combines isobaric species separation, ultratrace sensitivity, ionization exchange, and a data flow prepared for scientific research.
Multipressure coverage
The automatic cycle between reagent ions expands the observation of VOCs, acids, amines and oxidation products.
Reactive species in ultratrace
Sub-pptv detection limits reported by the manufacturer to accompany reactive compounds in low concentration.
Integrated operation
Automation of routines, solid reagents and components assembled in a single system for continuous and unaccompanied operation.
How the analysis happens
From gas sample to molecular identity
The flow unites chemical coverage, high resolution separation and organized data processing, without depending on a simplified reading of nominal mass.
1
Sample introduction
The gaseous composition of the environment, experiment or campaign is conducted to the integrated system.
2
MPCI Ionization
The automatic exchange between NO3−, Ur+ and fluoranthene+ expands the classes of observed compounds.
3
HRAM Analysis
The analyzer separates masses very close and provides accuracy to support formula assignments.
4
Data processing in Mascope
Ingestion, visualization, quality control and analysis are organized in a collaborative environment.
Applications
Where Orbion supports atmospheric research
Simultaneous coverage of different chemical classes is especially useful when primary emissions, reactions and secondary products need to be interpreted as the same process.
ATM
Air chemistry
Characterization of reactive species, oxidation products and chemical transformations in complex mixtures of air.
VOC
Volatile and biogenic emissions
Monitoring of newly emitted volatile hydrocarbons and subsequent formation of oxidised products.
AIR
Internal air quality
Comparison of composition before, during and after events that alter the chemistry of internal environments.
OOM
Highly oxygenated acids, amines and molecules
Research of classes with distinct chemical properties, including HOMs/OOMs, with complementary ionization cycles.
Documented example: in the orange peel experiment, Orbion recorded the chemical cascade from fresh emissions of volatile hydrocarbons to secondary products using a single instrument.
Orbion family
Three resolution levels, two options with MS/MS
The choice depends on the required separation and the need for MS/MS experiments. The other conditions of the application must be confirmed in the final configuration.
| Feature | Orbion 120 | Orbion 180 | Orbion 240 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution power ΔM/M em m/z 200 | Up to 120,000 | Up to 180,000 | Up to 240.000 |
| MS/MS Capacity | Sim | No, no, no. | Sim |
| Polarity/reagent switching | Up to 1.4 Hz; 0,1 Global Hz | ||
| Mass accuracy | 1 ppm RMS com lock mass | ||
Values reproduced in the catalogue Orbion rev. 251017. See the full specification for test conditions, configuration and performance details.
Organisation
Mascope: data processing and reproducible workflows
Mascope is the collaborative platform and open source integrated with Orbion to automate atmospheric data intake, processing and visualization.
✓
Browser viewsQuick inspection, target analysis and quality control by batch and file.
✓
Shared workspacesCollaborative organization of measurements, processing and results.
✓
JupyterLab, Python e APIExtensible flows to adapt data processing to the scientific question.
Field Ready
Integration for laboratory and field operation
Orbion brings its components together in a validated system and is designed for reliability, quick configuration and continuous operation. This is a transportable platform for campaigns, not a portable hand analyzer.
60 minconfiguration time informed
12 hup to the first informed measurements
Transit caseoption for system transport
Solid reagentsno hazardous chemicals in the described routine
Technical specifications
Infrastructure and operating conditions
The requirements below help to evaluate deployment. The final configuration must be validated with SENS for the selected application, location and model.
System and performance
ArchitectureMPCI + HRAM analyzer + Mascope platform
Resolution120,000–250,000, according to the model, in m/z 200
Mass accuracy1 ppm RMS com lock mass
Detection limitsSub-pptv as reported by the manufacturer
CoverageVOCs, amines, acids and HOMs/OOMs
Installation
DimensionsA 1400 × L 730 × C 1240 mm without pump
Peso280 kg without the pump
Power3000 W for the complete system
Temperature18–27 °C; maximum variation of 0,5 °C/min
Humidity20–80%, no condensation
Gases
HP Nitrogen99%; 35 Ln/min
Nitrogen UHP99,999%; 0,03 Ln/min
GenerationThe two supplies can be supplied by a single nitrogen generator
Operation and transport
Mode switchingAutomated in seconds
TransportTransit case available
Settings60 minutes, according to catalogue
First measurements12 hours according to catalogue
Technical source: Orbion Brochure A4, revision 251017, Karsa (2025). Values and compatibility shall be confirmed in the technical proposal and in the complete specification in force.
Technical materials
Karsa Orbion Catalog
The official document is embedded in this HTML file and can be downloaded even when the page is opened offline.
PDF
Orbion — High Resolution Multi-Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass SpectrometerOfficial catalogue · Karsa · rev. 251017 · 4 pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Orbion
What does Karsa Orbion measure?
Orbion was developed to detect a wide range of compounds in the gaseous phase, including VOCs, amines, acids, HOMs/OOMs and oxidation products in studies of atmospheric chemistry and internal air.
What is MPCI in Orbion?
MPCI is the chemical multipressure ionization. In Orbion, the automatic cycle between reactive ions expands chemical coverage and allows observing distinct classes of compounds with a single integrated system.
What's Orbion's resolution?
The family offers up to 120,000 in Orbion 120, up to 180,000 in Orbion 180 and up to 250,000 in Orbion 240, with the reference value reported in m/z 200.
What models do MS/MS offer?
According to the catalogue, Orbion 120 and Orbion 240 offer MS/MS capacity; Orbion 180 does not offer this feature.
Can Orbion be used in field campaigns?
The manufacturer presents Orbion as field ready. The integrated system can be transported in transit case, with a stated setup time of 60 minutes and first measurements within 12 hours. The equipment is not handheld and weighs 280 kg without the pump.
How are Orbion data analyzed?
Orbion integrates Mascope, collaborative platform and open source for ingestion, processing, viewing, quality control and extensible flows in Python, API, and JupiterLab.
Assessment of Orbion for its application
Talk to SENS about species of interest, measuring environment, resolution, MS/MS and installation infrastructure.