Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling for the chemical warfare agent VX, where it is advantageous for the VX to be converted to its G-analog to facilitate aspirator induced movement of the sample through a sample line, to a sampling tube or to sample detection apparatus. A conversion tube assembly has a conversion tube member defining inlet and outlet openings and having a conversion filter therein, which is saturated with an A to G reagent for a chemical warfare agent of interest. The conversion filter assembly includes non-impregnated filter elements and the ends thereof and is retained in position intermediate to the ends of the conversion tube member by retainer elements, which may be tubes or rings. The conversion filter assembly is adapted to be received by a compression fitting or may be directly assembled to a sampling tube or sampling line.

Abstract: A centerless ground thermal desorption tube comprises an outer barrel and one or more inner spacers insertably positioned within the outer barrel. A suitable sorbent material is positioned within the outer barrel which may be held in place by friction and/or with glass wool plugs, and/or screens, and/or the inner spacers. In one preferred embodiment one glass inner spacer is fused to one end of a glass outer barrel prior to the glass outer barrel being centerless ground to a high precision. The sorbent and/or any wool plugs and/or screens are inserted into a second opposite end of the outer barrel after the centerless grinding process. A second glass is fused to the second end of the glass outer barrel whereby the glass fusing may change the precise tolerance of the centerless ground glass outer barrel at the second end only.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling for the chemical warfare agent VX, where it is advantageous for the VX to be converted to its G-analog to facilitate aspirator induced movement of the sample through a sample line, to a sampling tube or to sample detection apparatus. A conversion tube assembly has a conversion tube member defining inlet and outlet openings and having a conversion filter therein, which is saturated with an A to G reagent for a chemical warfare agent of interest. The conversion filter assembly includes non-impregnated filter elements and the ends thereof and is retained in position intermediate to the ends of the conversion tube member by retainer elements, which may be tubes or rings. The conversion filter assembly is adapted to be received by a compression fitting or may be directly assembled to a sampling tube or sampling line.