Dynamische Headspace DHS+

Dynamische Headspace DHS+

Maximum sensitivity for volatile compounds – fully automated and matrix-independent

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The Dynamic Headspace extraction technology from GERSTEL is a powerful, fully automated technique for the enrichment of volatile and semi-volatile compounds for GC-MS analysis.

Unlike static headspace or SPME, DHS is not based on a concentration equilibrium but on active, continuous extraction of analytes from the headspace above solid, liquid, or viscous samples.

Typical applications range from aroma and off-flavor analysis to fragrance profiling, market sample analysis, Extractables & Leachables (E&L) and packaging analysis, as well as environmental VOC analysis and non-target screening. Studies on the release of volatile compounds at variable temperatures can also be performed reproducibly and efficiently.

Dynamische Headspace DHS+

How the DHS+ works

The sample is tempered and agitated in a sealed vial. A defined gas flow continuously purges the outgassing compounds from the headspace and directs them onto an adsorbent tube, where the analytes are efficiently enriched – independent of vapor volume and largely independent of matrix effects. Extraction can also be performed at temperatures below ambient temperature, allowing sensitive or easily lost analytes to be captured reliably. Depending on the method settings, all or selected analytes can be collected, fractionated, or even concentrated from multiple samples onto a single adsorbent tube.

The loaded adsorbent tubes are automatically transferred into the GERSTEL thermal desorption system, thermally desorbed, refocused in the CIS, and injected directly onto the GC column without long transfer lines. Dynamic focusing enables cryogen-free enrichment – ideal for robust routine analysis as well as highly sensitive trace analysis.


DHS enables highly efficient enrichment up to complete exhaustion of the sample. This results in significantly lower detection limits, a wide linear range, and reliable quantification – even for complex matrices such as foods, fragrances, polymers, or environmental samples. High sensitivity is maintained even at low extraction temperatures. Typical limitations of classical headspace techniques, such as restricted vapor phase volumes or equilibrium effects, are completely eliminated.

Using methods such as FET (Full Evaporation Technique) and MVM (Multi Volatiles Method), a wide range of compounds can be analyzed in a matrix-independent and reproducible manner. Automated standard addition for quantification, liquid injection for recovery determination, and the combination with additional sample preparation techniques such as SBSE or DTE on the same system make DHS one of the most flexible platforms on the market.


GERSTEL Dynamic Headspace extraction is fully automated, solvent-free, and compatible with all common GC and GC-MS systems. It provides chemists with a powerful alternative to classical headspace, SPME, or purge-and-trap techniques – delivering maximum sensitivity, high method flexibility, and excellent data quality.


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