Exterior sources

Chemicals and vapours may originate from the aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit (APU). Commonly, 50% outside air from either the engine's compressor stage ('bleed air') or the APU is mixed with 50% HEPA filtered, recirculated air. The outside air may be contaminated with engine oil, hydraulic fluid, engine exhaust, ground service vehicle exhaust, fuel fumes and de-icing fluid.

Interior sources

Pilots’ cognitive abilities may be impaired through sub-optimal air quality. Passengers should arrive feeling fresh. The dry air inside a cabin reduces mucus, which hampers the body’s ability to fight infection. In an enclosed space for hours both on the ground and in the air, those on board are subjected to a wide and changing array of chemicals and odours. These may originate from various sources: fabrics, seating, interior structure, food preparation, other passengers.

Our approach

Oxford Indices offers the capability to investigate cabin air quality by measuring a wide range of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Through thermal desorption sampling and two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOF-MS) analysis, a full horizon of compounds can be discovered, speciated and quantified.

Types of testing

• Ambient air testing

• Interior air testing

• Odour analysis

• Materials analysis, including VOC off-gassing

• Fuels, additive and lubricants testing.

Please get in touch and discuss how we can support your research, discovery, investigation and diagnosis.

Please get in touch to arrange an introductory conversation.