Measuring Organics with High Precision - The Role of Total Carbon Analyzers

 

Total Carbon Analyzers 

Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis is a form of test that is widely used to quantify the amount of organic compounds present in a water or soil sample. It measures all organic compounds whether they are soluble or insoluble and provides a single value for total organic carbon content. This parameter is important as organics affect water quality and can also influence treatment processes. TOC analyzers are instruments specifically designed to perform TOC analysis.

How does a Total Carbon Analyzer work?

A Total Carbon Analyzer works on the principle of oxidative combustion. In this process, a sample is acidified to convert all carbon species to carbon dioxide (CO2). It is then combusted at high temperatures usually around 680 degrees Celsius in the presence of a catalyst. This oxidizes all organic and inorganic carbon compounds to CO2. Next, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection is used to measure the amount of CO2 produced which is directly proportional to the total carbon originally present in the sample. Modern instruments automate the entire process from sample injection to CO2 measurement.

Key Components of a Total Carbon Analyzer

The main components of a total carbon analyzer include an auto-sampler, acidification module, combustion furnace, catalytic oxidizer, NDIR detector and associated pumps, switches and electronic controls.

The auto-sampler injects preset volumes of sample into the system using a syringe. This ensures consistency and allows for automated analysis of multiple samples.

Acidification is done to convert forms of carbon like carbonates and bicarbonates to CO2. Sulfuric acid is commonly used for this reaction.

The combustion furnace heats the acidified sample to at least 680 degrees Celsius to ensure complete oxidation of carbon to CO2.

A catalyst like platinum or palladium is used inside the high temperature furnace to aid the oxidation reaction.

The NDIR detector has an infrared source and sensor to specifically detect and quantify CO2 based on absorbance of infrared light.

Various pumps and switches automate fluid handling and control gas flows throughout the instrument during different stages of analysis.

Data is processed electronically by the instrument's control software yielding a digital readout of total carbon concentration.

Applications of Total Carbon Analysis

Some key applications of total organic carbon analysis using dedicated instruments include:

Drinking Water Quality Monitoring – TOC is used to check source and treated waters for removal of organics during treatment processes. It indicates biodegradable organics and potential disinfection by-product precursors.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring – TOC analysis of influents and effluents helps optimize treatment processes and ensure compliance of discharge standards.

Surface Water Quality Testing – TOC serves as a non-specific indicator of pollution loads from agricultural, industrial and urban runoff in rivers, lakes etc.

Pharmaceutical and Electronics Industry QC – Ultrapure water free from organics is required. TOC analysis helps validate process water quality.

Groundwater Contamination Assessment – TOC aids in identification of potential contaminant plumes from industrial/municipal activities seeping into aquifers.

Advantages of Total Carbon Analysis

There are several advantages of using specialized TOC instruments for organic carbon quantification:

- Measures all organic carbon forms - both soluble and insoluble. Gives a complete picture of water quality.

- Automated analysis with capability for high sample throughput. Rapid generation of data for timely process/compliance decisions.

- Consistent and precise response with NDIR detection. Delivers highly repeatable results even at very low ppb carbon levels.

- Minimal or no sample pre-treatment required. Shortens analysis time compared to other organic carbon methods.

- Operation is simple and foolproof for most laboratory technicians after basic training. Reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

- Provides a non-specific indicator parameter useful across many industrial and municipal water/waste treatment applications.

Choosing the Appropriate Total Carbon Analyzer

In order to select a suitable TOC analyzer, factors like analyzer technology, sample throughputs, detection limits, certifications, service support, and cost should be evaluated based on individual lab requirements. Reputable manufacturers offer a range of models to match measuring needs from parts-per-million to parts-per-billion carbon concentration levels. Proper installation, operation and maintenance are also important to maximize instrument performance and reliability over its lifespan. Total carbon analysis delivers high value for process and environmental monitoring applications worldwide through accurate quantification of organics using online, portable or benchtop analyzer systems.

 

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