TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analyzers are laboratory instruments designed to measure the amount of organic carbon in a sample. TOC is an important measurement in several areas, such as quality control in pharmaceutical and food industries, environmental monitoring and scientific research. Here is information about the usefulness, functioning and some common types of TOC analyzers:
Utility:
Quality control:
Used to monitor water purity in industrial processes, such as in the production of pharmaceutical and food products.
Environmental monitoring:
Applied in environmental studies to analyze water quality in rivers, lakes and water treatment plants.
Scientific research:
Essential in scientific experiments that require the precise determination of organic carbon content in samples.
Operation:
Oxidation of Organic Matter:
The sample is subjected to an oxidation process, converting all organic carbon into carbon dioxide (CO2).
Detection of Generated CO2:
The CO2 generated is then detected and quantified. There are different methods for detecting CO2, the most common being conductometric detection and non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection.
TOC calculation:
Based on the amount of CO2 generated, the instrument calculates the concentration of organic carbon in the sample, expressed as TOC.
Common Types of TOC Analyzers:
Catalytic Analysis of Thermal Oxidation:
It uses high temperatures and a catalyst to convert organic matter into CO2. Detection can be done by thermal conductivity.
Non-Catalytic Thermal Oxidation Analysis:
It uses high temperatures without the presence of a catalyst for oxidation. CO2 is detected by methods such as NDIR.
High-Temperature Combustion Analysis:
It operates at higher temperatures and is suitable for more challenging samples.
Fully Automatic TOC (Automated TOC):
Offers complete automation from sample preparation to analysis, reducing operator intervention.
TOC Online:
Allows continuous measurement of TOC in industrial processes, monitoring water quality in real time.
TOC with Nitrogen Detector:
In addition to measuring TOC, it is also capable of measuring total carbon and inorganic carbon, providing a more comprehensive analysis.
Choosing the type of TOC analyzer will depend on the specific needs of the laboratory, the type of samples to be analyzed, and the levels of sensitivity and automation desired. Each type has its advantages and is selected based on specific applications and user requirements. |
