Surface Carbon Analysis

By High Temperature Oxidation and Coulometric Detection

Applications include: Cold rolled steel surfaces, Silicon wafers and substrates, Galvanized and aluminum surfaces, Catalysts, Glass

The CM180IRF Surface Carbon Analyzer is a complete analytical system capable of measuring the surface carbon on a wide variety of non-combustible materials including metals and glass. Combining a high-temperature oxidation furnace and a highly sensitive CO2 detector, the CM180IRF provides a direct measurement of surface carbon levels without the need for calibration using difficult-to-obtain surface carbon “standards”. The CM180IRF system includes the following components pictured above:

CM5014 CO2 Analyzer

-No user calibration

-Wide, linear dynamic range

-Readability to 0.01 ug Carbon

-User selectable display units

-Floppy disk drive for archiving data

CM5600 Infrared Furnace with CM5690 Furnace Kit

-Fully programmable with active cooling

-TOC and TIC analysis of the same sample with no user intervention

-Heat to 1000oC in approx. 10 sec.

-Post-combustion scrubbers for removal of interfering gases formed during sample combustion

-Includes catalyst furnace

Instrument Capabilities

A major advantage of the CM180IRF Surface Carbon Analyzer is the use of coulometric detection. Employing the principles of Faraday’s Law, the CM5014 CO2 Analyzer automatically measures the absolute mass amount of carbon dioxide resulting from the surface oxidation. No user-calibration is required and linear detection is available from less than 1 ug carbon to over 10,000 ug carbon. Using this 100% efficient coulometric process, relative standard deviations of 0.2% or better are common for samples containing 1000 to 3000 ug C. For smaller concentrations, an absolute deviation of approximately 1 ug C is typical.

Oxidation times vary with sample type and temperature although 5 to 7 minute analyses are typical.

Principles of Operation

Surface Carbon

Prior to analysis, the furnace temperature is selected based on the characteristics of a particular sample type and the form of the carbon which is to be analyzed (organic or non-organic). Samples are then introduced into the pure oxygen atmosphere within the furnace where the carbon is oxidized to form CO2. Interfering reaction products (including sulfur oxides, halides, water and nitrous oxides) are removed by the post-combustion scrubbers. The resulting carbon dioxide is then swept into the CM5014 CO2 Analyzer where it is automatically measured using absolute coulometric titration.

Typically, samples are prepared with a hole in one end so that the hook ladle may be directly attached for convenient sample introduction into the oxidation furnace. Alternatively, a sample may be placed within a large porcelain boat and introduced via the hook ladle.

Data Handling

Names, weights, volumes or areas of up to 50 samples can be entered, to be used by the CM5014 in calculating the final result. Analytical progress is digitally displayed in user-selectable units. A detailed report is printed while each sample is running that includes the final result. Upon completion of a series of samples, a one page report will print, summarizing the analysis of all 50 samples. The results can also be stored to diskette for further data handling.

CM180IRF - Surface Carbon Analyzer

Includes: CM5014 CO2 Coulometer, CM5600 Programmable IR Furnace, CM5690 Furnace Kit with tools and accessories for the analysis of solid samples. (P/N CM180IRF-01 115V, 50/60Hz) (P/NCM180IRF-02 230V, 50/60Hz)