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 CM190 Surface Carbon Analyzer is a complete analytical system capable of measuring organic and non-organic surface carbon on a wide variety of non-combustible materials including metals and glass. Combining two high-temperature oxidation furnaces and a highly sensitive CO2 detector, the CM190 provides a direct measurement of surface carbon levels without the need for calibration using difficult-to-obtain surface carbon “standards”. TheCM190 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

CM5380 Dual Zone Furnace with CM5381 Sample Introduction Kit

-Programmable up to 1100oC

-Pre-combustion scrubbers for removal of interferences from oxygen carrier gas

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

-Direct sample introduction using manipulator rod (2-furnace) or hook ladle (1-furnace)

Instrument Capabilities

A major advantage of the CM190 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 temperatures are selected based on the characteristics of a particular sample type in order to separately oxidize the organic or non-organic surface carbon components. The sample is then introduced into the pure oxygen atmosphere within the lower-temperature furnace in order to oxidize the organic surface carbon to form CO2. After all organic components are evolved, the sample is then moved to the higher-temperature furnace where the inorganic carbon components are oxidized. 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.

CM190 - Surface Carbon Analyzer

Includes: CM5014 CO2 Coulometer, CM5380 Dual Zone Furnace and CM5381 Sample Introduction Kit with tools and accessories for the analysis of solid samples. (P/N CM190-01 115V, 50/60Hz) (P/NCM190-02 230V, 50/60Hz)