Total Carbon Analysis

By Automated High Temperature Combustion and Coulometric Detection

Applications include: Soils and sediments, Geological materials, Sludges, Sulfur, Coals, Ceramic powders, Column packing materials

The CM220 Total Carbon Auto Analyzer offers fast and precise analysis of total carbon in a variety of solid sample types. Combining a high temperature combustion furnace with a highly sensitive CO2 detector, the CM220 is capable of analyzing samples containing carbon concentrations from ppm levels to over 10,000 µg C (absolute) - without user calibration. UIC’s analyzers are rugged, accurate and dependable. They are used extensively in industrial, research and educational laboratories worldwide. The CM220 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

CM5200 Autosampler Furnace

-29 position carousel

-Two independent combustion zones controllable from ambient to 1100°C

-DIN and RS232 connectors for remote control operation

-Post-combustion scrubbers for removal of interfering gases

Instrument Capabilities

A major advantage of the CM220 Total 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 sample combustion. 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 standard material. For smaller concentrations, an absolute deviation of approximately 1 ug C is typical.

Additionally, it is possible to analyze liquids containing particulates, solids or solid/liquid slurries. Oxidation times vary with sample type and temperature although 5 to 7 minute analyses are typical.

Principles of Operation

Total Carbon

The sample is initially weighed into a tin “boat” which is folded and placed into the 29 position sample carousel. Upon operation, the tin boat containing the sample is dropped from the sample carousel into the sample valve. The sample valve is purged and the sample boat is dropped into the combustion tube where it is combusted in a high-temperature oxygen rich atmosphere. In this environment, all of the carbon in the sample is rapidly oxidized to CO2. Interfering reaction products (including sulfur oxides, halide, water and nitrous oxides) are removed by the post-combustion scrubbers. The resulting CO2 is then swept into the CM5014 CO2 Analyzer where it is automatically measured using absolute coulometric titration.

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.

CM220 - Automated Total Carbon Analyzer

Includes: CM5014 CO2 Coulometer and CM5200 Autosampler Furnace with tools and accessories for the analysis of solid samples. (P/N CM220-01 115V, 50/60Hz) (P/N CM220-02 230V, 50/60Hz)