UIC Inc. Coulometer Systems - Frequently Asked Questions
System Specifications & Performance
Our carbon analyzer coulometer systems measure less than 2 μg of carbon.
0.0001-100% of carbon.
Accuracy: ±1.25% of the true value
Precision (RSD): ±0.2%
100 mg of carbon (equivalent to 367 mg of CO₂ or 500 mg of CO₃) per 100 ml of solution.
Sample Types & Measurement Capabilities
Yes, UIC Inc. offers systems that can measure both solid and liquid samples.
Yes, but larger sample weights may be required for extremely low concentrations of the desired product. Higher concentrated solutions typically require approximately 2,000 to 5,000 μg, while the furnace units can handle samples weighing from approximately 0.1g to 5g.
Yes, we can test your carbon samples in our lab.
Measurement Process & Methods
Samples are measured using coulometry with different front-end units:
TOC (Total Organic Carbon): Coulometer and a furnace at approximately 600°C
TC (Total Carbon): Coulometer and a furnace at approximately 1000°C
TIC (Total Inorganic Carbon): coulometer and an acidification unit
The coulometer electrochemically titrates the absorbed carbon until the spectrophotometric endpoint is achieved, which is a factory-set endpoint of 29.5%T.
Calibration & Standards
Calibration is not required because the coulometers are based on Faraday’s fundamental electrochemical laws. However, it is recommended to run standards sporadically to ensure everything works properly.
Electrode Maintenance & Issues
The silver is consumed in the chemical reaction during normal operation. This is expected behavior.
This is normal and consists of Silver Sulfide (AgS).
This is normal and consists of Silver Iodide (AgI).
Sample Considerations
Consider whether any of the desired sample components will volatilize at temperatures slightly higher than 100°C. If so, a moisture-measuring device may be required to obtain accurate measurements on a wet sample basis.
Sample size requirements depend on concentration levels
Wet samples require constant weight measurements
Larger sample weights improve results for low-concentration samples
Consider volatilization potential when drying samples
Application Information
When requesting a quote or system information, please provide:
Description of your application and what you need to measure
Whether you work with liquid and/or solid samples
Average sample size (mg, ml, cm², etc.)
Average concentration ranges (mg/g, mg/kg, mg/L, etc.)
Expected detection limit requirements
Any special sampling, handling, or working requirements
Specialized Applications
UIC Inc. offers systems specifically designed for:
Oceanographic applications (water and sediment samples)
Simultaneous measurement of carbon and sulfur
Total, organic, and/or inorganic carbon measurements
Total, organic, and/or inorganic sulfur measurements
Simultaneous inorganic carbon and sulfur measurements
Note: All ranges and specifications can be adjusted for specific client applications and requirements.
