TOC_Analysis_Technique_Comparison_Guide(REVA)
TOC_Analysis_Technique_Comparison_Guide(REVA)
Carbon (TOC)
Analysis
Technique
Comparison
A Practical Guide
Rev: A, Sept - 2021
Copyright
Copyright © 2021 Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without permission is prohibited, except as allowed under copyright
laws. Printed in the U.S.A.
Updated Information
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. This document may be translated into languages
other than English. If the accuracy of any information is in doubt, always refer to the English version and/or contact Teledyne
Tekmar for clarity.
Trademarks
The companies indicated own the following trademarks:
Contact Information
Teledyne Tekmar
4736 Socialville Foster Road
Mason, OH 45040 U.S.A
www.teledynetekmar.com
TOC DEFINITIONS
Total Carbon (TC) - The measure of all the carbon in the sample, both inorganic and organic, as a single
parameter. Generally, the measurement is made by analyzing the sample directly, without pretreatment.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) - The sum of all the organic carbon in the sample.
Direct TOC Measurement (NPOC) - In the direct approach, IC is first removed by acidification and sparging
and the remaining carbon is measured as TOC. IC and POC are not recovered for further analysis in this
approach. However, since POC generally represents 1% or less of total carbon in a sample, it is considered
negligible.
TOC Measurement by Difference (TC-IC) - This approach requires two analyses: one to measure TC, and one
to measure IC. The difference between these two measurements is precisely TOC.
TOC Measurement by Sum - This approach measures NPOC and POC. The sum of these measurements is
precisely TOC.
Inorganic Carbon (IC) - Includes carbonate, bicarbonate, and dissolved carbon dioxide. IC is analyzed in liquid
samples by acidifying with an inorganic acid to pH 3 or lower, and then sparging with a stream of inert gas. The
acidification converts carbonates and bicarbonates to carbon dioxide, which is then removed along with
dissolved CO2 by the gas stream and measured to provide an IC value.
Catalytic Combustion
Catalytic combustion systems are based on the injection of a sample into a catalyst-packed quartz tube
enclosed in a furnace. The catalyst tube is typically heated anywhere from 680 ˚C to 1000 ˚C. Through the
combination of catalyst, high temperature and an oxygen rich environment (generally ultra-zero air or
oxygen), the carbon in the sample is oxidized to CO2. The CO2 is then swept to the NDIR detector for
measurement.
Catalytic combustion is suited to wastewater applications with a 10 to 20,000 ppmC range, and is not
sensitive enough for accurate low-level analysis, such as drinking water or pharmaceutical water for
injection (WFI) samples. Ongoing consumable costs of this type of analyzer include phosphoric acid
reagent, periodic replacement of catalyst and halogen scrubber contents (tin and copper). Catalytic
combustion system limitations include the analysis of samples containing salt (halogens) which can be
successfully analyzed, but will decrease catalyst lifespan, as well as the longevity of other minor system
components. For samples containing salt, Teledyne Tekmar recommends the use of salt analysis kit that
includes a special catalyst and parts that require frequent replacement.
UV/Persulfate
UV/Persulfate systems transfer an aliquot of sparged sample to a “UV reactor” where a combination of
sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) (chemical oxidizer) and UV light are used to oxidize the sample.
UV/Persulfate systems are good for low-level analysis and are well-suited to the pharmaceutical
industry, specifically for water for injection (WFI), ultra-pure water and clean in place (CIP)
applications. UV/Persulfate should only be used for samples less than 50 ppmC without dilution and
contain no particulates. Dilution may cause this range to reach to 1000 ppmC or above.
Limitations of the UV/persulfate technique include samples that are difficult to oxidize (those
containing particulates, high levels of carbon, oils or salts). For this reason, seawater samples should
not be run on a UV/persulfate system as the salt will prevent the sample from fully oxidizing and could
harm the detector.
It is also important to note, that while combustion analyzers use lab grade air, analysis using
UV/persulfate requires the use of nitrogen to prevent the creation of ozone, a health hazard (air or
oxygen will form ozone during the chemical oxidization process). Ongoing consumable costs include
phosphoric acid reagent, sodium persulfate reagent and halogen scrubber contents (tin and copper).
When making the reagents required for the oxidation process, extreme care must be used to not
contaminate the glassware with carbon from carbon containing cleaners.
Fusion and Torch TOC Analyzer NDIR Detector Lotix TOC Analyzer NDIR Detector
NDIR Limitations
NDIR detectors, often the most expensive system component, can be damaged by both halogens and moisture as
explained in the sections below:
Because halogenated compounds are known to damage the NDIR detector, most TOC
analyzers include halogen scrubbers to remove the halogens prior to the sample gas
stream reaching the NDIR detector. In Teledyne Tekmar analyzers, a tin/copper halogen
scrubber protects the NDIR detector. As the tin collects the harmful halogen
compounds, the copper turns dull to act as an indicator. Replacement of halogen
scrubber contents is a typical preventative maintenance task.
The most common source of halogen issues in TOC analysis is salt in seawater samples.
When analyzing seawater samples, verify the amount of salinity the system was designed
to accept. Teledyne Tekmar suggests as little as possible, but realistically, samples under
4% salinity will generally not harm the NDIR detector. For this sample type, Teledyne
Tekmar offers a Salt Analysis Kit to aid in the analysis of salt containing samples. The kit
contains a special sample loop and catalyst, as well as replacement parts for
components whose lifespan is reduced when analyzing this sample type. Halogen Scrubber
Additional sources of halogens can be derived from halogenated acids such as hydrochloric. Care must be taken
when using HCl for sample preservation and glassware cleaning. Teledyne Tekmar recommends only using
phosphoric acid to preserve samples and nitric acid to clean the glassware.
Like halogens, water is also harmful to the NDIR detector. Teledyne Tekmar analyzers employ a two-stage
moisture removal process, consisting of a mist trap and permeation dryer. After oxidation of the sample, carrier
gas sweeps CO2 and water vapor to the mist trap. During the transfer, some condensation will occur in the
system tubing, and in catalytic combustion systems, a condensing loop with fan cools the heated air to
encourage condensation. Once the sample carrier gas reaches the mist trap, a majority of the condensate is
removed. The sample gas then travels to the permeation dryer, which removes the remainder of the moisture
from the sample gas. The permeation dryer is a tube inside another tube. The inner tube is made of a special
membrane material that allows moisture to permeate. The outer tube has gas that sweeps in the opposite
direction to remove the permeated moisture. Once analysis is complete, the condensate is sent to the waste
container. All TOC analyzers should have some form of moisture removal to ensure the life of the detector.
Conductivity
The conductivity method measures the conductivity of the sample before and after oxidation; the difference yielding the
amount of TOC. The sample forms dissolved CO2 in the oxidation phase, which acts as a weak acid. This acid in turn
weakens the conductivity of the sample and is proportional to the amount of TOC. This simple method may, depending
on the chemical species of each individual sample and unique oxidation products, present a proportional positive or
negative interference to the calculated TOC value. Conductivity detection limits are under 50 ppmC. When carbon
content is greater than 50 ppmC, the conductivity is no longer proportional. This method is often used for on-line
applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Membrane Conductivity
The use of hydrophobic gas permeation membrane has been used to improve the accuracy of conductivity and allow for
greater discrimination of dissolved CO2 over other chemical compounds. Although this membrane has the unique ability
to differentiate, it can become clogged with microbes and other particulates. Additionally, membranes can also develop
flow problems, dead spots and micro leaks, all of which will impact analytical performance. Once the membrane has
been overloaded, it may take hours before returning to working order. It should also be noted that some amines have the
ability to pass through the membranes and add conductivity, resulting in a false high concentration. This method is
often used for on-line applications in the pharmaceutical industry and like non-membrane conductivity, it is not
recommended for concentrations greater than 50 ppmC.
Determining the best TOC analyzer for pharmaceutical cleaning validation and purified water applications often results
in a comparison of the two commonly used detection techniques already briefly discussed in this guide: NDIR detection
and membrane conductivity. For an in-depth analytical comparison, refer to the Teledyne Tekmar White Paper: “An
Analytical Detector Comparison for TOC Analysis in Cleaning Validation and Water Purification Applications” by clicking
Here.
SUMMARY
When choosing a TOC analyzer for a particular application or sample type, consider the anticipated concentration range
of the samples, the sample type itself and any analytical issues associated with that sample type (particulates, salt, etc.).
By focusing on these attributes first, it can then be determined what oxidation technique and detection method will
work best. Once decided, address additional considerations including system flexibility, features and accessories.
Methods:
EPA 415.1, 415.3 and 9060A
Standard Method 5310B
EP 2.2.44, ISO 8245
Other additional methods
For more information on the Torch Combustion TOC analyzer click Here.
Key features:
Limit of detection (LOD) 50 ppbC with ability to run from 0 to 20,000 ppmC concentration, without dilution,
using a single 0.5 mL sample injection. Higher concentrations are achievable with dilution prior to analysis.
NDIR flow-through detection
Cost-effective design without syringe drive or 7-port valve
Ability to run 0-20,000 ppmC without dilution with a single 0.5 mL injection volume virtually eliminating the
need for multiple calibration curves
Simple design ensures components can be accessed in minutes, and with the furnace located in the front,
combustion tube maintenance is fast and easy
Pressurized 10 L deionized (DI) water reservoir to clean the sample pathway, sample loop and needle before
and after each sample, without using any autosampler positions
Optional Lotix solids module (LSS) for soils, sludges, sediments, particulate-laden liquids and hard-to-oxidize
samples
Methods:
Standard Method 5310B
EPA 415.1 and 9060A
ASTM D2579
Other additional methods
For more information on the Lotix Combustion TOC analyzer click Here. For information on the optional Lotix Solids
Sampler (LSS) click Here.
CONTACT US
For additional information about Teledyne Tekmar TOC analyzers and special offers, visit our website at
www.teledynetekmar.com. To contact a regional sales representative, use the contact information located Here or email
us at [email protected]
References
1. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). [Online] https://www.epa.gov/rcra (accessed August 13,
2021).
2. Britannica. [Online] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Baptista-van-Helmont (accessed August 13,
2021).
3. Scottish Science Hall of Fame. [Online] https://digital.nls.uk/scientists/biographies/joseph-black/
discoveries.html (accessed August 13, 2021).
4. Kidder, R.E. Infrared Gas Analyzer. U.S. Patent 2,443,427, June 15, 1948. [Online]
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/87/7f/d6/20783841808aed/US2443427.pdf (accessed August 13,
2021).
5. Stenger, V.A. Method and Apparatus for Determining the Inorganic Carbon Content in a Liquid. U.S. Patent
3,459,938, 1969. [Online] https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/2d/4b/70/c80095504f8a6e/US4095951.pdf
(accessed August 13, 2021).