Description
Matrix-independent determination of N and C at trace levels
The UNICUBE trace measures low-level nitrogen and carbon concentrations in solids and highly viscous liquids with a detection limit of 10 mg/kg. Its speciality: nitrogen and carbon determination are carried out using the Dumas method, which involves the removal of interfering gases during reduction and subsequent detection of the target gases using a thermal conductivity detector. As such, the UNICUBE trace is able to combine the benefits of the matrix-independent Dumas method with high sensitivity.
With UNICUBE trace, sample digestion is carried out via catalytic combustion at a temperature of 950°C, with the nitrogen and carbon-containing components in the sample forming a mixture of different oxides and N2. The resulting gases then pass through the reduction tube, where carbon compounds are safely reduced to CO2 and nitrogen compounds to N2. After removing other combustion products like H2O and SO2, CO2 and N2 are measured by thermal conductivity detection.
The system is designed for easy, low-maintenance operation; matrix-independent analysis allows the use of a standard ‘universal’ calibration for any sample type. The front door of the analyser opens to give excellent access for the replacement of consumables - exchanging the combustion and reduction tube is simple, thanks to the slide-out furnace.
What’s more, Elementar provides a 10-year warranty on both the furnace and thermal conductivity cell, thus ensuring that UNICUBE trace can continue delivering a stable and reliable performance for laboratories.