An advanced TOC-TN analyser from instrumentation company Hach Lange has helped South West Water in the UK to significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs for its Inorganic Chemistry Lab department.
The lab has been using the IL 550 analyser for the past five months to analyse potable water as well as non-potable (surface water, ground water) and environmental samples such as landfill leachates as a dual application.
Tracy Churchill, Senior Assistant Scientist for South West Water, was part of the evaluation team in charge of choosing a new analyser for total organic carbon analysis. She explained: “We had to replace the existing instrument and ultimately my task was to look at what was available on the market to meet all of our requirements. We needed a versatile, efficient and advanced analyser which led us to the IL 550 from Hach Lange.
“We were confident of receiving a good level of customer support from HACH LANGE, having worked with them previously, and this proved to be the case. As a major benefit, the IL 550 software is very user-friendly, making is easy to train analysts. Additionally, and most importantly, because the analyser has a ‘stand-by’ mode we are able to leave the instrument on at a reduced temperature, which prolongs the life of the catalyst.
“As a result of these features we have significantly reduced downtime and maintenance costs, as previously we had to replace the catalyst on a fairly regular basis. We are delighted with the TOC-TN analyser and the results it is producing.”
TOC and TN analysis is vitally important in applications ranging from power generation, wastewater, drinking water, surface water and ultrapure water, to agricultural soils, contaminated land and food. Hach Lange analysers therefore offer a range of options designed to meet every need.
A key feature of the IL550 is particle tolerance in liquids. The autosampler needle has a large internal diameter and the sample is injected directly via the pneumatic port into the furnace – this eliminates blockages, cross-contamination or leaks because there is no septum or valve. This also removes the need to filter waste water samples because the IL550 measures the TOC of both liquid and solid particulates in a sample. Samples are also stirred prior to injection to ensure homogeneity.
Total Nitrogen can be measured from 0.1 to 100 mg/l or by an internal electrochemical detector or with an optional chemiluminescence detector for testing to EN12260.
For maximum efficiency, digestion takes place up to 950 Deg C for the combustion version IL550 and the solids module is able to increase the temperature to an unrivalled 1300 Deg C. The UV version is equipped with a high-energy UV lamp, which offers the advantage of direct contact with the sample.
Effective digestion ensures complete sample oxidation and thereby offers improved accuracy.
For more information, visit www.hach-lange.co.uk
