Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

What is Total Organic Carbon Analysis?

Both water suppliers and water users need to know the quality of the water they are supplying, using and disposing of in order to minimise their costs.

One measure of water quality is Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis. TOC is the amount of carbon that is found in an organic compound. It has become an important indication of approximate levels of organic contamination and can therefore be used as a suggestion of water quality. In many cases, TOC analysis is used as an on-going monitor of change or lack of change in organic content.

TOC is measured by oxidising the organic carbon to produce CO2, which can be quantified by measurement using a gas sensor. The value can then be converted into a TOC measurement, involving the subtraction of the ‘inorganic carbon’, which is the content of dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonic salts.

The process is essential because water purity is critical for a number of industries including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, power generation and water supplying. The presence of bacteria or other inorganic compounds can indicate filtration, storage or system failure. Contamination can also create problems such as damaging industrial systems or negatively impacting product quality which will threaten profitability and the health of consumers. Furthermore, the knowledge of the purity of water will protect users, suppliers and the environment as the water can be used, supplied and disposed of in the most safe, cost efficient and environmentally friendly way.

How are Gas Sensors used for TOC Analysis?

Edinburgh Sensors supply Total Organic Carbon analysers to measure the CO2 concentration produced by oxidising the organic carbon in a water sample, allowing the TOC to be calculated. This TOC analysis value determines one measure of how clean the water sample is.

• Gas sensors are required for TOC analysis in the water supply industry

Organic carbon must be identified in water sources because it can be present as a result of decaying natural organic matter such as human acid or amines and synthetic sources such as fertilisers and detergents.

TOC analysis provides an indication of contaminations in the water source, which enables its disinfection in water treatment facilities. This involves the reaction of the source water with chloride containing disinfectants in order to produce chlorinate disinfection by-products.

• Gas sensors are necessary for TOC analysis in the Pharmaceutical industry

High purity water is essential in the pharmaceutical production process for safety. It must be ensured that any bacteria or alternate organic compounds are eliminated so that the quality of products are not harmed and they are safe for consumption.

In addition, Total Organic Carbon Analysis can validate the cleanliness of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, which is equally essential in avoiding the contamination of products.

If you are interested in gas sensing for Total Organic Carbon Analysis, why not have a read of our recent blog article.

Which Edinburgh Sensors Products are Suitable for TOC Analysis?

Our gas sensors which can be used for TOC analysis are displayed below. If any have caught your eye, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team at sales@edinst.com for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please note that whilst some of the applications where our products can be used are in TOC analysers, we do NOT manufacture TOC analysers.