What is Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis?
Total Organic Carbon (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, a Total Organic Carbon analyser is used as an on-going monitor of change or lack of change in organic content.
Total Organic Carbon Analysis is an analytical technique used to determine water quality. It 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 does a TOC analyser work?
Total Organic Carbon can be measured using a TOC analyser. This works by oxidising the organic compound to a form which can be quantified. Oxidising organic carbon produces Carbon Dioxide, which can then be measured and the value converted into a TOC measurement.
TOC analysis involves the calculation of this measurement and then the subtraction of the ‘inorganic carbon’, which is the content of dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonic salts.
TOC Analysis Applications
- TOC Analyser in the Water Supply Industry
Total Organic Carbon Analysis has been an analytical technique used to measure water quality in the water supply industry since in the early 1970s.
Organic carbon can be present in source waters as a result of decaying natural organic matter such as human acid or amines and synthetic sources such as fertilisers and detergents.
TOC analysis can provide an estimation of these contaminations in the water source, which means it can be treated for 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.
In addition, the presence of organic carbon is also an important parameter in the evaluation of the quality of organic shale resources, which is one of the most important unconventional fuels.
- TOC Analyser in the Pharmaceutical industry
Many pharmaceutical companies regard TOC analysis as a highly important technique for measuring water purity.
High purity water is a fundamental ingredient that is used in the pharmaceutical production process. It must therefore 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 Carbon Analysis can validate the cleanliness of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, which is equally essential in avoiding the contamination of products.
Organisations such as the United States Pharmacopoeia have made total organic carbon analysis a requirement at all stages of the pharmaceutical industry.
Our TOC Analysers for Total Organic Carbon Analysis
A CO2 sensor for TOC analysis from Edinburgh Sensors can measure the CO2 concentration produced by oxidising the organic carbon in a water sample, which allows the TOC to be calculated. This TOC analysis value determines how pure the water sample is.
The Gascard NG infrared gas sensor is designed for ease of integration with a wide range of gas detection systems that can provide high quality, accurate and reliable measurement of CO2 gas concentrations. The Gascard NG is set up for single use gas measurement at a time.
Requiring only a suitable power supply and sample gas, the Boxed Gascard® provides fast and reliable CO2 concentration data over a wide range of barometric pressures and environmental temperatures. It brings the accuracy and reliability of the Gascard NG gas sensors to the convenience of a desktop instrument.
Let us assist with your Total Organic Carbon Analysis…
If you are interested in a TOC analyser for TOC analysis and would like to find out more, why not get in touch – we look forward to hearing from you.
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Please note that whilst some of the applications where our products can be used are in TOC analysers, we do NOT manufacture TOC analysers.