A Hach Lange IL550 TOC analyser is helping the Environment Agency's National Laboratory Service (NLS) to boost sample analysis turnover and efficiency levels at its inorganic laboratory in Nottingham.
The analyser is used for the determination of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in sewage, river, leachates, effluents and groundwater samples.
TOC analysis is important in applications ranging from power generation, wastewater, drinking water, surface water and ultra-pure water to agricultural soils, contaminated land and food.
Therefore, Hach Lange analysers offer a range of options designed to meet varying needs.
A key feature of the IL550 is particle tolerance in liquids.
The auto-sampler needle has a large internal diameter and the sample is injected directly via the pneumatic port into the furnace.
This is intended to eliminate blockages, cross contamination or leaks because there is no septum or valve.
This also removes the need to filter wastewater samples, since the IL550 measures the TOC of both liquid and solid particulates in a sample.
Samples are also stirred prior to injection to ensure homogeneity.
Through a national network of laboratories, the NLS team of scientists and support staff provide a dedicated service to waste and water industry professionals, environmental consultants and local authorities throughout the UK.
Much of the analytical work performed by the NLS is for regulatory purposes, so it is important that fast, accurate, reliable results are produced and, in order to tailor analytical services to customer needs, NLS laboratories employ an advanced range of laboratory instruments.
Richard Yates, inorganic analysis team leader at the NLS, said: 'The high calibration range of the IL550 reduces the number of over-range repeat analyses we have to perform, thereby saving valuable lab time and improving the sampling process.' With the IL550, digestion takes place at up to 950C and the solids module is able to increase the temperature to 1,300C.
The ultraviolet (UV) version is equipped with a high-energy UV lamp, which offers the advantage of direct contact with the sample.
