Elemental Analysis by Combustion

Many processes require accurate and precise measurement of carbon, sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in the raw materials and in the finished products. Also many analyses require precise measurement of carbon or sulfur in a variety of organic matrices, many of which are inhomogeneous. The measurement of these elements is often difficult to perform by spectrographic or other analytical techniques and so combustion analysis has become the standard method providing precise, accurate and repeatable measurements at concentrations between parts per million and 100%. A typical analysis is also very rapid, taking less than a few minutes and making the technique ideal for high sample-throughput and rapid detection of quality problems. 

Theory of Operation

Each analysis is performed by heating the sample in either oxygen or an inert gas atmosphere and measuring the relevant combustion products using either infra-red absorption or changes in thermal conductivity.

Quantitative measurements are produced by calibration against certified reference materials, traceable standards or gas-dosing.

Different types of instruments are available, the optimum choice depending on a number of factors including the temperature required to release the materials from the matrix and the homogeneity of the material being analysed.

Generally, instruments are classified as being suitable for the analysis of organic or inorganic materials. However, some materials may not be straightforward to classify. Please contact us to discuss your application and we will advise which method is the most suitable.

Carbon and Sulfur Determination >>

Oxygen, Nitrogen and Hydrogen Determination >>