Understanding Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis Methods
Exploring Efficient TOC Measurement Techniques for Accurate Results
Understanding TOC measurement techniques is crucial if you're involved in water quality assessment or industrial process control. TOC is a fundamental parameter used to quantify the amount of organic content present, which directly indicates water quality. Here, we delve into the significance of TOC analysis, the different methods of measurement, and their applications.
Importance of TOC Analysis
Total organic carbon analysis provides essential insights into the organic content present in a sample. It aids in identifying organic pollutants, monitoring water quality changes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By measuring TOC, scientists, engineers, and process owners can better understand the quality of their water systems, leading to informed decision-making and sustainable practices.
Understanding the TOC Analysis Method
The concentration of organic compounds in a water sample is determined through TOC measurements. These organic compounds cannot be detected through conductivity measurements since they are non-conductive. To detect these compounds, they must be converted into a form that can produce conductive species in pure water. This is done through oxidation, which generates carbonic acid, a conductive species. The conductivity of the resulting carbonic acid is then measured and used to determine the level of organic contamination in the water.
Exploring TOC Measurement Methods: Oxidation Techniques for Accurate Analysis
To determine TOC levels, organic compounds must undergo oxidation using various methods available today, including:
- Photocatalytic Oxidation: Converts organics to carbon dioxide under UV light exposure.
- Chemical Oxidation: Involves persulfate and UV light to transform organics into carbon dioxide.
- High-Temperature Combustion: Employs oxidation catalysts in a chamber at 95-100 degrees Celsius to convert organics to carbon dioxide.
Applications of the TOC Analysis Method
The TOC analysis method is used in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and power. Specifically, in the pharmaceutical industry, TOC analysis is applied in numerous ways, including monitoring the quality of water used for purified water and water for injection. In the semiconductor industry, TOC measurement is utilized to monitor the quality of water used during wafer manufacturing. The power industry also relies on TOC measurement to monitor water quality in the water/steam cycle.
Real-Time TOC
METTLER TOLEDO's online TOC analyzers are designed to improve the process control of your water system by continuously monitoring organic contamination levels. By measuring the TOC levels in real time, you can quickly respond to any excursions. These analyzers are perfect for use in pharmaceutical, power plant cycle chemistry, and microelectronics ultrapure water applications.
Predictive Diagnostics for Optimal Performance
Our TOC analyzers feature ISM technology to help ensure the sensor is operating optimally. It provides operators with alerts and recommendations for regular maintenance activities, including calibration and UV lamp replacement. As a result, our TOC analzyers can provide accurate and reliable measurements, ensuring that the customer's purified water meets the requirements of their application.