Single-Vessel TOC TN TP Analysis Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) in liquid samples require multiple sample quantities and separate analysis devices, leading to inefficiencies and increased sample usage.
Innovation Solution
A method where a single liquid sample is introduced into a digestion vessel, allowing for the determination of TOC, TN, and/or TP through sequential use of acidic and alkaline peroxodisulfate solutions and UV irradiation, with degassing to prevent bubble interference, enabling simultaneous or sequential analysis without re-introducing the sample for each process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate analytical instruments are used for TOC, TN, and TP determination, then measurement precision for each parameter is maintained, but device complexity and sample quantity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines TOC, TN, and TP determination functions into a single analytical instrument with a shared digestion vessel. The system uses a single sample introduction system that sequentially performs all three analyses, merging previously separate instruments into one integrated device that maintains measurement precision for all parameters while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The digestion vessel and sample introduction system are designed to perform multiple functions: TOC determination through oxidation and IR detection, TN determination through oxidation and detection, and TP determination through oxidation and detection. This multi-functional design allows one system to replace three separate instruments while maintaining analytical capabilities for all parameters
2Productivity
If multiple separate analyses are performed on different sample quantities, then each analysis can be optimized independently, but sample quantity consumption and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces the sample into the digestion vessel once and performs preliminary oxidation conditions setup before sequentially conducting all three analyses (TOC, TN, TP). The sample is prepared in advance with reagents, and the digestion vessel is heated to the required temperature before any measurement begins, eliminating the need for repeated sample introduction and preparation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously analyzes the same sample for TOC, TN, and TP without removing or re-introducing the sample between measurements. After the initial sample introduction and digestion vessel preparation, the system sequentially performs all three determinations on the same sample quantity, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating idle time between analyses
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient, automated analysis of TOC, TN, and TP using a single sample quantity, reducing sample usage and enabling accurate, bubble-free measurements by utilizing UV-activated peroxodisulfate solutions to oxidize organic carbon and nitrogen compounds, and degassing to transfer samples without bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
the sample in the digestion vessel is irradiated with UV light to induce oxidation of the liquid sample. In a first digestion step, the organic carbon (C) in the sample is converted to CO2, the nitrogen present in CN bonds is converted to ammonium, and other nitrogen compounds are converted to nitrate
Implementation Method 2
A reagent, an acidic peroxodisulfate solution (Na2S2O8 solution), is then added, and the digestion vessel is irradiated with UV light to oxidize all the organic carbon in the sample to CO2
Implementation Method 3
The liquid sample is then degassed so that it can be transferred bubble-free from the digestion vessel to a TN detector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining TOC (total organic carbon) and TN (total nitrogen) and/or TP (total phosphorus) in a liquid sample. The liquid sample is prepared only once in a digestion vessel, and a subset of this sample is accessed for each of the various analyses. The necessary programs and a device for carrying out the method are described.