Sievers CheckPoint Portable and Online Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Sensor

Overview

The Sievers CheckPoint Portable and Online Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Sensor is an engineered solution for real-time, low-range organic carbon quantification in high-purity water systems—including pharmaceutical purified water (PW), water for injection (WFI), semiconductor rinse water, and laboratory-grade ultrapure water. Unlike combustion-based TOC analyzers, the CheckPoint employs direct conductivity detection following ultraviolet (UV) photolysis oxidation—a principle compliant with pharmacopeial methods such as USP and EP 2.2.44. In this process, dissolved organic carbon is oxidized to CO₂ under 185/254 nm UV light in a quartz reaction chamber; the resulting CO₂ dissolves to form carbonic acid, inducing a measurable change in solution conductivity. This non-reagent, non-catalytic method eliminates consumables, reduces maintenance burden, and ensures long-term stability in continuous monitoring applications.

Key Features

• True dual-mode operation: seamless transition between online continuous monitoring and portable grab-sample analysis without hardware modification
• Sub-ppb sensitivity with 0.21 ppb detection limit and 0.01 ppb resolution—optimized for regulatory-compliant PW/WFI surveillance
• Configurable analysis cycle: online mode supports measurement intervals from 15 seconds to 8 hours; grab-sample mode completes analysis in ≤10 minutes
• Integrated peristaltic pump enables automated system suitability testing, calibration verification, and zero/span checks per USP Section 5
• High-resolution color LCD display with multilingual interface (English, Chinese, Japanese) for global operational flexibility
• Ethernet and Modbus RTU/TCP interfaces support integration into SCADA, MES, and LIMS environments with timestamped, audit-trail-capable data export
• Built-in data logger stores up to 28,800 timestamped measurements; data retrieval via USB flash drive in CSV format
• No chemical reagents, catalysts, or carrier gases required—reducing total cost of ownership and operator dependency

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CheckPoint sensor is validated for use with Type I–III pharmaceutical waters per ISO 3696 and ASTM D1193, as well as deionized, reverse-osmosis, and distilled water matrices. Its UV photolysis oxidation efficiency exceeds 95% for common low-molecular-weight organics (e.g., methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, sucrose) at concentrations ≥500 ppb C, satisfying USP oxidation validation criteria. The instrument’s firmware architecture supports full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with appropriate access controls, electronic signatures, and audit trail configuration. Factory-provided IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages are available to support GMP validation in regulated manufacturing environments.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and visualization are managed through the embedded web interface (accessible via standard browser over Ethernet) and optional Sievers Insight software. All measurements include embedded metadata: date/time stamp, sample ID (user-definable), temperature, conductivity baseline, oxidation efficiency flag, and calibration status. Exported CSV files contain column headers compliant with LIMS ingestion standards. Modbus register mapping enables real-time streaming of TOC value, status flags, and diagnostic codes (e.g., lamp life remaining, flow fault, calibration due alert) into third-party control systems. Audit trails record all user actions—including parameter changes, calibration events, and data exports—with immutable timestamps.

Applications

• Continuous TOC monitoring at critical process points in pharmaceutical PW/WFI distribution loops
• Rapid root-cause diagnostics during microbial excursion investigations or post-sanitization verification
• Validation of point-of-use filters, storage tanks, and distribution piping integrity
• Supporting ASTM D5905-compliant TOC testing in semiconductor fab ultrapure water recirculation lines
• Field-deployable verification of pretreatment system performance in laboratory water purification units
• Regulatory submission support through documented, traceable, and repeatable measurement records

FAQ

Does the CheckPoint require daily calibration?
No. The sensor is designed for a 6-month calibration interval under routine operating conditions, verified by system suitability tests performed before each batch or shift.
Can it measure TOC in seawater or wastewater?
No. The CheckPoint is optimized for low-conductivity, low-ionic-strength matrices (typically <5 µS/cm). High salinity or suspended solids will interfere with conductivity detection and UV transmission.
Is the UV lamp replaceable in the field?
Yes. The 185/254 nm dual-wavelength UV lamp is a user-serviceable component with a typical lifetime of 12,000 hours; replacement requires no recalibration.
How does it handle particulate matter in the sample stream?
An optional inline particulate filter (0.2 µm PTFE) is recommended for online installations; the sensor includes pressure-drop monitoring to alert users of filter clogging.
What validation documentation is included?
Standard shipment includes factory test reports, electrical safety certification (UL/IEC 61010), and optional IQ/OQ/PQ protocol templates aligned with Annex 15 and ASTM E2500.