HORIBA S-316 Extraction Solvent for OCMA Series Oil Content Analyzers

Overview

HORIBA S-316 Extraction Solvent is a proprietary, high-purity halogenated hydrocarbon formulation engineered specifically for use with the HORIBA OCMA-300, OCMA-310, and OCMA-350 portable oil content analyzers. Unlike generic solvents, S-316 is optimized for consistent phase separation, minimal water miscibility, and strong affinity for aliphatic, aromatic, and chlorinated hydrocarbons commonly found in petroleum-based contaminants—including mineral oils, lubricants, diesel, and hydraulic fluids. Its spectral transparency in the critical 2800–3000 cm⁻¹ infrared absorption band ensures minimal interference during non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) quantification of extracted oil fractions. As a core consumable in the OCMA platform’s standardized EPA-aligned methodology, S-316 enables trace-level oil-in-water and oil-on-surface measurements compliant with routine environmental monitoring workflows under ISO 9377-2, ASTM D7066, and JIS K 0102.

Key Features

• Formulated for reproducible extraction efficiency across heterogeneous matrices—aqueous samples, sediment slurries, soil homogenates, and wiped surface extracts.
• Low volatility and controlled evaporation rate to minimize solvent loss during manual or semi-automated extraction protocols.
• Chemically stable under ambient storage conditions; shelf life ≥24 months when sealed and protected from UV exposure.
• Compatible with HORIBA SR-305 Solvent Recovery System, enabling >95% recovery yield via fractional distillation and condensate purification—reducing annual solvent consumption by up to 80% versus single-use alternatives.
• Non-corrosive to stainless steel, PTFE, and borosilicate glass components used in OCMA sample handling modules and flow cells.
• Supplied in certified, traceable 1 L and 4 L HDPE containers with tamper-evident seals and lot-specific COA (Certificate of Analysis) including GC-FID purity verification and residual moisture content.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

S-316 supports analysis of diverse environmental and industrial samples: wastewater effluents, cooling tower water, bilge water, groundwater monitoring wells, soil cores (via Soxhlet or ultrasonic-assisted extraction), and metal/plastic component surfaces (per ASTM D3409 wipe testing). All extraction procedures using S-316 align with the instrument’s built-in calibration curves traceable to NIST SRM 2781 (Mineral Oil Standard) and are validated per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited laboratories. The solvent itself meets Japanese JIS K 8001 purity grade specifications and carries REACH Annex XIV exemption status for laboratory analytical use. Its low aquatic toxicity (LC50 >100 mg/L, Daphnia magna, 48 h) and absence of listed VOCs per EPA Method 24 further support sustainable lab operations under ISO 14001 frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While S-316 is a consumable—not a hardware or software product—it integrates seamlessly into the OCMA analyzer’s embedded firmware logic. The OCMA series’ onboard calibration management system recognizes S-316’s defined refractive index (n_D²⁰ = 1.478 ± 0.002) and density (0.992 g/mL at 20 °C) to auto-compensate for solvent batch variation during zero-point stabilization and baseline drift correction. When paired with HORIBA’s optional OCMA Link PC software (v3.2+), extraction events, solvent lot numbers, and recovery cycle logs from the SR-305 unit can be synchronized into audit-ready CSV or PDF reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements—including electronic signatures, time-stamped metadata, and immutable audit trails.

Applications

• Regulatory compliance monitoring of oil discharge limits per EU Directive 2008/105/EC and US Clean Water Act NPDES permits.
• In-process quality control of metalworking fluid emulsions in automotive manufacturing lines.
• Leak detection and contamination source identification in HVAC condensate and transformer oil containment systems.
• Field-deployable assessment of oil spills on marine sediments or intertidal zones using OCMA-350’s integrated GPS and ruggedized housing (IP67).
• Validation of oil removal efficiency in oily water separators (OWS) aboard commercial vessels, per IMO MEPC.107(49) guidelines.

FAQ

Is S-316 compatible with non-HORIBA oil analyzers?
No. S-316’s spectral properties and density profile are calibrated exclusively for the OCMA series’ NDIR optical path and internal gravimetric compensation algorithms. Use with third-party instruments may result in systematic bias or calibration failure.
Can S-316 be substituted with chloroform or CCl₄?
Absolutely not. These legacy solvents exhibit overlapping IR absorbance bands that interfere with hydrocarbon quantification and pose significant occupational health hazards. S-316 was developed to replace them without compromising accuracy or safety.
How often must S-316 be replaced in the SR-305 recovery loop?
Recovery efficiency should be verified weekly via blank absorbance drift checks. Replace the bulk solvent reservoir when cumulative usage exceeds 200 extractions or when GC-FID analysis indicates >0.5% impurity accumulation.
Does S-316 require special disposal protocols?
Yes. Although less hazardous than alternatives, spent S-316 must be managed as hazardous waste per local regulations (e.g., US EPA D001 ignitability code). Recovered solvent meeting purity specs (>99.5%) may be reused per facility SOPs validated under GLP.