Elementar UNICUBE Organic Elemental Analyzer
| Brand | Elementar |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | UNICUBE |
| Measured Elements | C, H, N, O, S, Cl |
| Analysis Time | ~7–8 min per sample |
| Detection Limit | 50 ppm |
| Sample Mass Range | 0.1 mg – 1,000 mg |
| Detectors | Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD), Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Detector, Electrochemical Detector |
| Combustion Temperature | Up to 1800 °C (transient, with Sn boat) / 1200 °C (stable furnace zone) |
Overview
The Elementar UNICUBE is a high-performance, modular organic elemental analyzer engineered for precise, simultaneous quantification of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and chlorine (Cl) in solid and liquid organic matrices — as well as many inorganic samples. Based on high-temperature catalytic combustion (up to 1200 °C sustained, with transient peaks to 1800 °C using tin capsules), the system converts analytes into stable, separable gaseous oxides (CO₂, H₂O, NOₓ, SO₂, CO, HCl) prior to detection. Gas separation relies on Elementar’s proprietary direct Temperature-Programmed Desorption (direct TPD) technology — a robust, maintenance-optimized chromatographic module delivering baseline-resolved, non-overlapping peaks for all target species. This architecture ensures reproducible quantification across extreme elemental ratios (e.g., C:N up to 12,000:1) and heterogeneous sample types — from pharmaceutical actives (<0.1 mg) to soil slurries (up to 1 g), volatile fuels, refractory ceramics (e.g., SiC), and complex environmental matrices.
Key Features
- Modular configuration supporting CHNS, CHN, CNS, CN, and optional O/Cl determination via interchangeable detector modules (TCD, NDIR, electrochemical)
- Direct TPD gas separation system — patented, self-optimizing, and validated for >10 years of uninterrupted operation under routine lab conditions
- High-temperature combustion furnace with 10-year warranty; stable 1200 °C zone + transient 1800 °C capability using Sn boats for refractory organics
- Oxygen-enriched, directionally injected combustion — ensures complete oxidation while minimizing carrier gas consumption
- Tool-free, patent-protected pneumatic connections — guarantee leak-tight integrity without service downtime
- Horizontal sliding furnace design — simplifies ash removal, reduces maintenance labor, and extends component lifetime
- Ultra-low acoustic emission (<45 dB(A)) enabled by intelligent air-cooling regulation — suitable for open-plan laboratories
- 120-position automated sample carousel standard; compatible with both solid and liquid autosampler accessories
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UNICUBE accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types: pharmaceutical compounds, polymers, foodstuffs, biofuels, coal, sewage sludge, soils, catalysts, and inorganic salts. It complies with ASTM D5291, ISO 14852, ISO 14855, USP , and EN 15407 for elemental composition testing. Optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software enables audit-trail generation, electronic signatures, and role-based access control — meeting GLP and GMP requirements for regulated environments. All hardware components are CE-marked and designed for long-term stability under ISO/IEC 17025-aligned quality management systems.
Software & Data Management
Control and evaluation are performed via vario ELEMENTAR’s Windows-native software suite — supporting method-driven workflows, automatic peak integration, multi-point calibration validation, and matrix-independent quantification algorithms. Calibration stability exceeds three months without recalibration, even across diverse sample classes. Raw data files (ASCII-compatible) support third-party LIMS integration. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are enabled via secure Ethernet connectivity. Linux-based operation is supported through virtualized deployment options. Full traceability — including instrument parameters, gas pressures, temperature logs, and detector voltages — is embedded in every result file.
Applications
The UNICUBE serves core analytical functions in R&D, QA/QC, and regulatory testing labs. Key use cases include: verification of molecular stoichiometry in API synthesis; compliance testing of halogen content in RoHS-restricted electronics materials; C/N ratio profiling in agricultural soils and composts; sulfur speciation in petrochemical feedstocks; oxygen content determination in biodegradable polymers per ISO 14855-2; and chlorine screening in recycled plastics per IEC 62321-8. Its dynamic range (0.05–14 mg absolute C) and sub-50 ppm detection limit make it suitable for both trace-level impurity assessment and bulk compositional analysis.
FAQ
What carrier gases are supported?
Helium is standard; argon is available as an alternative carrier gas upon configuration.
Is the system compatible with regulated pharmaceutical environments?
Yes — optional 21 CFR Part 11 software package provides full electronic record and signature compliance.
Can oxygen and chlorine be measured simultaneously with CHNS?
O and Cl modules are add-on options; full CHNSOCl analysis requires sequential or parallel detector configurations depending on selected upgrade path.
What is the expected lifetime of consumables such as combustion tubes and reduction cartridges?
With genuine Elementar consumables and recommended operating protocols, combustion tubes exceed 2,000 analyses; reduction cartridges last ≥500 runs — backed by a 10-year warranty on furnace and TCD when used exclusively with Elementar-certified parts.
Does the instrument require external cooling water or compressed air?
No — the UNICUBE operates with only two gases (carrier + oxygen) and standard AC power; its advanced air-cooling system eliminates dependency on utility infrastructure.
