Shimadzu TOC-L CSN Used Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

Overview

The Shimadzu TOC-L CSN is a high-performance, benchtop total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer engineered for precise quantification of organic carbon content in aqueous matrices using high-temperature catalytic combustion oxidation at 680 °C. This method—developed and standardized by Shimadzu—ensures complete oxidation of both labile low-molecular-weight compounds and recalcitrant, particulate, or macromolecular organic species—including humic substances, polymers, and suspended organics—without requiring acid sparging or persulfate addition. The instrument delivers a validated linear dynamic range from 4 µg/L to 30,000 µg/L, with a method detection limit (MDL) of 4 µg/L under optimized conditions, making it suitable for ultra-trace environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical water system validation (Purified Water, WFI), and regulatory compliance testing per USP , EP 2.2.44, and JP 17. Its modular architecture supports seamless integration of ancillary units—including the TNM-L total nitrogen module for simultaneous TOC/TN analysis—and the SSM-5000A solid sample combustion unit for direct analysis of soils, sludges, and filter membranes.

Key Features

• 680 °C catalytic combustion oxidation with Pt-coated ceramic catalyst and quartz combustion tube—ensuring >99% oxidation efficiency across diverse organic structures
• Dual-detector NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) system for CO₂ quantification, delivering high signal stability and long-term baseline reproducibility
• Integrated ASI-L autosampler with programmable vial positioning and wash cycle control for unattended operation
• OCT-L 8-channel multiplexer enabling automated sequential analysis of up to eight sample streams without manual intervention
• Modular expansion capability: TNM-L adds total nitrogen measurement via thermal decomposition–chemiluminescence; SSM-5000A enables direct solid-sample analysis with programmable temperature ramping and ash correction
• Robust hardware design compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic immunity standards and UL/CSA safety certification

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TOC-L CSN accepts liquid samples ranging from ultrapure water (UPW) to wastewater, process streams, and cleaning validation rinse solutions. With the SSM-5000A solid sample module, it accommodates dried filters, soil homogenates, and lyophilized residues (0.1–100 mg mass range). All configurations support audit-ready data integrity per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when operated with validated software versions (v3.3+), including electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable audit trails. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited laboratories and aligns with ASTM D7573 (standard test method for TOC in water by high-temperature combustion), ISO 8245 (water quality—determination of organic carbon), and pharmacopeial monographs governing water quality assurance.

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are managed via Shimadzu’s TOC-L Series Control Software, which provides real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration, calibration curve generation (linear, quadratic, or multi-point weighted), and automatic QC flagging (e.g., drift, carryover, calibration failure). Raw data files (.tdf) are stored in a structured database with timestamped metadata, supporting export to CSV, PDF, or LIMS-compatible formats (ASTM E1384, ASTM E1467). Audit trail logs record all operator actions—including method edits, result overrides, and calibration events—with tamper-evident hashing. Optional LabSolutions Link enables centralized deployment across multi-instrument networks while maintaining individual instrument traceability.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: PW/WFI system monitoring, cleaning validation, and bioburden risk assessment
• Environmental laboratories: EPA-regulated wastewater discharge reporting, drinking water compliance (EPA Method 415.3), and groundwater remediation tracking
• Power generation: Boiler feedwater purity assurance and condensate loop contamination diagnostics
• Academic and contract research: Method development for complex matrices (e.g., humic-rich surface waters, digested biosolids)
• Microelectronics: UPW qualification per SEMI F63 and ASTM D5127 standards

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished or dealer-certified pre-owned?
This TOC-L CSN is a professionally inspected and functionally validated pre-owned unit, tested in accordance with Shimadzu’s operational verification protocol (OQ-PV-TOC-L) at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts, labor, and on-site service?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, labor, and remote technical support; on-site service is available in North America and EU regions under extended service agreement terms.
Can the system be requalified for GMP environments?
Absolutely. Full IQ/OQ documentation templates and vendor-supported PQ protocols are available upon request; installation qualification kits include as-delivered performance verification reports.
What software version is installed, and is upgrade support included?
The unit ships with TOC-L Control Software v3.4.2; free minor-version updates are provided for 12 months post-delivery, and major-version upgrades are available under maintenance contracts.
Are consumables (catalysts, NDIR cells, quartz tubes) included or available separately?
Standard consumables inventory—including Pt-catalyst cartridges, quartz combustion tubes, and CO₂ sensor calibration kits—is maintained in stock and supplied with lead times under 5 business days.