Trace Elemental Instruments XPERT-TOC/TNb Total Organic Carbon and Total Bound Nitrogen Analyzer
| Brand | Trace Elemental Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Netherlands |
| Model | XPERT-TOC/TNb |
| Instrument Type | Laboratory TOC/TNb Analyzer |
| Detection Principle | Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Absorption for TOC |
| Oxidation Method | High-Temperature Catalytic Combustion (up to 1000 °C) |
| Measurement Range | 0–35,000 µg/L (ppb–ppm) |
| Accuracy | RSD < 1% |
| Resolution | 0.0001 µg/L |
| Detection Limit | 3 ppb (TOC) |
| Repeatability | RSD < 1% |
| Sample Introduction | Valve-Free Funnel-Tec™ Technology |
| Combustion Tube | ProCat™ High-Efficiency Catalytic Oxidation Tube |
| Autosampler | Integrated 65-Position Liquid Autosampler with On-Deck Stirring & Removable Tray |
| Software | TEIS v5.x (Compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GLP/GMP Audit Trail) |
Overview
The Trace Elemental Instruments XPERT-TOC/TNb is a fully integrated, laboratory-grade dual-parameter analyzer engineered for the simultaneous or independent quantification of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Bound Nitrogen (TNb) in aqueous matrices. It employs high-temperature catalytic combustion oxidation (up to 1000 °C) coupled with two orthogonal detection technologies: Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy for CO2 quantification (TOC), and chemiluminescence detection (CLD) for NOx measurement (TNb). This dual-detection architecture eliminates cross-interference between carbon and nitrogen pathways while maintaining stoichiometric completeness of oxidation—ensuring full conversion of refractory organics and nitrogenous compounds (e.g., amino acids, nitrates, amines, cyanides) into measurable gaseous species. Designed for regulatory compliance and routine QC/QA workflows, the XPERT-TOC/TNb delivers trace-level sensitivity (3 ppb TOC LOD), sub-1% RSD reproducibility, and robust performance across heterogeneous sample types—including turbid, particulate-laden, or high-salinity waters—without manual intervention or hardware reconfiguration.
Key Features
- Valve-free, tubeless sample introduction via patented Funnel-Tec™ technology: eliminates carryover, memory effects, and valve-related maintenance; supports particulates up to 800 µm without clogging.
- ProCat™ catalytic combustion tube: precision-engineered ceramic monolith with graded catalyst distribution, optimized thermal profile, and extended catalyst lifetime (>2 years under typical use); backed by lifetime furnace warranty.
- Integrated 65-position autosampler with per-vial magnetic stirring, removable tray, and real-time position validation—enabling offline sample prep and unattended overnight operation.
- Dual-detector architecture: NDIR cell (temperature-stabilized, dual-beam design) for TOC; long-life CLD detector (NOx-specific reaction chamber, ozone generator with flow-controlled decay) for TNb—both housed within a single instrument footprint.
- Real-time embedded sensor suite: continuous monitoring of carrier gas flow (±0.5 mL/min), combustion temperature (±1 °C), pressure differentials, reagent levels, and hardware status—with configurable alerts and event logging.
- Tool-free service access: halogen/moisture traps, IC removal cartridge, filter assemblies, and ProCat™ tube are all modular and replaceable in <60 seconds via click-to-open interfaces.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The XPERT-TOC/TNb accepts liquid samples across pH 2–12 and conductivity up to 200 mS/cm, including drinking water, wastewater, pharmaceutical process water (PW, WFI, PWRS), seawater, leachates, and digested biological matrices. Its oxidation efficiency exceeds 99.9% for >95% of IUPAC-recommended TOC reference standards (e.g., sucrose, 1,4-benzoquinone, potassium hydrogen phthalate) and nitrogen compounds (e.g., glycine, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrite). The system is validated against major international protocols, including EPA Method 415.1 and 9060, ASTM D7573 and D8083, ISO 8245 and ISO 11905-2, EN 1484, USP , HJ 501-2009, and HJ 695-2014. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is enabled via TEIS software’s electronic signature, audit trail, user role management, and data integrity safeguards—meeting GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements.
Software & Data Management
TEIS v5.x is a purpose-built analytical platform providing method-driven workflow control, not just instrument automation. Its intuitive interface features drag-and-drop sequence building, visual hardware status mapping (with color-coded health indicators), and context-aware calibration wizards—including single-point standardization with automatic drift correction. All raw sensor data (flow, temperature, pressure, detector voltage), method parameters, and user actions are time-stamped and archived in encrypted SQLite databases compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Reports are customizable (PDF, CSV, Excel) and support configurable pass/fail criteria, statistical summaries (mean, SD, RSD, % recovery), and LIMS integration via ASTM E1384-compliant export modules. Audit trails are immutable, searchable, and exportable for regulatory review.
Applications
The XPERT-TOC/TNb serves as a primary analytical tool in environmental monitoring laboratories assessing organic loading in municipal effluents and receiving waters; in pharmaceutical manufacturing for bioburden control, cleaning validation, and water system surveillance per USP and EU Annex 1; in power generation for boiler feedwater purity assurance; and in academic research investigating carbon-nitrogen coupling in biogeochemical cycles. Its ability to resolve low-concentration TOC (<10 ppb) alongside TNb enables advanced studies of nutrient speciation (e.g., DON/DON ratios), disinfection by-product precursors, and nitrogen mass balances in advanced oxidation processes. The absence of memory effect allows mixed-sequence analysis—from ultrapure water blanks to undiluted industrial wastewater—without rinsing or recalibration.
FAQ
Does the XPERT-TOC/TNb require separate hardware modules for TOC and TNb analysis?
No. TNb detection is fully integrated via an internal CLD detector; no external add-ons, additional footprints, or post-hoc modifications are needed.
How does Funnel-Tec™ eliminate memory effect with high-particulate samples?
Samples are gravity-fed directly into the combustion zone through a disposable ceramic funnel—bypassing valves, pumps, and tubing entirely. Residue cannot accumulate in fluid paths.
Can the ProCat™ combustion tube be replaced by the user?
Yes. Catalyst replacement and tube reinstallation take <60 seconds using only hand-tightened fittings—no tools, alignment fixtures, or service engineers required.
Is TEIS software validated for regulated environments?
Yes. TEIS v5.x includes 21 CFR Part 11 mode with electronic signatures, role-based access, automated audit trails, and data encryption—fully documented in the IQ/OQ/PQ package supplied with each instrument.
What sample volume is required per analysis?
Standard injection is 50–500 µL, adjustable via software; minimal sample consumption preserves precious matrices while maintaining quantitative recovery across the full 0–35,000 µg/L range.
