Nitrogen is a key element in many materials and requires precise quantification in various industries. Laboratories rely on specialized nitrogen analyzers to produce accurate results.
The Kjeldahl Method
A long-established technique for nitrogen measurement is the Kjeldahl method. Developed in 1883, it remains the international standard. The process involves digesting an organic sample in concentrated acid to convert organic nitrogen into ammonium sulfate. The ammonia is then distilled and titrated to determine the nitrogen content.
Kjeldahl analyzers automate this process for efficiency and consistency. Drawell offers several Kjeldahl nitrogen analyzer models to suit different laboratory needs. Having used a basic semi-automatic
Kjeldahl analyzer in college, I appreciate how modern fully automated versions save significant time and labor. Programmable temperature control and integrated modules for digestion, distillation, and titration eliminate manual handling of corrosive reagents.
Alternative Instrumentation
As analytical techniques advance, other nitrogen measurement methods have emerged. Combustion-based analyzers rapidly oxidize a sample to nitrogen gas for detection. The Dumas method quantifies the total nitrogen content of various matrices. Instruments like the LECO TruMac use this approach and can analyze solid, liquid, and gas samples continuously.
I recently toured a fertilizer production facility that employed a LECO TruMac for online monitoring of nitrogen levels. Its robust design withstood harsh industrial conditions while delivering fast, reliable results 24/7. Automated calibration and validation routines minimized downtime. For applications requiring improved sensitivity, spectroscopy-based analyzers detect nitrogen using techniques like chemiluminescence.
Selecting the Right Analyzer
The type of nitrogen analyzer used depends on application parameters like sample type, required detection limits, throughput needs, and budget. Drawell offers a range of nitrogen analyzers from basic manual Kjeldahl units to fully-automated combustion and Dumas systems. Speaking to a representative helped me understand their performance specifications and identify suitable models for protein analysis in foods or fertilizer quality control.
Proper analyzer selection and operation training are also crucial for generating quality results. Drawell provides comprehensive technical support that eases the adoption of new nitrogen measurement equipment. Reliable, application-focused nitrogen analyzers continue to be indispensable tools for various industries.
