Analysis Title: Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Instrumentation: LECO C230
TurnAround Time to sample count
1-100
101-200
201-300
Theory of Operation:
• The LECO C230 carbon determinator is a microprocessor-based, software-driven instrument for measurement of carbon content. The LECO C230 uses an induction furnace and measures carbon by infrared absorption.
• The analysis begins by weighing out a sample into a ceramic crucible on a balance. Accelerator material is added, the crucible is placed on the loading pedestal and the analyze key is pressed. Furnace closure is performed automatically, and then the combustion chamber is purged with oxygen to drive off residual atmospheric gases. After purging, oxygen flow through the system is restored and the induction furnace is turned on.
• The pure oxygen environment and the heat cause the sample to combust. During combustion, carbon-bearing compounds are reduced releasing the carbon, which immediately binds with the oxygen to form CO and CO2 that are swept into the carrier stream.
• CO is converted to CO2 in the catalytic heater assembly. Carbon is measured as CO2 by the IR Cell.
• Can be used to high-grade samples prior to thermal pyrolysis.
Analytical Procedure:
Pulverize the sample (Cuttings, Core, Side wall core (SWC)).
Weigh the sample in a labeled conical flask.
Add hydrochloric acid and place on a hot plate.
Filter the sample using ashless microfiber filter paper with suction (Buchner system).
Once the filtration is finished, place the filter paper containing the sample in a LECO crucible.
Put the sample in an oven to dry.
Set the LECO C230 according to the instruction manual.
Analyze samples.