CARBON / SULFUR ANALYZER ELEMENTRAC CS-i

CARBON / SULFUR ANALYZER ELEMENTRAC CS-I

• Control of induction performance provides precise analysis of low-melting metals
• Heated dust trap allows for improved sulfur detection
• Platinum-based catalyst reactor ensures accurate carbon detection
• Carrier gas flow optimized for dusty samples
• Software-based leakage test
• Optional vacuum system, also available with dust filter class H for potentially harmful samples
• Single and multipoint calibration
• Robust design allows usage in production control and laboratory
• Low maintenance

ELEMENTRAC CS-I

OPERATION AND ANALYSIS PROCESS

Step 1: Logging the sample into the ELEMENTS software

The sample ID is logged into the software and the weight is automatically transferred (see step 2).

Step 2: Weighing an adding of accelerators

Sample volumes of 50 mg to 1000 mg are typical for C/S analysis. The sample is weighed in a ceramic crucible and accelerators like tungsten are added. The geometry of the sample (e. g. wire, powder, pin etc.) is not essential for a reliable analysis.

Step 3: Analysis

The ceramic crucible is then placed on the pedestal and the analysis is started via the ELEMENTS software. The software controls all subsequent steps like combustion and evaluation.

Step 4: Data output and export

45-60 seconds after the analysis has started, the measured carbon and sulfur concentrations are available for export as a report or via LIMS.

CONFIGURATIONS

The ELEMENTRAC CS-i is available as a single-element analyzer for carbon or sulfur only, or in a configuration for simultaneous measurement of both carbon and sulfur. It uses up to 4 IR cells which can be configured according to customer requirements. The longer the cuvette, the more sensitive it is for low concentrations like 10 ppm. Shorter cuvettes also allow measurement in the low ppm range, however with increasing standard deviation of the measured values. For optimum analysis of low and high concentrations, a configuration of two IR cells for one element should be selected. The latest detector technology permits advanced configurations to reliably cover the measuring range from 0.6 ppm to more than 6 % for a sample weight of 1000 mg. Optional gold cuvettes provide higher reliability for the analysis of halogenated samples. For reliable analysis of samples with a high sulfur content the CS-I can be equipped with more robust IR cells to extend the measurement range and improve the reproducibility of the results. It is also possible to equip the CS-i with a halogen trap. Another option is a special configuration for measuring cement.

ELEMENTRAC CS-IINTEGRATED STANDARD SOLUTIONS

  The chemicals and filters required for operation of the ELEMENTRAC CS-i are conveniently arranged on the front of the analyzer and may be concealed behind a removable door. This arrangement substantially reduces maintenance time and increases usability. Innovative details of the ELEMENTRAC CS-i significantly improve the reproducibility of carbon and sulfur measurements.  

Catalyst

• For accurate carbon determination
• Extended reaction path ensures complete oxidation of incomplete combustion products (carbon monoxide)
• Best possible reproducibility even for very high carbon concentrations

Heated Dust Trap

• The dust generated by inductive combustion is collected in an external dust filter
• Efficient heating of the dust trap prevents condensation of water vapor
• Significant improvement of recovery rates and reproducibility of sulfur measurements

Intelligent Lance Management / Oxygen Supply

• Individual control of the oxygen supply during inductive combustion
• A lance flushes the entire oxygen flow to the center of the crucible to ensure complete oxidation of the carbon and sulfur contained in the sample (solid samples)
• Oxygen flow is supplied through the combustion chamber to avoid swirling and loss of sample material (dusty samples)
• Accurate analysis of low-density samples

Control of Induction Power

• For optimized combustion of metals with a low melting point, such as copper, tin or magnesium
• Reduced power in the induction furnace allows for safe and accurate analysis without sample loss through splashing during heating

ELEMENTRAC CS-I OPTIONS

In addition to the features already integrated in the ELEMENTRAC CS-i further options are available to increase efficiency and extend the application range.

AUTOLOADER

The induction furnace of the ELEMENTRAC CS-i can be equipped with an optional automatic sample loader. The standard module offers 36 crucible positions, the XL model even features 136 positions. It is the largest Autoloader available in the market for this type of application.

TIC MODULE

Carbon can be determined as total carbon (TC) or in fractions, i. e. total organic carbon (TOC) or total inorganic carbon (TIC). When combined with the CS-I, ELTRA’s TIC module measures the TIC content (e. g. lime) by acidification in products like soil or construction materials.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

alloys, carbides, cast iron, cement, ceramics, copper, glass, iron, minerals, ores, refractory metals, sand, steel, titanium, …

FEATURES

FUNCTION PRINCIPLE

Carbon / Sulfur Analyzer CS-i: Operation Operating the CS-i is simple and safe. After weighing the sample in a ceramic crucible, the weight is transferred from the interfaced balance to the PC. If required, sample weights can also be entered manually. Then an accelerator (such as iron or tungsten) is added and, after having placed the crucible on the pedestal, the analysis starts. The analysis time is 40 to 50 seconds. The detector signals and instrument parameters are displayed during analysis. Evaluation of the signals and display of the results are done automatically; the data can be transferred to a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The CS-i requires minimum maintenance. The particle filters and chemicals which need to be maintained are easily accessible. Carbon / Sulfur Analyzer CS-i: Measuring Principle In the induction furnace the sample is melted in a pure oxygen atmosphere, causing sulfur to react to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon to a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The combustion gases pass through a dust filter and moisture absorber for purification. In the next step the sulfur dioxide is detected in infrared cells. In the CS-i infrared cells with different sensitivities (high/low) can be adapted according to the user’s requirements. Oxidation of both, carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide follow the sulfur measurement. The SO₃ gas is removed with cellulose wool; the carbon content is detected by infrared cells which can be individually customized. The ELTRA CS-i analyzer can be equipped with up to 4 independent infrared cells. _{Content may be subject to modifications or corrections}