Analysis of TOC/TN in Product Quality Monitoring of Hydrogen Peroxide Application Note · multi N/C 2100S / 3100

Introduction

Hydrogen peroxide is used in many processes. It can be used as a disinfectant in the food industry or in water purification, as an oxidation agent in chemical synthesis or as an environmentally friendly means of bleaching pulp, paper, and textiles. According to the different fields of application, products of various H2O2 concentrations and purity grades are available. The industrial production of hydrogen peroxide is done via the anthraquinone process, followed by cleanup steps, such as fractional distillation.

To guarantee product quality H2O2 is monitored for elemental impurities, for example, for heavy metals or for TOC concentration. This application note focuses on the determination of TOC and TN in undiluted H2O2. The TOC concentration in H2O2 samples can vary in a wide range from approx. 1 to 500 mg/L depending on the manner of product stabilization and grade of cleanup. TN is a parameter optionally monitored for process control but not, however, typically specified for final products. Since H2O2 is a strong oxidant and sensitive to decomposition, the way in which the sample is handled and the robustness of the materials used inside the TOC/TN analyzer are crucial for the overall stability of the analytical method.

The measurements were performed on a multi N/C® 2100S and a multi N/C® 3100. Both instruments allow simultaneous analysis of TOC and TN, enabling high sample throughput. Equipped with the Focus Radiation NDIR detector technology, the systems allow highly sensitive CO2 detection for reliable results down to lowest concentration ranges.