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Total Organic Carbon and Total Bound Nitrogen Analysis by Catalytic High Temperature Combustion (TOC/TNb)

High-temperature catalytic combustion is the method of choice for analyzing both TOC and TNb. The advantage of this method is the complete oxidation of all organic carbon compounds, including those in a particle bound state. Discover the multi N/C 2300 series, our compact specialists for high-matrix samples and small sample volumes, and the efficient all-rounders of our multi N/C 3300 series, specifically designed for high throughput applications.

Devices with direct and flow injection technology

Our TOC/TNb analyzers with high-temperature catalytic combustion are defined by their intelligent injection and rinsing technology. They are hard-wearing and long-lasting, even when handling challenging samples. The multi N/C 2300 analyzers enable excellent particle handling thanks to the facility to inject directly from the microliter syringe without any sample carryover, even for extremely high-matrix samples. Equally, it is possible to precisely dose small volumes of particularly valuable samples. The devices in the multi N/C 3300 series have an impressively broad application range and automatic sample dilution. Their flow injection technology particularly excels when handling high sample throughput in NPOC mode and offers high sensitivity.

multi N/C 2300 Series

Analyzes even the most difficult samples with ease

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multi N/C 3300 Series

Analyzes a wide range of sample matrices with highest throughput

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TOC and TNb Analysis by HTCO

Catalytic high-temperature oxidation (HTCO) is the preferred method for reliable determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and total bound nitrogen (TNb) in a wide variety of liquid samples. By oxidizing carbon and nitrogen compounds at temperatures of up to 950 °C, HTCO ensures complete conversion of even difficult-to-oxidize substances and particle-bound fractions of organic compounds, delivering accurate and reproducible results across a broad range of applications. 

Whether monitoring environmental water quality, controlling industrial processes and effluents, or analyzing challenging wastewater matrices, HTCO combines exceptional oxidation efficiency with outstanding matrix tolerance and analytical reliability.

Simultaneous TOC and TNb determination

TOC and TNb are among the most important sum parameters in modern water analysis. TOC provides a reliable indication of organic contamination, while TNb measures the total concentration of bound nitrogen compounds responsible for surface water eutrophication, including nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and organically bound nitrogen. 

Determining both parameters within a single analytical workflow enables comprehensive assessment of water quality, pollution levels and treatment efficiency. Typical applications include environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, industrial process and effluent control and compliance testing according to international standards.

Why choose catalytic high-temperature oxidation?

Various oxidation methods are available for TOC analysis. Among them, catalytic high-temperature combustion stands out for its ability to completely oxidize organic compounds regardless of sample complexity. 

Compared with wet chemical UV oxidation, HTCO is particularly suitable for: 

  • Samples containing suspended solids or particles 

  • High-matrix and highly contaminated samples 

  • Difficult-to-oxidize organic compounds 

  • Samples with elevated salt concentrations 

  • Simultaneous TOC and TNb determination

The complete conversion of carbon compounds to carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen compounds to nitrogen monoxide (NO) ensures reliable quantification, even under demanding analytical conditions.

Intelligent injection techniques for demanding applications

The performance of an HTCO analyzer depends not on combustion efficiency alone, but also on how samples are handled inside the system and injected into the furnace. Analytik Jena combines catalytic high-temperature combustion with intelligent injection and rinsing techniques that ensure reliable operation, maximum carryover control and long-term durability.

multi N/C 2300 series – The Specialist for direct injection

The analyzers of the multi N/C 2300 series are designed for laboratories working with challenging matrices, limited sample volumes and particle-rich samples. 

Using septum-free direct injection technique, samples are transferred directly by the microliter syringe and a wide-bore needle from vial to furnace without valves or tubing. This minimizes sample carryover while enabling exceptional particle handling. This technology also allows precise dosing of small sample volumes, making it ideal for valuable or scarce samples. 

Key advantages include: 

  • Excellent particle handling 

  • Reliable analysis of high-matrix samples 

  • Precise measurement of small sample volumes 

  • Carryover-free operation 

  • High robustness and durability

multi N/C 3300 series – The Allrounder for high throughput

For laboratories requiring maximum productivity, the multi N/C 3300 series combines HTCO sample oxidation principle with the advanced loop injection technology. 

Automated dilution capabilities, high sensitivity and efficient sample processing make these analyzers particularly suitable for routine applications and large sample batches. The flow injection principle is especially advantageous for high-throughput NPOC determination while maintaining excellent analytical performance. The optionally available salt combustion tube kit widens the application range to extreme saline matrices. 

Key advantages include: 

  • Highest sample throughput by parallel purge and analyze in NPOC mode 

  • Automated and intelligent sample dilution 

  • Excellent sensitivity 

  • Customizable automation solutions 

  • Broad application range including highly saline matrices

Reliable results for environmental and industrial applications

Catalytic high-temperature combustion has established itself as the standard method for TOC and TNb determination in environmental, industrial and process-related applications. The technology enables reliable analysis of: 

  • Municipal wastewater and industrial effluents 

  • Surface water and groundwater 

  • Raw and drinking water 

  • Process and cooling water 

  • High-salt samples 

  • Complex and particle-containing matrices 

Its ability to fully oxidize organic compounds and simultaneously determine TOC and TNb makes HTCO the method of choice whenever analytical confidence and robust performance are required.

Find the right high temperature TOC analyzer for your laboratory

Analytik Jena offers dedicated solutions for catalytic high-temperature combustion, tailored to different applications and laboratory workflows. Discover the compact, high-matrix specialists of the multi N/C 2300 series and the versatile, high-throughput systems of the multi N/C 3300 series to find the ideal solution for your TOC/TNb analysis requirements.

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