Certain sample matrices, such as those with high brine or cellulose content, cause problems for most combustion Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzers. These aggressive matrices require frequent analyzer maintenance, expensive parts replacement, and weekly or even daily calibration.
To address these issues, the Analytical Instruments group at GE Water & Process Technologies developed the Sievers InnovOx Laboratory TOC Analyzer. The InnovOx (short for "Innovative Oxidation" technology) uses high temperature and pressure to convert an aqueous sample matrix into supercritical water, a phase in which the water is neither liquid nor gas and where Supercritical Water Oxidation can occur. The highly efficient SCWO process has shown to offer an excellent oxidative environment for some difficult sample matrices, such as brine solutions. The InnovOx can also hold a calibration curve for up to six months for even the most troublesome matrices.
GE Water is the first company to successfully build a TOC analyzer based on the SCWO technique with commercial applications for aqueous samples. In early 2010, an on-line version of the InnovOx Laboratory TOC Analyzer will launch, enabling enhanced and continuous TOC recovery, instrument uptime, and simplified maintenance for the environmental, process, and wastewater industries.
For more information on the Sievers InnovOx, contact geai@ge.com or call 800 255 6964.