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TOC Water Analysis

Total Organic Carbon TOC Water Analyzers

TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON TOC WATER ANALYSIS

We are the TOC Leaders™ | Monitor TOC, COD, BOD, TN, and Toxicity Impurities in all Types of Water

Our QuickTOCultra™ is the ultimate online TOC analyzer for the determination of total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon (TIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) suitable even for the most difficult wastewater applications. Exact Analysis at 1,200°C, the TRUE TOC is determined.

Our water analyzers work across many different industries and applications:

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Get the most reliable, most precise gas analysis technologies available on the market today.  We will work to match your needs and budget and provide the optimal, and most stable process analysis solution for your application. 

For a complete range of analytical instrumentation, applications, systems, and service options, we will work to match your needs and budget and provide the optimal, and most stable process analysis solution for your applications.

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10 Reasons for Monitoring TOC in Industrial Wastewater

Monitoring Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in industrial wastewater is crucial for several reasons, as it helps industries manage their wastewater effectively and comply with environmental regulations. Here are 10 reasons for monitoring TOC in industrial wastewater:

  1. Environmental Compliance: Ensuring TOC levels within regulatory limits is essential to avoid fines, penalties, and legal issues related to wastewater discharge.
  2. Pollution Prevention: Monitoring TOC helps identify sources of organic pollutants and take preventive measures to reduce their presence in wastewater.
  3. Process Control: Maintaining TOC levels within specified ranges is vital for optimizing industrial processes, preventing equipment fouling, and ensuring product quality.
  4. Effluent Quality: TOC monitoring helps ensure that treated wastewater meets quality standards before being discharged into receiving water bodies or municipal treatment plants.
  5. Resource Efficiency: y monitoring TOC, industries can identify opportunities to reuse or recycle water and reduce their freshwater consumption.
  6. Waste Minimization: Reducing organic content in wastewater through TOC monitoring can lead to lower disposal costs for hazardous waste.
  7. Warning: Continuous TOC monitoring provides early detection of process upsets or contamination events, enabling rapid response to mitigate environmental and operational risks.
  8. Corrosion Control: High TOC levels can contribute to corrosion in industrial equipment, so monitoring helps prevent damage and maintenance costs.
  9. Energy Savings: Wastewater treatment processes based on TOC levels can lead to energy savings by reducing the energy required for aeration or other treatment methods.
  10. Public Perception: Demonstrate responsible wastewater management through TOC monitoring can improve a company’s public image and reputation.

Why is it Important to Monitor Total Organic Carbon, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand), and Total Nitrogen in Water? 

The monitoring of total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total nitrogen (TNb) is indispensable for upholding water quality standards and adhering to environmental regulations.

TOC serves as a measure of the overall carbon content within organic compounds found in water. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemical production, and wastewater treatment plants heavily rely on monitoring TOC levels. Elevated TOC levels can indicate the presence of organic matter, which, if discharged into water bodies or utilized in agriculture, can pose risks to the environment and human health. By monitoring TOC levels, contamination can be prevented, and product safety can be ensured.

COD quantifies the amount of oxygen required for oxidizing organic matter in water. Elevated COD levels can signify the presence of pollutants that are detrimental to the environment and human well-being. Monitoring COD levels aids in verifying the effective removal of pollutants by wastewater treatment plants, as well as ensuring that discharged water complies with regulatory standards.

BOD measures the oxygen demanded by microorganisms to break down organic matter in water. Increased BOD levels indicate the presence of organic pollutants that degrade water quality and negatively impact aquatic life. Effective wastewater treatment and prevention of water body contamination rely on monitoring BOD levels.

TNb measures the overall nitrogen content in water, encompassing both organic and inorganic forms. Elevated TN levels indicate the presence of pollutants that contribute to eutrophication—a phenomenon characterized by excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to oxygen depletion and adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring TN levels plays a vital role in preventing eutrophication and ensuring the sustainable utilization of water resources in the long term.


TOC Water Analysis

STANDARD METHODS FOR DETERMINING TOC IN WATER

Determining the total organic carbon (TOC) content in water is an essential analysis in various fields, including environmental monitoring, water treatment, and industrial processes. There are several standard methods commonly used to determine TOC in water samples. Here are three widely recognized techniques:

  • High-Temperature Catalytic Oxidation: Involves the complete oxidation of organic carbon in the water sample by combustion at high temperatures (typically around 680-900°C) in the presence of a catalyst, such as platinum or palladium. This method converts all organic carbon into carbon dioxide (CO2), which is then detected and quantified using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detector or a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). HTCO provides accurate and reliable results, even for complex samples, and is suitable for a wide range of organic compounds.
  • UV Persulfate Oxidation: This method utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light and persulfate (a strong oxidizing agent) to convert organic carbon into carbon dioxide. The water sample is mixed with persulfate and then irradiated with UV light. The oxidized organic carbon is subsequently measured by either non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection or by titration with an alkaline solution. UV persulfate oxidation is a relatively simple and cost-effective method but may have limitations when analyzing certain types of organic compounds.
  • Wet Chemical Oxidation: Wet chemical oxidation methods, such as dichromate oxidation or potassium permanganate oxidation, involve the use of strong oxidizing agents to convert organic carbon into carbon dioxide. The water sample is treated with the oxidizing agent under specific conditions, and the resulting CO2 is then measured using techniques like titration, colorimetry, or gas chromatography. These wet chemical methods are often used as reference methods or when other techniques are not suitable. They may require additional sample preparation steps and can be time-consuming.

Our solutions include:

  • TOC Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal & Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™
TOC Water Analysis

WHAT IS TOC ANALYSIS?

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis is a technique used to measure the amount of carbon present in organic compounds in a sample. It is a widely employed method for assessing the organic carbon content in various matrices, including water, soil, sediment, and solid waste.

In the context of water analysis, TOC refers to the collective measurement of all carbon-containing organic compounds present in the sample. These organic compounds can include a wide range of substances, such as dissolved organic matter, humic substances, natural and synthetic organic chemicals, and potentially harmful pollutants.

TOC analysis provides valuable information about the organic carbon content, which can be indicative of water quality, pollution levels, and the presence of contaminants. Monitoring TOC is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of water treatment processes, assessing environmental impacts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Some of our solutions include:

  • TOC Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal & Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™
TOC Water Analysis

WHAT IS Chemical Oxygen Demand?

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measurement of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic substances in a water sample. It is a widely used parameter in environmental and wastewater analysis to assess the organic pollution or contamination level in water.

COD analysis provides an estimate of the total organic load or the potential oxygen-consuming capacity of a sample. It measures the collective oxygen demand from various sources, including organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other oxidizable substances.

The COD test involves adding a strong oxidizing agent, such as potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), to a water sample under acidic conditions. The oxidizing agent reacts with the organic and inorganic substances present in the sample, converting them into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The amount of oxygen consumed during this reaction is directly related to the COD of the sample.

COD is typically expressed as milligrams of oxygen per liter of sample (mg/L). Higher COD values indicate a greater concentration of organic and inorganic pollutants in the water. It is important to note that COD does not differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances or provide information about specific compounds present in the sample.

Our solutions include:

TOC Water Analysis

WHAT IS Biochemical Oxygen Demand?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measurement of the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the biochemical degradation of organic matter in water. It is a key parameter used in wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems.

BOD provides an indication of the level of organic pollution or the oxygen-consuming capacity of a water sample. It measures the demand for oxygen by microorganisms as they metabolize and decompose organic substances present in the water. These organic substances can include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other biodegradable compounds.

The BOD test involves incubating a water sample in the dark at a controlled temperature (usually 20°C) for a specific period, typically 5 days. During this incubation period, the microorganisms present in the sample utilize the available oxygen to break down the organic matter, resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water.

BOD is determined by measuring the difference in dissolved oxygen levels before and after the incubation period. The initial dissolved oxygen level (DOi) represents the oxygen concentration in the sample at the beginning, while the final dissolved oxygen level (DOf) represents the oxygen concentration after the 5-day incubation. The BOD is calculated by subtracting DOf from DOi.

BOD is expressed as milligrams of oxygen per liter of sample (mg/L). Higher BOD values indicate a higher organic pollution level and a greater demand for oxygen by microorganisms. High BOD levels can lead to oxygen depletion in water bodies, which can have negative effects on aquatic life and ecosystems.

TOC Water Analysis

WHAT IS Total Nitrogen Bound?

Total nitrogen bound refers to the measurement of all nitrogen compounds present in a sample that are chemically bound or incorporated into different forms. It is an analytical parameter used in environmental, agricultural, and wastewater analysis to assess the concentration and distribution of nitrogen-containing compounds.

Total nitrogen bound includes both organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds. Organic nitrogen compounds include proteins, amino acids, urea, and other nitrogen-containing organic molecules. Inorganic nitrogen compounds consist of nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), ammonia (NH3), and other forms of inorganic nitrogen.

To determine the total nitrogen bound, a sample is typically subjected to a chemical digestion process or an oxidation/reduction reaction to convert the different nitrogen forms into a single, measurable form. The resulting nitrogen compounds are then quantified using various analytical techniques such as colorimetry, spectrophotometry, or titration.

The measurement of total nitrogen bound is important in several contexts. In environmental analysis, it helps assess the level of nitrogen pollution in water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which can arise from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, or industrial activities. Monitoring total nitrogen bound is essential for understanding the nutrient load and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

TOC Water Analysis

Ground Water

Monitoring groundwater for total organic carbon (TOC) is important for several reasons. Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water for many communities and plays a significant role in irrigation for agriculture. Here are some reasons why monitoring TOC in groundwater is important:

  • Water Quality and Safety: TOC monitoring helps assess the overall quality and safety of groundwater. High TOC levels in groundwater can indicate the presence of organic pollutants, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, or waste byproducts, which may pose health risks if consumed or used for irrigation. 
  • Source of Drinking Water: Groundwater serves as a primary source of drinking water for millions of people worldwide. Monitoring TOC levels helps water authorities and regulatory agencies ensure that the groundwater remains within safe and acceptable limits for human consumption. 
  • Environmental Impact: Groundwater is a critical component of ecosystems, supporting surface water bodies, wetlands, and maintaining ecological balance. High TOC levels in groundwater can contribute to eutrophication, leading to excessive algal growth and depletion of oxygen in water bodies. 
  • Agricultural Impact: Groundwater is often used for irrigation in agriculture. Monitoring TOC levels in groundwater helps farmers assess the quality of the water they use for irrigation purposes. Excessive TOC levels can affect soil quality, nutrient availability, and plant growth. Monitoring enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding water management, nutrient application, and the overall sustainability of their agricultural practices.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have regulatory standards and guidelines in place to ensure the quality of groundwater. Monitoring TOC helps comply with these regulations and provides data for reporting and regulatory compliance purposes. It supports the identification of potential contamination sources, the implementation of corrective measures, and the protection of groundwater resources.

Our solutions include:

  • TOC Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal & Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™
  • COD Water Analyzer for Laboratories LAR™ QuickCODlab™
TOC Water Analysis

Process Water

Process water plays a vital role in industrial processing as it is extensively used throughout various stages of the production process. It serves multiple purposes, including processing reactions, cooling equipment, cleaning, and maintaining optimal operating conditions. Here are some key uses of process water in chemical manufacturing:

  • Mixing and Dissolution: Used to dissolve raw materials and create solutions or suspensions. It aids in the proper mixing of ingredients, ensuring uniformity and enabling efficient reaction kinetics.
  • Heat Transfer and Cooling: Acts as a coolant to regulate temperatures in equipment and processes. 
  • Steam Generation: Utilized in chemical processes for various purposes, including heating, distillation, and separation. Steam carries thermal energy and is essential in processes such as evaporation, sterilization, and drying.
  • Cleaning and Washing: Employed for cleaning equipment, vessels, and pipelines between different production runs or during maintenance procedures. 
  • Solvent and Dilution: Some processes require the use of solvents for dissolving, extracting, or purifying substances. Process water may serve as a solvent or a diluent to adjust the concentration or viscosity of solutions, facilitating desired chemical reactions or achieving specific product characteristics.
  • Product Separation and Purification: Water-based processes are commonly used for separation and purification steps.
  • Utilities and Support Services: Process water also supports various utility systems. It contributes to the operation of boilers, cooling towers, and steam generators. 

Our solutions include:

  • Monitor Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in waterplications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal and Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™
  • COD Water Analyzer for Laboratories LAR™ QuickCODlab™
TOC Water Analysis

Pure Water

Pure water, also known as ultra-pure water, plays a critical role in many industrial manufacturing processes where high levels of water purity are required. Here are some key applications of pure water:

  • Reagent Preparation: Used to prepare reagents, solutions, and samples with precise concentrations and consistent purity. It ensures that the water component does not introduce impurities or alter the chemical properties of the substances being prepared.
  • Analytical Testing: In chemical manufacturing, pure water is essential for analytical testing and quality control. 
  • Cleaning and Rinsing: Pure water is used for cleaning equipment, glassware, and containers to eliminate any potential contamination from previous processes. 
  • Calibration and Maintenance: Often used as a calibration standard for instruments and sensors used in chemical manufacturing processes. It helps ensure accurate measurements and calibration of pH meters, conductivity meters, spectrophotometers, and other analytical instruments. Additionally, pure water is used to flush and maintain the integrity of these instruments.
  • Solvent Dilution and Extraction: Pure water can act as a solvent or a diluent in certain chemical processes. It is used to dilute concentrated solutions or extract substances from mixtures. 
  • Steam Generation: Pure water is commonly used to generate steam in chemical manufacturing. Steam carries heat energy and is utilized for various applications such as heating, sterilization, and drying.
  • Hydrogenation and Reduction: In some chemical reactions, pure water is used as a source of hydrogen for hydrogenation or reduction processes.

Our solutions include:

  • TOC Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Pure and Ultra-Pure Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCpurity™
  • NPOC (Non-Purgeable Organic Carbon) and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) Water Analyzers for pure, drinking, surface and wastewater LAR™ QuickTOCuv™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Ultra-Pure (and WFI, HPW, PW) Applications LAR™ QuickTOCtrace™ 
  • Benchtop Water Analyzer for chemical oxygen demand in laboratory applications LAR™ QuickCODlab™ 
  • COD Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickCODultra™ 
TOC Water Analysis

Surface Water

Environmental monitoring is closely related to municipal water monitoring applications. Either it is monitoring of wastewater discharge into public water bodies or for treatment of drinking water from surface water or ground water. Furthermore, in regions where potable water resources are scarce, online water monitoring helps to control processes of desalination facilities.

If businesses do not monitor Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels in surface water, it can lead to several negative consequences, such as:

  • Environmental Pollution: TOC is a measure of the amount of organic matter present in water. High levels of TOC can indicate the presence of pollutants and contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. Failure to monitor and control TOC levels can result in the release of these pollutants into the environment, which can have negative impacts on aquatic life and ecosystems.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set standards for TOC levels in surface water to protect public health and the environment. Failure to monitor TOC levels and meet these standards can result in regulatory fines, legal action, and reputational damage.
  • Health Risks: Elevated levels of TOC can also indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Exposure to these microorganisms can result in a range of health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, respiratory problems, and skin infections.
  • Operational Inefficiencies: Failure to monitor TOC levels can also lead to operational inefficiencies, such as increased maintenance costs and decreased equipment lifespan. 

Our solutions include:

  • TOC Water Analyzer for Harsh Wastewater Applications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal & Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™
  • COD Water Analyzer for Laboratories LAR™ QuickCODlab™
TOC Water Analysis

Ultra-Pure Water

Our TOC (Total Organic Carbon) water analyzer is a device used for measuring the concentration of organic carbon in ultra-pure water samples. These analyzers are commonly used in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where ultra-pure water is required.

It works by using a process known as the “UV-persulfate” oxidation method. This method involves exposing the water sample to high-intensity UV radiation, which causes the organic carbon in the sample to break down into carbon dioxide (CO2).

Our LAR™ QuickTOCtrace™ ultra-pure water analyzer for TOC analysis in laboratory ultra-pure water include:

  • Sensitivity
  • Reliable and accurate measurements
  • Real-time monitoring:
  • User-friendly operation
  • Compliance with industry standards


TOC Water Analysis

Wastewater

Wastewater generated during industrial manufacturing processes undergoes treatment and is often utilized for various purposes within the facility. Here are some common uses of wastewater in industrial manufacturing:

  • Cooling Water: Wastewater can be treated and reused as cooling water in cooling towers or heat exchangers. This helps to reduce the demand for freshwater and conserves water resources. The treated wastewater absorbs heat from equipment and processes, promoting efficient cooling and minimizing water consumption.
  • Process Water:  It can be used for cleaning, rinsing, dilution, or other processes that do not require high levels of water purity. By recycling wastewater, the facility can reduce freshwater consumption and minimize the discharge of wastewater.
  • Irrigation and Landscaping: Treated wastewater, meeting the necessary quality standards, can be used for irrigation and landscaping purposes within the facility or surrounding areas. This practice helps conserve freshwater resources and reduces the need for additional water supplies for maintaining green spaces.
  • Non-Potable Water Needs: Wastewater can be treated to a suitable quality level for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets, washing vehicles, or other industrial purposes that do not require water for human consumption. This helps offset the demand for freshwater in non-critical applications, conserving freshwater resources for more essential uses.
  • On-Site Reuse: Some chemical manufacturing facilities have dedicated treatment systems to treat wastewater to a level where it can be reused within the manufacturing process itself. This can include recycling wastewater for specific applications or incorporating it back into certain chemical reactions, reducing freshwater demand and minimizing waste generation.
  • Energy Generation: In some cases, wastewater can be utilized for energy generation through anaerobic digestion or other wastewater treatment processes. The organic content in the wastewater can be converted into biogas, which can be used to produce heat or electricity, offsetting energy demands within the facility.

Our solutions include:

  • Monitor Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in waterplications LAR™ QuickTOCultra™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Clean Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCuvll™
  • TOC Water Analyzer for Municipal and Cooling Water Applications LAR™ QuickTOCeco™

Revolutionize Your Water Analysis with our LAR™ TOC Water Analyzer: Precise, Reliable, and Efficient

Monitor TOC, COD, BOD, TNb, and Toxicity Impurities in all Types of Water

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