Optimise your analysis process with the ELEMENTRAC CN-r nitrogen, protein, and carbon analyser

The ELEMENTRAC CN-r is the ideal solution for high-throughput laboratories requiring precise and rapid results in nitrogen, protein, and carbon determination. This analysis method, based on the proven Dumas method, offers a modern alternative to the traditional Kjeldahl method by analysing samples through combustion. Its advanced design provides greater safety, efficiency, and accuracy, while eliminating the need for aggressive chemicals like those used in the Kjeldahl method.

Thanks to intelligent sample management, results can be obtained in less than three minutes – faster than most other analysis methods. The current sample combustion and the previous sample analysis are performed simultaneously (interleave analysis). This makes the ELEMENTRAC CN-r up to 70 times faster than Kjeldahl analysis, ensuring unparalleled speed in your analytical workflow.

State-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness

The compact and ergonomic design of the ELEMENTRAC CN-r saves valuable laboratory space and integrates a modern PC with a touchscreen for intuitive operation. All process parameters can be controlled and monitored directly via the display. Additionally, the system features intelligent gas-saving functions, reducing operating costs.

Typical samples for the ELEMENTRAC CN-r/N-r include natural products with significant variations in sample composition and oxygen demand. Despite these challenges, the ELEMENTRAC CN-r ensures complete combustion by using a pure oxygen atmosphere during the combustion process. Whether solid or liquid, all components are simultaneously oxidised by a highly efficient, chromium-free catalyst. This prevents soot formation and tin leaks, improving the accuracy of the results. The method is further optimised by the constant oxygen flow of the ELEMENTRAC CN-r/N-r.

Analysis process

The Eltra ELEMENTRAC N-r/CN-r uses a vertical quartz furnace with a pure oxygen atmosphere to completely combust samples. The device offers extended reagent life, fast replacement of consumables, short cycle times, and an unprecedented throughput while maintaining excellent precision.

For analysis, the sample is weighed into tin foil or a tin capsule, sealed, and placed into the sample loader. With the innovative automatic sample loader, samples are always uniquely identified, preventing mix-ups in the busy lab environment and facilitating handling of large sample quantities. Even high-priority samples can be measured directly without re-sorting in the autoloader. The sample is then flushed with pure oxygen and transferred to the ceramic crucible in the combustion furnace.

During combustion, oxygen is directed onto the sample, ensuring rapid and complete combustion or oxidation. The combustion gases from the furnace are first passed through an acid/salt trap and then through a thermoelectric cooler. They are subsequently routed through anhydrone to remove any remaining moisture and collected in a ballast volume. In the ballast volume, the gases equilibrate and mix before a representative 10 mL gas aliquot is extracted and introduced into a flowing inert gas stream for analysis.

In the ELEMENTRAC CN-r, the aliquot gas is directed into a nondispersive infrared cell (NDIR) to determine carbon in the form of carbon dioxide. A heated reduction tube filled with copper converts nitrogen oxides (NOx) into elemental Nâ‚‚ and removes excess oxygen. CO₂ is removed from the analysis gas using sodium hydroxide and anhydrone. The analysis gas is then passed into a thermal conductivity (TC) cell to identify nitrogen (Nâ‚‚).

The ELEMENTRAC CN-r analyser is equipped with several diagnostic sensor functions. Numerous pressure sensors have been integrated to check sections of the flow path for leaks.

Key advantages of the ELEMENTRAC® CN-r Analyser:

• Fully automatic and process-optimised determination of nitrogen and carbon using the Dumas method.
• Designed for high throughput and continuous operation, ensuring durability and reliability.
• Integrated PC with touchscreen and network-capable data and process management for smooth operation.
• Analyse samples in less than 3 minutes. Intelligent sample management saves time, with simultaneous combustion of the current sample and analysis of the previous sample (interleave analysis). The ELEMENTRAC CN-r is up to 70 times faster than Kjeldahl analysis, providing unprecedented speed in your workflow.
• Efficient use of consumables and intelligent gas-saving functions result in lower costs per sample compared to other devices.
• The ELEMENTRAC CN-r delivers precise results for any sample matrix, whether solid or liquid.
• High-priority samples are given precedence and can be measured immediately without being re-sorted in the sample loader. Urgent samples can easily be inserted into the queue.
• All consumables can be replaced within minutes, ensuring your system is always ready for use. An optimised workflow with fast and effortless maintenance ensures smooth operation.

Model variants:

• N-r (Nitrogen/Protein Analyser): Specially designed for precise nitrogen and protein determination in a wide variety of samples, whether solid or liquid. Ideal for applications in agriculture and the food industry.
• CN-r (Nitrogen/Protein and Carbon Analyser): Ideal for applications in soil and environmental analysis, as well as fertiliser analysis.

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