Revolutionizing Protein Analysis in the Food Industry: The ELEMENTRAC CN-r by ELTRA

Accurate determination of protein content is vital in the food industry, influencing nutrition labeling, product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Traditionally, the Kjeldahl method has served as the reference technique for protein analysis. This process involves digesting the sample with sulfuric acid, followed by steam distillation and titration to quantify nitrogen content. While the Kjeldahl method is precise and allows selective analysis of nitrogen fractions, it is time-consuming, costly, and requires handling hazardous chemicals. As the food industry evolves, the need for faster, safer, and more efficient methods has led to increased adoption of the Dumas method for nitrogen and protein determination.

The Dumas method, named after French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas, revolutionizes protein analysis in organic samples by combusting them in oxygen. The resulting nitrogen oxides are reduced to elemental nitrogen, while water and carbon dioxide are removed before the nitrogen is measured using thermal conductivity detectors. This measured nitrogen content is converted to protein content via standardized conversion factors specific to various food types (e.g., 6.38 for milk, 5.70 for wheat flour, 5.71 for soybeans). Unlike Kjeldahl, the Dumas method determines only total nitrogen, but its advantages are clear: speed, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and elimination of hazardous chemicals.

ELTRA has harnessed the power of the Dumas method in their cutting-edge ELEMENTRAC CN-r analyzer. Designed for high-throughput laboratories and food industry quality control, the ELEMENTRAC CN-r provides fast and reliable nitrogen, protein, and carbon detection. Its advanced autosampler ensures accurate sample identification, preventing mix-ups and streamlining workflow even in busy lab environments. The instrument analyzes both liquid and solid samples, delivering precise results across diverse matrices.

One of the most impressive features of the ELEMENTRAC CN-r is its speed. Thanks to intelligent processing, which allows for simultaneous combustion and analysis, the average analysis time is under three minutes per sample. This capability enables the ELEMENTRAC CN-r to generate measurement data up to seventy times faster than the classic Kjeldahl method, dramatically increasing productivity and throughput. In addition, the ELEMENTRAC CN-r is designed for economical use of resources, with intelligent gas-saving functions and optimized consumable management. Operating costs remain low, and all consumables are replaceable in less than twenty minutes, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous operation.

The impact of the ELEMENTRAC CN-r on the food industry is significant. Accurate protein analysis is crucial for products such as milk powder, grains, nuts, and seeds. In a demonstration of its capabilities, the ELEMENTRAC CN-r was used to analyze milk powder in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14891:2002, achieving an average protein content of 25.168% - well within the required tolerances. The system’s compliance with international standards further underscores its suitability for food quality control and regulatory requirements.

By combining speed, precision, automation, and environmental sustainability, the ELEMENTRAC CN-r sets a new standard in nitrogen and protein analysis. Its innovative autosampler, user-friendly interface, and efficient consumable management make it an indispensable tool for laboratories, manufacturers, and research institutions. In a fast-paced industry where accurate and rapid results are essential, ELTRA’s ELEMENTRAC CN-r analyzer offers a reliable solution that enhances productivity, ensures quality, and supports safer, greener laboratory practices.

To request more information about the ELEMENTRAC CN-r and its applications in the food industry, please complete our inquiry form at ELTRA contact form - the fastest way to get in touch.