An analyzer helps protect the environment

An important pillar in Dow's compliance with environmental guidelines is the MULTI N/C 3100 TOC analyzer. The company uses the analysis system to test wastewater for the content of pollutants. Two parameters are particularly important in the control of water quality: On the one hand, the contamination with organic impurities, which is quantified by the determination of the sum parameter Total Organic Carbon (TOC), on the other hand, the contamination with nitrates, nitrites, ammonium salts or organic nitrogen compounds, which are reflected in the total bound nitrogen content (TN _b ) reflect. With the multi N/C 3100, both sum parameters can be determined quickly and easily.

Two environmental parameters determined simultaneously

The water sample is injected into a high-temperature reactor. All carbon compounds are rapidly converted to carbon dioxide in an oxygen atmosphere at about 800 °C, a catalyst supports oxidation. The resulting carbon dioxide is detected and quantified using a non-dispersive infrared detector (NDIR). The nitrogen compounds contained in the sample are converted to nitric oxide during catalytic high-temperature oxidation. This is recorded using the chemiluminescence method. TOC and TN _b canb be determined simultaneously from a single injection of the sample. "The device is ideally suited for the analysis of all types of water – from ultrapure and drinking water to industrial wastewater. The multi N/C 3100 is robust and a real routine device," explains Dr. Ralph Zimmer, Lead Analytical Manager at the Dow plant in Böhlen. The Focus Radiation NDIR detector, the heart of the analyzer, is optimally protected against corrosion. Analytik Jena underlines its longevity with a ten-year warranty.

To ensure that the measuring instrument delivers reliable results in 24-hour operation, hardware and software interlock in the Self Check system: Everything from gas flow to detector status is checked. Thus, gas leaks or flow fluctuations are immediately noticeable. Scattering measured values or minor findings are excluded. This security and robustness are unique selling points in the market for analytical measurement technology. It is no coincidence that such a low-maintenance system could be created, which exists day after day in the industrial environment: Analytik Jena and Dow work closely together so that the wishes and experiences of the users flow directly into the product development – for the benefit of both parties.

"Most effective technologies"

In the beginning, there was daring: With Dow's first order before the turn of the millennium, Analytik Jena had only just begun to tap into its markets. However, the products and technologies of the company, whose founders come from the former Zeiss combine, convinced its new users right away. In the meantime, Analytik Jena has established itself. Today, companies of the Dow Group worldwide rely on analytical measurement technology from Jena, e.B. in Spain, the USA or Kuwait. The product portfolio of Analytik Jena is listed on a list of the most effective technologies at Dow. "The short reaction times and the very good cooperation with fixed contact persons are not only helpful for my laboratory, but also for me personally," says Dr. Ralph Zimmer, explaining the reason for this.

About The Dow Chemical Company

For about 15 years, the globally active chemical group  The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) has relied on the equipment of Analytik Jena GmbH. Founded in 1897, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of basic and specialty chemicals as well as high-performance materials. The US-American group based in Midland/Michigan is one of the ten largest US companies in Germany. Dow has also been present in the Central German region since 1995 and continues the traditional history of plastics and chemical production at its locations in Schkopau, Böhlen, Leuna and Teutschenthal.