Nitrogen Testing

Finding Total Percentage of Nitrogen

Nitrogen Analysis & Techniques

The Nitrogen analysis & techniques method used is an upgraded form originally researched in Switzerland. It has since been marketed by various firms in the U.S. Fundamentally, the scheme involves combustion of a sample in ultra-pure oxygen at 990 deg C in a closed system.

The products (gasses) are swept through copper to remove excess Oxygen and Silver salts to remove Halogens, Phosphorus, and Sulfur. Since the heat conductivity depends upon its composition, the mixture of remaining gasses is sensed. The H2O is removed. Later the CO2 is removed and finally only N2 remains. Sensing is done after each removal.

The instrument is calibrated using various standards from the NIST. Thus Nitrogen can be determined in one run, from the same sample selection. Running one sample at a time enables us to check for inorganic residue post combustion, greater accuracy rates and eliminates cross contamination.

Air Sensitive / Glove Box Handling
Air sensitive analysis is available for any combination of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen testing. For an accurate evaluation of purity, air-sensitive samples require weighing under an inert atmosphere. Midwest Microlab maintains a reduced oxygen and moisture free handling system. Very highly hygroscopic samples many times will also benefit from this type of special handling. The glove box is operated with 99.9% EXTRA dry nitrogen. Purging is done under vacuum before any samples are handled. An oxygen monitor continually checks the internal environment for the presence of oxygen. The system also contains electrostatic reduction equipment to aid in handling. Samples weighed under an inert atmosphere MUST be transferrable. These samples must be either liquids or solids. Please click on the following link for Air Sensitive / Glove Box fees: Midwest Microlab Price List

Interferences Associated with Nitrogen Analysis:

 Known interferences for Nitrogen analysis include :Very High Fluorine (>60%) can cause high Nitrogen results. This can be circumvented by indicating Fluorine presence on the sample submission form in the molecular formula section.  

Suggested Sample Size according to Total Percentage Theory:

Theory %           Nitrogen Single     Nitrogen Duplicate     NitrogenTriplicate

0-5 %                      10 mg                       20 mg                            30 mg

5-20%                      5 mg                        10 mg                            20 mg

 Above 20%             3 mg                         6 mg                              9  mg

For Air Sensitive samples we would recommend sending an additional 3 mg per run. 

Turnaround Time

Standard Turnaround time for the total percentage of Nitrogen results is within 3-5 business days. RUSH services are available for an additional fee per sample,per analysis with per single run. Rush results turnaround time for Nitrogen analysis is within 2-3 business days. 

Midwest Microlab does NOT handle any samples containing Osmium, Uranium, or Thallium within the molecular formula. Midwest Microlab is able to perform samples with Depleted Uranium but must be clearly indicated on the submission form.  Please indicate on the comments section of the submission form if samples have a high toxicity or strong stench. We do not handle any Finished Pharmaceuticals for release or highly volatile liquid samples with boiling points of less than 40 deg C.

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