Attachment 1 - Specifications_Salient Characteristics.pdf

Attachment 1 – Specifications/Salient Characteristic for a TOTAL INORGANIC

CARBON (TIC) ANALYZER

Statement of Objectives

Our objective is to find an automated acidification and coulometric detection instrument that analyzes soils for total inorganic Carbon (TIC). The determination of inorganic Carbon can be accomplished via multiple methods, but our goal is to find an instrument that utilizes coulometric detection. The soil sample is treated with acid in order to release CO2, which then passes through an automatic titration cell containing a CO2-senstive solution. When all CO2 is evolved and titrated, the instrument should automatically detect the endpoint, stop analysis, and report the results. The research we are doing relies heavily on TIC being determined accurately and efficiently, so we hope that utilizing the coulometric detection rather than gasometric will result in more reliable function in the instrument.

Salient Characteristics & Specifications

This total inorganic Carbon (TIC) analyzer is necessary for our research regarding Carbon cycling and sequestration. Determination of the different species of Carbon is relevant for understanding the mechanisms within the soil profile. The samples in our region are unique for falling into a semi-arid environment, which can produce higher concentrations of soil inorganic C within the soil profile. The analyzer should have an auto-acidification module that is self-contained to evolve the CO2 from the carbonates in the soil sample. With an automated carousel it would allow the user to load the samples and program the sequence for the day, then allow the instrument to run. Automation allow for a less labor intensive approach to analyzing TIC.

Additionally, we require a system that utilizes Hydrochloric (HCl) acid in the acidification of a sample. Our research with the gasometric method utilized HCl on a dried soil specimen, so we would like to continue utilizing the same acid with the coulometric method of determination.

Ideally we would like a system that is more modular in its design, therefore, we can add scrubbers or filters, make adjustments to the parameter settings, or replace parts easily. The modular approach allows for repairs to be completed more efficiently, focusing your attention on a single component rather than the whole system.

It is necessary that this analyzer provide a wide range of detection of Carbon. Depending on the depth of the soil sample, there could be very low or high concentrations of TIC. The wide range of values makes the automated titration of the sample to be vital as a function of the instrument. Finally, we require reliable servicing to be available for the instrument within the United States. The current gasometric TIC analyzer we have is manufactured outside of the U.S., therefore the servicing and support for the instrument has been difficult. Resulting in a back log of samples to build up when the system isn’t functioning.