PCA2 Portable Coulometric Analyser

Overview

The PCA2 Portable Coulometric Analyser is designed for laboratory and field analysis of heavy metals, semi-metals and numerous non-metals in aquatic solutions for a broad concentration range addressing contents from sub-μg/L up to several g/L. In battery operation mode it is well suited for field applications. The analysis is fully automatic, the sample solution is transported to the electrochemical measuring cell by means of a small but robust peristaltic pump and on completing the analysis the result is displayed and stored in the memory. The human interface is a simple touch screen.

Analysis Principle

The analysis is based on automatic flow-through coulometry and voltammetry making use of a unique robust electrochemical measuring cell with a maintenance-free built-in reference and auxiliary electrodes and a long-life disposable working electrode. The sample solution is pumped into the cell where the determined species (analyte) is measured through its electrochemical conversion - it is electrochemically oxidised or reduced at the electrode surface. Low concentrations are determined after a preliminary electrochemical deposition of the measured species at the electrode surface (enrichment step), then the deposit is stripped by constant current while the signal is recorded and evaluated.

Analytical Procedure

1. Sample preparation - filtration (when necessary) and addition of a reagent to the sample
2. Analysis - Full automatic procedure yielding the result displayed on the touch screen
3. Cleaning - Cell rinsed with water or suitable reagent solution; analyser set to standby mode

Application Fields

• Drinking water
• Surface water
• Waste water
• Foods and beverages
• Biological samples