rapid N exceed 24/7 analysis

Time for a change in protein analysis

Introduced earlier this year, the rapid N exceed represents Elementar’s latest innovation in nitrogen/protein analysis according to Dumas. Its stunning new features include:

  • 2.000 runs without changing the EAS REDUCTOR®
  • More than 300 runs per day
  • Correct data due to post-combustion
  • Ease of maintenance

These numbers are impressive for the experienced user – to prove them we shared our “rapid N exceed 24/7 analysis” with you: In the course of one week we ran the analyser 24/7 under your supervision. Via a webstream you were able to watch the analyser run sample after sample, see maintenance while it was done and see data as they were created – all online and only one click away.

You missed the event or want to see it again? Click on the video above and watch the video in time-lapse. For measurement evaluation as well as information on samples and sample preparation, please scroll down.

Thank you for watching rapid N exceed 24/7 analysis!

Setting a new standard in protein analysis

Quicker, more precise, gentler on the environment. The rapid N exceed sets new standards in Dumas protein analysis. Not only does it stand for perfect precision and powerful evidence - thanks to the patented EAS REGAINER® technology, it also dramatically reduces the cost of analysis.

High sample throughput

The rapid N exceed enables speedy evaluation of samples, with processing times of less than 4 minutes and over 300 routine analyses per day.

Gentle on resources

The rapid N exceed uses CO2 as carrier gas, bringing down the amount of reduction metals used and the need for maintenance.

Reliable results

The rapid N exceed uses catalytic afterburning technology to obtain exact results even from difficult samples or in unattended serial measurements.

Extremely long-lived

With its 10-year guarantee, the rapid N exceed sets new standards concerning the maintenance-free of crucial parts.

Number of samples analysed: 2.000
Average analysis time: 4.5 min
O2 consumption: 150 ml/analysis

With 2.000 samples analysed, the total O2 consumption is 345 l.
This equals 3.45% of a standard O2 gas cylinder.
CO2 flow: 750 ml/min
CO2 consumption: 6300 l

This equals approx. 1/3 of a standard CO2 gas cylinder.
Exchanges of EAS REDUCTOR®: 0.0
  Day 1
N [%] ± abs. SD		 Day 2
N [%] ± abs. SD		 Day 3
N [%] ± abs. SD		 Day 4
N [%] ± abs. SD		 Day 5
N [%] ± abs. SD
Soybean flour 5.61 ± 0.02 5.61 ± 0.01 5.57 ± 0.03 5.55 ± 0.03 5.60 ± 0.01
Soil 0.236 ± 0.007 0.231 ± 0.003 0.227 ± 0.005 0.229 ± 0.004 0.23 ± 0.004
Reed 0.37 ± 0.02 0.35 ± 0.02 0.31 ± 0.01 0.34 ± 0.02 0.33 ± 0.01
Chocolate 0.98 ± 0.02 0.98 ± 0.01 0.96 ± 0.03 0.96 ± 0.01 0.95 ± 0.01
Starch 0.37 ± 0.011 0.36 ± 0.006 0.36 ± 0.007 0.35 ± 0.007 0.36 ± 0.008
Milk powder 5.84 ± 0.024 5.82 ± 0.018 5.84 ± 0.013 5.83 ± 0.03 5.83 ± 0.013
Cat food 5.14 ± 0.02 5.14 ± 0.02 5.15 ± 0.03 5.13 ± 0.03 5.15 ± 0.03
Wheat flour 1.694 ± 0.009 1.684 ± 0.009 1.684 ± 0.025 1.672 ± 0.014 1.684 ± 0.018
Dry yeast 7.40 ± 0.05 7.37 ± 0.02 7.38 ± 0.04 7.36 ± 0.05 7.41 ± 0.01

Advantages at a glance

  • Long lifetime and 10-year guarantee
  • Few maintenance interventions and control samples
  • EAS REGAINER® and EAS REDUCTOR® technologies
  • CO2 as carrier gas, no need for gas separation
  • State-of-the-art electronics for continuous device monitoring
  • Steel tubes instead of quartz glass
  • Perfect combustion through afterburning and oxygen dosing

Advantages of the analytical method

Compared to the traditional Kjeldahl wet chemical analysis, the Dumas method offers some significant advantages for N protein assay:

  • Analysis takes less than four minutes instead of hours
  • Safe and fully automated operation
  • No need for corrosives or chemicals that harm the environment
  • Easy to install and low operating costs

Cost-efficient along the line

  • Optimised reduction path with EAS REGAINER®
  • Long-lived detector with thermistor technology
  • No need for tungsten and drastic reduction of copper consumption
  • Reduction of all consumables

Sample matrices

We chose a broad range of different sample types spanning the world of rapid N exceed applications. To prove accuracy we perform regular checks of glutamic acid, which are also utilised for daily factor calculation.

Starch, soil and reed show relatively low nitrogen concentrations. Experimental results on these sample types reflect the dynamic range of the rapid N exceed.

Samples such as soy, dried yeast, cat food and wheat flour are standard applications for Dumas type analysers and are thus accurately measured.

Why do we combust hundreds of peas?

One of the aims of the life event is to demonstrate the ease of operation and long maintenance intervals of the rapid N exceed. Peas are the ideal subject for such endurance testing, as they are easily combustible and reveal approximately comparable weights.

Sample weighing may be circumvented in case exact results are not of interest, but the service life needs to be proven. Precision and accuracy are regularly checked with standard sample materials.

Preparing rapid N exceed 24/7 analysis

The beauty of large sample weights

With the notable exception of peas, all samples (total number: 500) were weighed into standard tin foil cones (35 x 35 mm) without further milling or grinding regardless of their homogeneity some weeks before the event. Average sample weights range from approx. 100 mg to 300 mg, depending on sample type.

That’s all I need?

The rapid N exceed has a small footprint and fits on a standard lab bench. Only standard electric supply, a  CO2  carrier gas cylinder (CO2: 99.995 % purity) and oxygen (O2: 99.995 % purity) are required. For our 24/7 analysis we use a 50 l CO2 gas cylinder. Sample weights may be automatically transferred to the software; experimental data is processed with a standard PC under Windows®.

No fooling around?

For the 24/7 analysis, we utilise a standard instrument as is – no alterations, no modifications. For overnight measurements the standard 60 position autosampler is exchanged for the optional 120 position autosampler. And most certainly a standard operation procedure is utilised: daily factor determination is based on inexpensive glutamic acid. No further reference materials are used!

The aftermath - easy routine maintenance

Many substances, e.g. soil, do not combust free of ashes. Unfortunately, this is beyond our scope of influence. However, we at Elementar provide unique approaches to ash removal. Watch our event and learn about our slide-out furnace. Removing ashes plus refilling of EAS REGAINER® in less than two minutes without the need of cooling down the system.

  • Our rapid N exceed is

    in constant use. At our mill, we particularly appreciate its reliability in determining protein values - our customers place great important on the consistent quality of their flour. They can‘t afford deviations in the taste of their bread!

    John Rowling, mill foreman

  • Our rapid N exceed is

    in constant use. At our mill, we particularly appreciate its reliability in determining protein values - our customers place great important on the consistent quality of their flour. They can‘t afford deviations in the taste of their bread!

    John Rowling, mill foreman

For further information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH - Elementar-Straße 1 - 63505 Langenselbold (Germany)
Phone.: +49 6184 9393-0 - Fax.: +49 6184 9393-400 - Email: info@elementar.de