On-Line TOC Analyzer for Pure Water eTOC series

Importance of the Topic

Accurate monitoring of total organic carbon (TOC) in pure and ultrapure water is critical for industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and beverage, and precision manufacturing. Ensuring water purity at sub-microgram per liter levels safeguards product quality, regulatory compliance, and process reliability.

Study Aims and Overview

This application note introduces Shimadzu’s eTOC series, a family of on-line TOC analyzers engineered to deliver high sensitivity (detection limit 0.1 µg/L), compact size, low maintenance, and regulatory support. The document outlines design innovations, performance data, usability features, and compliance functions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The eTOC employs a UV oxidation-conductivity measurement principle: organic carbon in the sample is oxidized by 172 nm excimer lamp radiation, converting carbon compounds into CO₂. Conductivity measurements before and after oxidation yield the TOC concentration. Key innovations include:

• Mercury-free excimer lamp for environmental safety
• Active-Path optical design, with the flow channel integrated inside the lamp for maximized UV exposure and minimized carryover
• Compact conductivity sensor and temperature measurement for accurate conductivity correction

Instrumentation Used

The core instrument is the TOC-1000e analyzer, featuring a xenon-gas excimer lamp, integrated conductivity and temperature sensors, and a 7-inch color touch-panel. Optional accessories include a four-vial sampler for on-site calibration, external I/O kit for analog and contact signals, and bracket kits for wall or pole mounting.

Key Results and Discussion

Performance evaluation demonstrates:

• Stable 24-hour TOC measurements around 5 µg/L with negligible drift
• Repeatability of CV ≤1% or SD ≤0.3 µg/L, meeting stringent QA/QC criteria
• Automatic four-point calibration via vial sampler, reducing operator error
• Remote monitoring and data export (CSV, PDF) over LAN or USB for integration into laboratory information systems

These results confirm the eTOC’s ability to deliver reliable, high-precision data in continuous operation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The eTOC series offers:

• Regulatory compliance with USP, EP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 through user authentication, audit trails, and data security
• Tool-free maintenance requiring only annual replacement of lamp and pump head
• Flexible installation options (tabletop, wall, pole), enabling deployment across diverse process points
• Easy calibration using conditioned standard solutions, enhancing traceability and reproducibility

These advantages make the analyzer suitable for real-time monitoring of pure water in pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor fabs, and biotech facilities.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in mercury-free UV sources and microfluidic channel integration will further shrink footprint and energy consumption. Enhanced connectivity via Industrial 4.0 protocols and cloud-based analytics will enable predictive maintenance and process optimization. Expansion into broader water quality parameters (e.g., TOX, AOX) and integration with multi-analyte platforms represent emerging opportunities.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s eTOC series sets a new benchmark for online TOC analysis in pure and ultrapure water applications by combining ultra-low detection limits, compact design, minimal maintenance, and robust data management. This instrument provides critical support for industries demanding rigorous water quality control, while offering a sustainable, mercury-free solution.