High Productivity of Thermo Scientific FlashSmart CHNS/CHNS Analyzer through the MultiValve Control (MVC) Module

Importance of the Topic

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur determination by dynamic flash combustion underpins quality control and R&D in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, academic and materials industries. Automated, accurate and high-throughput elemental analysis meets growing demands for reproducibility, cost efficiency and minimal operator intervention.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Thermo Scientific FlashSmart Elemental Analyzer equipped with the MultiValve Control (MVC) Module. It demonstrates how two independent combustion circuits, managed automatically via the MVC, deliver unattended CHNS/CHNS analysis with rapid switching, stable operation and reduced helium consumption.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific FlashSmart Elemental Analyzer (dual-furnace configuration)
• MultiValve Control (MVC) Module
• MAS Plus Autosampler with oxygen injection
• GC separation column and Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)
• EagerSmart Data Handling Software for sequence control and data processing

Methodology and Workflow

Samples (tin capsules) were combusted in two parallel reactors at 950 °C, with helium carrier flow (140 mL/min) transporting combustion gases through a copper reduction layer, GC column and TCD. The MVC Module automatically switches between left and right circuits under software control. System parameters include a 65 °C oven temperature, 250 mL/min oxygen flow, 5 s oxygen injection and a total cycle time of 600 s per sample. Calibration used methionine standards (K factor method), followed by unknown analysis of sulfanilamide across both reactors and over multiple days without manual reconfiguration. Stand-By Mode and Auto-Ready routines minimized helium use by switching carrier gas to nitrogen or argon when idle.

Main Results and Discussion

Both reactors achieved precise and accurate CHNS values for methionine and sulfanilamide, with experimental data consistently within the specified tolerance (N: ±0.16 %, C: ±0.30 %, H: ±0.07 %, S: ±0.20 %). Repeatability (RSD) remained below 1 % across 80 sequential runs on each furnace. Automated switching imposed no detectable drift or matrix effect, and system stability was reached within 10 min after each transition. Helium consumption dropped significantly during Stand-By periods due to automated gas switching.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The dual-circuit FlashSmart configuration delivers continuous, unattended CHNS/CHNS analysis, maximizing laboratory productivity and reducing downtime. Automated reactor switching and software-driven workflows lower labor costs and human error. Modular hardware and software allow rapid reconfiguration for alternative elemental analyses (e.g., CHN/O, CHN/S) by changing consumables while using existing autosamplers and data handling platforms.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Integration of advanced robotics and remote monitoring will further streamline sample handling and instrument maintenance. Expansion of software capabilities using machine learning could improve automatic data validation and predictive maintenance. New detector technologies and micro-reactor designs may reduce carrier gas consumption and cycle times. Enhanced connectivity with laboratory information management systems will support high-throughput industrial and regulatory environments.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific FlashSmart Analyzer with MVC Module offers a robust all-in-one solution for high-productivity, automated CHNS/CHNS analysis. Its dual-furnace architecture, seamless software control and efficient gas management deliver reliable accuracy, exceptional repeatability and significant cost savings per analysis.

Reference

No formal literature references were provided in the source document.