Manufacturer
LECO
LECO
In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry. Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.
Distributor
LECO Instrumente Plzeň
LECO is a family-owned global leader in elemental and thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and metallography, delivering instruments, support, and training to labs worldwide since 1936.
LECO RC612 Multiphase Determination of Carbon and WaterThe LECO RC612 delivers fast carbon and water determination with advanced carbon form differentiation, flexible furnace programming, IR detection, and optional automation in a compact, easy-to-use system.
Features

LECO RC612 Multiphase Determination of Carbon and Water

The RC612 is a state-of-the-art analyzer designed for fast and reliable determination of carbon and water in a wide range of organic and inorganic materials. In addition to total carbon and moisture quantification, the RC612 enables differentiation between multiple carbon forms, providing deeper insight into sample composition. Its compact footprint, robust construction, and intuitive operating software make it a powerful yet easy-to-use solution for routine and advanced laboratory applications.

Key Features

  • Complies with AWS (ANSI) approved methods for determination of moisture content in welding fluxes and welding electrode flux coverings
  • Supports both qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Easy-to-install combustion tube simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime
  • Large-diameter reaction tube enables moisture analysis of diverse sample types, including powders, flat strips, and tubular sections
  • Differentiation of surface, free, organic, and inorganic carbon forms
  • Optional rugged 50-position autoloader for unattended, automated operation
  • Built-in on-board diagnostics to minimize downtime and support reliable performance

Theory of Operation

The RC612 multiphase carbon and hydrogen/moisture determinator measures carbon and water content in organic and inorganic samples while distinguishing between different carbon sources. The system employs a dual-stage furnace with advanced temperature control, programmable from near ambient up to 1100 °C, allowing tailored thermal programs for specific applications.

During analysis, the operator can define multiple furnace steps and select either oxygen or nitrogen as the purge gas to create oxidizing or inert conditions. Under these controlled environments, carbon- and water-containing components are either combusted or reacted. An integrated afterburner furnace, typically operated at 850 °C, together with a secondary oxidation catalyst, ensures complete conversion of all evolved components.

Quantification is performed using infrared (IR) detection, with results reported as weight percent or coating weight (mg/in²). When samples are combusted in an oxidizing atmosphere, nearly all carbon forms are converted to CO₂. Organic carbon is identified by the simultaneous formation of CO₂ and H₂O, producing coincident IR signals. In inert conditions, water and carbonates are detected while organic carbon is generally not observed, enabling selective differentiation of carbon species.

For unknown samples, a slow temperature ramp program (for example, 100 °C to 1000 °C at 20 °C/min) can be applied. This approach reveals the temperatures at which various carbon forms oxidize or volatilize, allowing optimization of furnace programs for faster and more targeted quantitative analysis in routine workflows.

Manufacturer
LECO
LECO
In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry. Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.
Distributor
LECO Instrumente Plzeň
LECO is a family-owned global leader in elemental and thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and metallography, delivering instruments, support, and training to labs worldwide since 1936.
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