Benchtop combustion analyzer TOC-L

Overview
The TOC-L series of TOC analyzers uses the 680°C combustion catalytic oxidation method developed by Shimadzu, delivering an ultra-wide measurement range from 4 μg/L to 30,000 mg/L and a detection limit down to 4 μg/L when paired with NDIR. The combustion catalytic oxidation efficiently oxidizes both low-molecular-weight easily-decomposed organics and hard-to-decompose insoluble or macromolecular organics.

Measurement capabilities

• Measures TC, IC, TOC (TC − IC) and NPOC
• Optional measurements: POC (volatile organic carbon), TOC via POC + NPOC, and TN (total nitrogen) with optional TN unit
• Extremely wide measurement range: 4 μg/L to 30,000 mg/L
• Detection limit: 4 μg/L (high-sensitivity model) with NDIR coordination

Key functions

• Blank check function evaluates system blanks using ultrapure water processed automatically within the instrument
• Automatic dilution function enables measurements up to 30,000 mg/L and reduces sample salinity, acidity and alkalinity to extend catalyst and combustion tube life
• Automatic sample acidification and sparging ensure reliable NPOC preparation
• Stat/priority samples can be added to the analysis schedule at any time without interrupting operation, including during autosampler runs

Models and hardware
The TOC-L series offers models adapted to varied applications: a high-sensitivity model (4 μg/L LOD) for ultrapure water and a standard model optimized for cost performance. Each analyzer is available as a standalone unit with LCD and keyboard or as a PC-controlled model. USB is provided as external interface; standalone units can output to a PC printer or USB memory stick.

Options and expandability

• TN unit for simultaneous TOC and TN measurement
• Carrier gas purification kit to permit use of compressor air
• Gas sample injection kit and solid sample combustion unit for gas and solid sample measurement
• Enhanced seawater measurement and small-sample-volume options

Design and sustainability

• Space-saving design: instrument width reduced by ~20% compared with conventional Shimadzu models; width unchanged when TN unit is added
• Energy-saving (ECO): power consumption reduced by 36% (100 V) and 43% (200 V) versus a conventional Shimadzu product (assumption: 8 h/day × 5 days/week)

Software
LabSolutions TOC PC software provides intuitive operation and a broad set of functions to support analysis workflows, QA and data export.

Applications - Documents
Measurement of TOC in chlorinated isocyanuric acid used as disinfectant | 2026-01-20
TOC and IC measurements for lithium refining processes | 2025-12-16
Determination of water-extractable total organic carbon content in recycled black mass | 2025-09-09
TOC analysis for evaluation of plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water | 2024-03-31

Characteristics / technical specifications

• Oxidation method: 680°C combustion catalytic oxidation (Shimadzu)
• Measurement range: 4 μg/L to 30,000 mg/L
• Detection limit: 4 μg/L (high-sensitivity model) with NDIR
• Measurable parameters: TC, IC, TOC (= TC − IC), NPOC; optional POC and TN (with TN unit)
• Automatic functions: sample acidification, sparging, automatic dilution, blank check
• Sample handling: supports autosampler; allows addition of stat/priority samples without interrupting runs
• Interfaces: USB (external); standalone models can export to PC printer or USB memory
• Options: TN unit, carrier gas purification kit, gas injection kit, solid sample combustion unit, seawater and small-volume options
• Design: width ~20% less than conventional models; width unchanged with TN unit
• Energy saving: −36% (100 V) / −43% (200 V) vs conventional Shimadzu model (typical usage assumption)