CHNCHNSAnalytik

CHNCHNSAnalytik refers to the field and practice of elemental analysis that focuses on determining the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content (CHN) of a material, while also measuring sulfur and often chlorine (the CHNS components). The term is commonly used in German-speaking and European analytical laboratories to describe integrated services that cover CHN analysis together with additional CHNS elements in a single workflow. It is applied across industries such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and environmental testing to verify composition, formulate products, and support quality control.

The core methods rely on combustion analysis. In CHN analysis, a sample is combusted in a controlled oxygen-rich environment, and the resulting gases are detected to quantify carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. CHNS analysis expands this approach by incorporating detectors and methods capable of sulfur determinations, and often chlorine determinations as well, sometimes using a separate dedicated reactor or detector stage. Modern analyzers are automated, coupling high-temperature combustion with carrier gas systems and infrared or thermal-conductivity detectors, enabling rapid, repeatable results. Data are typically reported as weight percentages and, when needed, converted to empirical formulas.

Workflow and quality control are essential elements. Samples are weighed with high precision, standards and blanks are run for calibration, and replicate analyses are performed to ensure accuracy. Laboratories often use certified reference materials to verify method performance and ensure traceability. Reports provide elemental compositions (C, H, N, S, and sometimes Cl) and may include moisture, ash, or oxygen estimates as applicable.

Applications include material characterization, purity assessment, formulation verification, and regulatory compliance in product development and quality assurance. Continued advances focus on automation, reduced sample preparation, and integration with laboratory information management systems.