Instrumental Gas Analysis (IGA) measures gas-forming elements (C, H, O, N and S) present in solid materials from ppm to percentage levels. A high temperature furnace is used to rapidly heat the sample and thereby convert certain elements into volatile forms in order to separate, detect and measure them.
Carbon and sulfur are measured based on combustion and infrared detection during Instrumental Gas Analysis. The analytical method is based on the complete oxidation of the solid sample by combustion in an oxygen plasma (above 2000°C). The sample is placed in a ceramic crucible in a high frequency induction furnace where it is heated. The combustion of the sample releases various gases, which are measured by four infrared detectors. The analysis of SO2 determines the sulfur content. The analysis of CO and CO2 determines the carbon content.