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 Frequently Asked Questions
Last update:
June 4, 2008 |
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What analytes can one distill with the MICRO DIST?
Cyanide, phenolics, sulfides, tritiated water, and ammonia. Practically any
volatile analyte can be distilled. Request our MICRO DIST Datapack for more details
on these analytes.
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Why would I want to use the MICRO DIST instead of the macro distillation method?
It's flexible, easy to set up, requires a modest equipment investment, saves time,
reagents, and gives precision of 0.20% RSD. It also has a small footprint compared
to the macro method and does not require the use of a fume hood.
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Is the MICRO DIST EPA approved?
Approval for total cyanide by MICRO DIST and flow injection analysis or other
determinative method is pending via the USEPA's Alternate Test Procedure process.
Our method has been through a Tier 3 study and has met all QC Acceptance Criteria
established for the total cyanide parameter, for drinking and wastewater monitoring
programs.
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Can the MICRO DIST be used for soils?
Yes, our data pack includes soils data for cyanide, phenols, and ammonia.
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Does Lachat have any real world sample data?
Data from real world samples, such as surface waters, well water, refinery samples
and standard NIST soil samples are included in the data pack. We also have total cyanide
spiked into WWTP sludge data.
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How long does a distillation take?
The setup takes only a few minutes. The distillations themselves vary from 30
minutes for cyanide, ammonia, sulfide and tritium to 90 minutes for phenol.
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Do I need a fume hood for the MICRO DIST?
No, as a matter of fact, MICRO DIST blocks should not be installed in a hood.
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How much bench space does the MICRO DIST need?
About two feet (0.6 meters) in length, three feet (0.91 meters) in height and one
foot (0.31 meters) in depth is the required working space.
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Can I reuse the tubes?
No, the membrane inside the tubes becomes fatigued after one steam distillation
and cannot reliably be used afterwards.
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What is the price per tube?
The price depends on your market; ask your sales representative or distributor.
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Why is it less expensive to work with MICRO DIST than to macro distill?
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No glass material that could break and need replacing |
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Even and uniform heating for each tube |
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No leaky joints |
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Accuracy and precision |
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No vacuum system |
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Reduced set-up time |
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Valuable hood bench space is conserved |
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Short distillation time |
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Only 6 mL of sample required |
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How does one use the MICRO DIST tube?
It's easy: ask for a copy of our Users' Manual which has pictures and descriptions
of the procedure.
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What is the difference between user-fill and pre-filled? What are the advantages of each tube? What are the disadvantages of each tube?
The pre-filled tubes offer extra convenience as they already have the trapping solution in them. The trapping solution will remain stable in the pre-filled
tubes for over one year if the aluminum bag remains heat sealed. Once the tube package
is opened, it must be carefully re-sealed or the pre-filled tubes will dry out.
The user-fill tubes can be made up in small quantities as needed, have an indefinite
shelf life, and reduce shipping costs.
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What kind of plastic is the tube made from?
Recyclable polypropylene.
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How long is the solution in the tubes stable after they have been distilled?
If the MicroDIST tubes are sealed with Parafilm, the solutions are stable for the recommended holding times.
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Can I determine concentrations of the distallates/digestates using both manual methods and automated methods?
Yes, you can use an automated analyzer or manual method to measure the concentration
of the analytes in MICRO DIST tubes.
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