Company details for:

Medac Ltd

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Alpha 319,
Chobham Business Centre,
Chobham,
Woking,
Surrey,
GU24 8JB,
United Kingdom

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Air Sensitives

Air Sensitives

Analysis on air sensitive materials and hygroscopic samples present no problems to us. Samples are handled and sealed under an Argon atmosphere in our Faircrest glove box. In this manner air sensitive samples can be analysed for C, H & N, S, P, halogens and metals.

The analysis of air sensitive samples are subject to slightly longer turnaround times than those usually achieved; most analysis are performed within four working days. Minimum sample size depends on the analysis required.
CH&N Analysis

CH&N Analysis

CH&N analysis is carried out by combustion analysis on one of our elemental analysers. The original analytical method is based on the complete and instantaneous oxidation of the sample by dynamic flash combustion which converts all organic and inorganic substances into combustion products. The resulting combustion gases pass through a reduction furnace and swept into the chromatographic column by the He carrier gas. Here they are separated and eluted as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water and sulfur dioxide, and detected by a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) which gives an output signal proportional to the concentration of the individual components of the mixture. The instrument is calibrated with the analysis of known standard compounds.

CH&N analysis is a cost-effective means of establishing sample purity on a wide range of sample types from volatiles to polymers. It is an essential tool in sample characterisation when used in conjunction with other techniques.

Same-day sample turnaround is available for extremely urgent requests, although most results are reported within two working days. Accuracy is ±0.30% absolute.

Minimum sample size is from 2 mg.
Sulfur Analysis

Sulfur Analysis

Sulfur is performed by combustion analysis using an elemental analyser. The original analytical method is based on the complete and instantaneous oxidation of the sample by dynamic flash combustion which converts all organic and inorganic substances into combustion products. The resulting combustion gases pass through a reduction furnace and swept into the chromatographic column by the He carrier gas. Here they are separated and eluted as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water and sulfur dioxide, and detected by a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) which gives an output signal proportional to the concentration of the individual components of the mixture. The instrument is calibrated with the analysis of known standard compounds.

Sulfur analysis is a useful counterpart to other elemental analysis, such as C, H & N, and is available for most sample types. A same-day service can be arranged for particularly
urgent samples and our normal turnaround time is within two working days.

Accuracy is ±0.30% absolute and the detection limit is <0.1%. Minimum sample size is from 5 mg but also depends on the nature of the sample.

Please contact us for details.
Oxygen Analysis

Oxygen Analysis

Oxygen analysis is performed in much the same way as CHN and S analyses using the same elemental combustion analysers, although configured differently for the O analysis. The technique used is based on the Unterzaucher modified method.

The sample is weighed into a silver foil capsule and dropped into the reactor furnace which is maintained at 1060ºC, where the sample is pyrolised. Quantitative conversion of oxygen to carbon monoxide is achieved by a layer of nickel coated carbon. The pyrolised gas mixture then passes through an adsorption filter where halogenated compounds are retained. The gas mixture flows into the chromatographic column for separation of CO from N2, CH4 and H2. The CO is measured using a TCD which produces a signal proportional to the concentration. The instrument is calibrated with the analysis of known reference compounds.

Oxygen analysis can be carried out on most organic compounds although those containing quantities of fluorine can interfere with the process. Our normal turnaround time for oxygen analysis is within two working days but shorter turnaround times can be arranged for extremely urgent samples. Minimum sample size is 5 mg.
The Halogens

The Halogens

The halogens, chlorine, bromine, iodine and fluorine are analysed by means of Schöniger flask oxygen combustion followed by titration or ion chromatography. Combined with other elemental analysis, such as C,H & N, this is an excellent means for assessing sample purity.

Normal turnaround time is within two working days and a same day service is available for extremely urgent samples. Accuracy is ±0.30% absolute.

Minimum sample size is 5 mg. Samples containing more than one halogen need to be analysed in a manner that avoids interference.
Metals (ICP)

Metals (ICP)

Metals and a range of non-metals, such as phosphorus, are analysed using our Varian Vista MPX ICP-OES system. This CCD simultaneous detection instrument uses the latest technology and software to provide high precision and sensitivity.

A key to metals analysis is correct sample preparation. We have considerable experience of a wide range of preparation techniques and digestion methods for a variety of sample types.

Normal turnaround time is within two working days and a same day service can be arranged for extremely urgent samples.

Minimum sample size is from 5 mg, although larger quantities are required for trace analysis.
Anions (IC)

Anions (IC)

A wide range of anions may be analysed by modern ion chromatographic (IC) methods. Common anions such as sulfate, sulfite, nitrate, nitrite, halides, phosphates, etc. can be analysed. In addition ion chromatography is a powerful technique of use in the determination of fluoride anions.

Detection limits depend on the sample type but, for aqueous solutions, analysis in the ppb (ng/ml) region are possible. Turnaround times for IC are normally within two working days and a same day service can be arranged for extremely urgent samples.

Minimum sample size is from 5 mg.
Moisture Determination

Moisture Determination

We are able to measure the water content in a variety of sample types using our coulometric Karl-Fischer analyser from Metrohm. Ideal for low level detection the coulometric system can reliably measure up to approximately 5% water by weight.

The coulometric KF titration is a version of the classical water determination method developed by Karl Fischer. In the coulometric titration the iodine needed is generated directly in the electrolyte by electrochemical means. The quantitative relationship between the electric charge and the amount of iodine being generated is used for high-precision dispensing of the iodine. As the coulometric KF method is an absolute determination no titer need be determined. The end point is indicated voltametrically by applying an alternating current of constant strength to a double platinum electrode. This results in a voltage difference between the Pt wires of the indicator electrode which is drastically lowered in the presence of minimal quantities of free iodine. This fact is used to determine the end point of the titration.
Residue on Ignition / Ashing Methods

Residue on Ignition / Ashing Methods

Ashing is the heating of a substance to leave only non-combustible inorganic ash. There are several different forms of sample preparation that can be employed including dry-ashing, sulphated-ashing and residue on ignition.

Ashing is suitable for samples containing a significant amount of combustible organic material as the sample matrix and requires 1g of sample.
Other Services

Other Services

MEDAC has built up a network for the provision of a wide range of other services to our customers. These include a comprehensive range of Mass Spectroscopy and High Field NMR (hydrogen, carbon, fluorine, etc.) services. A range of other spectroscopic services can also be arranged.

Please contact us for details.

About us

With over 30 years’ experience in providing a first-class analytical service for pharmaceutical and chemical samples, Medac Ltd are the UK’s best known supplier of high quality testing and determination systems that have proven to be effective and low in cost. Based in Surrey, our company was established in 1988, catering primarily for the pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology companies spread across the UK and beyond. All procedures we follow as a company meet the guidelines set out by our quality management system, which has been incorporated into each and every analytical project.

We at Medac Ltd offer a unique range of testing and analysis services that have been highly recommended by our customers for many years, some of which include;
  • Air Sensitives
  • CH&N Analysis
  • Sulfur Analysis
  • Oxygen Analysis
  • The Halogens
  • Metals (ICP)
  • Anions (IC)
  • Moisture Determination
  • Residue on Ignition / Ashing Methods
  • Other Services

Priding ourselves on being the UK’s number one chemical consultancy service, we at Medac Ltd believe that elemental micro analysis is absolutely essential for any laboratory-based establishment. Our main focus as a company is to offer dedicated customer service by utilising the latest analytical technologies with our extensive amount of experience that has been gained over the years. We also work within academic institutions to test samples safely and professionally, ensuring maximum efficiency across all projects. We analysis solids, liquids, oils, organics and inorganics, organometallic samples, metals and plant materials, using our impressive amount of knowledge and skill.

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