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Hach's Easy Chemistry - TKN

Background

TKN is the total concentration of organic nitrogen and ammonia. The original TKN method was developed by the Danish chemist Johan Kjeldahl in 1883. Today, TKN is a required parameter for regulatory reporting at many plants but is also used to provide a means of monitoring plant operations.

The traditional TKN method consists of digesting the sample at high temperatures for several hours with strong sulfuric acid and metal catalysts such as copper or mercury. Ultimately, the organic nitrogen is converted to ammonia for determination by a variety of analytical techniques. The analysis requires expensive, fragile equipment along with a large amount of laboratory space. In addition to the above limitations, the TKN method suffers from interferences that are not well understood and traditional methodologies have been unable to correct for these.

Real-time, Effective Process Control

TKN comprises one of the most challenging, dangerous, and labor- intensive tests that a wastewater operator performs. Regardless of your method of testing, do-it-yourself or outsourcing, related waste disposal and cost per test present substantial expense. Hach’s s-TKN method can help ease these headaches for under $4 per test. Performing a low-cost, safer TKN gives operators an improved tool for process control. Real-time results also eliminate the delay of outsourcing, giving a more effective tool for making necessary process adjustments. Additionally, with a nominal cost per test, the possibility of increased testing gives more optimal results.

Hach’s s-TKN Method

Simplified TKN contains everything needed to measure TKN in one box. The s-TKN Method uses TNTplus™ technology, offering safer pre-measured chemistries. The new s-TKN system:

  • Eliminates the use of hazardous mercury
  • Reduces operating expenses with costs under $4 per test-this represents an annual savings of over $550 compared to outsourcing TKN on a monthly basis
  • Minimizes training and equipment requirements
  • Takes ~ 1 hour total analysis time with minimal hands-on time

 

More about Hach Methods

One-Button Analysis with DR Spectrophotometers

TNTplus™ technology works exclusively with the Hach DR Family of Spectrophotometers (DR 2800™, DR 3900™, and DR 6000™). The chemistry vials require no preparation or glassware and enable the spectrophotometer to automatically recognize the testing method, eliminating the need to pre-program or create calibration curves. No blank is required, further reducing expense.


Spectrophotometer Selection Guide

TNTplus™ Data Sheet

TKN TNTplus