TOTAL KJELDAHL NITROGEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL: HOW LABORATORIES CAN BENEFIT FROM AUTOMATION AND INCREASE THEIR OVERALL EFFICIENCY

09/05/2023

The need to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve data quality drives the request from laboratories for automation. The positive news is that not only new analytical methods and new instruments are part of this “revolution”, but also wet chemistry and reference analyses are affected, including the Kjeldahl analysis.

TOTAL KJELDAHL NITROGEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL: HOW LABORATORIES CAN BENEFIT FROM AUTOMATION AND INCREASE THEIR OVERALL EFFICIENCY

It was in the year 1883 when Johan Kjeldahl introduced his "New Method for the Determination of Nitrogen in Organic Bodies" to the Danish Chemical Society, revolutionizing complete nitrogen analysis and setting new standards. Determining the nitrogen content by using that method was faster and more accurate than any other technique available at the time.

Since then, thanks to its versatility, the Kjeldahl method, also known as the Kjeldahl nitrogen determination method, has become a common analytical procedure to determine nitrogen and proteins in organic material in a wide range of samples.

It is often used in the analysis of food, feed, beverages and agricultural products, in environmental testing and water quality analysis, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries as well as wherever the nitrogen content needs to be analyzed.

Today, in the determination of ammoniacal nitrogen, protein, nitrogen, nitric nitrogen, phenols, volatile acids, cyanides and alcohol content, laboratories can gain high throughput, more automation and sophisticated data management thanks to advanced Kjeldahl analyzers.

High automation levels with perfect process synchronization

The trend for automation in laboratories has increased in recent years. Why?

The need to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve data quality is driving this transformation. New technologies such as instruments for automated analysis, IoT and cloud platforms that control equipment even remotely and streamlined data management solutions that reduce the need for manual data entry, are addressing these requirements.

The positive news is that not only new analytical methods and new instruments are part of this “revolution”. Wet chemistry and reference analyses are affected, also Kjeldahl analysis!

Automation has become increasingly important within the laboratory, as it offers numerous benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, precision and productivity. An automated Kjeldahl system is an example of how automation is transforming high-throughput laboratory processes in the field of analytical chemistry.

Analytical chemistry involves the analysis of substances to determine their composition, structure, and properties, involving a series of complex and time-consuming steps that require a high degree of precision and accuracy. Traditional methods of analysis often involve manual procedures, which can be both time-consuming and prone to human error. Automation guarantees streamlining processes and reduces the potential for errors.

Organize lab activities effectively and efficiently

A faster turnaround times and increased productivity is possible by automating repetitive tasks, such as the autonomously loading of test tubes fed directly into the units, the auto removal of residues and the programmable addition of reagents (boric acid, water, sodium hydroxide).

When the throughput of laboratory tests increases thanks to the adoption of automated solutions, more samples can be analyzed in less time, freeing operator time for other activities and reducing costs associated with delays and backlogs.

This is also possible thanks to new technologies that allow laboratory staff to monitor and control instruments, results and processes even remotely.

Premium accuracy and precision

When working with automated digestion and distillation units it is possible to standardize laboratory procedures and methods. The standardization of analytical procedures provides the laboratory with greater consistency and repeatability, as well as with more accurate and reliable results.

In addition, by automating processes and data input (for example the sample weight) laboratories can overcome the typical issue of traditional manual procedures: human error.

Fewer errors due to manual transcription, a lower cost related to the correction of mistakes and simplified data management ensure consistent and reliable results, reducing the need for repeat testing and saving time and resources.

The importance of automation within the laboratory cannot be overstated

The Kjeldahl method involves a series of steps, including digestion, distillation, and titration, which can be time-consuming and require a high degree of precision.

VELP’s Kjeldahl apparatus has been designed to maximize automation, liberating laboratory staff and providing the best conditions for accurate and reproducible results.

The UDK 169 used in combination with the AutoKjel autosampler is capable of autonomously processing up to 24 samples that are automatically fed directly into the unit, reducing the time required for analysis and increasing overall throughput.

All these steps can be performed in accordance with the 21 CFR Part 11, to ensure the quality and incorruptibility of recorded data and the right delegation of responsibilities at the right level with the user management system with three access levels.