Innovative microfilter crucible for thermogravimetric analysis

Benefits when performing analyses

The patented microliter filter crucible facilitates fast and reliable routine analyses, even when working with complex samples – thanks to the intelligent combination of filter and sample holder for TGA.

• High sample throughput: work steps otherwise required for conventional processes are eliminated. More samples can be processed per unit time.
• Fewer sample losses: particles to be investigated are separated directly and transferred straight to the analyzer without any detours. Sample losses and contamination are both significantly minimized, while detection limits are raised.
• More precise analytical results: the GKD stainless steel filter crucible for TGA and TED-GC/MS offers high filtration efficiency at 5 μm. This delivers more meaningful analytical results.
• Fewer work steps: thanks to the integrated filter function of the crucible, the risks associated with transferring the filter medium into a conventional TGA crucible are eliminated altogether. Following filtration, the sample can be used immediately for TGA or TED-GC/MS.

The TGA crucible from GKD increases the efficiency of the analytical work performed by research institutes, universities, independent analysis laboratories, and federal authorities. The results attained are also more meaningful.

Innovations and highlights

The innovative new TGA filter crucible is currently unrivaled in the market. It is the result of the joint research and development work of the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing  (BAM), the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), and GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG. The innovative architecture of the crucible and its features are precisely matched to the work steps employed in liquid analysis.

• Combined sample filter and sample container: the base, which is produced from optimized plain dutch weave (ODW), is connected directly to the fixture body.
• Test reports are also easy to trace thanks to the individual designation that is lasered onto each crucible.
• The crucible-specific ID eliminates any risk of confusion or mix-ups with other samples.

Reference process: microplastics analysis

Analysis of microplastics in liquids is often performed using processes that are both time-consuming and require costly sample preparation.

TED GC/MS has already made analytical processes significantly faster. However, this process becomes even more efficient with use of the innovative microfilter crucible:

• Time and cost savings for routine analyses
• Simpler analysis of liquids with low microplastic concentrations (such as quality control of water-based beverages, testing of treated wastewater)

The filtration mesh

The optimized dutch weave (ODW) from GKD is used as the filter medium. This stainless steel mesh is a further refinement of the plain dutch weave (PDW) used for ultrafine filtration.

• Geometric pore size: 5 µm
• Water permeability at dP 20,000 Pa: 2.40 l/cm²/min
• Air permeability at dp 200 Pa: 448 l/m²/s
• Air permeability at dp 127 Pa: 57 cfm/ft²
• Mesh thickness: 0.065 mm

The filter crucible

The innovative microfilter crucible is 100% tested and ready for immediate use. Its key specifications are listed below:

• Material: stainless steel 1.4404/14301
• Volume: 150 µl
• Diameter: 10.8 mm–10.9 mm
• Height: 9.05 mm
• Temperature resistance: up to 600°C

The microfilter crucible in research projects

The filter crucible for ultrafine filtration and analysis of liquids was developed within the scope of the research project entitled “Representative investigation strategies for an integrative system understanding of specific release of plastics into the environment” (RUSEKU) – which was sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). During this project, the benefits of the microfilter crucible were determined over a period of one year using microplastics analytics. Both the desired improvement in analytical accuracy and the significant time saving for lab work were tested and confirmed.

More about the research focus Plastics in the Environment
An initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research