Apollo SciTech's new AS-C6L DIC analyzer has been developed and tested for total dissolved inorganic carbon analysis in a variety of aquatic environments. Advantages of this DIC analyzer include the use of small sample volumes (0.5 – 3.5 mL) with a fast analytical rate (~ 3 minutes per analysis). Further, the system maintains a precision of ± 0.1% or better.

The AS-C6L DIC analyzer is comprised of a laser-based CO₂ detector (LI-7815, LI-COR, USA), a digital syringe pump for precise delivery of reagent and sample solutions (Tecan, Switzerland), a mass flow controller to accurately regulate the carrier gas flow rate, a specifically designed CO₂ stripping reactor that allows for an efficient and smooth stripping of CO₂ from the water sample, an electronic cooling system for removing moisture, and a computer communication assembly.

Our earlier model, AS-C3, which uses a non-dispersive infrared CO₂ detector (LI-7000, discontinued by manufacturer), has been used with high satisfaction by the community since 2000. While our innovative design principle remains the same, the AS-C6 (also uses LI-7000) and AS-C6L have several improvements:

1. A more efficient CO₂ stripping reactor is implemented.
2. A multi-sampler of one set of standards and 8 samples is used.
3. A better computer software with an optimized procedure is developed.