The sample is mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid (H?SO?) and a catalyst (usually selenium or copper) in this flask. The heat causes the organic nitrogen to break down and convert into ammonium sulfate (NH?)?SO?.
Distillation Apparatus:
After digestion, the ammonium ions are distilled. In the distillation step, the ammonia (NH?) is converted into an ammonium hydroxide solution by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and is then distilled into a receiving solution (usually boric acid or a weak acid).
Condenser:
A condenser cools the distillate to ensure that the ammonia gas is absorbed into the solution.
Titration Setup:
The ammonia in the distillate is titrated, typically with a standard acid solution like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or a similar reagent, to quantify the amount of nitrogen present in the sample.
Micro Distillation:
The "micro" aspect of the unit refers to its ability to handle smaller sample sizes and reagents, making it more efficient and suitable for limited sample amounts, improving precision and reducing costs in laboratories that deal with low sample quantities.
