What applications is the TEA designed for?
The Thermal Energy Analyser (TEA) is a nitrogen chemiluminescence detector designed specifically for the analysis of nitrogen-containing compounds. It connects to a gas chromatograph and operates with near-infinite selectivity for nitrogen, meaning it responds to nitrogen-containing compounds and ignores everything else in the sample matrix.
That selectivity is what makes it the instrument of choice for nitrosamine analysis. Nitrosamines are a class of potentially carcinogenic compounds found at trace levels in a wide range of products, and detecting them accurately requires a detector that can pick them out from complex backgrounds without interference. The TEA does this reliably at sensitivities below 2 pg N/sec.
Where is the TEA used?
Pharmaceuticals: Nitrosamines impurity testing in active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished drug products is now a regulatory requirement under ICH M7 and related guidelines. The TEA is well established in this application.
Cosmetics: Regulatory scrutiny of Nitrosamines in cosmetic products is increasing. In the UK, updated SCCS guidance sets limits for nitrosamine contamination, with compliance deadlines driving demand for in-house testing capability.
Food and flavour: The TEA is used to test for Nitrosamines in cured meats, beer, and other food products where nitrosamine formation is a known risk.
Tobacco: Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are a well-established area of TEA application, including in smokeless tobacco and e-cigarette products.
Rubber and packaging: Nitrosamines can form in rubber articles and packaging materials that come into contact with food or skin, making TEA analysis relevant to compliance testing in these sectors.
Trace explosives: The TEA's sensitivity and selectivity for nitrogen-containing compounds makes it suited to the detection of trace explosive residues, including nitro-based compounds.
Operating modes
The 800 Series TEA operates in two standard modes. Nitro/Nitroso mode targets nitro and nitroso compounds specifically, with the pyrolyser selectable between 250 and 700°C. Nitrogen mode uses a separate catalytic pyrolyser at 850°C and detects all nitrogen-containing compounds except molecular N2. The 820 Series adds nitrogen mode with catalyst as standard.
Do you need to test for nitrosamines? Get in touch to discuss your application and we can advise on the right configuration.