Torch Combustion TOC Analyzer by Teledyne Labs

"We have been pleased with the Torch. There have been some issues, but they were easy to fix ourselves due to the machines simplicity. We are not looking at low levels of C, so it does a very nice job for us. The TN portion could be improved, however, again we are looking at higher values since we are reading soil extracts. For the price at purchase we have been very pleased with this instrument."

"These Torch analyzers have been junk from day one. We bought two and attempted to connect them to a PC via two Serial ports. The analyzers kept loosing their connection so we switch to and Ethernet connection which worked better but is still not rock solid. We also had reliability issues with the auto-sampler, both of them failed and Tekmar will not repair them. They force you to buy a complete new sampler at a very high cost when it is clear that the problem is a ten dollar gear. The last straw however is that the analyzers will not hold a calibration for more than a few days. We tried everything because we like the form and function of the analyzers. We tried several versions of their catalysts, we tried Shimadzu catalyst, I designed a new combustion tube and had it made locally. Nothing worked and their service guys could not make it work either. We are in the process of trying to get them to buy them back."

"I would not recommend this product to anyone wishing to look at concentrations below 1 ppm TOC. The advertised MDL of 0.05 ppm is an absolute fabrication. The total nitrogen unit could not achieve reliable numbers until we got 99.9999% pure oxygen. The two extra nines were like exponents on the price."

"This is much easier to use than the old Schimadzu. Software is easy to navigate, you can add samples while in run mode without stopping. Maintenance is easy with everything in view. The TN module is nice but you must remember to turn the unit on before analysis or you do not get any results. I would recommend this equipment. The service people are very helpful and pleasant to deal with also. "

"The Torch did not perform to specification. Within a week, many issues had arisen. There were errors which would cause the analysis reps to be poor. The unit would freeze up to where I'd have to manually flip the power off to get the unit to unfreeze. Teledyne was notified immediately and they went to work to build another Torch TN and create a method for us that worked. Later, Teledyne notified me that the unit they had at their location was having the same issues! I abandoned TN analysis until the new unit arrived. One day, only 4 weeks after installation, it didn't pass the calibration check. The catalyst was completely broken down, combustion tube horribly etched, inside caked over with crust and the injection needle severely corroded! Even if they fixed the errors, I'd still have to wait for these parts for 3-4 weeks. I am sending the unit back and asking for a refund."