Analyzer with variable volume ballast chamber and method of analysis

A method of determining the concentration of elemental elements in a sample including the steps of:

• combusting a sample;
• collecting the byproduct gases of combustion in a variable volume ballast chamber;
• detecting the completion of combustion;
• and
• measuring the volume of gases collected by the variable volume ballast chamber upon completion of combustion.

A variable volume ballast chamber for the collection of byproducts of combustion comprising:

• a container having an interior wall and a movable piston positioned in said container in sealed engagement with said interior wall;
• said container including a sample gas inlet on one side of said piston and said inlet is coupled to an inlet valve;
• a sensor coupled to said piston for detecting the position of the piston;
• said container including a sample gas outlet on said one side of said piston, said sample gas outlet coupled to an outlet control valve;
• and
• said container including an inlet positioned on the opposite side of said piston for receiving a pressurized fluid for moving said piston to expel collected gases through said sample gas outlet upon application of pressure to said opposite side of said piston.

An elemental analyzer for the determination of the concentration of at least carbon and nitrogen comprising:

• a combustion furnace for receiving organic samples for combustion;
• a combustion detector coupled to said furnace for receiving byproducts of combustion from said combustion furnace for determining when combustion is completed;
• a variable volume ballast chamber coupled to said combustion furnace for receiving byproducts of combustion, said variable volume ballast chamber including a movable piston;
• and
• a control coupled to said combustion detector for the detection of the completion of combustion and sealing byproducts of combustion in said variable volume ballast chamber when combustion is completed.