Thermal Energy Analyser (TEA)

A highly selective detector for nitrogen-containing and nitroso compounds.

The thermal energy analyser is designed for applications where compound level selectivity is required. It is widely used for the detection of nitrosamines, explosive residues, and other nitrogen-containing compounds, either as a standalone detector or as part of a wider analytical system.

 

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Highly selective detection

The thermal energy analyser responds specifically to nitrogen and nitroso compounds rather than the bulk of the sample.
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Trace-level sensitivity

The TEA is designed to measure very small signals.
This makes it suitable for applications where nitrogen compounds are present at very low concentrations.
Capable
Total or targeted detection

The TEA can be used on its own when total nitrogen detection is sufficient.
When combined with an Ellutia GC, it can also be used for more targeted, compound-level analysis.

 

A detector designed for specific questions

Some analyses require broad detection across many compound types. Others require a detector that responds only to a specific chemical feature, without generating signal from the rest of the sample. The thermal energy analyser is designed for the latter.

The TEA is commonly used where nitrogen or nitroso groups define the compounds of interest, such as in nitrosamine analysis or explosive residue detection. By focusing the detector response on these groups, it avoids much of the background response seen with more general detectors.

This approach makes the TEA particularly useful when results need to be interpreted quickly and confidently, without extensive data cleanup or secondary confirmation.

Built for selective detection
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Operating flexibility

The TEA can be configured to operate in different modes depending on the type of compounds being measured. This allows the detector response to be adjusted to suit the level of selectivity required.

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Standalone or with GC

The TEA can be used on its own when broader nitrogen detection is required. When combined with an Ellutia gas chromatograph, compounds can be separated before detection to provide more specific analytical information.

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Defined analytical scope

The TEA is typically used when compounds of interest share a common nitrogen-based functionality. This narrows the detector response compared to more general-purpose detection approaches.

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Compact footprint

The compact design allows the TEA to fit into standard laboratory environments without requiring dedicated space. This makes it easier to integrate into existing setups alongside other analytical equipment.

Typical applications and compounds

The thermal energy analyser is typically used in applications where nitrogen or nitrogen–oxygen functionality defines the compounds of interest. In these cases, selective detection can simplify interpretation and reduce response from unrelated components in the sample.

The TEA is commonly applied across areas such as:
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Nitrosamines

Compounds such as NDMA, NDEA, NDELA and related nitrosamines found in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food contact materials, and industrial processes.

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Explosive Residue

Nitroaromatic compounds, nitrate esters, and other nitrogen-containing explosive materials encountered in forensic and security investigations.

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Environmental

Applications where trace-level nitrogen-containing compounds need to be detected in complex matrices.

Operating modes

The thermal energy analyser can be configured to operate in different modes depending on the type of nitrogen compounds being measured. Each mode is designed to focus the detector response on a specific class of compounds, allowing the analytical approach to be matched to the question being asked.

Nitrogen Mode

In nitrogen mode, the TEA responds to nitrogen-containing compounds by converting their nitrogen content into a measurable signal. With the exception of molecular nitrogen, this response is largely independent of compound structure.

This makes nitrogen mode useful when the goal is to understand overall nitrogen content or to detect the presence of nitrogen-containing compounds without focusing on individual species.

 

Nitroso / Nitro Mode

Nitroso and nitro mode is used when analysis needs to focus specifically on compounds containing nitroso or nitro functional groups. These groups are selectively converted within the detector, producing a response that relates directly to their presence.

This mode is commonly used for applications such as nitrosamine analysis and explosive residue detection, where these functional groups define the compounds of interest.

 

Key specifications

The 800 Series TEA is designed to deliver selective nitrogen detection within a compact laboratory footprint. Key technical parameters are summarised below.

TEA_Dimensions

Dimensions
38 cm (H) × 38 cm (W) × 30 cm (D)

Weight
15 kg

Power supply
850 VA
115 V / 230 V, 50–60 Hz

Operating modes
Nitro, Nitroso, Nitrogen with Catalyst (820 series only)

Sensitivity
< 2 pg N/sec (Signal-to-noise ratio 3:1)

Selectivity
gN/gC > 10⁷

Linearity
10⁴

Connectivity
PC control via USB or RS232
Downloadable software included for method storage and control

Resources

The following resources provide more detail on how the 800 Series TEA is used in specific testing environments.

TEA Brochure

Download the brochure for full technical details, or speak with our team to discuss how the TEA could fit into your analytical workflow.

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Frequently Asked Questions