What is gravimetric analysis?
Gravimetric analysis is a chemical technique to measure a substance's mass. The method relies on the principle that all substances have a mass and can be measured. In gravimetric analysis, a known mass of the substance is weighed and then transferred to a vessel. The vessel is then heated until the substance is vaporized. The vaporized substance is then collected and weighed. It allows the calculation of the mass of the original sample.
Application of Gravimetric Analysis
1. The solvent extraction-gravity method can quickly determine fat content and compare samples.
2. To determine inorganic anions and cations
3. Determination of SO2, CO2, and iodine
4. To diagnose organic matter by a gravimetric method, such as determining cholesterol in wheat, corn, and barley with salicylate pesticides to make lactose, a drug of milk products.
5. It is used to calibrate other instruments because this technique can quickly provide precise and widely correct data.
6. To determine the nickel content of stainless steel.
7. Mg2+ levels in water and wastewater are determined.
8. A direct volatilization gravimetric analysis is used to assess the inorganic ash content of organic material, such as a polymer.
9. The most familiar use of volatilization gravimetry is to determine the elements in organic materials.
Application of Gravimetric Analysis in different sector
1. Purity Analysis
- Pharmaceuticals: Used to determine the purity of drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Chemical Reagents: Ensures reagents meet purity standards for research and industrial use.
2. Environmental Monitoring
- Water Analysis: Quantifies pollutants such as sulfates, chlorides, or phosphates in water bodies.
- Air Quality Control: Measures particulate matter (PM) in air filters to assess air pollution levels.
3. Cement and Construction Materials
- Silica Content: Analyzes the amount of silica (SiO₂) in construction materials.
4. Mining and Metallurgy
- Ore Composition Analysis: Determines the metal content (like iron, nickel, or copper) in ores.
- Control of Smelting Processes: Helps monitor impurities like sulfur or silica during extraction and refining.
5. Food Industry
- Moisture Content Determination: Evaluates moisture levels in food products to ensure quality and shelf life.
- Ash Content Analysis: Measures inorganic content after burning food samples, indicating mineral composition.
6. Fertilizer Analysis
- Nutrient Determination: Measures phosphate, potassium, and other elements to assess fertilizer quality.
7. Batteries and Electronics Industry
- Lithium and Other Elemental Estimations: Used in the production and quality control of batteries.
- Electrode Composition Analysis: Monitors precise chemical content of cathode or anode materials.
8. Forensic and Archaeological Investigations
- Soil and Material Analysis: Determines the elemental content of samples for comparison or historical studies.
- Toxicology: Helps detect inorganic poisons, such as heavy metals, by isolating and weighing precipitates.