Tobacco Analysis

Tobacco analysis is vital in ensuring tobacco products meet regulatory standards for harmful substances and pollutants. By accurately measuring the levels of chemicals and contaminants, the analysis helps minimize the release of harmful substances during production and consumption. To meet industry demand, high-throughput automated systems with a focus on low detection limits and inline sample preparation are a valuable solution for testing laboratories.

Rapid Analysis of Tobacco and Nicotine

Continuous Flow Analyzers are ideal for routine tobacco analysis. Including high-temperature tests such as Total Sugars, up to six parameters can be simultaneously analyzed for fast, consistent results. Designed for laboratories both small and large, the AA500 segmented flow analyzer can run between 50 - 70 samples/hour. A modular concept makes maintenance easier and a large internal diameter sample pathway ensures the AA500 AutoAnalyzer stays free of clogging issues. Dialyzers are used for dilution and to compensate for any color interference.

Additionally, the QuAAtro segmented flow analyzer is a microflow high speed analyzer suited to high workloads or labs short on space. It uses less reagents & produces less waste while including many of the same features as the AA500.

Our Expertise

Automating wet chemistry methods can bring a previously unattainable level of sensitivity, speed, and precision to your tobacco & nicotine analysis. By selecting an automated analyzer designed and manufactured by SEAL Analytical you're joining tobacco laboratories around the world in choosing an analyzer designed specifically for environmental laboratories, and one that is supported by over 60 years of experience.

SEAL analyzers are supplied with detailed method descriptions, including reagent make up, flow diagrams and specific application notes. SEAL Analytical is actively involved in Coresta and can supply ISO and Coresta approved methodology, including the following:

CORESTA no. 85: Safer nicotine test method (total alkaloids) using KSCN – SEAL method G428
ISO/ DIS 15152 (CORESTA no. 35): Total alkaloids (measures nicotine by the CNCI/ sulphanilic acid method)
ISO/ DIS 15153 (CORESTA no. 37): Reducing substances (measures sugars by the ferricyanide method)
ISO/ DIS 15154 (CORESTA no. 38) Reducing carbohydrates (measures sugars by the PAHBAH method)
ISO/ DIS 15517 (CORESTA no. 36): Nitrate (hydrazine/NEDD method)

Developed specifically for tobacco analysis, multi-test methods allow you to measure multiple parameters using a single analytical cartridge (or manifold). When moving from one test to the next, only the reagents and the colorimeter filter need to be changed, saving time and money.

Available tobacco multi-test methods include:

MT24: Nitrate, total alkaloids, ammonia, chloride, TKN
MT25: Volatile bases, volatile acidity
MT26: Nitrate, TKN
G247: Reducing sugars, total sugar

Common Methods for Tobacco Analysis

Most SEAL AutoAnalyzer and QuAAtro methods are automated versions of standard manual methods. Approximately 40 to 90 samples can be analyzed per hour and several parameters can be measured from the same sample simultaneously. SEAL Analytical is actively involved with CORESTA and can supply ISO and CORESTA approved methodology. If you are looking for a specific application, please contact our sales team. Select a specific analyzer to discover more information including ranges and method references.