Vario MAX Cube

Maximum performance with a minimal footprint

The vario MAX cube, a product of Elementar’s long tradition of advanced macro analyzer designs. These organic element analyzers are optimized for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur determination by high-temperature combustion in organic samples up to 5 g. It combines state-of-the-art electronics, software, and robotic innovations to deliver market-leading performance in analytical precision, reliability. It also excels in cost-efficiency and speed of analysis.

The vario MAX cube fully leverages the advantages of the Dumas combustion method. It is now the global standard for fast and accurate nitrogen determination in samples like agricultural products. For larger sample sizes of 1 g or more, it outperforms the traditional wet chemical Kjeldahl method in speed, safety, and environmental impact. The vario MAX cube clearly demonstrates this level of performance.

The instrument’s advanced performance reflects Elementar’s pioneering expertise in developing organic elemental analyzers. As the creator of the macro N analyzer in 1988, the world’s first combustion-type nitrogen analyzer for samples up to 3 g using reusable steel crucibles, Elementar has a proven track record. They design systems that handle the challenges of macro-sized samples with ease.

All of this expertise ensures that the vario MAX cube is able to deliver fast, stable and accurate performance every time.

Features: 

Suitable for the largest sample sizes
The vario MAX cube can handle sample weights of up to 5 g for CN analysis, or up to 500 mg for C and N in absolute terms, depending on the selected mode.

Long-lasting 90-position autosampler
The integrated autosampler uses 5 ml steel crucibles, capable of handling both solid and liquid samples, and designed for virtually unlimited use. The instrument automatically removes ash and allows reloading at any time, even during operation.

Unmatched speed of analysis
The vario MAX cube ensures high sample throughput by eliminating interruptions from blanks or recalibration, enabling it to move from sample to sample in under four minutes during N analysis.

Reliable precision
The vario MAX cube is precise enough to detect N at a rate of 5 ppm in beer, or 10 ppm of C in a soil sample.

Proven long-term stability
The instrument offers fully automated operation and can run unattended, even overnight, requiring only one blank value check per day.

Efficient water removal
A multistep condenser and Nafion® gas dryer allow the vario MAX cube to deliver prolonged periods of maintenance-free operation. This is true even when dealing with a continuous series of 2ml aqueous samples.

Specifications of the organic element analyzers:

Measuring method:
The vario MAX cube provides high-temperature combustion at up to 1,200 °C to enable gas analysis. N protein analysis follows the Dumas method, while CN analysis complies with AOAC, DIN/ISO, EN, and other international standards.

Easy sample handling:
Sample weighing can be performed using steel or ceramic reusable crucibles without any special pre-treatment. This method is suitable for both solid and liquid samples, handling quantities up to several grams or millilitres.

Clean, safe and fast:
Each analysis takes just a few minutes, achieving a physical separation of water and CO2 without any need for aggressive or toxic chemicals.

Large concentration range
:
From ppm to 100% or 500 mg absolute for C & N (depending on mode)
.

Low operational requirements
:
Running and maintaining a vario MAX cube can be achieved with only 1 m of laboratory working space, two operating gases and a single electrical connection.

Fully automated:
The instrument’s features an integrated 90-position sample changer, which can be controlled via a Windows PC. Optional software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 is also available.