2022 V-A346 Appendix IX A Appendix IX A. Determination of Sulfated Ash Use Method I unless otherwise directed. Method I (No Ph. Eur. method) Heat a platinum dish £0 redness for 10 minutes, allow to cool in a desiccator and weigh. Unless otherwise specified in the monograph, place 1 g of the substance being examined in the dish, moisten with suf/urie acid, ignite gently, again moisten with sulfuric acid and ignite at about 8000 • Cool, weigh again, ignite for 15 minutes and repeat this procedure until two successive weighings do not differ by more than 0.5 mg. sodium carbonate solution and gradually heat the liquid until it boils. Maintain the current of nitrogen or carbon dioxide, allow the solution to boil for about J 0 minutes and cool the flask by gradual immersion in water. Introduce, while momentarily removing the stopper of the flask, a weighed quantity of 50 to 100 g of the substance being examined, heat gently and boil for 45 minutes. Disconnect the absorption tubes before turning off the current of nitrogen or carbon dioxide and titrate the combined contents with O.IM sodium hydroxide VS. Each mL OrO.1M sodium hydroxide VS is equivalent to 3.203 mg of sulfur dioxide. Repeat the operation without the substance being examined. The solution in the absorption tubes remains neutral. Method II (ph. Eur. merhod 2.5.29) Method III EQUIPMENT (Ph. Eur. method 2.4.14) The apparatus as shown in Figure 2.5.29.-1 comprises: - a ground-glass 3-neck round-bottomed flask (Al; - a dropping funnel (B); - a reflux condenser (G)j - a receiving tube (D); - a transfer tube (E); - a gas pon. Ignite a suitable crucible (for example, silica, platinum, porcelain or quartz) at 600 ± 50°C for 30 min, allow to cool in a desiccator over silica gel or other suitable desiccant and weigh. Place the prescribed amount of the.substance to be examined in the crucible and weigh. Moisten the substance to be examined with a small amount of sulfuric acid R (usually 1 mL) and heal gently at as Iowa temperature as practicable until the sample is thoroughly charred. After cooling, moisten the residue with a smaU amount of sulfuri< acid R (usually 1 mL), heat gently until white fumes are no longer evolved and ignite at 600 ± 50°C until the residue is completely incinerated. Ensure that flames are not produced at any time during the procedure. Allow the crucible to cool in a desiccawr over silica gel or other suitable desiccant, weigh it again and calculate the percentage PROCEDURE Method Introduce 150 mL of warer R into lite flask (A) and equilibrate the whole system by passing carbon dioxide R for 15 min at a rate of about 100 mIJmin. E of residue. If the amount of the residue so obtained exceeds the prescribed limit, repeat the moistening with sulfuric acid R and ignition, as previously, for 30 min periods until 2 consecutive weighings do not differ by more than 0.5 mg or until the percentage of residue complies with the prescribed limb. D The amount of substance used for the test (usually 1-2 g) is chosen so that at the prescribed limit the mass of the residue (usually about 1 mg) can be measured with sufficient accuracy. B. Determination of Sulfur Dioxide Method I (No Ph. Eur. me/hod) Apparatus A round-bottomed flask of 1000- 10 1500-mL capacity is fitted with a water-cooled reflux condenser the upper end of which is connected to two absorption tubes in series. The flask is fitted with a gas inlet tube which reaches nearly to the bottom of the flask. Each absorption tube contains 10 mL of hydrogen peroxide solution (20 wi) previously neutralised willt O.lM sodium hydroxide VS using bromophenol bluesolution as indicator. Method Place in lite flask 500 mL of warer and 20 mL of hydrochloric acid. Pass through lite flask a steady current of nitrogen or carbon dioxide that has been bubbled through di/uce I This chapter has und~ phannacopoeiaJ hannonisation. S~ chapter 5.8 Phamuuqpoeial harmonisation. Figure 2.5.29.-1.- Appararus for the determination of su/fur dioxide rontenl www.webofpharma.com 2022 Appendix IX C V-A347 To 10 mL of dilute hydrogen peroxide solution R, add 0.15 mL of a I gIL solution of bromophenol blue R in ethanol (20 per cent V/~ R. Add 0.1 M sodium hydroxide until a violet-blue colour is obtained, without exceeding the end-point. Pour the solution into the receiving tube (D) and moum the tube on the apparatus as shown in Figure 2.5.29.-1. Without interrupting the stream of carbon dioxide, remove the dropping funnel (B) and introduce into the flask (A) 25.0 g (m ) of the substance to he examined, rinsing with 100 mL of water R. Replace the dropping funnel, close the tap and pour 80 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid R into the funnel. Open the tap to allow the hydrochloric acid solution to flow into me flask. Make sure that no sulfur dioxide escapes by closing the tap before the last few millilitres of hydrochloric acid solution drain OU[. Boil for 1 h. Open the tap of the dropping funnel then stop the flow of carbon dioxide . Transfer the contents of the receivingtube (D) to a 200 mL conical flask, rinsing the rube with a little water R. Heat on a water-bath for 15 min and allow to cool. Add 0.1 mL of a I gIL solution of bromophenol blue R in ethanol (20 per cent V/~ R and titrate with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide until the colour changes from yellow to violetblue (V,). Carry out a blank titration (V,). Results Calculate me content of sulfur dioxide, in parts per million, using the following expression: n 32 030x(V,- V,) x m VI V2 volume of tirranr used in the titration, in millilitresj volume of titrant used in the blank urraucn, in miUilitresi II molarityof the sodium hydroxidesolution used as titrant, in m moles per litrej mass of the sample. in gruns. C. Determination of Water Use Method IA unless otherwise directed. Method I Semi-micro Determination of Water (Ph. Bur. manod 2.5.12) The semi-micro determination of water is based upon the quantitative reaction of water with sulfur dioxide and iodine in a suitable anhydrous medium in the presence of a base with sufficient buffering capacity. APPARATUS The apparatus consists of a titration vessel with: - 2 identical platinum electrodes; - tight inlets for introduction of solvent and titrant; - an inlet for introduction of air via a desiccant; - a sample inlet fitted with a stopper Of, for liquids, a septum. Inlet systems for introduction of dry nitrogen or for aspiration of solvents may also be fitted. The titration is carried out according to the instrument supplier's instructions. Care is taken throughout the determination to avoid exposure of reagents and solvents to atmospheric moisture. The end-point is determined using 2 identical indicator electrodes connected to an electrical source that maintains between the electrodes either a constant current (2.2.65. Voitametl'k titration) or a constant voltage (2.2.19. Amperomerric tilration). Where direct titration is used (method A), addition of titrant causes either a decrease in voltage where constant current is maintained or an increase in current where constant voltage is maintained, until the end-point is reached. Instruments with automatic end-point detection are commonly used. Instrument qualification is carried out according to established quality system procedures, for example using a suitable certified reference material (sodium aminosalicylau dihydraufor C'/uipmen' qualifi<arion CRS may be used), STANDARDISATION To the titration vessel, add methanol R, dried if necessary, or the solvent recommended by the supplier of the titrant. Where applicable for the apparatus used) eliminate residual water from the measurement cell or carry out a pre-titration. Introduce a suitable amount of water in an appropriate form (water R or a certified reference material) and carry out the titration, stirring for the necessary time. The water equivalent is not less than 80 per cent of that indicated by the supplier. Standardise the titrant before the first use and at suitable intervals thereafter. Unless otherwise prescribed, use Method A. METHOD A Introduce into the titration vessel methanol R, or the solvent indicated in the monograph or recommended by the supplier of the titrant. Where applicable for the apparatus used, eliminate residual water from the measurement ceU or carry out a pre-titration. Introduce the substance to be examined rapidly and cany out the titration, stirring for the necessary extraction time. METHODB Introduce into the titration vessel methanol R, or the solvent indicated in the monograph or recommended by the supplier of the titrant. Where applicable for the apparatus used, eliminate residual water from the measurement cell or carry out a pre-titration. Introduce the substance to be examined rapidly and in a suitable state of division. Add an accurately measured volume of the titrant, sufficient to give an excess of about 1 mL or the prescribed volume. Allow to stand protected from light for 1 min or the prescribed time, with stirring. Titrate the excess of reagent using methanol R or the prescribed solvent, containing an accurately known quantity of water. SUITABIUTY The accuracy of the detennination with the chosen titrant must be verified for each combination of substance, titrant and solvent to be examined. The following procedure, given as an example, is suitable for samples containing 2.5-25 mg of water. The water content of the substance to be examined is determined using the reagent/solvent system chosen. Thereafter, in the same titration vessel, sequential known amounts of water, corresponding to about 50-100 per cent of the amount found in the substance to be examined, are added in an appropriate fonn (at least 5 additions) and the water content is determined after each addition. Calculate the percentage recovery (r) after each addition using the following expression: r=IOO WI W2 w, W, amount of water added, in mllllgrams; amount of water found, in milligrams. www.webofpharma.com 2022 V-A348 Appendix IX C Calculate the mean percentage recovery 0'). The reagem/solvent system is considered to be acceptable if' is between 97.5 percentand 102.5 percen. Calculate the regression line. The x-axis represents the cumulative water added whereas the y-axis represents the sum of the initial water content determined for the substance (M) and the cumulative water determined after each addition. Calculate the slope (b), the intercept with the y-axis (a) and the intercept of the extrapolated calibration line with the x-axis (d). Calculate the percentage errors (el and ~ using the following expressions: e, e, Q d M s c N IU a-M ~IOO-­ M = 1001dl~M they-axis intercept. in milligrams of water, me x-axis intercept, in milligrams of water; Willer content l)f Ihe subsrance, in rni.Ulgnuns of water. The reagentfsolvent system is considered to be acceptable if: - le,1 and le,l are not greater than 2.5 per cent; - b is between 0.975 and 1.025. Method II Determination of Water by Distillation (Ph. Eur. method 2.2.13) The apparatus (see Figure 2.2.13.-1) consists ofa glass flask (A) connected by a tube (D) to a cylindrical tube (B) filled with a graduated receiving tube (E) and reflux condenser (G). The receiving tube (E) is graduated in 0.1 mL. The source of heat is preferably an electric heater with rheostat control or an oil bath. The upper portion of the flask and the connecting tube may be insulated. Method Clean me receiving tube and the condenser of the apparatus, thoroughly rinse with water, and dry. Introduce 200 mL of toluene R and about 2 mL of water R into the dry flask. Distil for 2 h, then allow to cool for about 30 min and read the water volume to the nearest 0.05 mL. Place in the flask a quantity of the substance, weighed with an accuracy of 1 per cent, expected to give about 2 mL to 3 mL of water. H the substance has a pasty consistency, weigh it in a boat of metal foil. Add a few pieces of porous material and heal the flask gently for 15 min. When the toluene hegins to boil, distil at the rate of about two drops per second until most of the water has distilled over, men increase the rate of distillation to about four drops per second. When the water has all distilled over, rinse the inside of the condenser tube with toluene R. Continue the distiUation for 5 min, remove the heat, aUow the receiving tube to cool to room temperature and dislodge any droplets of water which adhere to the walls of the receiving tube. When the water and toluene have completely separated, read the volume of water and calculate the content present in the substance as millilitres per kilogram, using the formula: m R. R2 the mass in grams of the substance to be examined, the number of millilitres of water obtained in the lint: distiUauon. the total number of millilitres of water obtained in the 2 distillations. o B : s • , 3 E .... '" ~ 2 ! Gml '"'" A 165 I I I I I Figure 2.2.13.-1. - Apparatus for the detenninarion of water by disu"Ualion Dimensions in mi//imeeres Method III Coulometrlc TItration (ph. Eur. method 2.5.32) PRINCIPLE The coulometric titration of water is based upon the quantitative reaction of water with sulfur dioxide and iodine in an anhydrous medium in the presence of a base with sufficient buffering capacity. In contrast to the volumetric method described in general chapter 2.5.12. Water: semi-micro determination, iodine is produced electrochemically in the reaction cell by oxidation of iodide. The iodine produced at www.webofpharma.com Appendix IX D V-A349 2022 the anode reacts immediately with the water and the sulfur dioxide contained in the reaction cell. The quantity of water in the substance is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity (in coulombs), corresponding to electric current (in amperes) multiplied by time (in seconds), used for iodine generation up until the titration end-point. When all of the water in me reaction cell has been consumed, the end-point is reached and thus an excess of iodine appears. 1 mole of iodine corresponds to 1 mole of water, an amount of electricity of 10.71 C corresponds to 1 mg of water. Moisture is eliminated from the reaction cell by pre-titration, i.e. the electrolyte reagent is titrated to dryness before starting the sample analysis. Individual determinations can be carried out successively in the same reagent solution) under the following conditions: each component of the test mixture is compatible with me other components; - no other reactions take place; - the volume and the water capacity of the electrolyte reagent are sufficient. Coulornetric titration is intended for the quantitative determination of small quantities of water (from 10-llg), however a working range of 100 J.tg to 10 mg of water is recommended for reproducibility reasons. Accuracy and precision of the method are predominantly governed by the sample preparation and the extent to which atmospheric moisture is excluded from the system. Control of the system must be monitored by measuring the amount of baseline drift. - APPARATUS The apparatus consists of a reaction cell, electrodes and a magnetic stirrer. The reaction cell consists of a large anode companment and a smaller cathode compartment. Depending on the design of the electrode, both compartments can be separated by a diaphragm. Each compartment contains a platinum electrode. liquid or solubilised samples are introduced through a septum, using a syringe. Alternatively, an evaporation technique may be used in which me sample is heated in an oven and the water is evaporated and carried into the cell by means of a stream of dry inert gas. The introduction of solid samples into the cell should in general be avoided. However, if it has to be done it is effected through a sealable port; appropriate precautions must be taken to avoid the introduction of moisture from air, such as working in a glove box in an atmosphere of dry inert gas. The analytical procedure is controlled by a suitable electronic device, which also displays the results. Instrument qualification is carried out according to established quality system procedures, for example using a suitable certified reference material. Sodium aminosalicylau dihydrate for equipmen, qualification CRS may be used when proceeding by direct or liquid sample introduction, whereas amoxicilJin lrihydrate for performance verifica.wn CRS may be used with the evaporation technique. METIIOD Fill the compartments of the reaction cell with e/e<lrolyte reagent for the micro determination 0/ WtUer' R according to the manufacturer's instructions and perform the coulometric pretitration to a stable end-point. Introduce the prescribed quantity of the substance to be examined into the reaction cell and titrate again to a stable end-point, stirring for at least 30 s, unless otherwise indicated in the monograph. If an oven is used, me prescribed quantity of sample is introduced into the oven and heated. After evaporation of the water from the sample into the reaction cell, the titration is started. Alternatively, the evaporated moisture is immediately titrated while heating the sample in the oven to avoid loss of evaporated water already collected in the reagent solution during prolonged heating. Read the value from the instrument's output and calculate if necessary me percentage or quantity of water that is present in the substance. When appropriate to the type of sample and the sample preparation, perform a blank titration. VERIFICATION OF ACCURACY At appropriate intervals, such as at least at the beginning and the end of a series of sample titrations, introduce a defined quantity of water, in the same order of magnitude as the quantity of water in the sample, using a suitable certified reference material and perform the coulometric titration. The recovery is within the range of 97.5 per cent to 102.5 per cent for an addition of 1000 ~g of H 2 0 and within the range of 90.0 per cent to 110.0 per cent for the addition of 100 ~g of H 2 0 . D. Determination of Loss on Drying (Ph. Eur. method2.2.32) PRINCIPLE Loss on drying is the loss of mass after drying under specified conditions, calculated as a percentage (mlm). Drying to constant mass means that 2 consecutive weighings do not differ by more than 0.5 mg, the 2n d weighing following an additional period of at least 30 min of drying under the conditions prescribed for the substance to be examined. EQUIPMENT The equipment typically consists of: - weighing bottles that are made of suitable inert material and can easily be dried to constant mass; their diameter is large enough so that the layer of the substance to be examined does not exceed about 5 mm; - an analytical balance by which it is possible to determine a change in mass of 0.1 mg; - depending on the procedure to be applied, a desiccator) a vacuum cabinet, a vacuum oven or an ordinary laboratory oven; in any case, the temperature of ovens is adjustable to the specified temperature ± 2 °Cj vacuum ovens in which the pressure can at least be reduced to about 2 kPa are suitable; ovens are qualified according to established quality system procedures, for example by using a suitable certified reference material (sodium aminosalicylate dihydrate for equipment qualificalion CRS may be used). Equipment using other means of drying such as microwaves) halogen lamps, infrared lamps or mixed technologies may be used provided they are demonstrated to be fit for purpose. PROCEDURE It is recommended to perform the test in an environment that has minimal impact on sample measurement (e.g. humidity). Weigh an empty weighing bottle that has been previously dried under the conditions prescribed for me substance to be examined for at least 30 min, then weigh the weighing bottle filled with the prescribed quantity of substance to be examined. Dry to constant mass or for the prescribed time. Where the drying temperature is indicated by a single value rather than a range, drying is carried out at the prescribed www.webofpharma.com V-A3S0 Appendix IX E 2022 temperature ± 2°C. Use one of the following procedures, unless otherwise prescribed in the monograph. - a If-tube (U,) containing 30 g of reaystallised iodine pentoxide R in granules, previously dried at 200°C and - In a desiccator: the drying is carried out over about 100 g of molecular sieve R at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature. - In vacuo: the drying is carried out over about 100 g of molecular sieve-R-at-a pressure not exceeding 2.5 kPa, at room temperature or at the temperature prescribed in the monograph. - In an oven at a specified temperature: the drying is carried out at annospheric pressure in an oven at the temperature prescribed in the monograph. After drying in an oven, allow the weighing bottle and the sample to cool to room temperature in a desiccator and weigh the weighing bottle containing the dried sample. The mass of the sample is the difference between the mass of the filled weighing bottle and the mass of the dried empty weighing bottle. The loss on drying is the difference in the mass of the sample before and after drying, expressed as a percentage) mlm being implicit. kept at a temperature of 120 °C (1) during the test; the iodine pentoxide is packed in the robe in 1 ern columns separated by 1 em columns of glass wool to give an effective length of 5 cm; - a reaction tube (F2 ) containing 2.0 mL of poeassium iodide solution Rand 0.15 mL of starch solutUm R. Method Flush the apparatus with 5.0 L of argon R and, if necessary, discharge the blue colour in the iodide solution by adding the smallest necessary quantity of freshly prepared 0.002 M sodium thiosulfate. Continue flushing until not more than 0.045 mL of 0.002 M sodium thiosul/a,. is required after passage of 5.0 L of argon R. Pass the gas to be examined from the cylinder through the apparatus, using the prescribed volume and the flow rate. Flush the last traces of liberated iodine into the reaction tube by passing through the apparatus 1.0 L of argon R. Titrate the liberated iodine with 0.002 M sodium thiosulfate. Carry out a blank test, using the prescribed volume of argon R. The difference between the volumes of 0.002 M sodium thiosulfate used in the titrations is not greater than the prescribed limit. METHODD Gases absorb light at one or more specific wavelengths. This property is widely used to aUow highly selective measurement of their concentrations. E. Limit Test for Carbon Monoxide in Medicinal Gases Description and principle of measurement The concentration of carbon monoxide in other gases can be determined using an infrared analyser. The infrared analyser generally consists of a light source emitting broadband infrared radiation, an optical device, a sample cell and a detector. The optical device may be positioned either before or after the sample cell; it consists of one or several optical filters, through which the broadband radiation is passed. The optical device in this case is selected for carbon monoxide. The measurement light beam passes through the sample cell and may also pasa througb a reference cell if the analyser integrates such a feature (some use an electronic system instead of a reference cell). (ph. Bur. method 2.5.25) METHOD I Apparatus The apparatus (Figure 2.5.25.-1) consists of the foUowing parts connected in series: - • Ll-tube (U,) containing anhydrous ri&a gel R impregnated with chromium trWxide Rj - a wash bottle (F,) containing 100 mL of a 400 gIL solution of potassium hydroxide R; a Uctube (U2 ) containing pellets of poUlSSium hydroxide R; a U-tube (U.) containing diphosphoTUS pemoxide R dispersed on previously granulated, fused pumice; U1 F1 U2 U3 U4 F2 o o II II II ~ 11-'1·- -= I 1-. 100 m ::1 j_- _1,--I,,1--, _.1- Figure 2.5.25.-1. - Apparatus for the determination of carbon monoxide Dimensions in millimetres www.webofpharma.com Appendix IX G V-A3S1 2022 When carbon monoxide is present in the sample cell, absorption of energy in the measurement light beam will occur according to the Beer-Lambert law and this produces a change in the detector signal. This measurement signal is compared to a reference signal to generate an output related to the concentration of carbon monoxide. The generated signal is linearised in order to obtain the carbon monoxide concentration. To prevent the entry of particles into the sensors, which could cause stray-light phenomena, the apparatus is fitted with a suitable filter. Required technical specifications When used for a limit test, the carbon monoxide infrared analysermeets me following technical specifications: - lim;' 0/detection: (generaUy defined as a signal-to-noise me ratio of 2) maximum 20 per cent of maximum admissible concentration; - repeatability: maximum relative standard deviation of 10 per cent of the maximum admissible concentration, determined on 6 measurements; - linean'ty: maximum 10 per cent of the maximum admissible concentration. The technical specifications must be met in the presence of the other gas impurities in the sample. F. Determination of Carbon Dioxide in Medicinal Gases broadband radiation is passed. The optical device in this case is selected for carbon dioxide. The measurement light beam passes through the sampJe cell and may also pass through a reference cell if the analyser integrates such a feature (some use an electronic system instead of a reference ceJl). When carbon dioxide is present in the sample cell, absorption of energy in the measurement light beam will occur according to the Beer-Lambert law and this produces a change in the detector signal. This measurement signal is compared to a reference signal to generate an output related to the concentration of carbon dioxide, The generated signal is linearised in order to obtain the carbon dioxide concentration. To prevent the entry of particles into the sensors, which could cause stray-light phenomena, the apparatus is fitted with a suitable filter. Required technical specifications When used for a Jimit test, the infrared analyser meets the following technical specifications: - limit of detection: (generally defined as a signal-to-noise ratio of 2) maximum 20 per cent of the maximum admissible concentration; - repeatability: maximum relative standard deviation of ] 0 per cent of the maximum admissible concentration, determined on 6 measurements; - linean·ty: maximum J 0 per cent of the maximum admissibJe concentration. The technical specifications must be met in the presence of the other gas impurities in the sample. (Ph. Eur. method 1.5.24) Gases absorb light at one or more specific wavelengths, This property is widely used to allow highly selective measurement of their concentrations, Descrlpdon and principle of measurement The concentration of carbon dioxide in other gases can be determined using an infrared analyser. The infrared analyser generally consists of a light source emitting broadband infrared radiation, an optical device, a sample cell and a detector. The optical device may be positioned either before or after the sample cell and it consists of one or several optical filters, through which the G. Determination of Nitrogen Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide in Medicinal Gases (ph. Eur. method 1.5.16) Nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in gases are determined using a chemiluminescence analyser (Figure 2.5.26.-1). The apparatus consists of the following: - a device for filtering, checking and controlling the flow of the gas to be examined, Sample now control Converter NO N02~ Reaction chamber Opllcal filler IRefrigeraled chamber ~- -0- Filter 10eliminate ozone Photomultiplier lube Ozone generator ~---10 system . Controls - NO - (NO+NO,) cycle NO (NO+NO,) NO, Figure 2.5.26.-J. - Chemiluminescence analyser www.webofpharma.com V-A352 Appendix IX H - - - a converter that reduces nitrogen dioxide (0 nitrogen monoxide) [Q determine the combined content of nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. The efficiency of the convener has to be verified prior to use, a controlled-flow-rate ozone generator; the ozone is produced by high-voltage electric discharges across two electrodes; the ozone generator is supplied with pure oxygen or with dehydrated ambient air and the concentration of ozone obtained must greatly exceed the maximum content of any detectable nitrogen oxides, a chamber in which nitrogen monoxide and ozone can react, - a system for detecting light radiation emitted at a wavelength of 1.2 JIm, consisting of a selective optical filter and a photomultiplier tube. H. Determination of Oxygen in Medicinal Gases (ph. Bur. method 2.5.27) Oxygen in gases is determined using a paramagnetic analyser. The principle of the method is based on the high paramagnetic sensitivity of the oxygen molecule. Oxygen exerts a strong interaction on magnetic fields, which is measured electronically, amplified and converted to a reading of oxygen concentration. The measurement of oxygen concentration is dependent upon the pressure and temperature and, if the analyser is not automatically compensated for variations in temperature and pressure, it must be calibrated immediately prior to use. As the paramagnetic effect of oxygen is linear, the instrument must have a suitable range with a readability ofO.t per cent or better, Calibration of the instrument Make the setting in the following manner: - set the zero by passing nitrogen RJ through the instrument until a constant reading is obtained; - set the scale 10 100 per cent by passing oxygen R through the instrument at the same flow rate as for nitrogen RJ until a constant reading is obtained. Assay Pass the gas to he examined through the instrument at a constant flow rate until a constant reading is obtained. Record the concentration of oxygen in the gas to be examined. . J. Determination of Water in Medicinal Gases (ph. Bur. method 2.5.28) Water in gases is determined using an electrolytic hygrometer, described below. The measuring cell consists of a thin film of diphosphorus pentoxide, between 2 coiled platinum wires which act as electrodes. The water vapour in the gas to be examined is absorbed by the diphosphorus pentoxide, which is transformed to phosphoric acid, an electrical conductor. A continuous voltage applied across the electrodes produces electrolysis of the water and the regeneration of the diphosphorus pentoxide. The resulting electric current, which is proportional to the water content in the gas to be 2022 examined, is measured. This system is self-calibrating since it obeys Faraday's law. Take a sample of the gas to be examined. Allow the gas to stabilise at room temperature. Purge the cell continuously until a stable reading is obtained. Measure the water content in the gas to be examined, making sure that the temperature is constant throughout the device used to introduce the gas into the apparatus. The electrolytic hygrometer achieves accurate sample flows by using a mass flow controller to deliver a constant volumetric flow rate to ensure that the water content is determined accurately. The calibration of the mass flow controller is normally performed using nitrogen. When using gases other than nitrogen for calibration, consult the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate conversion factors and ensure that the correct cell is used for the type of gas to be examined. K. Gas Detector Tubes (Ph. Bur. method 2.1.6) Gas detector tubes are cylindrical) sealed tubes consisting of an inert transparent material and are constructed to allow the passage of gas. They contain reagents adsorbed onto inert substrates that are suitable for the visualisation of the substance to be detected and, if necessary, they also contain preliminary layers and/or adsorbent filters to eliminate substances that interfere with the substance to be detected. The layer of indicator contains either a single reagent for the detection of a given impurity or several reagents for the detection of several substances (monolayer tube or multilayer tube). The test is carried out by passing the required volume of the gas to be examined through the indicator tube. The length of the coloured layer or the intensity of a colour change on a graduated scale gives an indication of the impurities present. The calibration of the detector tubes is verified according to the manufacturer's instructions. Operating conditions Examine according to the manufacturer's instructions or proceed as follows. The gas supply is connected to a suitable pressure regulator and needle valve. Connect the flexible tubing fitted with a Y -piece to the valve and adjust the flow of gas to be examined to purge the tubing in order to obtain an appropriate flow (Figure 2.1.6.-1). Prepare the indicator tube and fit to the metering pump, following the manufacturer's instructions. Connect the open end of the indicator tube to the short leg of the tubing and operate the pump by the appropriate number of strokes to pass a suitable volume of gas to be examined through the tube. Read the value corresponding to the length of the coloured layer or the intensity of the colour on the graduated scale. If a negative result is achieved, indicator tubes can be verified with a calibration gas containing the appropriate impurity. In view of the wide variety of available compressor oils, it is necessary to verify the reactivity of the oil detector tubes for the oil used. Information on the reactivity for various oils is given in the leaflet supplied with the tube. If the oil used is not cited in the leaflet, the tube manufacturer must verify the reactivity and if necessary provide a tube specific for this oil. Arsine detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for the gold salt or other appropriate indicator. www.webofpharma.com 2022 Appendix IX M V-A353 The minimum value indicated is 0.25 ppm or less, with a relative standard deviation of at most 20 per cent. Carbon dioxide detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for hydrazine and crystal violet indicators. The minimum value indicated is 100 ppm with a relative standard deviation of at most 15 per cent. Carbon monoxide detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for di-iodine pentoxide, selenium dioxide and fuming sulfuric acid indicators. The minimum value indicated is 5 ppm or less, with a relative standard deviation of at most 15 per cent. Hydrogen sulfide detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for an appropriate lead salt indicator. The minimum value indicated is 0.2 ppm or less, with a relative standard deviation of at most 10 per cent. Nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable support. for an oxidelng layer (Cr(Vl) salt) and the diphenylbenzidine indicator. The minimum value indicated is 0.5 pp~ with a relative standard deviation of at most 15 per-cent. Oil detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for the sulfuric acid indicator. The minimum value indicated is 0.1 mglm3 with a relative standard deviation of at most 30 per cent. Phosphine detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for the gold salt or other appropriate indicator. The minimum value indicated is 0.2 ppm or less, with a relative standard deviation of at most 20 per cent. Sulfur dioxide detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for the iodine and starch indicator. The minimum value indicated is 0.5 ppm with a relative standard deviation of at most 15 per cent. Water vapour detector tube Sealed glass tube containing adsorbent filters and suitable supports for the magnesium perchlorate indicator. The minimum value indicated is 67 ppm or less, with a relative standard deviation of at most 20 per cent. 2 3 4 }---{>(1--G"<I------,------7 5 6 I. Gas supply 2. Pressure regulator 3. Needle valve 4. V-pioce 5. Indicator tube 6. Indicator rube pump 7. End open to atmosphere Figure 2.1.6.-1. - Apparatus fqr gas detector tubes L. Determination of Nitrous Oxide in Gases (ph. Eur. method 2.5.35) Gases absorb light at one or more specific wavelengths. This property is widely used to allow highly selective measurement of their concentrations. Description and principle of measurement The concentration of nitrous oxide in other gases can be determined using an infrared analyser. The infrared analyser generally consists of a light source emitting broadband infrared radiation) an optical device, a sample cell and a detector. The optical device may be positioned either before' or after the sample cell and it consists of one or several optical filters, through which the broadband radiation is passed. The optical device in this case is selected for nitrous oxide. The measurement light beam passes through the sample cell and may also pass through a reference cell if the analyser integrates such a feature (some use an electronic system instead of a reference cell). When nitrous oxide is present in the sample cell, absorption of energy in the measurement light beam will occur according to the Beer-Lambert law and this produces a change in the detector signal. This measurement signal is compared to a reference signal to generate an output related to the concentration of nitrous oxide. The generated signal is linearised in order to obtain the nitrous oxide concentration. To prevent the entry of particles into the sensors) which could cause stray-light phenomena) the apparatus is fitted with a suitable filter. M. Water-Solid Interactions: Determination of Sorption.Deso~tion Isotherms and of Water Activity (Ph. Eur. method 2.9.39) INTRODUCTION Pharmaceutical solids as raw materials or as constituents of dosage forms most often come in contact with water during processing and storage. This may occur (a) during , crystallisation, Iyophilisation, wet granulation) or spray drying; and (b) because of exposure upon handling and storage to an atmosphere containing water vapour or exposure to other materials in a dosage fonn that contain water capable of distributing it to other ingredients. Some properties known to be altered by the association of solids with water include rates of chemical degradation in the "solid-state", crystal growth and dissolution, dispersibility and wetting) powder flow, lubricity, powder compactibility, compact hardness and microbial contamination. Although precautions can be taken when water is perceived to be a problem, i.e. eliminating all moisture, reducing contact with the atmosphere) or controlling the relative humidity of the atmosphere, such precautions generally add expense to the process with no guarantee that during the life of the product further problems associated with moisture will be avoided. It is also important to recognise that there are many situations where a certain level of water in a solid is required for proper performance) e.g. powder compaction. I 17Iis chapter has undergone ph~a1 harmtmisation. Su chapter 5.8. Pharmacopoeial hannonisotion. www.webofpharma.com