The Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991

Distillation

6.4  Transfer an appropriate volume of 0.1 N, or 0.2 N, or 0.5 N sulphuric acid (3.2,3.3,3.4) to the collecting flask of the distillation apparatus, according to the presumed level of nitrogen; add a few drops of indicator solution (3.12.1 or 3.12.2). Taking precautions against the loss of ammonia, carefully add to the contents of the Kjeldahl flask (6.2 or 6.3) 100 ml sodium hydroxide solution (3.1). Mix well and connect immediately to the distillation apparatus. Heat the flask so that approximately 150 ml of the liquid are distilled in 30 minutes. At the end of this time, lower the collecting flask so that the tip of the condenser is above the surface of the liquid. Test the subsequent distillate by means of the indicator paper (3.13) to ensure that all the ammonia is completely distilled. Remove the source of heat. Titrate the excess acid with 0.2 N sodium hydroxide solution (3.5) to the end point of the indicator.