Difference Between Proximate and Ultimate Analysis

The key difference between proximate and ultimate analysis is that proximate analysis is the technique used to analyze the compounds in a mixture, whereas ultimate analysis is the technique used to analyze the elements present in a compound.

The proximate analysis involves the determination of the different compounds present in a mixture. The ultimate analysis involves the determination of the number and types of different chemical elements present in a particular compound. Therefore, these two analysis techniques are related to each other.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Proximate Analysis
3. What is Ultimate Analysis
4. Side by Side Comparison – Proximate vs Ultimate Analysis in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Proximate Analysis?

Proximate analysis is the process of determination of the presence of different compounds and their amounts in a mixture. This concept of proximate analysis was developed by Henneberg and Stohmann (German scientists) in 1860. The method of proximate analysis involves the partitioning of compounds into different categories depending on the chemical properties of these compounds. Mainly, there are six categories of compounds as moisture, ash, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extracts.

Proximate analysis techniques are mainly used in analyzing biological materials. E.g. decomposition of human consumable good into the constituents from which the goods are made of. It gives us a good approximation about the contents in the package and allows us to sell the goods cost-effectively. Also, it helps to verify the nutrient content in the package. Although it does not give the entire nutritional value of food, it gives an inexpensive way to determine the quality of food.

What is Ultimate Analysis?

Ultimate analysis is the process of determination of the different chemical elements present in a particular compound. This technique gives more comprehensive results compared to the proximate analysis process. The ultimate analysis tests moisture, ash, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen content of the sample to determine the elemental composition of the sample.

Difference Between Proximate and Ultimate Analysis

Figure 02: Composition Analysis of Natural Coal Mines

Each and every chemical element in the sample is analyzed through chemical routes, and the contents are expressed as percentages with respect to the total mass of the sample. This technique is often used in the coal and coke industry.

What is the Difference Between Proximate and Ultimate Analysis?

The key difference between proximate and ultimate analysis is that proximate analysis is the technique used to analyze the compounds in a mixture, whereas ultimate analysis is the technique used to analyze the elements present in a compound. In other words, the proximate analysis involves the determination of the different compounds present in a mixture. Meanwhile, the ultimate analysis involves the determination of the number and types of different chemical elements present in a particular compound. Usually, ultimate analysis gives more comprehensive results compared to the proximate analysis.

Below tabulation summarizes the difference between proximate and ultimate analysis.

Summary – Proximate vs Ultimate Analysis

Proximate analysis involves the determination of the different compounds present in a mixture. Meanwhile, the ultimate analysis involves the determination of the number and types of different chemical elements present in a particular compound. Therefore, the key difference between proximate and ultimate analysis is that proximate analysis is the technique used to analyze the compounds in a mixture whereas ultimate analysis is the technique used to analyze the elements present in a compound. Generally, ultimate analysis gives more comprehensive results compared to proximate analysis.

Reference:

1. “Proximate Analysis.” Proximate Analysis – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Available here.
2. “Analytical Techniques.” Analytical Techniques in Aquaculture Research, Available here.
3. “Proximate and Ultimate Analysis.” SGS.com, Available here.
4. “Ultimate Analysis.” Ultimate Analysis – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Available here.