The fuse of the ashless filter paper containing the sample is placed within this focused area and ignites the sample. The sample has previously been placed within the ashless filter paper flag inside a platinum basket. The basket is hung inside a schoniger flask within which there is an oxygen rich environment. The sample is fully combusted within a few seconds once the pre-timed ignition sequence is activated. The flask contains an absorbent liquid which absorbs the combustion products prior to final determination via titration, ion chromatography etc.