2013 Titrator Product Survey

While titration is a basic analytical method, titrators are specialized instruments that perform titrations with minimal operator intervention. They can thus minimize errors, improve throughput, and facilitate documentation. There are two major titrator types: potentiometric acid-based designs and Karl Fischer titrators.

| 2 min read

While titration is a basic analytical method, titrators are specialized instruments that perform titrations with minimal operator intervention. They can thus minimize errors, improve throughput, and facilitate documentation. There are two major titrator types: potentiometric acid-based designs and Karl Fischer titrators.

Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Titrator

  1. How precise is the titrant delivery system? Is the titrant delivery system certified for accuracy?
  2. Can additional titrants be used without having to purge burettes?
  3. What information is included in the titrator’s display and reports?
  4. Is the titrator limited to proprietary electrodes? What is the replacement cost for electrodes?
  5. Is the software field upgradeable?
  6. What is the service and repair policy?
    • Is on-site support offered?
    • If something goes wrong with the meter, can it be fixed locally?
    • What is the general turnaround time for repair?

Respondents are using the following titration methods in their labs:

Automated titration57%
Manual titration43%

Respondents are using the following types of titrators in their labs:

Potentiometric57%
Karl Fischer Coulometric49%
Karl Fischer Volumetric40%
Other8%

Survey respondents are currently using the following titrator components:

Autosampler32%
Karl Fischer oven21%
Evaporator10%
Homogenizer6%
Other16%

Survey respondents currently inspect their titrators with the following frequency:

Before every use38%
Weekly16%
Monthly7%
Quarterly10%
Every six months8%
Annually15%
Don’t know5%

Top ten features/factors survey respondents look for when buying a titrator:

Accuracy100%
Reliability95%
Low maintenance95%
Ease of use88%
Operating cost83%
Service and support80%
Price76%
Warranty73%
Speed68%
Data management62%

Readers’ labs have encountered the following problems that affected titrations:

Misjudging the color of the indicator near the end point40%
Leaking burette40%
Using solutions of wrong concentration27%
Misreading the volume25%
Not filling burette properly22%
Using contaminated solutions21%
Using dirty glass19%
Using diluted titrant and diluted titrated solution14%
Titrating at the wrong temperature10%
Losing solution8%
Rinsing burette and/or pipette with the wrong solution6%
Other3%

For more information on titrators, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/titrators

See the most recent survey results here

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