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
- How precise is the titrant delivery system? Is the titrant delivery system certified for accuracy?
- Can additional titrants be used without having to purge burettes?
- What information is included in the titrator’s display and reports?
- Is the titrator limited to proprietary electrodes? What is the replacement cost for electrodes?
- Is the software field upgradeable?
- 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 titration |
57% |
| Manual titration |
43% |
Respondents are using the following types of titrators in their labs:
| Potentiometric |
57% |
| Karl Fischer Coulometric |
49% |
| Karl Fischer Volumetric |
40% |
| Other |
8% |
Survey respondents are currently using the following titrator components:
| Autosampler |
32% |
| Karl Fischer oven |
21% |
| Evaporator |
10% |
| Homogenizer |
6% |
| Other |
16% |
Survey respondents currently inspect their titrators with the following frequency:
| Before every use |
38% |
| Weekly |
16% |
| Monthly |
7% |
| Quarterly |
10% |
| Every six months |
8% |
| Annually |
15% |
| Don’t know |
5% |
Top ten features/factors survey respondents look for when buying a titrator:
| Accuracy |
100% |
| Reliability |
95% |
| Low maintenance |
95% |
| Ease of use |
88% |
| Operating cost |
83% |
| Service and support |
80% |
| Price |
76% |
| Warranty |
73% |
| Speed |
68% |
| Data management |
62% |
Readers’ labs have encountered the following problems that affected titrations:
| Misjudging the color of the indicator near the end point |
40% |
| Leaking burette |
40% |
| Using solutions of wrong concentration |
27% |
| Misreading the volume |
25% |
| Not filling burette properly |
22% |
| Using contaminated solutions |
21% |
| Using dirty glass |
19% |
| Using diluted titrant and diluted titrated solution |
14% |
| Titrating at the wrong temperature |
10% |
| Losing solution |
8% |
| Rinsing burette and/or pipette with the wrong solution |
6% |
| Other |
3% |
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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