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Lab Trends

2015 Titrator Product Survey

Modern titrators can be simply classified as one of two types: potentiometric and Karl Fischer, with the latter available in both coulometric and volumetric versions. While titration may be considered a basic analytical method, modern titrators are far from simplistic. Many titrators offer a variety of automation options and can perform titrations with great accuracy with minimal operator intervention. According to this year’s survey results, over 82% of survey respondents use automated titration in their labs, with fully half of respondents also using an autosampler.

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Trevor Henderson, PhD

Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), is the creative services director at Lab Manager.  He has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific...

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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?

Types of titrator used by survey respondents:

Potentiometric 69%
Karl Fischer Coulometric 36%
Karl Fischer Volumetric 34%
Other 9%

Titrator components used by survey respondents:

Evaporators 21%
Karl Fischer oven 36%
Autosampler 50%
Homogenizer 12%
Other 6%

Nearly 47% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new titrator. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of an aging system
39%
 
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
15%
Setting up a new lab
19%
First time purchase
8%
Other
19%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a titrator:

Reliability 92%
Accuracy 88%
Ease-of-use 75%
Service and support 65%
Low maintenance 64%
Price 60%
Warranty 55%
Operating cost 52%
Data management 44%
Ease of installation 41%

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