Search

Nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid are easily determined in etching baths using thermometric titration (TET). Compared to potentiometric titration, TET is faster and more convenient. Analysis is complete in less than two minutes.

Thermometric titration can determine the total acid number (TAN) of various crude oil products according to ASTM D8045 without requiring any sensor maintenance.

Metal-organic compounds are commonly used in organic chemistry, for example as Grignard reagents or as strong bases (e.g., butyl lithium compounds). The knowledge of the exact content of reactive species allows to better plan the required amounts for reactions preventing the waste of material or too low yields.This Application Note describes the analysis of metal organics by thermometric titration using 2-butanol as titrant. Due to the strongly exothermic nature of the reaction between 2-butanol with metal-organic compounds, a fast and quantitative analysis of these substances is possible.

Tartaric Sulfuric Anodizing (TSA) is an established technique for corrosion protection in the aerospace industry. It is an alternative to the environmentally harmful chromic anodizing process. As such, a method to monitor the levels of sulfuric acid and tartaric acid in TSA plating baths is required. Potentiometric titration methods have been developed, and are widely used across the industry. Their disadvantage is that two titrations with different electrodes and solvents are required.In this Application Note, an alternative method is presented, where the concentration of both acids is determined in sequence using a thermometric sensor. Compared to potentiometric titration, thermometric titration is faster and more convenient (no sensor maintenance required). On a fully automated system, the determination of both parameters takes about 7 minutes.

Iron sucrose injections are used during the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. They contain a mixture of ferric iron (Fe3+) and ferrous iron (Fe2+). Ferrous iron content may be determined by subtracting the ferric iron content from the total determined iron content. Yet, this increases the measurement error due to error propagation. Alternative determination of iron(II) with cerium(IV) by potentiometric titration may be hampered, as the equivalence point cannot be determined unequivocally. Determination by thermometric titration is a more robust and therefore more reliable alternative, as this method is unaffected by the sample matrix. Here, the endpoint of the titration is indicated by a fast responding thermometric sensor. Endpoint detection is further improved by spiking the sample with 0.2% ammonium iron(II) sulfate (FAS), increasing the reliability of the determination. Compared to potentiometric titration, thermometric titration is faster and more convenient as no sensor maintenance is required. One determination takes about 2–3 minutes.

Sulfur is a secondary macronutrient for plants and is essential for chloroplast growth and function. In fertilizers, sulfur is usually provided in the form of sulfate. Traditionally the sulfate content is determined gravimetrically by precipitation with barium. The drawback of this method is that it requires numerous time consuming and laborious analysis steps.In this Application Note, an alternative method is presented, where sulfate is determined by a precipitation titration with barium chloride. Various solid and liquid NPK fertilizers with sulfur contents between 1 and 8% were analyzed. The analysis of sulfate in fertilizers by thermometric titration requires no sample preparation at all for liquid NPK fertilizers, and only minimal sample preparation for solid NPK fertilizers. One determination takes about 3 minutes only. To increase the sensitivity of the method, the samples are spiked with a standard sulfuric acid solution, which is then considered when calculating the result.

Fertilizers are applied in the agricultural sector to provide more essential nutrients to growing plants. The so-called «NPK» fertilizers provide such nutrients to plants with its three main components (N – nitrogen, P – phosphorous, K – potassium). In fertilizers, nitrogen is mainly provided in three forms: as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonia (NH3), and urea (H2NCONH2). Determination of the individual nitrogen-contributing components is often laborious work. Thermometric titration offers the possibility to rapidly determine the amount of ammoniacal nitrogen and urea nitrogen in a single titration using sodium hypochlorite as titrant.

Potassium is a primary macronutrient for plants, as it plays an important role in water regulation as well as plant growth. In NPK fertilizers, potassium is present besides nitrogen and phosphorus, which are the other two primary macronutrients. Knowing the quality and content of a NPK fertilizer allows an optimal fertilizer management for a planned culture, saving costs and increasing profitability.Traditionally potassium is determined gravimetrically or by flame photometry. In this Application Note, an alternative method is presented, where potassium is determined a precipitation titration. Various solid and liquid NPK fertilizers with potassium contents between 10 and 27% were analyzed. After the removal of any present ammonia, the potassium can be determined reliably in about 5 minutes.

Potash is commonly mined from ore, deposited after ancient inland oceans evaporated. The potassium salt is then purified in evaporation ponds. At the end of this process, the potash is typically obtained as potassium chloride. Potash is mainly used as fertilizer, providing potassium—an essential nutrient—to plants. Additionally, it is used in the chemical industry and to produce medicine. Potassium content in potash is typically determined by flame photometry (F-AES) or ICP-OES. However, these techniques have high investment and running costs. By applying the historically used gravimetric precipitation reaction as a thermometric titration, it becomes possible to rapidly and inexpensively determine the potassium content in potash within minutes.

Fluoride protects dental enamel and is an important trace element in toothpaste. A rapid and precise determination is made via standard addition with the help of an ion-selective fluoride electrode (F-ISE).

Determination of ammonia (ammonium) in distilled water by direct potentiometry using the NH3-ISE.

Determination of nitrate in a copper plating bath after conversion of nitrate to ammonium. Direct potentiometric measurement using the NH3-ISE.

Determination of fluoride in a chromium plating bath by direct potentiometry using the F-ISE.

Determination of chloride in water by direct potentiometry using the Cl-ISE.

Determination of fluoride in cement or clinker by direct potentiometry with the F-ISE.

Determination of sulfide in wastewater by direct potentiometry with the Ag/S ion-selective electrode.

Cyanides are used in some industrial processes, but if not handled carefully, they could contaminate the wastewater. In an acidic or neutral environment, this contaminated wastewater can form highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Furthermore, the cyanide salts could also poison the environment and enter the ground water system. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the content of cyanide in effluent water. Cyanides can be easily determined with a cyanide ion-selective electrode. This application note presents a method for cyanide analysis according to APHA Method 4500-CN and ASTM D2036.

Nitrate is present in all common agricultural products and due to an extensive use of fertilizers, the nitrate content can be disconcertingly high in vegetables and their fabricated products, like juices. The nitrate content is regulated in many countries because it can form nitrosamines within the human body. Nitrosamines can potentially cause cancer and therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined an accepted daily intake (ADI) for nitrate of 3.7 mg/kg. To control the nitrate content e.g., in juices, a quick and inexpensive assessment of its concentration is performed via standard addition with a nitrate ion selective electrode . The method can be automated and is faster and less expensive compared to competing chromatographic or spectroscopic methods.

Fluoride content in drinking water can be determined quickly and conveniently with the help of potentiometric titration and the ion-selective fluoride electrode (F-ISE). The F-ISE is calibrated with suitable standard solutions before the measurement.

Ammonia determination via NH3 ISE requires precise calibration. Details on this are provided by the present Application Note.

Even in low concentration, sulfide ions cause odor and corrosion problems in ground water and waste water. They can release hydrogen sulfide in acidified water, which is toxic in even minuscule amounts. This Application Note describes the determination of sulfide concentration in water via direct measurement with the Ag/S-ISE in accordance with ASTM D4658.

Bromide is ubiquitous in sea water, where it is present in concentrations of around 65 mg/L. By contrast, the maximum bromide concentration in drinking and ground water is usually less than 0.5 mg/L. A higher bromide content may indicate a contamination of the water caused by fertilizer, road salt or industrial waste water. This Application Note describes the determination of the bromide content in water via direct measurement with a Br ion-selective electrode in accordance with ASTM D1246.

In the synthesis of certain dyes, sodium chloride is a byproduct. The content of chloride is therefore an important parameter. This Application Note describes the determination of the chloride content in dye by standard addition using a Cl- ion-selective electrode.

Determination of the potassium content plays a major role in the food and beverage industry. Potassium is an essential mineral nutrient for humans. It is an important intracellular cation and also plays an important role in processes withincells, where it is involved in the regulation of numerous body functions like blood pressure, cell growth and muscle control.To declare the potassium content of drinks and food, it is usually determined by flame photometric method. However, flame photometry is linear only over a limited concentration range, and often sample dilution is necessary. Furthermore, the instrumentation is rather complex and expensive to buy and maintain. The ion measurement method presented here is a fast, less expensive, and reliable alternative to determine potassium content in beverages.

The determination of the potassium content in foodstuffs plays a major role in the food and dietary supplement industry, as potassium is an essential mineral nutrient for humans. It is an important intracellular cation and also plays a important role in processes within cells, where it is involved in the regulation of numerous body functions like blood pressure, cell growth and muscle control.As a dietary supplement, potassium is present in e.g., electrolyte powder, electrolyte drinks and food supplements. To quantify the potassium content in such products, e.g. flame photometry can be used. In this work, an alternative, ion measurement by standard addition, is described, which is fast, inexpensive and simple to use.

As nitrogen is essential nutrient for plants, it is an essential constituent of many fertilizers. It is present there in different forms, mainly as ammonium or nitrate. Knowing the nitrogen concentration and the form in which is present helps to select the right fertilizer for the plants. For producers of fertilizers, it is therefore necessary to indicate the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in their product.This Application Note shows how to determine ammonium in liquid fertilizers by means of a standard addition.

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. In soil, it can be present in the form of nitrate, ammonium, or urea. Knowing the nitrogen content of soil and in which form it is present helps selecting the right kind of fertilizer to stimulate plant growth.This Application Note shows a fast and reliable way to determine the ammonium concentration in soil by using standard addition.

NPK fertilizers are mainly comprised of three primary nutrients required for a healthy plant growth (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium). They are available as liquid, or granular form, whereof the last is the most common used one. Knowing the quality and content of a fertilizer allows an optimal utilization for a planned culture and optimizing the amount of used fertilizer. This helps to reduce costs and to improve plant growth and with it, a better harvest follows.To assess potassium, several methods like flame photometry, titration, or ion measurement can be used. In this work, the potassium content is measured by standard addition which is a fast, inexpensive, and easy to use method.

To assess the quality of a soil it is necessary to know its nutrients. For example, it is necessary that the level of bio-available ions is known as a deficiency might negatively affect plant growth. One of the most important ions is potassiumwhich is directly absorbed in its ionic form by plants roots. It is an essential nutrient and required for proper growth and reproduction.One commonly used method to assess the K content is the extraction of phosphorous and potassium from soil with an acidic, to pH 4.1 buffered solution of calcium acetate, calcium lactate, and glacial acetic acid. This test is called calcium acetate lactate test (CAL-test). Commonly, the extract is analyzed by flame photometric method. In this application note we present a fast and inexpensive alternative using the potassium ion selective electrode.

Potassium is naturally occurring in surface water caused by weathering of stones and soil. As potassium in drinking water is regulated and should not exceed a certain threshold value, it is necessary to assess the potassium concentration.This can easily be done by direct measurement using a potassium selective electrode. First, a calibration is performed, afterwards, the samples are measured within tens of seconds. This is a fast, inexpensive and reliable method to determine the potassium content in various water samples.

One of the major sources of fluoride intake for humans comes from foodstuff, such as tea. Tea actually has one of the highest potentials to increase the daily fluoride intake. Excessive fluoride intake may lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. The World Health Organization does not recommend consuming water with a fluoride content higher than 1.5 mg/L. In the presented method according to DIN 10807, the fluoride content can be assessed quickly with an ion selective electrode.

Nitrate is naturally present in the environment. However, excessive concentrations of nitrate in surface and ground water are problematic as such concentrations have a negative effect on the water quality. Usually, excessive levels of nitrate area direct result of extensive usage of fertilizers in agriculture. Nitrate is easily washed from soils and can end up in surface or ground water. As the nitrate content is regulated in many countries, a quick and inexpensive assessment of its concentration is required to monitor the water quality.The nitrate concentration can easily be obtained by direct measurement using a nitrate ion selective electrode. First, a calibration is performed, afterwards, the samples are measured in less than a minute.This is a fast, inexpensive and reliable method to determine the nitrate content in various water samples.

Lucigenin is one of the most often used chemiluminescent reagents and might be used for e.g., the indication of the presence of superoxide anion radicals.Lucigenin is rather expensive to buy, however, its synthesis only includes a two stage synthesis starting from acridanone. The first stage includes an Nmethylation, the second forms the lucigenin chloride, which is finally transformed into lucigenin nitrate. To check the purity of the synthesized lucigenin, ion measurement can be applied using a nitrate selective electrode. This is a fast and inexpensive method compared to competing methods such as ion chromatography.

Increased fluoride concentrations in water may cause tooth damage, growth disorders, and bone deformation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), concentrations above 1.5 mg/L are critical.One possible source of fluoride is landfills. Rain washes out harmful substances from landfills which can enter the groundwater. The leachate from landfills should thus be monitored for the fluoride concentration.Ion measurement is a fast and inexpensive method to determine the fluoride content in water samples compared to other methods such as ion chromatography. This Application Note describes a reproducible and accurate measurement of the fluoride content using the fluoride ion-selective electrode with an OMNIS system.

Dissolved oxygen (DO), incorporated into juices during processing, affects quality parameters of the beverage during storage such as Vitamin C concentration, color, and aroma. Various oxygen removal methods are used during juice production, such as vacuum-deaeration or gas sparging to increase product quality and extend shelf life. However, these methods have the drawback that the aroma might be affected since the volatile compounds are also removed. By assessing the DO content in fruit juices, manufacturers can improve the overall product quality. This application note describes a fast and accurate determination of dissolved oxygen in juices by using an optical sensor.

Oxygen diffuses into water sources from the air via aeration, however several factors can reduce the dissolved oxygen (DO) content in water. First, as water warms up, oxygen is released into the atmosphere. Secondly, oxygen is consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms which feed on organic material. Finally, plants can also consume oxygen in certain situations.Human-induced alterations can have a negative influence on surface water when DO values fall below crucial limits for maintaining the life supporting capacity of freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, monitoring the DO content in surface water by an optical sensor to assess its quality is important.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is generally considered detrimental to wine quality, especially if introduced after fermentation, storage, or bottling. The presence of oxygen after primary fermentation and during the later stages of winemaking can enhance browning reactions, chemical and microbiological instability, and the formation of off-flavors such as acetaldehyde. Knowing the DO content in wine is important through the entire wine production process, because oxidation is a common fault in bottled wines. With the 913 pH/DO meter and the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer, the oxygen content of wine can be determined quickly and easily directly on site.

In municipal water supplies, higher dissolved oxygen (DO) content is desirable because it improves the taste of drinking water. However, high DO levels also speed up corrosion in water pipes. For this reason, industries utilize water with as little DO as possible, and add scavengers such as sodium sulfite to remove any oxygen from a water supply. Municipal water supply pipes are normally coated inside with polyphosphates to protect the metal from contact with oxygen, thus allowing higher DO contents. Therefore, monitoring the DO content online in a water supply is important to assess its DO content to either improve taste or minimize pipe corrosion. Using an optical sensor, such as the O2-Lumitrode, allows a fast and reliable determination according to ISO 17289.

Acrylic dispersion paints are made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsions, which also include other organic material such as plasticizers, defoamers, or stabilizers. Acrylic dispersion paints are water-soluble but become resistant to water when dry. Due to the fact that once dry, acrylic dispersion paints can no longer be used, they should be stored air-tight at room temperature. For research purposes, it is of interest to assess the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in such samples as it is assumed that the DO amount can be related to the storage life. This Application Note describes a fast and accurate determination of dissolved oxygen by using an optical sensor.

In the food industry, it is essential to determine and monitor certain quality parameters to guarantee consistency. This is especially important for liquid dairy products, which are subject to a strict cold chain. Both the dissolved oxygen (DO) and the pH value have proven to be reliable quality criteria. Oxygen shortens the shelf life and influences the product quality (e.g., nutritional value, color, and flavor). The DO content depends on the salinity in the sample, which is automatically calculated and corrected by the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer during the parallel conductivity measurement. Acidity is another important characteristic to measure that can be checked easily using the pH value. With the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer, all important quality criteria can be monitored with one device.

This Application Note offers an easy way to determine the ammonia content in cacao nibs by using ion measurement, applying the standard addition technique in a reliable cost- and time-saving manner.

This Application Note covers the formation of calcium carbonate from solution.

Excess sodium intake increases the risk of health issues. Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) offer a fast, accurate, and cost-effective method for measuring sodium in food.

Groundwater contains many minerals, but can be contaminated by sodium-rich leachate from landfills. Accurate Na determination in water is possible following AOAC 976.25 using the Na-ISE.

The water content of potassium chlorate is determined according to Karl Fischer using the oven method (300 °C).

The water content of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is determined according to Karl Fischer using two-component reagents in order to prevent unwanted side reactions. (Separate solvent is used to ensure a high excess of sulphur dioxide and amine in the titration vessel.)

The water content of ammonium and potassium peroxodisulphate is determined according to Karl Fischer using two-component reagents. To prevent unwanted side reactions the determinations are carried out at -20 °C. Because the potassium salt is insoluble in the solvent, a high-frequency homogenizer is used to disintegrate the salt particles.

The water content of lyophilisates contained in vials is determined by Karl Fischer titration. Conditioned solvent (methanol) is injected into the vial to dissolve the sample and extract the water (ultrasonic bath). Afterwards the contents of the vial are transferred to the titration vessel to carry out the automatic determination.

Determination of water content in ink is possible with Karl Fischer titration, as shown in this Application Note.

The water content of ointments is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of their high water and fat content, the samples are prediluted with a 1:1 mixture of chloroform and methanol.

The water content of yoghurt powder is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of the relatively high water and fat content, the sample is prediluted with a 1:1 mixture of chloroform and methanol.

The water content of plastic chips is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of the low water content of the sample, the oven method (200 °C) and coulometric titration have to be used.

The water content of explosive pellets is determined according to Karl Fischer after extraction with methanol.

The water content of coal dust is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of the low water content of the voluminous sample, the oven method (nitrogen, 270 °C) and coulometric titration have to be used.

The water content of moisturising creams is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of their high water content, the samples are first mixed and prediluted with dry methanol.

The water content of turbine oil is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of the low water content of the sample, coulometric titration is used.

The water content of organic peroxides is determined according to Karl Fischer using two-component reagents. To prevent any unwanted side reactions, the determinations are carried out at -20 °C.

The water content of diesel fuel and petrol (gasoline) is determined according to Karl Fischer. Because of the low water content, the determinations are carried out by coulometric titration.

The water content of sweet liquorice is determined according to Karl Fischer. To dissolve the sample, a mixture of methanol and formamide is used as solvent and a high-frequency homogenizer as stirring device.

The water content of lemongrass oil is determined according to Karl Fischer. To prevent unwanted side reactions, special KF reagents for aldehydes and ketones are used and the determination is carried out at 0 ... 4 °C.

The presence of water in expandable polystyrene (EPS) can have a negative impact on the thermal insulation properties, as it increases thermal conductivity. If EPS is exposed to a high moisture environment, additional water may be absorbed, which can further affect thermal insulation.Direct analysis of the moisture content by Karl Fischer titration requires the water to be extracted from the EPS, which involves several time-consuming steps. Therefore, determination of the water content with an oven system is preferred. As EPS expands when heated, the use of sample boats, as required by ASTM D6869, is not possible, as the EPS will contaminate the oven system. This Application Note describes the determination of water content in EPS using an oven system with closed sample vials. A determination takes about 7 to 14 min depending on the water content of the sample and the sample size.

The water content of cyclopropyl methyl ketone is determined according to Karl Fischer by coulometric titration using special reagents for aldehydes and ketones.

In this application note, Karl Fischer titration is used to determine the water content of urea.

The water content of flour is determined according to Karl Fischer. To shorten the analysis times and to obtain more precise results, the determinations are carried out at 50 °C.

The water content of animal fat extract is determined according to Karl Fischer.

This Application Note describes the determination of water content in pesticides using Karl Fischer titration.

The water content of ethylene dichloride is determined according to Karl Fischer. As the sample may contain free chlorine, which interferes with the determination, separate KF reagents have to be used.

The water content of smoked salmon and smoked trout is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content of potato chips is determined according to Karl Fischer using the oven method (140 °C).

The water content of used lubricating oil is determined according to Karl Fischer by coulometric titration. To prevent unwanted side reactions special KF reagents are used.

The water content of lime is determined according to Karl Fischer using the oven method (150 °C).

The water content of color paste is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content of spices is determined according to Karl Fischer. To release the water from the cells, a high-frequency homogenizer has to be used.

The water content of bismuth subnitrate is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene and 2,5-norbornadiene is determined according to Karl Fischer using a special solvent mixture to prevent unwanted side reactions.

The water content of acetophenone and benzophenone is determined according to Karl Fischer using special KF reagents for ketones/aldehydes to prevent unwanted side reactions.

The water content of piperidine and piperazine is determined according to Karl Fischer using a buffered solvent mixture.

The water content of melamine is determined according to Karl Fischer in a buffered solvent mixture at 50 °C.

The water content of beta-caprolactam is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content of vinyl chloride is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content of 2-methyl-5-mercaptothiadiazole is determined according to Karl Fischer using a special solvent mixture to prevent unwanted side reactions.

Karl Fischer titration can be used to determine the water content in N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Special solvent mixtures can be used to prevent unwanted side reactions in the Karl Fischer titration. The water content of N-acetyl-L-cysteine can thus be determined quickly and accurately, as is shown in this Application Note.

This application note describes the water content determination in penicillin by using volumetric Karl Fischer titration. Unwanted side reactions can be avoided by using special solvent mixtures.

The water content of margarine is determined according to Karl Fischer.

Determination of the water content of liquid ammonia according to Karl Fischer after absorption of the water in ethylene glycol.

The water content of silicone oil is determined according to Karl Fischer by coulometric titration.

The water content of aniline is determined according to Karl Fischer in buffered solvent.

The water content in panthenol is determined according to Karl Fischer.

The water content in methylcyclohexane is determined by coulometric Karl Fischer titration.

The water content in Ca carbonate is determined by volumetric Karl Fischer titration.

This Application Note describes the determination of the water content in transformer oil using the oven technique.

Large sample sizes can lead to subtraction of too high blank values. This Application Note describes the calculation of a relative blank and thus helps to improve the accuracy of the method.

The water content, also called moisture content, of plastics is an important quality parameter, as it affects the properties and processability of some plastics. A high water content can lead to degradation of the plastic by hydrolysis or cause surface imperfections. Additionally, it can affect the physical properties of some plastics.For this analysis, the oven technique is used, as volatile compounds present in plastics will interfere, if the water content is directly determined by coulometric Karl Fischer titration. The water content determination in polycarbonate pellets, performed with the 885 Compact Oven Sample Changer and 899 Coulometer, is described in this Application Note.

This Application Note describes the determination of the water content in gelatine using the oven technique.

This Application Note describes the automated determination of the water content in liqueur (30% v/v) using volumetric Karl Fischer titration (MATi 10).

In this application note, Karl Fischer titration is used to determine water content in sodium acetate trihydrate. The MATi 10 allows this determination to be automated, saving users time in the laboratory.

This Application Note describes the automated determination of the water content in toothpaste using volumetric Karl Fischer titration (MATi 10).

This Application Note describes the determination of the water content in tablets using automated volumetric titration including sample preparation (MATi 11).

The bromine index indicates the degree of unsaturation and relies on the simple addition of bromine to the double bond of alkenes. One mole of bromine is consumed for each mol of carbon-carbon double bond. The bromine index indicates the olefin content in aromatic hydrocarbons. This Application Note describes the determination by coulometric titration according to ASTM D1492.

The water content determination by volumetric Karl Fischer titration is one of the most important analyses worldwide. Using an OMNIS system consisting of an OMNIS Titrator and an OMNIS Sample Robot, the fully automatic analysis of water content is possible in various products and matrices. The OMNIS Sample Robot is capable of running several different titrations in parallel. In this Application Note, we present the results of a volumetric Karl Fischer titration run in parallel to an aqueous acid-base titration on the same system. The water content is not influenced by the parallel running aqueous titration, allowing the combination of potentiometric titrations and Karl Fischer titrations on the same automated system.

The vaping and electronic cigarette industries are growing. The mixtures used in these products are usually called e-liquid, e-fluid, or e-juice. Toensure the quality of these e-liquids, testing the most important parameters is required. One important quality control parameter is water or moisture content.Water/moisture content determination by Karl Fischer titration (KFT) is an established and reliable procedure. Compared to other methods the advantages of KFT are its accuracy, speed, and selectivity. For high water content samples, such as e-liquids, volumetric KFT is the method of choice.In this Application Note a system for the fast and reliable determination of the water content in E-liquids is presented. This fully automated system performs the analysis including system preparation, blank, titer, and sample determination completely unattended. Hence, the workload of the operator is reduced to only weighing in the sample and placing the sealed sample vessels on the system.

Moisture in petroleum products causes several issues: corrosion and wear in pipelines and storage tanks, an increase in debris load resulting in diminished lubrication, blocked filters, or even harmful bacterial growth. As a result, increased water content can lead to infrastructure damage, higher maintenance costs, or even unwanted downtimes.Coulometric Karl Fischer titration is the method of choice for low water content in petroleum products. Using a Karl Fischer oven to vaporize the water present in the sample prior to titration not only greatly reduces matrix interferences, it can also be fully automated. This allows a reliable and cost-efficient analysis of the water content according to ASTM D6304 (Procedure B) in products such as diesel, hydraulic oil, lubricant, additive, turbine oil, and base oil.

Water content determination by volumetric Karl Fischer titration is one of the most important analyses worldwide, particularly when it comes to food quality. This parameter has a major influence on the growth of microorganisms, and thus indirectly affects the storability of the raw materials and final products. Consistent quality is only possible with precise measurements during the process. This measurement is performed with the Metrohm Eco KF Titrator for flour, dough, and baked goods.

Karl Fischer reagents contain buffer substances (usually imidazole) since the reaction constant is dependent on the pH value. A constant pH therefore ensures the most repeatable results. In 2015, imidazole was classified by European Union the as a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic) substance and the statement H360D was added, stating possible harm to fertility or a fetus. Meanwhile, other reagents free of imidazole are available for purchase. This Application Note summarizes test measurements with 34433 HYDRANAL™ NEXTGEN Coulomat AG-FI.

Test measurements on water standards are performed with an OMNIS KF Titrator and Karl Fischer reagents Aquagent® Complet 5 and Methanol Fast from Scharlau.

To determine water in crude oil, ASTM D4928 recommends coulometric Karl Fischer titration with the oven method, allowing full automation for high reproducibility.

Determination of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and caproic acid in produced water using anion chromatography with conductivity and MS detection after post-column addition of ammonia for MS detection and inline sample preparation by dialysis.

Determination of chlorite, chlorate, and perchlorate in explosion residue using anion chromatography with conductivity and MS detection in tandem.

Determination of phosphate in produced water containing up to 100 g/L chloride as well as crude oil using anion chromatography with conductivity and MS detection after inline dialysis.

Determination of bromide and bromate in drinking water using anion chromatography with MS detection.

Determination of diethylamine and trimethylamine using cation chromatography with MS detection.

Urea is not a typical analyte for ion chromatography. In combination with MS, however, IC is the method of choice for the trace analysis of urea in ultrapure water. This Application Note shows the determination of urea concentrations in the ppb range using the Metrosep C 6 - 250/4.0 column.

Hexavalent chromium, also referred to as chromate or Cr(VI), is considered toxic and potentially carcinogenic, which is why its concentrations in drinking water should be kept as low as possible. Determination of Cr(VI) is performed by combining ion chromatography with ICP/MS. Separation takes place on the Metrosep A Supp 1 Guard/4.6.

Chromate (Cr(VI)) is considered toxic and potentially carcinogenic, which is why its concentrations in children's toys should be kept as low as possible. The EU directive 2009/48/EC defines limit values for the migration of chromate from children's toys. The hydrochloric-acid-containing migration solution is diluted with a buffer. 2000 μL of this solution are injected automatically using intelligent preconcentration technology and matrix elimination. Detection takes place via ICP/MS.

The maximum contaminant concentrations (Maximal Contaminant Level, MCL) of inorganic arsenic and selenium species in drinking water should not exceed 10 and 50 µg/L, respectively. Given that each of the two elements occurs in two oxidation levels – trivalent and pentavalent – a separation step is necessary prior to ICP/MS detection. This Application Note shows the simultaneous determination of the two arsenic (arsenite and arsenate) and selenium species (selenite and selenate). Separation takes place on the Metrosep Dual 3 - 100/4.0 column.

As a rule, soil contains small percentages of chromium that originate chiefly from rock weathering processes, although anthropogenic sources also exist. The speciation analysis of trivalent – Cr(III) – and hexavalent chromium – Cr(VI) – is important, because the former is a trace element and the latter is highly toxic. The two chromium species are separated as Cr(III)-EDTA-complex and chromate on the Metrosep A Supp 4 - 250/4.0 column. Mass spectrometric isotope dilution analysis (SIDMS) is used for quantification.

Speciation analysis of iron is important, given that its oxidation level has a great influence on environmental response, not only with respect to its absorption by organisms but also to the transport and the storage of the element. Iron(II) and Iron(III) are separated on the Metrosep A Supp 10 S-Guard/4.0 column. IC-ICP/MS with isotope dilution is used for quantification.

Differentiation between Cr(III) and Cr(VI) is possible following ISO 24384 guidelines by combining ion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Perchlorate contamination in drinking water may have different sources. Besides natural deposits, anthropogenic sources like fertilizers and rocket fuel residue add to hazardous water contamination. Perchlorate interferes with iodine uptake into the thyroid gland. Newborns and children are particularly vulnerable, affected as thyroid hormones are essential for growth. Besides ion chromatography (IC) followed conductivity detection, IC hyphenated with an MS detector can be used to measure perchlorate down to sub-µg/L levels. In this application IC is hyphenated with a triple-quadrupole MS (IC-MS/MS) for perchlorate determination in order to meet the requirements of EPA 332.0. This IC-MS/MS setup avoids the possible interference of sulfate.

Chlorinating drinking water can form carcinogenic byproducts. EPA Method 557 enables µg/L-level quantification of haloacetic acids using Metrohm IC-MS/MS technology.

During drinking water disinfection with chlorine, chloramine, or ozone, potentially toxic halogenated byproducts can be formed. The disinfectants can react with naturally occurring bromide and/or organic matter in the source water and form one of the most common and highly toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs): haloacetic acids (HAAs). To protect human health, maximum tolerable levels of HAA in drinking waters are regulated (EPA 816-F-09-004). The EPA Method 557 specifies the analysis of HAAs beside bromate and dalapon by ion chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectroscopy (IC-MS/MS) with LODs varying from 0.02–0.11 µg/L. However, even with single MS, a high sensitivity is achieved to determine the current MCLs within an adequate accuracy. This Application Note describes the analysis of bromate, chlorite, monochloroacetic acid (MCAA), monobromoacetic acid (MBAA), bromochloroacetic acid (BCAA), bromodichloroacetic acid (BDCAA), dibromoacetic acid (DBAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), tribromoacetic acid (TBAA), chlorodibromoacetic acid (CDBAA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) with IC/MS. The Metrohm Driver 2.1 for EmpowerTM offers the analysis as a single software solution with EmpowerTM.

The new DIN draft standard 38407-53 outlines TFA analysis in water using direct injection LC-MS/MS, enabling quantification from 0.1–3.0 μg/L as shown in this Application Note.

Determination of NO3- and ClO4- in the presence of a large excess of HCl using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection (using time program for full scale change after 18 min).

Determination of methylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of anions in solder paste after alcoholic extraction using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of anions in a Schoeniger absorption solution of a test mixture without decomposition of the H2O2 using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of silica (as silicate) in pure water with preconcentration using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection (without any post-column reaction).

Determination of chloride, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and oxalate in dried potatoes using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of acetate and methansulfonate in an organic salt using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of acetate, formate, chloride, bromide, and sulfate in toluene using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of carbonate in a solution of methyl-monoethanol-amine with anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of chloride, nitrate, phosphate and sulfate in plant leaf extracts using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of chloride, bromide, and iodide in alkaline combustion solutions using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of acetate, lactate, and chloride in electrolyte solutions using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of chloride, nitrate, and sulphate in sugar-containing solutions without matrix elimination using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, and sulfate in an effluent sample using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detetction.

Determination of pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, and trimetaphosphate using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of iodide in HCl (25%) using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at a silver electrode.

Determination of traces of carbonate in urea using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of nitrite, thiosulfate, and iodide using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the carbon paste electrode.

Determination of traces of bromide and iodide using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the silver electrode.

Determination of traces of bromide in HCl (32%) using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the silver electrode.

Determination of nitrate, sulfate, and thiocyanate in additives for building materials using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of fluoride and chloride in gypsum using anion chromatography and subsequent direct conductometric detection.

Determination of sulfate in hydrochloric acid digest of gypsum using anion chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of perchlorate in process water using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of iodide in acetic acid using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the carbon paste electrode.

Determination of iodide in wastewater (dye industry) using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the silver electrode and dialysis for sample preparation.

Determination of cyanide using anion chromatography with amperometric detection at the silver electrode.

Determination of silicate in tap water using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of chromate using anion chromatography with post-column reaction and UV/VIS detection.

Determination of fosetyl-aluminum (aluminum tris(o-ethylphosphate)) using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of carbonate in washing powder using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of borate and silicate in washing powder using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of acetate, chloride, citrate, and sulfate in a concentrate of an infusion solution using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection. Non-suppressed IC is used to avoid interferences by the amino acids.

Determination of borate and silicate in ultrapure water using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of chloride and sulfate in a reactive dye using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection. Suppressed IC does not work as the dye is hydrolyzed in alkaline solution and releases sulfate.

Determination of silicate and borate and their limits of determination (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) according to the EPA procedure for method detection limit (MDL) using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection and Metrohm Inline Calibration.

Determination of acetate, chloride, and malate in an infusion solution using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of acetate, phosphate, chloride, and citrate in an infusion solution using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of nitrate in a nickel plating bath using anion chromatography with UV/VIS detection (205 nm).

Determination of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS, sodium laurylsulfate) using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of borate in a borate effluent using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of phenol, m-cresol, 2,6-dimethylphenol and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol in tap water with amperometric detection using a glassy carbon electrode.

Determination of chloride and sulfate in effluent after Metrohm Inline Dialysis using anion chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sulfide in an effluent sample using anion chromatography with amperometric detection.

Alendronate, also referred to as alendronic acid, is a biphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. It is the main ingredient in the tablets and is determined in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015). Separation takes place in the Metrosep A Supp 4 - 250/4.0 column; direct conductivity detection is used for quantification.

Pure sodium chloride contains much less iodide than e.g., table salt which usually is fortified with it. Trace determination of iodide is easily performed applying ion chromatography with amperometric detection. This detection mode is particularly selective and sensitive. The actual separation is achieved using a Metrosep A Supp 5 - 250/4.0 column. The detection happens at a silver working electrode. LOQ is at approximately 1.0 μg/L (in solution) and 50 μg/kg in the sample. The use of a shorter column might further improve the LOQ.

Two of the leading pain remedies, aspirin and acetaminophen, are compared with generic samples for content uniformity testing using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The method of standard addition is used for quantification. To reduce most of the effects that stem from particle size and packing differences, second derivative spectra are used.

This Application Note shows the potential of NIRS as a rapid (< 30 s) and nondestructive screening tool for solid dosage forms (e.g. tablets). NIRS requires neither sample preparation nor solvent use. Interferences that derive from scattering are minimized by converting to second derivative spectra.

This Application Note describes the determination of copolymer levels in polyethylene (PE) and polyvinylacetate (PVA) pellets using NIRS. The determination of the composition of the polymer blends takes less than 30 seconds and requires no sample preparation. The second derivative spectra are analyzed by means of the linear least-squares regression method.

This Application Note shows that NIR spectroscopy is an excellent tool for determining low concentrations of additives in finished polypropylene pellets. This is demonstrated by monitoring the UV stabilizer Tinuvin 770 and the antioxidant Irganox 225. The application of multiple linear regression (MLR) models minimizes interferences that originate from different coating thicknesses and interferences in the polymer pellets.

This Application Note demonstrates how NIR spectroscopy can be used to determine the content of coatings on nylon fibers, quickly and without requiring either sample preparation or the use of reagents. In order to suppress the effects arising from scattering on the surface coatings, one forms the second derivative spectra; the linear least-squares regression method is used to calculate the calibration function.

This Application Note describes how NIR spectroscopy can be used to determine residual lignin content in wood pulp. Using the major absorbance peaks of both lignin and cellulose in the second derivative spectra, the residual lignin content in wood pulp can be monitored during paper production.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is ideally suited to monitor the hardwood and softwood content in pulp and paper products.The herein described method bases on the fact that the changes in hardwood and softwood content are reflected in the intensity of the absorption bands of cellulose. A linear least-squares regression on second derivative spectra provide results that correspond very well with those of conventional laboratory determinations. With NIRS, an analytic method is available that provides results in real time.

This Application Note describes an NIR method for monitoring the esterification process in butyl acetate production. The developed NIR method shows excellent analytical performance equivalent to that obtainable with more time-consuming GC methods.

This Application Note demonstrates that a calibration model for caffeine and microcrystalline cellulose developed on the NIRS XDS Rapid Content Analyzer (RCA) is transferable to other NIRS XDS RCA. Due to the improved signal-to-noise ratio, reduced bandwidth and improved wavelength precision of the NIRS XDS, the transferability of the calibration model can be easily and efficiently performed.

This Application Note describes how the accuracy of your NIR measurements can be increased with instrument calibration.

This Application Note describes how the accuracy of your NIR measurements can be increased with reference standards.

Well-mixed active substances for medications are indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry. This applies not only to the pharmaceutical active ingredient but also for lubricants, binding agents, explosives, oxidants and dyes. Analysis of these active ingredients is expensive; they are also only rarely analyzed as a rule. The progress of the mixing procedures can be followed conveniently with NIR spectroscopy, on the one hand using visual comparisons and on the other by means of spectral algorithms. The progress of mixing processes can be predicted in real time with the help of the spectrum when the latter is used.

This Application Note describes the utilization possibilities of a new sensor design that permits, in combination with an NIRS XDS Process Analyzer, the determination of solvent residues in a High-Shear Granulator during the drying phase. This system configuration reduces the scattering of the density distribution of the powder samples so that it is possible, directly in the process, to model the water and solvent content precisely.

This Application Note shows that NIR "predictive models" are optimally suitable for the non-destructive measurement of the release profiles of active ingredients from tablets. This is in accordance with the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative of the FDA. The results demonstrate how NIRS considerably reduces the work involved for release studies in the laboratory.

This Application describes the determination of moisture, nitrogen, and fat in stool samples using near-infrared spectroscopy. These parameters are of great importance in medical diagnostics.

The determination of the water content of soft contact lenses using NIR spectroscopy is described in this Application. A liquid sample kit with gold diffuse reflector was used for measuring the lenses in transflexion mode. A PLS model was developed for predicting the water content.

The purity of a recovered solvent (dichlormethane/methylene chloride) and two of its most important contaminants (methanol and water) are monitored with NIR spectroscopy.

In recent years, there has been a significant push to reduce the environmental impacts of fuels through improvements to fuel quality. The determination of key quality parameters of gasoline, namely research octane number (RON, ASTM D2699-19), motor octane number (MON, ASTM D2700-19), anti knock index (AKI), aromatic content (ASTM D5769-15), and density, conventionally requires several different analytical methods, which are laborious and need trained personnel. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer, operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR), provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the multiparameter analysis of gasoline.

Determination of the diethylene glycol content, isophthalic acid content, intrinsic viscosity (ASTM D4603), and the acid number (AN) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility and the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of these parameters in PET. Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of PET in less than one minute without sample preparation or using any chemical reagents.

Pyrolysis gasoline (Pygas) is a by-product of ethylene production, which contains unwanted conjugated diolefins making it unsuitable as a motor fuel. To overcome this limitation, the olefin content needs to be reduced below 2 mg/g pygas in a selective hydrogenation unit (SHU). The diene value, or maleic anhydride value (MAV), is usually determined by the lengthy Diels-Alder wet chemical method (UOP326-17), requiring highly trained analysts. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a cost-efficient and fast analytic solution for the determination of diene value in pyrolysis gasoline.

This Application Note describes the determination of various indices (mainly with ASTM and ISO conformance) for the characterization of kerosene as aviation turbine fuel using near-infrared spectroscopy. The following parameters were determined with the aid of an NIRS XDS Process Analyzer: degree of density in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API), aromatics content, Cetane Index, distillation characteristics pursuant to ASTM D86, flash point, freezing point, viscosity and hydrogen content. All of these parameters are determined quickly and easily with just a single measurement.

Ink is a complex mixture that, along with numerous additives, is comprised mainly of solvent, dye, water and surfactant. Vis-NIR spectroscopy is outstandingly suitable for providing rapid and reliable determinations of constituents in the context of quality controls. This Application Note describes the determination of diethylene glycol (DEG), water, dye and surfactant.

This Application Note shows how, with the help of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and a special plant library, 46 different medicinal and aromatic plants, e.g., Organicum majoricum and Tilia cordata, can be conveniently identified on the basis of their spectrum. In comparison with alternative methods for the determination of plants, which are elaborate and require experienced scientists for their performance, the Vis-NIR method permits rapid and uncomplicated identification.

This Application Note shows the transfer of near-infrared spectroscopy analysis methods from the FOSS NIRSystems System II (5000/6500) Analyzer to the Metrohm NIRS XDS und DS2500 Analyzers. In addition, the advantages of the new NIRS XDS and DS2500 analyzers with extended spectral range and improved resolution are displayed, in particular with respect to the FOSS NIRSystems System II analyzer.

This Application Note shows the determination of two important additives – butylglycol and propylheptyl alcohol – in water-soluble lacquers using Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Other lacquer constituents can also be determined in addition to the two additives.

This Application Note shows how the amine number and the solids content in electrophoretic lacquer coatings can be determined quickly and simply with Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Additional parameters can be determined reliably and conveniently with a single measurement.

This Application Note shows how purity, degree of substitution and water content of carboxymethyl celluloses (CMC) can be determined conveniently and rapidly in a single measurement with Vis-NIR spectroscopy.

This Application Note shows the determination of the ratio of cotton linter to pulp in cellulose samples with Vis-NIR spectroscopy. This linter-pulp ratio is an important characteristic in the paper industry which, unlike with elaborate wet-chemistry methods, can be determined quickly and conveniently with Vis-NIR spectroscopy.

This Application Note describes the simultaneous determination of the four most important analysis parameters of paint dryers – cobalt and solids contents, specific weight and viscosity – using a VIS-NIR analyzer. The visible range correlates with the metal content, while the NIR region provides the specific weight, viscosity and solids content.

This Application Note shows that near-infrared spectroscopy with its exceptionally short analysis times significantly accelerates quality monitoring of polymer granulates and raw materials. Polyethylene (PE) und polypropylene (PP) can be identified in parallel. PE density is also determined in the same measurement.

Toxic and corrosive chemicals such as p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate (TSI) and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide are used for the Hydroxyl Number analysis of polyols by titration according to ASTM D4274-16. This application note demonstrates how the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of the hydroxyl (OH) number of polyols. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyols in less than a minute.

This Application Note shows the fast and parallel determination of water content and pH value in crude tall oil samples using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Crude tall oil is an important byproduct of pulp production in the power process. NIRS is an efficient alternative to conventional laboratory methods: It permits rapid raw material inspection, process monitoring and final product checking.