The Karl Fisher titration is a technique for the determination of moisture content developed by a chemist named Karl Fischer. It is based on a reagent which reacts with water and converts the water into a non conductive chemical. In the 1990's the Company began it's development of instruments that use Karl Fischer titration for moisture testing. This instrument is called the Aquapal III. The Karl Fisher method provides for the specific detection of water. In addition, it is an easy way to detect the presence of moisture in other liquids such as oil. There are two methods used to perform the test.

One is known as volumetric. With this method the moisture determination is based on the amount of volume of reagent used to convert the water. The other method of Karl Fischer moisture determinations known as the coulometric method. In this approach, the reagent and solvent are in the same liquid. The reagent is released by the induction of an electrical current. the amount of current required is to convert the water is the determinant of the amount of moisture. The coulometric Karl Fischer instrument is ofter referred to as a coulometer.

The advantage of the coulometric method is the capability to accurately measure small amounts of moisture. The volumetric method is preferred when moisture levels get high, when complex solvents are needed to release bound water in the sample or when other complex chemical reactions affect the combined reagent/solvents use in the econometric methods.

CSC provides equipment for both coulometric and volumetric Karl Fisher titration. A wide range of accessories are available. more specific information on the different Karl Fischer Instruments can be seen at coulometric and at volumetric. The type of material you need to test dictates the optimum model of Karl Fischer titrator . To get information and recommendations for the Karl Fischer instrument that meets your specific application; please contact us by phone at 800-621-4778, by FAX at 703-280-5142 by email at testsolution@cscscientific.com or by filling out the sign up form on the right of this page. If you use the sign up form you will also be subscribed to our distribution list of product information, application notes, how-to guides and special promotions.