CSC Scientific Blog

A blog about test equipment

Do I Need A Karl Fischer Oven?

Posted by

Art Gatenby on Jan 23, 2013 6:20:00 PM

As you know the Karl Fischer Method of moisture analysis has a reputation of being water specific. The method works through the use of a special Karl Fischer Reagent.

Basics of Karl Fischer

As a quick review, the material to be tested is dissolved in a solvent. The water is released and converted by the reagent. This process happens inside an enclosed airtight titration cell. 

Karl Fischer Titration CellThe amount of reagent needed to make full conversion is a measure of moisture. Note that the material to be tested is dissolved in the presence of the reagent.

When Basic Karl Fischer will Not Work

As with many testing methods there are complications. Some substances are difficult to dissolve and require solvents that operate on the Karl Fischer reagent to cause side reactions that distort the water content calculation. Other materials only release the water at high temperatures. In these cases the simple process of dissolving the sample in the presence of the Karl Fischer reagent won't work.

Solution to the Problem Samples

The answer to side reaction problems or high temperature exigencies is an instrument known as a Karl Fischer Oven or Evaporator.Karl Fischer Oven A Karl Fischer Oven consists of a heating tube in which the temperature can be controlled between 60ºC to 300ºC. Provision is made for a carrier gas to flow through this heating tube and move the escaping water into the titration cell. When the sample is ready to be tested, it is placed into the heating tube (operating at the appropriate temperature for the sample). As the moisture is released, the vapor is transported by the gas (usually dry Nitrogen) to the titration cell where it is bubbled into the reagent. The Karl Fischer process is completed and the moisture content calculated. Some of the materials that need to be processed in an oven are plastics and salts. These Karl Fischer Oven/Evaporators are used with standard Karl Fischer Titrators. When the moisture content is low (<1%) the Coulometric technique is recommended, otherwise a Volumetric Karl Fischer titrator is used.

Video

For more information on the Karl Fischer Moisture Method click here.

Click me 
We hope that this has been useful. If it has please share it with you associates.

Another case where the simple has been complicated by reality.

Art

P.S. To get notice of our musings on test equipment, subscribe by putting your email in the space above.
P.P.S. Check out the demo Video.
Watch The KF Oven Video
 

Topics: Coulometric Karl Fischer, Volumetric Karl Fischer, Moisture Analysis, Karl Fischer Oven, Karl Fischer, Karl Fischer Titration

Subscribe via E-mail

Search the Blog

Most Popular Posts

Posts by Topic