Mitsubishi Chemical CA-200 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer
| Brand | Mitsubishi Chemical |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | CA-200 |
| Measurement Principle | Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration |
| Channel Configuration | Single-channel |
| Water Content Range | 10 µg – 100 mg H₂O |
| Precision | ≤0.3% RSD (for samples ≥1 mg H₂O, n=10) |
| Minimum Dispensing Increment | 1/2000 of burette volume |
| Electrolysis Current | 430 mA |
| Average Titration Rate | 2.2 mg H₂O/min (36 µg H₂O/sec) |
| Display | 5.7-inch color LCD |
| Data Storage | 20 single files + 50 composite files |
| Interface Options | RS-232C (optional), USB host port (dual), balance auto-input via serial/USB, internal I/O for titration cell/vaporizer control |
| Power Supply | AC 100–120 V / 230–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 80 VA (100–120 V), 310 VA (230–240 V) |
| Dimensions (main unit) | 220 × 350 × 360 mm (W×D×H) |
| Weight | ~5 kg |
| Stirrer Dimensions | 120 × 180 × 148 mm |
| Weight | ~1 kg |
| Compliance | GLP/GMP-ready architecture, 21 CFR Part 11-compatible software available (optional) |
Overview
The Mitsubishi Chemical CA-200 is a high-precision, single-channel coulometric Karl Fischer moisture analyzer engineered for trace-level water quantification in demanding laboratory and quality control environments. Unlike volumetric KF systems, the CA-200 employs electrochemical generation of iodine at the anode—based on Faraday’s law—to deliver absolute, reagent-free quantification of water content without mechanical burette dispensing. This coulometric principle ensures inherent linearity across its full dynamic range (10 µg to 100 mg H₂O), eliminates calibration drift associated with reagent standardization, and enables reproducible microgram-level measurements essential for pharmaceutical excipients, lithium battery electrolytes, polymers, and hygroscopic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The instrument builds upon the legacy of the CA-100 platform with enhanced hardware stability, expanded data management infrastructure, and integrated electrode maintenance logic—significantly reducing manual intervention and operator-dependent variability.
Key Features
- 5.7-inch high-resolution color LCD with intuitive icon-driven navigation and real-time titration curve visualization
- Dual USB host ports supporting direct data export to flash storage, firmware updates, and optional thermal printer connectivity
- Automatic electrode conditioning algorithm that periodically applies controlled current pulses to remove passivating oxide layers or organic deposits—ensuring long-term electrode responsiveness without manual cleaning
- Modular cell interface supporting up to two independent coulometric titration cells or vaporizers simultaneously (e.g., VA-200, VA-210, VA-230), enabling parallel sample processing or method-specific optimization
- GLP/GMP-aligned operational architecture: audit-trail enabled (with optional 21 CFR Part 11 software), user access levels, electronic signature support, and tamper-evident file integrity checks
- Integrated balance communication protocol (RS-232 or USB) for fully automated sample weight import—eliminating transcription errors and streamlining SOP execution
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CA-200 accommodates a broad spectrum of solid, liquid, and viscous matrices—including solvents, oils, powders, films, and lyophilized formulations—when paired with Mitsubishi’s validated vaporization accessories (e.g., VA-121 high-temperature furnace for residual solvent analysis in APIs, VA-210 for lubricating oils). Its coulometric design inherently avoids interference from side reactions common in volumetric KF methods (e.g., aldehydes, ketones, strong acids), provided appropriate anolyte/catholyte selection (e.g., Hydranal-Coulomat AG/CG). The system complies with ISO 8533:2017 (Karl Fischer titration — General requirements), ASTM D6304 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Petroleum Products by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration), and supports validation per USP , EP 2.5.12, and JP 2.05. All firmware and optional software modules are designed to meet analytical data integrity requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 when deployed with appropriate procedural controls.
Software & Data Management
The CA-200 embeds a robust local operating system capable of storing 20 individual measurement files and 50 composite files—each containing full metadata (date/time, operator ID, method name, cell status, raw current/time traces, endpoint detection parameters, and calculated results). Data export is supported via USB mass storage mode in CSV or proprietary .CA2 format. Optional PC-based software (Hydranal Data Manager) provides advanced features: multi-instrument fleet monitoring, statistical process control (SPC) charting, trend analysis across batches, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, role-based permissions, and immutable audit logs. All data transfers maintain cryptographic hashing to ensure forensic integrity during regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC: Residual moisture in freeze-dried products, tablet granules, and sterile injectables per USP
- Battery materials: Water content in LiPF₆ electrolytes, cathode precursors (e.g., NMC, LFP), and separator films—critical for cell safety and cycle life
- Chemical manufacturing: Purity verification of solvents (THF, acetonitrile, DMF), monomers (vinyl chloride, styrene), and catalysts
- Polymers & composites: Moisture determination in polyamide (PA6, PA66), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and epoxy resins prior to extrusion or molding
- Fuel and lubricants: Trace water in aviation turbine fuels (ASTM D6304), transformer oils (IEC 60814), and synthetic ester-based lubricants
FAQ
What distinguishes coulometric from volumetric Karl Fischer titration?
Coulometric KF generates iodine electrochemically in situ, offering superior precision below 100 µg water and eliminating burette calibration uncertainty. Volumetric KF dispenses pre-standardized iodine solution and is preferred for higher water concentrations (>1000 µg).
Can the CA-200 be used with non-Mitsubishi reagents?
While technically feasible, Mitsubishi strongly recommends original Hydranal reagents to ensure stoichiometric accuracy, minimize side reactions, and maintain warranty coverage—especially for regulated applications.
Is the CA-200 compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box?
The base instrument supports audit-trail logging and user authentication. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires installation of the optional Hydranal Data Manager software with configured electronic signatures and documented validation protocols.
How does the automatic electrode cleaning function operate?
At user-defined intervals or after each analysis, the system applies brief, low-current polarization cycles to regenerate the platinum working electrode surface—removing adsorbed contaminants without requiring disassembly or chemical cleaning agents.
What vaporizer models are compatible with the CA-200 for solid samples?
The VA-200 (boat-type), VA-230 (vial-type), VA-121 (high-temp furnace, up to 300°C), and VA-122 (dual-zone furnace) are all natively supported via standardized electrical and pneumatic interfaces.
