KY-4 Micro Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer with LCD Display
| Brand | Keyuan Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | KY-4 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The KY-4 Micro Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer is a precision laboratory instrument engineered for trace moisture quantification in liquid petroleum and organic chemical samples using the coulometric Karl Fischer (KF) titration principle. Unlike volumetric KF systems, the KY-4 generates iodine electrochemically via controlled electrolysis of iodide ions within a sealed dual-compartment titration cell—eliminating the need for manual reagent standardization and minimizing operator exposure to hazardous solvents. The analyzer operates on the stoichiometric reaction: I₂ + SO₂ + H₂O + 3RN + CH₃OH → 2RN·HI + RN·HSO₄CH₃, where water content is directly proportional to the total charge passed (Q = I × t), enabling absolute quantification without calibration curves. Designed for routine QC/QA in refining, lubricant formulation, and petrochemical R&D labs, the KY-4 delivers high reproducibility (RSD < 0.5% at 10–100 µg H₂O) and robust performance under variable ambient conditions due to its hermetically sealed measurement environment.
Key Features
- Electrolytic iodine generation with auto-adjusting current control (0–400 mA), enabling rapid titration (<2 min/sample) across wide moisture ranges (1 ppm to 100% w/w)
- Proprietary fritted glass (sintered glass) electrode assembly replacing conventional ion-exchange membranes—eliminating membrane replacement, reducing maintenance, and improving long-term baseline stability
- Microcurrent endpoint detection (sensitivity: 0.01 µg H₂O) combined with patented potentiometric endpoint recognition—suppressing electrical noise and ensuring sharp, unambiguous endpoint discrimination
- Odorless, pyridine-free Karl Fischer reagent compatibility—enhancing laboratory safety and regulatory compliance with OSHA and EU REACH guidelines
- Integrated 128×64 LCD display with real-time current, voltage, titration curve, and residual water signal visualization—enabling standalone operation without PC connection
- USB 2.0 interface supporting Windows-based software for full automation: sequence programming, real-time graphing, GLP-compliant data logging (with user ID, timestamp, audit trail), export to CSV/PDF, and thermal printing
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KY-4 is validated for direct analysis of low-viscosity liquid matrices including gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, base oils, lubricants, light and heavy aromatic hydrocarbons, and additive packages. It conforms to three key Chinese national and industry standards: GB/T 7600–1987 (Moisture in In-Service Transformer Oil — Coulometric Method), SH/T 0246–1992 (Water Content in Light Petroleum Products — Coulometric Method), and SH/T 0255–1992 (Water in Additive-Containing Lubricating Oils — Coulometric Method). While not certified to ASTM D6304 or ISO 15512, its operational principles and performance envelope align with the fundamental requirements of these international standards for coulometric moisture determination. The system supports GLP and GMP workflows through software-enforced electronic signatures, immutable data archiving, and 21 CFR Part 11–compatible audit trails when used with validated software configurations.
Software & Data Management
The KY-4’s Windows-compatible control software provides comprehensive instrument management and data integrity tools. Users can define multi-step sample sequences, set custom pass/fail criteria, and configure automatic report templates. All raw titration data—including current vs. time profiles, cumulative charge integration, and endpoint confirmation signals—are stored with metadata (operator ID, sample ID, date/time, method version). Data files are encrypted and timestamped; modification history is logged automatically. Export options include CSV (for LIMS integration), PDF (for regulatory submission), and printer-ready formats. Software updates are delivered via secure vendor portal, and version history is retained within the application for traceability.
Applications
- Quality control of finished fuels and distillates per refinery specifications
- Monitoring moisture ingress in transformer oil during condition-based maintenance
- Stability assessment of lubricant formulations containing hygroscopic additives
- Batch release testing of aromatic solvents used in pharmaceutical synthesis
- Research into water solubility limits in non-aqueous reaction media
- Verification of drying efficiency in solvent recovery systems
FAQ
Does the KY-4 require daily reagent standardization?
No—electrolytic iodine generation eliminates the need for external titrant standardization. Reagent validity is verified via blank titration and background current monitoring.
Can the KY-4 analyze viscous or solid samples?
It is designed exclusively for liquids. Solid or high-viscosity samples must be dissolved in compatible KF-compatible solvents (e.g., chloroform/methanol mixtures) prior to injection.
What is the minimum sample volume required?
Typical injection volume is 0.1–1.0 mL, depending on expected water concentration. The small-cell design consumes <1 mL of reagent per test, minimizing operational cost.
Is the instrument compatible with LIMS integration?
Yes—CSV export functionality enables seamless ingestion into most Laboratory Information Management Systems. Custom API integration is available upon request.
How often does the fritted glass electrode require cleaning or replacement?
Under normal use, the sintered glass frit requires only periodic ultrasonic cleaning in methanol every 50–100 analyses. Replacement is recommended annually or after 500+ tests, depending on sample matrix aggressiveness.
