Metrohm 870 Titrino Plus Volumetric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Metrohm 870 Titrino Plus is a robust, entry-level volumetric Karl Fischer (KF) titrator engineered for routine moisture determination in industrial QC laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, and chemical production facilities. It operates on the principle of coulometric or volumetric iodometric redox titration—specifically, the reaction between iodine, sulfur dioxide, water, and a base (typically imidazole or pyridine) in anhydrous methanol or ethanol-based solvents. In volumetric mode, the instrument dispenses standardized KF reagent from a precision burette until electrochemical endpoint detection confirms stoichiometric completion of the water–iodine reaction. Designed for operational simplicity without compromising metrological integrity, the 870 Titrino Plus delivers trace-level sensitivity (down to 10 ppm) and full-range quantification (up to 100% w/w), making it suitable for diverse matrices including hygroscopic solids (e.g., APIs, polymers), volatile liquids (e.g., solvents, monomers), and low-moisture gases (via gas sampling modules).

Key Features

• Plug-and-play hardware integration: Automatic recognition of intelligent exchange units, 803 KF titration stands, and USB peripherals—including balances, printers, barcode scanners, and storage devices—eliminates manual configuration and reduces setup time.
• Precision dispensing architecture: Equipped with a 1/10,000-resolution burette and high-fidelity analog signal acquisition circuitry inherited from Metrohm’s premium Titrando platform, ensuring reproducible reagent delivery and sub-microliter dosing accuracy.
• Real-time electrochemical monitoring: Integrated LCD display plots titration curves (current vs. time or volume) continuously, enabling visual identification of side reactions (e.g., oxidation of aldehydes, hydrolysis of esters) and optimization of endpoint detection parameters.
• GLP/GMP-ready firmware: Built-in audit trail, user access levels, electronic signatures, method versioning, and timestamped raw data export comply with regulatory expectations under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Enhanced operator safety: The 803 KF titration stand enables closed-system solvent exchange using an internal diaphragm pump—minimizing exposure to toxic or flammable solvents. Pre-titration conditioning options prevent overfilling of the titration vessel, while the anti-siphon waste bottle eliminates backflow risks during disposal.
• Flexible input interface: First-of-its-kind dual-input support for both USB keyboard and optical mouse, allowing intuitive navigation through menus, method editing, and result review—ideal for analysts with varying levels of instrumentation experience.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 870 Titrino Plus accommodates solid, liquid, and gaseous samples via standardized KF sample introduction protocols. Solids are introduced using oven couplers (e.g., 860 KF Oven Sampler, optional) or direct dissolution in KF-compatible solvents; liquids are injected via syringe or autosampler (855 Robotic Titration Sample Processor, optional); gases are analyzed using flow-through cells with calibrated mass flow controllers. All methods adhere to internationally recognized standards including ASTM E203, ISO 760, USP <921>, and Ph. Eur. 2.5.12. Instrument qualification documentation supports IQ/OQ/PQ execution per GAMP 5 guidelines. Ethanol-based reagents are fully supported, reducing environmental and occupational health hazards compared to traditional methanol systems.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via embedded firmware—not external PC software—the system stores up to 100 pre-programmed methods with customizable calculation formulas (e.g., %H₂O, ppm, mg H₂O/g sample). Units for sample mass and result reporting (g, mg, µL, %, ppm) are user-selectable per method. Raw titration data—including current, potential, volume, and time stamps—is stored internally and exportable via USB to CSV or PDF formats. All changes to methods, parameters, or results are logged with user ID, timestamp, and reason-for-change fields, satisfying traceability requirements for regulated environments. No proprietary software license or annual maintenance fee is required for core functionality.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical raw material release testing (excipients, active ingredients, lyophilized powders)
• Quality control of lithium-ion battery electrolytes and cathode/anode materials
• Moisture verification in polymer resins (e.g., PET, nylon, polyacrylates) prior to extrusion or molding
• Stability-indicating assays for hydrolytically labile compounds (e.g., esters, lactams)
• In-process monitoring of solvent drying efficiency in API synthesis
• Compliance testing for food-grade packaging films and desiccant performance validation

FAQ

Is the 870 Titrino Plus compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—full electronic signature support, audit trail, and secure user authentication meet baseline requirements for Part 11 compliance when deployed in validated environments.
Can I use ethanol-based Karl Fischer reagents?
Yes—the instrument is fully compatible with ethanol-based reagents, offering improved workplace safety and reduced VOC emissions compared to methanol-based systems.
Does it support automated sample handling?
The base unit does not include robotics, but it interfaces seamlessly with the optional 855 Robotic Titration Sample Processor for unattended batch analysis.
What is the minimum detectable water content?
Detection limit is 10 ppm (w/w) under optimized conditions, verified using certified water standards traceable to NIST SRM 2890.
How is method validation supported?
Predefined validation templates (precision, accuracy, linearity, LOD/LOQ) are accessible within the method editor, and all raw data—including titration curves and endpoint calculations—is retained for retrospective review.