Metrohm 915 KF Ti-Touch Compact Karl Fischer Titrator

Overview

The Metrohm 915 KF Ti-Touch is a fully integrated, benchtop Karl Fischer titrator engineered for routine moisture determination in quality control, pharmaceutical, chemical, and petrochemical laboratories. It implements the electrochemical principle of Karl Fischer titration—where iodine generated stoichiometrically reacts with water in anhydrous methanol-based medium—to quantify water content with trace-level sensitivity. Unlike modular systems requiring external burettes, stirrers, or controllers, the 915 KF Ti-Touch integrates all core components—including dual-mode (Ipol/Upol) polarization detection, precision Dosino dosing units, magnetic stirring, sealed titration cell, and embedded control electronics—into a single compact chassis. Its design prioritizes operational safety, spatial efficiency, and method reproducibility without dependency on external PCs during standard operation.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-mode endpoint detection: Ipol (polarizing current) and Upol (polarizing voltage) modes ensure robust endpoint recognition across diverse sample matrices—including viscous oils, hygroscopic solids, and low-water-content solvents.
• Patented Dosino dispensing technology: Enables reagent replacement without opening the titration vessel or direct contact with toxic KF reagents, minimizing exposure risk and cross-contamination.
• 7-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen: Supports 14 user-defined method shortcuts; displays real-time KF status icons (e.g., pre-titration, sample injection ready, titration active) and system diagnostics.
• Dual MSB (Metrohm Serial Bus) interfaces: Allow expansion to dual-channel configuration—supporting simultaneous analysis of two samples or parallel volumetric/coulometric measurements using additional Dosino units or 805 Dosimat dispensers.
• Onboard safety logic: “Safe stop volume” function automatically halts reagent addition if pre-defined titration volume or time thresholds are exceeded—preventing overflow due to electrode failure, excessive sample water, or sensor drift.
• Direct peripheral connectivity: USB ports support printers, barcode scanners, and USB flash drives; Ethernet interface enables native LIMS and network file server integration without intermediary PC software.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 915 KF Ti-Touch accommodates solid, liquid, and gaseous samples via direct injection or oven coupling (with optional 831 KF Oven). It complies with ISO 8536-5 (glassware), ASTM E203 (KF titration standard), and pharmacopeial methods (USP , EP 2.5.12, JP 2.05). When paired with tiBase software and configured in a networked environment, the system supports full GLP/GMP compliance—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant PDF reports featuring digital timestamps, cryptographic checksums, and embedded instrument metadata.

Software & Data Management

All measurement data—including titration curves, equivalence point calculations, raw sensor signals, and method parameters—are stored internally and exportable as tamper-evident PDF reports. These reports embed device ID, operator login, environmental timestamp, and digital signature—ensuring traceability and regulatory acceptance. Data can be saved directly to USB media or transmitted over LAN to centralized servers. tiBase software provides advanced post-processing: batch statistical evaluation, trend analysis, custom report templates, and database archiving with role-based access control.

Applications

This instrument is routinely deployed for moisture quantification in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, lyophilized biologics, lithium battery electrolytes, polymer resins, transformer oils, and food-grade solvents. Its wide dynamic range (10 ppm–100%) and dual-mode detection make it suitable for both ultra-trace water in high-purity solvents and high-moisture content in hygroscopic powders. The seamless integration with 814/815 automated sample changers enables unattended batch analysis of up to 32 samples per run—reducing manual labor and inter-operator variability.

FAQ

Does the 915 KF Ti-Touch support both volumetric and coulometric KF methods?
Yes—it operates in volumetric mode by default but can be upgraded to coulometric mode with compatible generator electrodes and reagents, enabling sub-ppm detection limits.
Can method files be shared between multiple 915 instruments?
Yes—method configurations are stored as portable .mth files and can be imported/exported via USB or network, ensuring consistency across laboratory sites.
Is calibration verification required before each analysis?
No—endpoint detection is based on electrochemical signal stability, not calibration curves. However, periodic verification using certified water standards (e.g., Hydranal® standards) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025.
How is data integrity ensured during power loss or unexpected shutdown?
The instrument features non-volatile memory that retains all active titration data and method settings; incomplete runs resume from last stable checkpoint upon reboot.
What maintenance is required for the Dosino dispensing unit?
Dosino units require only periodic piston seal inspection and solvent flushes—no routine recalibration or mechanical adjustment is necessary due to their closed-loop stepper motor control and factory-trimmed accuracy.