Mitsubishi Chemical CA-200 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer
| Brand | Mitsubishi Chemical |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | CA-200 |
| Measurement Principle | Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration |
| Measurement Range | 10 µg – 100 mg H₂O |
| Precision | CV ≤ 0.3% for samples ≥ 1 mg H₂O (n = 10) |
| Minimum Dispensing Volume | 1/2000 of burette volume |
| Electrolysis Current | 430 mA |
| Average Titration Speed | 2.2 mg H₂O/min (36 µg H₂O/sec) |
| Display | 5.7-inch color LCD |
| Data Storage | 20 single files + 50 composite files |
| Connectivity | RS-232C (optional), USB ports (2), balance interface, internal/external I/O |
| Power Supply | AC 100–120 V / 230–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Host Dimensions/Weight | 220 × 350 × 360 mm / ~5 kg |
| Stirrer Dimensions/Weight | 120 × 180 × 148 mm / ~1 kg |
| GLP/GMP Support | Yes |
| 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance | Available via optional software module |
Overview
The Mitsubishi Chemical CA-200 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer is an advanced, single-channel coulometric titration system engineered for high-precision quantitative determination of water content in diverse sample matrices. It operates on the electrochemical principle of the Karl Fischer reaction, where iodine—generated in situ via controlled electrolysis of iodide at the anode—is stoichiometrically consumed by water in the titration cell. This coulometric method eliminates the need for standardized titrant solutions, delivering inherent accuracy, long-term reagent stability, and exceptional reproducibility across repeated analyses. Designed as a direct successor to the CA-100, the CA-200 integrates enhanced hardware architecture—including a high-resolution color LCD interface, dual USB ports for data export and peripheral integration, and configurable electrode cleaning routines—to support robust routine operation in regulated laboratory environments. Its measurement range spans from trace-level moisture (10 µg H₂O) to macro-level quantitation (100 mg H₂O), with demonstrated precision of ≤ 0.3% coefficient of variation (CV) for samples containing ≥1 mg water (n = 10), meeting stringent analytical requirements in QC/QA workflows.
Key Features
- Coulometric titration mode ensures absolute quantification without calibration drift or titrant standardization.
- Automated electrode maintenance algorithm minimizes manual intervention by periodically removing passivating deposits from platinum electrodes during idle cycles.
- Modular design supports dual-cell configurations: up to two independent coulometric titration cells or two vaporization units can be connected simultaneously for parallel sample processing.
- Integrated sample handling compatibility with Mitsubishi’s VA-series moisture vaporizers—including VA-200 (boat-type), VA-210 (for lubricating oils), VA-230 (vial-type), VA-121 (high-temperature), and VA-122 (dual-zone furnace)—enabling reliable analysis of solids, viscous liquids, and thermally labile materials.
- Onboard file management accommodates 20 individual analysis files and 50 composite files, each storing complete metadata: sample ID, operator, date/time stamp, titration curve, endpoint detection parameters, and raw current-time integrals.
- Comprehensive connectivity suite includes balance auto-input interface, dual USB host ports (for flash drives and printers), and optional RS-232C serial port for LIMS or SCADA integration.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CA-200 demonstrates broad applicability across industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. Validated sample types include hydrocarbon-based fluids (e.g., transformer oil, jet fuel, lubricants), polymeric materials (plastics, rubbers), inorganic powders (metal oxides, clays, catalysts), pharmaceutical excipients and APIs, food-grade ingredients, and compressed gases (propane, butane). Its compliance framework aligns with international quality standards: instrument firmware supports audit-trail-enabled operation when paired with Mitsubishi’s FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data collection software; built-in GLP/GMP functionality includes user access control, electronic signature prompts, and immutable result archiving. All measurements adhere to ASTM D6304, ISO 760, USP , and EP 2.5.12 methodologies for coulometric Karl Fischer titration.
Software & Data Management
Data integrity is maintained through hierarchical storage protocols: raw titration curves and integrated coulombs are retained locally on the instrument’s non-volatile memory and may be exported in CSV or proprietary .kfd format via USB. The optional Data Collection Software provides centralized management of multi-instrument datasets, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. When deployed with the 21 CFR Part 11 module, the system enforces role-based authentication, electronic signatures with timestamped biometric verification, and tamper-evident audit logs for all critical events—including method changes, calibration updates, and result deletions—ensuring full traceability during regulatory inspections.
Applications
The CA-200 serves as a primary moisture verification tool in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., lyophilized product residual moisture validation), petrochemical refinery QC (water-in-fuel specification testing per ASTM D95), polymer production (moisture impact on melt index and hydrolysis kinetics), battery electrolyte purity assurance, and semiconductor-grade solvent certification. Its ability to interface with high-temperature vaporizers (e.g., VA-121, up to 300 °C) enables accurate quantification of bound water in crystalline hydrates and metal salts—critical for catalyst performance and formulation stability assessments.
FAQ
What distinguishes coulometric from volumetric Karl Fischer titration?
Coulometric KF generates iodine electrochemically within the titration cell, offering superior precision for low-moisture samples (<100 µg); volumetric KF uses pre-standardized iodine-containing reagents and is preferred for higher water concentrations.
Can the CA-200 analyze solid samples directly?
No—solid samples require thermal vaporization using compatible Mitsubishi VA-series vaporizers (e.g., VA-230 vial heater or VA-121 high-temp furnace) to release water prior to coulometric detection.
Is method validation support available?
Yes—Mitsubishi provides application notes, certified water standards (liquid and solid), and technical documentation aligned with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for analytical procedure validation.
Does the instrument support remote monitoring?
Via optional RS-232C interface and third-party SCADA-compatible drivers, real-time status and endpoint confirmation signals can be relayed to central control systems.
How often does the electrolyte require replacement?
Typical anolyte/catholyte service life exceeds 300–500 analyses under routine use with Mitsubishi-recommended reagents; the system logs cumulative electrolysis charge to assist predictive maintenance scheduling.
