The determination of water, Karl Fischer titration (KFT)
The Karl Fischer method is the quantitative determination of water by titration, hence also Karl Fischer titration or simply KFT. The method was developed in 1935 by the German chemist Karl Fischer at Lazăr Edeleanu GmbH and is also used to determine water in oils (source: Wikipedia).
The exact determination of water in lubricating or hydraulic oil is not a simple procedure. In lubricant technology, some substances that are partially dissolved in the oil can only be determined by titration. Titration according to the Karl Fischer method (DIN 51777) is based on an electrochemical process. There is a reagent in a measuring cell with two electrodes.
This so-called Karl Fischer reagent consists of several compounds that are in equilibrium with each other in the absence of water. If you add water, a reaction occurs that unbalances the system. Equilibrium can be restored through an electrochemical reaction at the generator electrode. The water content can be calculated from the amount of electricity required for this reaction. (Source: Oelcheck)
Modern laboratories, for example, work with titrators from the company Metrohm , this uses an indirect method. The new device consists of two parts, the actual Karl Fischer titrator and a sample changer with an integrated oven.
Approximately 2 g of the oil sample is placed in a glass container and sealed airtight with a septum. This glass jar comes on a turntable that offers space for 35 samples. The autosampler places the sample in an oven where it is heated to 140 ° – 180 ° C. At the same time, the septum is pierced by a hollow needle. Dried nitrogen is passed through the sample and then into the titration vessel. Heating causes the water in the oil sample to be driven off in the form of water vapor. This process only introduces the water vapor absorbed by the nitrogen stream into the titration vessel, thus avoiding side reactions caused by additives. (Source: Oelcheck)
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Lars Benk: Profile of a field-tested expert
Basic training: Tool mechanic, specializing in stamping and forming technology.
Further training: State-certified technician with a focus on mechanical engineering.
Additional qualification: Degree in technical business administration, combining technical know-how with business expertise.
Professional experience: More than a decade of active work in the field of hydraulics.
Specialization: Certified specialist in oil analysis (MLA II – Machine Lubrication Specialist), with a specific focus on the maintenance and optimization of machines through professional lubricant analysis. Certified specialist for hydraulic fluids – specialist knowledge for optimal hydraulic systems.
