Double-accredited water standards for Karl Fischer titration

The accurate calibration of analytical instruments and reagents is essential for precise, repeatable Karl Fischer titration. This validation process is performed with a specific amount of either pure water or a water standard; and while pure water can be satisfactorily used as a calibrator, accurate results are reliant on a range of factors such as the balance used, the volume of the burette, the Karl Fischer chemistry (titrant) and the know-how of the user.

Another challenge with using pure water is the low amounts required (10-50mg for volumetry and 0.1-1mg for coulometry), which are difficult to weigh and handle. For all these reasons, researchers understandably prefer instruments to be calibrated with a Certified Reference Material (CRM) water standard, especially for:

• Titer determination
• Monitoring precision and accuracy
• Validation and inspection of Karl Fischer titrators according to ISO, GMP, GLP and FDA guidelines.

Honeywell Research Chemicals has launched its first series of Hydranal double-accredited CRMs for Karl Fischer titration. These new water standards are produced and certified in accordance with both ISO Guide 34 and ISO/IEC 17025, the so-called ‘gold standard accreditation’. The double accreditation means researchers can be sure of complying with the strictest regulatory requirements.

With increasing pressure from governing authorities and rising user demand for better quality measurement results, more and more laboratories are securing this level of accreditation. This enables them to demonstrate their measurement performance and the traceability of their results through CRM for both volumetric and coulometric testing.

Since the Hydranal product line was launched more than 35 years ago, Honeywell Research Chemicals’ laboratory in Seelze, Germany, has applied a high standard for production and quality control of Karl Fischer reagents and water standards. Customers’ results are directly affected by the quality of the certified reference materials they use, so the company has committed to continuously improving its processes to ensure that its products help them deliver the best quality research results. Attaining double-accredited CRM marks the latest step in that commitment.

All Hydranal water standards are tested against the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA) standard reference material SRM2890, Water Saturated Octanol. Some of the standards are additionally tested against NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan) CRM 4222-a. They are all supplied with detailed instruction for use and, depending on their quality level, with either a Report of Analysis (RoA) or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing the exact water content. The comprehensive documentation also includes an uncertainty calculation, lot-specific values, an expiry date and storage information.

Thanks to Honeywell Research Chemicals’ range of Hydranal reagents, analysts have access to accurate and reliable CRM standards for water determination, backed by internationally recognised accreditation. Moreover, the Hydranal product line is supported by a strong technical team that can help users optimise their Karl Fischer titration and application methods. Water is no longer the only choice available.

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