THE APPLICATION OF THE KARL-FISCHER OVEN FOR THE DETERMINATION OF WATER IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS

The direct Karl Fischer (KF) titration method has known interferences for measuring water content. In addition, in analyzing some paints, KF can fail to produce an accurate analysis. The California Air Resource s Board (CARE) staff has developed a KF procedure that can be used to determine the water content of consumer products. The procedure uses a n oven accessory to the titration system, and is based on a distillati on method developed by the California Polytechnical University at San Luis Obispo (Gal Poly). Samples are diluted in 1-methoxy-2-propanol (M PA), and an aliquot is injected into an enclosed oven system, where th e MPA/water azeotrope is swept directly into the KF titration vessel. The technique is accurate and precise and, thus far, proves to be a fa st and reliable method for analysis.