GR Scientific Aquamax KF Portable, Aquamax KF ECO User Manual

Aquamax KF

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

UK Distribution by: IMA Ltd, Parkwell House, Otley Road, Guiseley, West Yorkshire, LS20 8BH, England

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Website: www.ima.co.uk

“Portable”

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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CONTENTS

Introduction …………………………………………………….……… Page 3

Principle of Measurement ……………………………………………… Page 4

Technical Specifications ..……………………………………………… Page 5

Unpacking & Parts List ……………………………………………… Page 6

Titration Cell Assembly Instructions …………………………………… Page 7-8

OPS Workstation ……………………………………………………….. Page 9

Filling & Changing Reagents ………………………………………….. Page 10

Front & Rear Panel Description ………..……………………………… Page 11

Setting Time & Date …………………………………………………… Page 12

Connection & Start Up Procedure ……………………………………… Page 13

Programming A Method ……………………………………………….. Page 14 – 20

Water Standard Test …………………………………………………… Page 21

Example Methods & Applications……………………………………… Page 22 - 24

How To Run A Test………………Examples V/SG & W/w…………… Page 25 - 26
Printer …………………………… Loading the paper…………………. Page 27

Example Print Out…………………. Page 28

Drift Compensation ……………………………….………………… …. Page 29

Overtitration ……………………………………………………………. Page 29

Reagent Life ……………………………………………………………. Page 29

Cleaning the Glassware ………………………………………………… Page 30

Troubleshooting ……………………………………………………….. Page 31

Warranty ……………………………………………………………….. Page 31

Other Products ………………………………………………………….. Page 32 - 34

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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G.R. Scientific Ltd.

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail] Website: www.grscientific.com

Building 69 Building 69
Wrest Park Wrest Park
Silsoe Silsoe
Bedfordshire Bedfordshire
MK45 4HS MK45 4HS
United Kingdom United Kingdom

Key personnel at G.R. Scientific are recognised experts in coulometric Karl Fischer titration technology
and electrochemisty. They have designed and manufactured coulometric titrators since the early 1980’s
and are widely regarded as some of the leading specialists in this technique.

Designed primarily for the oil and power industries, the Aquamax KF Portable is the only model on the
market with a carry handle attached directly to the unit. It also features a protective stainless steel cage,
built-in printer and single button operation for water standards analysis, using either distilled water or
water pellets. Specially designed Low Drift Cell twin port glassware avoids the need for Teflon sleeves
or grease on the electrodes to seal titration cell from moisture invasion. Also available is a carry case for
transportation in the field and an OPS Workstation which includes everything the user needs, such as
syringes, standards, reagents, etc. all in one footprint for ultimate efficiency.

Aquamax KF Formula reagents have been specially formulated for use with Aquamax KF titrators.
Formula A anode reagent is suitable for most routine applications and is especially useful for water
content determination of oil samples, e.g. transformer oils, crude oils, etc. This anode reagent is
supplied in “single shot” bottles of 100ml – No measuring of volumes required – No mixing of other
solvents required. Cathode reagent Formula C is supplied in “single shot” 5ml vials which have “safety
snappers” pre-fitted thereby reducing risk to the operator.

Where appropriate G.R. Scientific products include traceable calibration certificates and are backed up
by a three year parts and labour warranty. These titrators are used by many leading companies in the oil,
petrochemical, gas, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, automotive and power generation industries.

For a list of users, typical applications or details of our network of international distributors, please visit
our website, www.grscientific.com
Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]

To obtain the full benefits that this instrument can offer it is recommended that you read this user
manual before assembling the unit.

Cou-Lo and Aquamax KF are registered trade marks of G. R. Scientific Ltd. “ACE” control system is p atented
technique owned by G.R. Scientific Ltd.

(All Aquamax KF power supplies are double insulated units that do not need an earth (ground) connection. These
units are sealed and conform to CSA(LR84459), UL listings and CE requirements. Aquamax KF titrators only
require a low voltage 15V input to the electronic / control circuitry. The moulded plastic casing of the instrument
also provides additional insulation.)

Correspondence Address: Delivery Address:

INTRODUCTION

, or contact G.R. Scientific Ltd. on:-

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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PRINCIPLE OF MEASUREMENT

Karl Fischer titration is simply a means to measure water content of samples. Modern instruments, such as
the Aquamax KF, use the coulometric principle, whereby the water present in the sample is coulometrically
titrated to a predefined end point at which there is a minute excess of free iodine present.
Stoichiometrically, 1 mole of water will react with 1 mole of iodine, so that 1 milligram of water is
equivalent to 10⋅71 coulombs of electricity. Combining the coulometric technique with Karl Fischer
titration, Aquamax KF titrators determine the water content of the sample by measuring the amount of
electrolysis current necessary to produce the required iodine. This is an absolute technique which does not
require calibration of the reagents. For further information, visit www.grscientific.com

, and download the

PDF article titled “Recent Advances”.

2

SO

I

2+SO2+3C5H5N+H2O → 2C5H5N.HI+C5H5 N

O

SO
C

5H5N +CH3OH → C5 H5 N

2 SO4CH3

O H

2I - 2e → I

2

Using the latest pulse current technology and our patented “ACE” control system, (Patent No.GB2370641),
the Aquamax KF automatically selects the appropriate titration speed dependent upon the amount of water
present in the sample. The titration speed is reduced as the end point is approached, and when the titration
is completed the instrument prints out and displays the results. For a more detailed explanation of the
technique, and a comparison with volumetric Karl Fischer titration, please visit our website,
www.grscientific.com

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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Technical Specifications

Aquamax KF Portable

Titration Method:

Coulometric Karl Fischer titra tion

Electrolysis Control:

Patented “ACE” control system GB2370641

Titration vessel:

Low Drift Cell design, no grease or PTFE sleeves required

End Point Detection:

AC polarisation

End point indication:

Visual display/print out/acoustic beep

Measuring range:

Possible: 1µg – 200 mg water. Typical: 1µg - 10mg water

Moisture range:

1ppm - 100% water

Max. sensitivity:

0.1µg

Max. titration speed:

2.24 mg per minute

Max. current:

400 ma

Drift compensation:

Automatically controlled

Precision:

10-100µg ± 3µg, 100µg-1mg ±3µg, above 1mg ±0.3%

Start delay time:

0-30 minutes, user selectable

End delay time:

0-30 minutes, user selectable

Calculation modes:

Weight/weight, (W/w)

(user programmable)

Weight/dilution ratio, (W/K)

Volume/density, (V/SG)

Volume/volume, (V/v)

Display format:

µg, mg/kg, ppm, %

Print format:

µg, mg/kg, ppm, %

Statistics:

max, mean, min values up to 99 runs

Method storage:

10 user programmable methods stored plus multi method via pc
link

Sample ID number:

User programmable

Stirrer speed:

Microprocessor controlled

Languages:

Multi languages – user selectable

Calendar/clock:

Analysis time & date print out

Battery low indicator:

Display & print out indication

Data outputs:

USB and RS232 ports

Removable Data storage:

Flash drive (memory stick)

Data Entry:

15 key touchpad

Display:

40 character alphanumeric backlit LCD

Printer:

42 character high speed thermal printer

Protection cage:

Power supply:

Stainless steel

90-264V AC, 47-63 Hz. 12V DC car adapter/internal battery

Dimensions:

250 x 245 x 300 mm (incl. cage)

Weight:

4 kg

Carry handl e:

Built in

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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UNPACKING & PARTS LIST

Inside the shipping carton you will find a plastic case which contains the glassware and accessories pack
and the user manual. The Aquamax KF titrator is located underneath the glassware case (or inside the
optional carry case if ordered). The mains power pack and in-car adapter are inside the carry case lid
compartment. Remove all of these items and check that they have arrived undamaged. The built-in battery
may lose some charge if stored for prolonged period. We advise connecting the Aquamax KF Portable to
mains power supply for 12 hours before first switching the power on.

After unpacking your Aquamax KF Portable check that the glassware/accessories pack contains:­ Item Description Low Drift Cell
1 pce Titration Vessel twin port 503053
1 pce Detector electrode LDC 503054
1 pce Generator electrode LDC 503055
1 pce Desiccant tube & cap 503058
1 pack Injection septa (10) 503059
1 pce 1ml Gas Tight syringe 503063
1 pce Luer needle Pair (17 & 19 gauge) 503067
1 bottle Molecular sieve 503070
1 pce Stirrer bar 503071
1 pce Funnel 503072
1 pce Thermal paper roll 503073

ACCESSORIES

1 pce Mains power pack 401607
1 pce In Car Adapter 401421

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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Position titration vessel on Aquamax KF

The glass joints do not require PTFE

seal the vessel from ingress of moisture
from the atmosphere and are easily

Position electrodes on titration vessel. It is
not necessary to overtighten these screw

Connect leads to generator and detector
electrodes then connect the leads to the

Place stirrer bar inside titration vessel

Fit injection septa into plastic screw cap
The assembled titration cell is now ready to be charged with reagents prior to use. Please be sure to

AQUAMAX KF TITRATION CELL

STEP BY STEP ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

(SHOWN WITHOUT PROTECTIVE CAGE OR CARRY HANDLE)

titrator

sleeves or grease. The special screw fittings

released, even after several weeks.

joints.

assemble correctly every time the cell is cleaned or re-filled. It is recommended that the titrator is NOT
switched on until after the titration vessel has been charged with reagents. This will avoid damage being
caused to the electrodes by the stirrer bar. Avoid twisting the electrode leads otherwise they may become
damaged.

titrator. Generator electrode lead connects
to socket marked
detector electrode lead connects to socket
marked

connectors and locate onto injection ports
of titration vessel.

Fill
locate on top of generator electrode

“DETECTOR”

drying tube with molecular sieve and

“GENERATOR” –

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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AQUAMAX KF TITRATION CELL

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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OPS WORKSTATION

The Aquamax KF Portable can also be supplied complete with an OPS Workstation. A sturdy outer
case secures and enables transportation of the titrator complete with spare anode reagent bottles,
cathode reagent vials, distilled water and 10 microlitre syringe of water standard test, pellet sampler
and water standard pellets, 1.0ml & 5.0ml gas tight syringes and luer needles, power pack, in-car
adapter and Results Manager USB flash drive for storage of all results whilst in the field.

Pellet sampler Power pack &

Water standard pellet s in-car adapter

10µl, 1.0ml &

5.0ml syringes

Results Manager Syringe
USB flash drive tray

Above the flash drive are two bottles anode reagent,

two cathode reagent vials and distilled water bottle

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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Although reagents can be poured into the titration vessel whilst

electrodes are removed from the instrument whilst this

Remove the drying tube and injection septa. Using the funnel

Also using the funnel, charge the inner chamber of the

Reconnect the drying tube and injection septa so that the

Locate the complete titration vessel onto the titrator and

The colours of anode and cathode reagent are only an

FILLING & CHANGING REAGENTS

The Aquamax KF Portable has been designed to operate with all major coulometric Karl Fischer
reagents, however optimum performance can be obtained by using Aquamax KF Formula reagents
which have been specifically formulated for use with these instruments. For most routine
applications 100ml of Formula “A” (anode reagent) and 5ml of Formula “C” (cathode reagent) are
used. When analysing Transformer oils, Crude oils and other petroleum products Formula “A” is
especially suited as it contains other solvents to improve sample miscibility and solubility.

(When analysing samples of Ketones, amines or others which may interfere with the reaction it is advisa ble to
use specialised reagents which can be obtained from various suppliers).

it is located on the titrator, we recommend that the vessel and

procedure is performed to avoid reagent spillage onto the
instrument casing.

wiped off immediately to avoid damage or staining).

(Any spillage onto the instrument casing should be

supplied, charge the titration vessel upto the lower line with
Formula “A” reagent. For your convenience these reagents are
supplied in “single shot” bottles which contain 100ml so it is
not necessary to measure any volumes – simply pour in the
complete bottle

generator electrode with Formula “C” reagent which are
supplied in “single shot” 5 ml vials which havce “safety
snappers” pre-fitted thereby reducing risk to the operator.

(It is not necessary to clean the funnel between reagents.)

titration vessel is sealed from ingress of atmospheric moisture.

connect the electrode leads onto the appropriate sockets

illustration to show that there are two different liquids. These
are not necessarily the exact colours of the reagents being used.

The Aqua
on.

Cathode Reagent Anode Reagent

max KF Portable titrator is now ready to be switched

Aquamax KF Portable v.13.08

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Power Jack:- Nominal 18v DC 45w. Supply Input

DESCRIPTION

Front Panel

Printer Display panel

Keypad Stirrer speed

Rear Panel

Fuse:- 3 ,15amp T type Time delay
RS232:- Standard 4 wire RS232 Input / Output

Port.

USB-B:- Direct cable to PC / Results Manager

Port.

USB-A:- Removable Flash Memory Store Port.

RS232 Port. –
For updating titrator software, connecting to other equipment for remote controlling (software specific
protocols to be provided).

USB-B Port. –
For connecting directly to PC to export data to Results Manager and enable results to be saved on files for
future reference. (See Results Manager User Manual section)

USB-A Port. –
For exporting results data to a Removable Flash Drive (memory stick), when running sample tests i n the
field or remote locations, and subsequent transfer to PC at a later date for loading onto Results Manager
files.

To use the memory store, insert Flash Drive into USB port A, titrator will see it and a symbol

will appear on the display.

The symbol will appear blacked out while the drive is being written to and then as
The drive should only be removed when in the idle mode.

To read data saved on drive insert it into PC USB port. Start Results Manager, load selected file and then
save in the format you require, see Results Manager user manual for full instructio ns.

There is a separate power ON/OFF switch on the rear panel. Whilst connected to mains power supply, a
trickle charge is continuously applied to the battery. It is therefore recommended that the instrument is used
from mains power supply whenever possible so that the battery is kept fully charged. Maximum battery
operating time is 8 hours continuous use. This may be reduced if repeated high water contents are being
determined or if the printer is being continually used.

when idle.