Automatic potentiometric titrators are the workhorses of modern laboratories, essential for high-precision volumetric analysis. Whether used in water treatment, marine engineering, food processing, or new energy research, these instruments rely on precise pH measurements and controlled electrode potentials to deliver results.
However, like any precision instrument, regular maintenance is key to longevity. At Nanbei Instruments, we believe that proper care not only extends the life of your equipment but ensuring the accuracy of your data.
Here is our comprehensive guide to maintaining your automatic water potentiometric titrator.
The liquid path is the "circulatory system" of your titrator. Issues here are the most common cause of downtime.
During periods of operation, you may need to adjust the solenoid valve screw while repeatedly pressing the "fast-drop" button to ensure smooth flow. However, do not leave this tight during storage.
Tip: If the machine will be idle for a few days, fully loosen the solenoid valve adjusting screw. This prevents the silicone tubing from being permanently compressed or deformed, which leads to aging and leaks.
Silicone tubing is a consumable part. Over time, the mechanical action of the solenoid valve will cause the tubing to lose elasticity.
Action: Inspect the tubing inside the valve regularly. If it shows signs of flattening or cracking, replace it immediately to avoid cross-contamination or leaks.
If the liquid fails to flow, you are likely facing a blockage or a mechanical restriction.
Check 1: Is the solenoid valve screw tightened too much?
Check 2: Inspect the burette and the drip tube tip. Crystallization of titrants often occurs here. Warm water or a mild solvent can usually clear these blockages.
A leak in the liquid path usually points to one of two issues:
Loose Valve: If the solenoid valve screw is too loose, the valve cannot seal properly, causing fluid to bypass the stop mechanism.
Damaged Tubing: Check for cracks caused by chemical corrosion or physical aging.
If you plan to store the automatic titrator for an extended period (e.g., during semester breaks or project pauses):
Remove the silicone tubing from the solenoid valve completely.
Flush the entire system thoroughly with distilled water to remove salt deposits and corrosive reagents.
The composite glass electrode is the "heart" of your analysis. Its condition directly impacts your result precision.
If you notice that the response time has become sluggish (slow stabilization) or the measurement data is drifting excessively, the electrode is likely aging.
Solution: First, try cleaning and re-hydrating the electrode in a KCl solution. If performance does not improve, the electrode must be replaced to ensure the instrument operates stably.
The automatic titrator is a sophisticated device consisting of a volumetric unit, a control unit, and a high-precision measuring device. Whether you are in education or environmental protection, Nanbei Instruments provides robust solutions designed for durability and analytical precision.