Manual titrations for water, soil and food quality analyses are time-consuming, inaccurate and inconsistent. The primary input causing error is the technician. For these reasons, automatic titration is becoming a more widely accepted method of reporting. Unlike a titration manually performed by a technician, automated systems deliver accuracy, reliability, reproducibility, traceability, reportability as well as efficiency.
Accuracy
When technicians approach their workbench with multiple scattered analysis stations, they are often faced with a flurry of “What if’s…” or “Did I’s…?” before they can start their analysis. Automated systems ensure the equipment have been calibrated, properly stored and cleaned, as well as prompts the technician in step-by-step preparation procedures. Even while conducting their analysis, technicians are manually counting the drops (equivalent to 50uL) of titrant added to the sample. Automated systems improve precision by automating microliter buret injects of titrant as little as 0.5uL. Essentially, automated systems take the guesswork out of the technician’s entire analysis.
Reliability & Reproducibility
The endpoint in a manual titration is the point at which the analyte (the substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured) has completely reacted with the titrant, often signified by a faint pink color. As this is measured by the technician’s naked eye, the results are dependent on the subjective interpretation of each technician. The results of an endpoint in an automated titration are based on electrochemical measurements from your selected electrode, thereby guaranteeing consistent and reproducible results.
Traceability & Reportability
Technicians performing manual titrations are required to record and calculate results on handwritten bench sheets. Transcription errors or miscalculations lead to unreportable results, not to mention the human resources required for managing and organizing all physical data. Automated systems eliminate the need for handwritten bench sheets, thereby eliminating human error as well as improving traceability and LIMS integration.
Efficiency
Automated titration allows the technician to accomplish more tasks in a day by freeing them of routine and time-consuming manual titrations. For high throughput facilities, the addition of automated titrators increase operational efficiencies. For manual titrations, becoming an expert can take many years, with automated titration, employees of any skill level can be easily trained to perform a titration. Leave and get email notification. How valuable is your technician’s time?
How Does MANTECH’s MT5 Auto Titrator Stack Up to Manual Titrators?
MANUAL MANTECH
Accuracy Technician’s memory for step-by-step preparation procedures Prompted step-by-step preparation procedures
Min. titrant injections = 50uL Min. titrant injections = 0.5uL
Reliability & Reproducibility Relies on technician’s subjective measurement of visual endpoint. Relies on electrochemical measurements from electrode.
Traceability & Reportability Handwritten bench sheet Easy database sharing & management
Transcription errors & miscalculations Full import/export LIMS capability
Complete audit trail
Efficiency Time-consuming Designed for operators, engineers & technicians with little to no experience
Highly skilled & trained technician Little technician input limited to setup procedures