Autotitrating

Autotitrating refers to processes in which titration, the addition of a titrant to a sample to determine a property such as concentration, is carried out automatically by a device or software. An autotitration system monitors an analytical signal (for example pH, emf, conductivity, absorbance) as titrant is added and uses feedback control to adjust the rate and amount of titrant to reach a predefined endpoint. Endpoint determination can be based on a fixed condition (such as a pH of 7) or on a derivative criterion (such as a sharp change in signal). Controllers commonly employ algorithms such as PID or other optimization routines to minimize overshoot and achieve reproducible titration curves.

Automation is typically implemented with a syringe or piston pump substituting for a manual burette, integrated with sensors, and controlled by dedicated software or embedded controllers. Autotitrators are widely used in analytical laboratories to perform acid–base, redox, complexometric, or precipitation titrations with reduced manual intervention, improved precision, and higher throughput. They are particularly valuable for routine analyses, method development, and environments requiring consistent results across many samples.

Limitations include the need for proper calibration and maintenance, potential sensor fouling or drift, and challenges with opaque or highly colored samples where optical signals are difficult to interpret. In medical contexts, the term autotitration is sometimes used in reference to automated dosing systems, such as closed-loop insulin delivery, though this usage extends beyond standard chemical titration.