titraattorit

Titraattori is the Finnish term for a titration device, also known as a titrator in English. It is an automated apparatus used to conduct titrations, a laboratory technique for determining the concentration of a substance in a solution by reacting it with a reagent of known concentration. The device integrates a burette or dispensing pump, a stirring mechanism, a pH or conductivity probe, and a computer control system. Modern titrators can perform various modes of titration, including endpoint detection via pH, potentiometric, conductometric, photometric, or cloud-point methods.

The first commercial titrators appeared in the early 1990s, motivated by the need for improved precision, repeatability, and reduced operator error in chemical analysis. These early models were primarily pH‑endpoint devices with mechanical burettes and manual recordings. Over time, advancements in sensor technology, microcontrollers, and user interfaces led to fully automated titrators capable of complex titration protocols, multi‑analysis capabilities, and integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Typical applications of titrators span pharmaceutical quality control, food and beverage testing, water analysis, environmental monitoring, and academic research. For instance, they are used to determine acidity in wine, residual capacity in battery electrolytes, or the presence of nitrates in groundwater. Proper use of a titrator requires calibration of the reagents, validation of the titration protocol, and routine maintenance of the sensors to ensure accurate endpoint determination. Safety considerations include handling of hazardous reagents, neutralization of spills, and use of personal protective equipment. Compliance with regulatory standards such as ISO 17025 or ASTM ensures that titrator‑based analyses meet industry quality benchmarks.