888 Titrando

Importance of the Topic

The Metrohm 888 Titrando represents a flagship automated titration platform widely used in research, quality control and industrial laboratories. It enables reliable, reproducible titrations by integrating precise dosing, versatile measuring modes and modular peripheral devices, greatly improving throughput and data quality compared to manual titrations.

Objectives and Article Overview

This summary presents key features, operational modes, connectivity options and safety considerations of the 888 Titrando system. It covers the instrument’s design, installation procedures, measuring methodologies and practical applications, helping users understand how to configure and operate the device for various titration tasks.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The 888 Titrando supports multiple titration modes:

• DET (dynamic equivalence point titration) with adaptive dosing steps
• MET (monotonic equivalence point titration) with constant dosing increments
• SET (endpoint titration) at one or two predetermined endpoints
• MEAS (stand-alone measurement) in pH, voltage, amperometric or voltammetric modes
• CAL (electrode calibration) routines for pH electrodes

Each mode can be combined with:

• pH measurement (–13 to +20 pH, 0.001 pH resolution)
• Potentiometric voltage (±1 200 mV, 0.1 mV resolution)
• Polarographic or amperometric detection with adjustable polarization current or voltage
• Temperature compensation via Pt1000 or NTC sensors

Used Instrumentation

• 888 Titrando titrator base unit with internal dosing drive
• 900 Touch Control terminal or PC with Metrohm titration software
• MSB-connected peripherals: Dosino or Dosimat dosing modules, magnetic stirrers, titration stands, Remote Box and Relay Box
• USB devices: printers, barcode readers, keyboards, balances via USB/RS-232 adapter
• Sensor modules: pH/ion-selective electrodes, reference electrodes, polarizable electrodes, temperature probes, iTrodes with data chip (via iConnect interface)

Main Features and Discussion

The system’s modular design allows up to four Metrohm Serial Bus (MSB) devices and two USB peripherals to be combined in a single network. A built-in exchanging unit with intelligent data chip stores reagent and buret characteristics, enabling automated recognition and calibration. Safety interlocks, comprehensive error diagnostics and exchangeable units simplify maintenance. Galvanic isolation and high-impedance measuring inputs ensure stable readings even in complex matrices. Software-controlled stirring, dosing profiles and remote I/O interlocks facilitate integration into automated workflows.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The 888 Titrando offers:

• Automated, high-precision titration for acid-base, redox, complexometric and precipitation analyses
• Rapid setup and method transfer between stand-alone Touch Control and PC-based environments
• Flexible lab automation by chaining MSB devices and remote I/O for sample processors or pump stations
• Enhanced data integrity through digital sensor calibration, built-in quality checks and audit-ready reporting

Future Trends and Application Possibilities

Advancements likely include full integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), wireless sensor modules, cloud-based data analytics and AI-driven titration optimization. Miniaturized exchange units, expanded multi-parameter detection and robotic sample handling will further increase throughput and accuracy in high-demand laboratories.

Conclusion

The Metrohm 888 Titrando stands out as a highly adaptable, precise and user-friendly titration platform. Its extensive connectivity, automated dosing and measurement modes meet the needs of modern analytical workflows, delivering consistent results while reducing manual intervention and optimizing laboratory efficiency.

References

• Metrohm AG. 888 Titrando Manual. 2020-03-03. Herisau, Switzerland.