917 Coulometer

Significance of the topic

The Metrohm 917 Coulometer streamlines coulometric titrations in quality control, research and industrial laboratories. By integrating voltammetric Karl Fischer water determination with automated reagent handling, magnetic stirring, touchscreen operation and network connectivity, it addresses the growing need for compact, reliable and easily documented moisture analysis in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food.

Objectives and overview of the manual

This short‐instruction guide aims to provide rapid setup, safe operation and basic maintenance instructions for the 917 Coulometer. It covers instrument description, safety requirements, installation steps, sensor and peripheral connections, touchscreen operation and routine cleaning. The guide supplements the full manual by focusing on essential tasks for immediate commissioning.

Methodology and instrumentation

The 917 Coulometer supports:

• KFC: Coulometric Karl Fischer titration for water content via voltammetric detection.
• BRC: Bromine index determination in hydrocarbons via coulometry.
• MEAS: Voltammetric (Ipol), amperometric (Upol) and temperature measurements.

The compact system integrates:

• Touch‐sensitive color display and fixed keys for Home, Back, Help, Print, Manual, Start/Stop.
• Built‐in magnetic stirrer and membrane pump for reagent addition and sample aspiration.
• Two MSB ports for peripheral Metrohm devices (dosers, stirrers, Remote Box) in daisy‐chain.
• USB Type‐A port for flash drives, printers, keyboards, barcode readers or the 885 Compact Oven SC.
• Ethernet connector for data storage, network printing and e‐mail alerts.
• Dedicated sensor sockets for generator electrode, indicator electrode and temperature probe (Pt1000/NTC).

Key features and discussion

Installation involves unpacking, site selection, positioning the titration vessel holder, inserting and equipping the ground‐joint titration cell, and loading adsorber tubes. Reagent and aspiration tubing connect to quick‐release nipples. Sensor cables attach to color‐coded sockets. Peripheral devices mount via MSB or USB, with automatic detection on power‐up. The touchscreen interface employs input dialogs, selection lists and icon‐driven navigation. Status icons display conditioning, measurement or standby modes. Routine cleaning uses a damp cloth; connectors remain dry.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

• Space‐saving design for small laboratories.
• Fast setup and user‐friendly touchscreen control reduce training time.
• Automated reagent handling minimizes operator error and enhances safety when handling flammable or caustic reagents.
• Comprehensive connectivity supports LIMS integration and remote monitoring.
• Versatile titration and measurement modes extend use beyond water content to bromine index and process monitoring.

Future trends and potential applications

As laboratory automation advances, integration with robotic sample handlers, cloud‐based data management and predictive maintenance will enhance productivity. Future firmware updates may add new titration modes or advanced diagnostic routines. Expanded sensor options (e.g., multi‐electrode arrays, spectroscopic probes) could broaden analytical capabilities. Enhanced network security and mobile app interfaces will support remote operation and compliance tracking.

Conclusion

The Metrohm 917 Coulometer offers a compact, all‐in‐one solution for precise coulometric titrations and related measurements. Its intuitive touchscreen operation, robust safety features and flexible connectivity make it ideally suited for modern analytical laboratories. By following the short‐instruction manual, users can quickly install, operate and maintain the system, ensuring accurate results and streamlined workflows.