Water determination according to Karl Fischer

Negative effects of water in petrochemical products
Water occurs as a contaminant in virtually all petroleum products. It reduces lubricant properties, promotes microbial oil degradation, leads to sludge formation in the tank and promotes corrosion of ferrous and nonferrous metals.

In addition, insulating and transformer oils used in high-voltage engineering become electrically conducting and are therefore rendered useless in the presence of water.

Excellent reproducilibity using KF Titration
In view of this, knowledge about the water content in petroleum products is of prime importance. Owing to its excellent reproducibility and accuracy as well as its ease of use, Karl Fischer titration figures in numerous international standards.

Measurement can occur by volumetric or coulometric Karl Fischer titration. Because of the low water content in petroleum products, KF coulometry is usually applied.