Automated gravimetric management of solutions. Part 1. High-performance microcomputer-controlled gravimetric burette

Abstract

A versatile gravimetric burette and the necessary interface that allows it to be controlled by an IBM-PC microcomputer are described. The burette employs an electronic balance that holds three 30 ml flasks. The flasks are used for delivering different titrants or standard solutions and are connected to the sensor through the bottom of the balance. The addition of the solution is controlled by poly(tetrafluoroethylene) electromechanical valves housed inside the unit. The flasks can be refilled automatically from larger reservoirs placed outside the case. Solution level sensors are used to realize automatic refill when necessary. The mass delivered from the flasks is read by the computer through an RS232C interface. The burette can, when driven by the appropriate software, perform potentiometric, biamperometric and spectrophotometric titrations, standard additions procedures and the preparation of standard solutions.