ASTM E1064-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E1064-24 — Standard Test Method for Water in Organic Liquids by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration. A concise procedural standard that specifies equipment, reagents, sample handling, verification, and reporting requirements for determining low levels of water in most liquid organic chemicals using coulometric Karl Fischer titration.

Abstract

This test method describes a coulometric Karl Fischer titration procedure for determining water content (typically 0 % to 2.0 % mass) in most organic liquids. The method covers apparatus setup, reagent use (including pyridine-free reagents), calibration/verification of coulometric efficiency, precautions and interferences, sample introduction procedures, calculations, and reporting. It is optimized for low-level water determinations where coulometric technique gives greater sensitivity than volumetric titration.

General information

• Status: Active / Current
• Publication date: 01 January 2024 (approved edition E1064-24)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 71.080.01 (Organic chemicals in general); chemical analysis / analytical chemistry
• Edition / version: E1064-24 (2024)
• Number of pages: 5

Scope

This standard covers the determination of water in most liquid organic chemicals by automated coulometric Karl Fischer titration, generally in the range from trace levels up to about 2.0 % mass. It describes direct titration procedures and the verification of coulometric efficiency. The method is not intended for samples that are gaseous at room temperature or certain liquefied gases (for example LPG, butane, propane, LNG) and may be limited by matrix interferences that affect the iodine–iodide reaction.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle of coulometric Karl Fischer titration (electrolytic generation of iodine; Faraday’s law).
• Applicable concentration range (optimized for low water levels; accuracy declines for concentrations much greater than ~2.0 %).
• Apparatus and accessories: coulometric titrator, sample introduction system, inert gas/oven accessories for thermally desorbed water where applicable.
• Reagents: commercially available coulometric reagents including pyridine-free formulations and appropriate solvents.
• Verification and calibration: procedures to confirm coulometric efficiency and system performance checks before testing.
• Sample handling and preparation: recommended sample sizes, solvent selection, and steps to minimize contamination and moisture uptake.
• Interferences and precautions: discussion of species that interfere with KF titration and recommended mitigation (sample pretreatment, alternative procedures).
• Calculations and reporting: how to calculate water content (mass percent or mg/kg), significant figures, and required report elements.
• Safety and environmental considerations: review of reagent SDS, safe handling of solvents and reagents, and waste disposal precautions.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical and quality control laboratories in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, and materials manufacturers; contract testing laboratories; research labs performing routine moisture analysis or method development; and regulatory or inspection laboratories where trace water measurement is required for specifications, process control, or material certification.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary standards include: ASTM E203 (volumetric Karl Fischer titration for a wider concentration range), ASTM D6304 (coulometric Karl Fischer procedures for petroleum products and lubricating oils), ASTM D4377 (potentiometric Karl Fischer for crude oils — historical/withdrawn variants may exist), and other ASTM practices on sampling, reagent water, and precision/quality control that are referenced within the E1064 text.

Keywords

coulometric, Karl Fischer, water content, moisture analysis, organic liquids, pyridine-free reagent, titration, coulometry, analytical chemistry, moisture determination

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1064-24 is the ASTM standard test method that specifies a coulometric Karl Fischer titration procedure for determining water in most liquid organic chemicals; the 2024 edition is the current approved version.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle, apparatus, reagents, verification/calibration, sample handling, procedures, interferences, calculations, and reporting requirements for coulometric determination of water (typically 0–2.0 % mass) in organic liquids. It also provides safety and quality-control guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality-control and analytical chemists in chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and materials laboratories; contract testing labs; research groups requiring precise low-level water measurements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the edition E1064-24 was approved 01 January 2024. It replaces earlier editions and is the active ASTM version for this test method.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of several ASTM test methods covering Karl Fischer titration techniques. Related ASTM methods include volumetric Karl Fischer methods (e.g., E203), petroleum-focused coulometric procedures (e.g., D6304), and other discipline-specific moisture test methods; it is maintained under the ASTM committee responsible for chemical and related analysis methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Coulometric, Karl Fischer, water content, moisture analysis, organic liquids, pyridine-free reagents, titration, analytical method.