Methanol reagents play an important part in Karl Fischer analysis and, although manufacturers have replaced methanol with ethanol, the majority of the reagents being used still contain methanol
Methanol can be absorbed through the respiratory ducts or the skin.
According to the literature, this can be significant.
In general, methanol poisoning can be divided into several stages.
First, a narcotic effect occurs and, in comparison with ethanol, the biotransformation process of methanol is slower.
Later, formic acid, which is formed through enzymatic oxidation of methanol, inhibits vesicular breathing.
Typical symptoms in this phase are difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases of methanol exposure, paralysis can lead to death.
Nearly parallel to these initial symptoms, the third stage progresses by disturbing the victim's vision.
In the beginning phase, this effect is reversible.
In more severe cases, irreversible blindness can result.
Methanol based reagents play an important part in Karl Fischer moisture analysis and although manufacturers of such reagents have replaced methanol with ethanol, the majority of the reagents being used still contain methanol.
Metrohm, claiming market leadership in Karl Fischer instrumentation, has developed a unique device which virtually removes the health and safety implications of using such reagents on a day to day basis.
The 700 Dosino attached to the 831 or 756KF Coulometer siphons off the contents of the coulometric cell and fills it with fresh reagent.
As the KF vessel remains closed, this has huge implications on safety as the cell contents are not open to the environment.
Also no humidity can enter the system, so within a minimum space of time the analysis cell is conditioned again even after a complete reagent change.
Historically this reagent exchange feature was an optional extra.
However, Metrohm is currently selling the reagent exchange feature as standard with all 831 and 756 coulometric KF titrators and with the 774 oven sample processor.
