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Surfactant/detergent titration analysis method and apparatus for machine working fluids, surfactant-containing wastewater and the like

Patent ·
OSTI ID:871384
 [1];  [2]
  1. Knoxville, TN
  2. Oak Ridge, TN
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The present invention is an improved method and related apparatus for quantitatively analyzing machine working fluids and other aqueous compositions such as wastewater which contain various mixtures of cationic, neutral, and/or anionic surfactants, soluble soaps, and the like. The method utilizes a single-phase, non-aqueous, reactive titration composition containing water insoluble bismuth nitrate dissolved in glycerol for the titration reactant. The chemical reaction of the bismuth ion and glycerol with the surfactant in the test solutions results in formation of micelles, changes in micelle size, and the formation of insoluble bismuth soaps. These soaps are quantified by physical and chemical changes in the aqueous test solution. Both classical potentiometric analysis and turbidity measurements have been used as sensing techniques to determine the quantity of surfactant present in test solutions. This method is amenable to the analysis of various types of new, in-use, dirty or decomposed surfactants and detergents. It is a quick and efficient method utilizing a single-phase reaction without needing a separate extraction from the aqueous solution. It is adaptable to automated control with simple and reliable sensing methods. The method is applicable to a variety of compositions with concentrations from about 1% to about 10% weight. It is also applicable to the analysis of waste water containing surfactants with appropriate pre-treatments for concentration.

Research Organization:
LOCKHEED MARTIN ENRGY SYST INC
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
US 5721143
OSTI ID:
871384
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

Biamperometric end-point determination in the titration of fluoride with thorium nitrate journal January 1974
Evolution and potential of the BiAS procedure for the determination of non-ionic surfactants journal November 1996
DC polarographic determination of surfactants journal January 1987
Coulometric titrations with iodide ions in molten (Li, K)NO3 journal January 1970
Investigations into the scope and limitations of the bismuth active substances procedure (Wickbold) for the determination of nonionic surfactants in environmental samples journal February 1986

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