High-throughput and precise measurement method for electrolytic conductivity in a higher conductivity range (10 S m−1 to 0.1 S m−1) by chromatography system with conductivity detector

Electrolytic conductivity is one of the most common parameters to evaluate solution characteristics, and has been widely used in various fields. Conductivity meters require standard solutions with accurate electrolytic conductivities to be calibrated their geometrical cell constants; therefore, supplying large amounts of reliable electrolytic conductivity standard solutions is highly demanded. Rapid, high-throughput and precise calibration methods for the standard solutions are needed to make a large production. This paper describes a high-throughput calibration method for the standards in a higher conductivity range using a commercial ion chromatography system equipped with a common autosampler and a conductivity detector. The accuracy of the results was examined based on certified reference materials of electrolytic conductivity standardized by primary and secondary Jones-type cells. Existing calibrations with the cells were time-consuming, a few data in a day, and costly procedures. The present method enables to obtain hundreds calibration results in a day, and the expanded uncertainty ca. 0.5%. The comprehensive evaluation of the uncertainties for the presented method was carried out, resulting in the reliable measurement results and a high-efficient production of a large amount of the standards.