How to prepare a food sample for use with the HI-931 Titrator

The HI-931 Automatic Potentiometric Titrator is a compact, research-grade titration system and pH, mV and ISE meter ideal for use in the food and beverage industries. A 40,000-step piston-driven pump offers unmatched accuracy in measurement by enabling extremely small amounts of titrants to be dosed during titration. 

The versatile functionality of this titrator allows for the measurement of a wide range of key parameters for food applications, including salt content, acidity and free and total SO2, alongside other tests. Read on to learn how to prepare food samples for use with the HI-931 titrator, including examples:

How to prepare a solid food sample for titration

Before solid foods can be tested, they need to be liquidised. Using a stick blender in combination with an amount of deionised water that is defined per sample type is the ideal way to create a homogenised liquid sample for titration. For more information on titration processes for different food products, see our complete list of tutorials here.

As an example, here is the process for preparing cheese for titration: 

1. Measure a 2-5g sample of cheese using a balance
2. Save the weight of the cheese to enter when the titration starts
3. Place the sample in a 200 ml beaker
4. Add 150 ml of DI water to the sample
5. Blend the sample thoroughly using a stick blender to ensure it is homogeneous

How to prepare a liquid food sample for titration

Liquid or semi-liquid food samples require dilution for the titration process. The amount of dilution depends on the specific sample you are testing. Ensuring the deionised water and the sample are completely mixed and homogenous is essential for achieving accurate results from titration. See our complete list of tutorials for details on the specific process for individual food types.

As an example, here is the process for preparing cream for titration: 

1. Measure a sample of between 30-50g of cream using a balance
2. Save the weight of the cream to enter when the titration starts
3. Place the sample in a 100 ml beaker
4. Add DI water to the sample in a 50:50 ratio
5. Mix the sample to ensure it is homogeneous

How to prepare a beverage sample for titration

Beverages should be diluted similarly to liquid food products to prepare for titration, in a specific amount defined for the individual sample. Find our complete list of tutorials for beverages, food, wine and more here.

As an example, here is the process for preparing orange juice for titration: 

1. Pipette a 10 ml sample of orange juice into a 100 ml beaker
2. Dilute the sample with 75 ml of DI water
3. Ensure the sample and water are combined thoroughly and are homogeneous

Watch Hanna’s video tutorials for titration online today

Our comprehensive library of video tutorials covers a wide range of different titrations of food samples, including acidity in cheese, vinegar, kombucha and milk. Other tutorials include salt content in crisps, pesto, eggs and butter. To view our complete catalogue of tutorials, see the full playlist here. If you need expert advice on the process for a specific sample not included in our tutorials, contact our team directly.

Enquire about the HI-931 Automatic Potentiometric Titrator today

Speak to our expert team today to learn more about our automatic potentiometric titrator and discuss your particular requirements for titration. Contact us at sales@hannainstruments.co.uk or call us on 01525 850 855 for personalised advice and guidance on the best instrumentation for your application.