
USP <645> – simple automated analysis of ultrapure water

Instruments
For this analysis, a measuring device capable of measuring the conductivity and the pH value is required. If a combined device is not available, then using two separate ones is also fine. Then, a pH electrode that is especially suitable for the determination of the pH value of water and a conductivity cell for measurement of low conductivities is necessary. In this case, the Aquatrode plus and the stainless steel conductivity cell are recommended.


USP <645> procedure
Now that the necessary instrumentation has been introduced, it’s time to take a look at the standard procedure itself. At first glance this looks a bit difficult as it is a three-step analysis, or actually a four-step analysis if you count the calibration as well.
Find the standard solutions you need here:
Step 3: 100 mL water is transferred to an external titration vessel where its temperature is adjusted to 25 ± 1 °C. The water is stirred vigorously to incorporate carbon dioxide present in the air. If the conductivity does not change by more than 0.1 µS/cm per 5 minutes, the value is noted for further evaluation. If this value is below 2.1 µS/cm, then the water is usable for medical purposes. If not, then proceed with step 4.
Step 4: The solution is tempered to 25 ± 1 °C. Once the temperature is stable, 0.3 mL of saturated KCl solution is added and the pH of the water is measured. The pH value must lie between pH 5 and 7. If this is not the case, the water does not meet the requirements and must be discarded. If the pH is measured between 5 and 7, then the conductivity must additionally be lower as mentioned in the USP <645> table. If this is the case, the analysis passes and the water can be used for medical purposes.
Automation of USP <645>
The analysis can be quite time-consuming and therefore Metrohm has provided a solution to make this process much easier. Our system combines all of these steps into one method, allowing you to perform walk-away automation and focus on more important tasks.

To expand the capabilities of the measuring system, the 856/867 modules can be exchanged with a modular OMNIS Titrator which can also be used for other standard potentiometric titrations.
Take a closer look at our automated analysis solution

- Aquatrode plus for accurate pH measurement in ion-deficient matrices
- Stainless steel conductivity cell for low conducting samples
- Special holder for performing step 2 of the standard procedure
- Thermostated vessel (for step 2)
- DIS-Cover lid to prevent the sample from CO2 uptake (before step 3)
- Rod stirrer to saturate the solution with carbon dioxide (for step 3)
Conclusion
With this complete system, standard analysis of UPW quality according to USP <645> is performed in a fully automatic and reliable manner. At the end of each analysis a clear message is received if the deionized water (UPW) has passed the test or not. Handling is very easy and allows users to check if an analysis passes or not with just a glance.