* The analyst wishes to simplify the conduct of a variety of titrations by using one sensor for all. For example, a laboratory might conduct routinely acid/base, redox, complexometric, sulfate and chloride titrations. A single thermometric sensor in conjunction with an autosampler will enable all titrations to be performed in the same carousel load without having to change titration sensors. After preparation of the samples and placing in the carousel, the analyst assigns the appropriate thermometric method to the beaker position in the carousel.
* The titration environment is considered unsuitable for conventional titration sensors. For example, glass membrane pH electrodes must be kept adequately hydrated for proper operation. The use of such electrodes in substantially non-aqueous media as in the determination of trace acids in lipids and lubricating oils can lead to loss of performance as the membrane fouls and dehydrates, and/or if the reference junction is partly or completely blocked. It is often necessary to keep a number of electrodes cycling through a rejuvenation program in order to keep up with an analytical workload. Thermometric sensors have no electrochemical interaction with the titrating solution, and therefore can be used on a continuous basis with essentially no maintenance. Similarly, the potentiometric titration of sulfate with barium chloride in various industrial samples can lead to rapid degradation of the indicating barium ion selective electrode.
* A thermometric titration methodology which cannot be emulated using other types of titration sensors will deliver superior or results otherwise unobtainable by other techniques. Examples are the determination of fluoride by titration with boric acid, the analysis of orthophosphate by titration with magnesium ions, and the direct titration of aluminium with fluoride ions.