Water Content of Brake Fluid

In this application the water content of a DOT brake fluid was measured fully automatically using a volumetric V30S Karl Fischer titrator connected to an InMotion KF oven autosampler.

Background:

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brakes of automobiles. Being an incompressible fluid it is used to transfer force into pressure, and to amplify braking force.

DOT brake fluids are hygroscopic – they tend to absorb water from the environment, and this absorption cannot be prevented. On average, the brake fluid in a vehicle absorbs up to 1.5 % of water each year. As the water content of the brake fluid increases, its boiling point decreases. When this happens, a failure known as “vapor lock” occurs and the force applied to the pedal is not transmitted to the brake cylinders, potentially leading to a failure of the brake system. Therefore, the boiling point and the water content of brake fluids are essential parameters when considering the safety of a vehicle.

This application can also be performed with Excellence Titrator T7 or T9.

The Application Includes:

• Introduction
• Sample Preparation and Procedures
• Chemistry
• Instruments and Accessories
• Method in Detail
• Results and Remarks

And method files ( .lmt and .xml) for direct import and implemention on the instrument