Water Testing

Test Kits

There are two general methods used to determine the levels of impurities and the type and amount of treatment necessary to eliminate corrosion, scale and loss of heat transfer ability. These are titration and colorimetric tests. 

The colorimetric is the easiest to perform for plant engineers, so compliance with routine testing is usually higher with this type of test.

The colorimetric test is based upon the development of a color in a sample proportional to the amount of the substance present. Concentration of substance in the sample is found by comparing its color with color standards of know concentration. Some comparators have color standards in sealed glass ampoules others use standard colored disks.

To perform a titration test, standard solutions from a burette, drop test kit, or calibrated container are added to the water sample. When the endpoint is reached, usually signaled by a color change in the sample, the burette solution level is noted or number or drops counted, if a drop test is used. The reading is proportional to the amount of the particular impurity present.

When taking a sample for water testing, please observe the following:

·        Use a clean, rubber-stopper, resistant glass bottle or a new plastic bottle

·        Either thoroughly wash and rinse used bottles or use new bottles for samples

·       Before taking samples through metal lines and valves, allow water to run for several minutes to wash out the system. This is necessary to make certain the sample taken is representative and not contaminated with a disproportionate amount of any one impurity.

·      Rinse the container thoroughly with the water that is to be analyzed before taking a sample.

Treatment feeding, monitoring and control

Feed methods include the use of chemical solution tanks and proportioning pumps. In general, treatment chemicals are added directly to the feed-water. The chemicals should discharge in the feed-water section that reactions occur in the water before it enters the system. Ask your Thermidaire representative for the best method for your system.

Ask your Thermidaire representative for the proper test kit for your treatment.