
Private customers can also find our range in our partner store Ampha-Analyse.
The p-value (phenolphthalein alkalinity) describes the buffering capacity of water against acid input. It measures the hydroxide ions (OH-) and carbonate ions (CO₃²-) dissolved in the water, which are converted into water (H₂O) and hydrogen carbonate (HCO₃-) during titration. The measurement result is given in mmol/l.
Without a sufficient p-value, water has hardly any buffering capacity – even small amounts of acid can shift the pH value into the acidic range. In practice, the p-value is therefore a decisive parameter for corrosion protection: in steam boiler systems, cooling water circuits and industrial treatment plants, the alkalinity of the water must be continuously monitored in order to prevent corrosion on pipes, heat exchangers and boiler components.
The SYCON P from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online titration device for the quantitative determination of the p-value in process water. It is based on the proven SYCON platform and offers the full range of functions of the Premium series: two programmable limit values, four relay outputs, an RS485 interface with Modbus RTU and an analog output 0/4-20 mA.
With two Reagents (P25-5 and P25-20), the device covers a measuring range of 0.2 to 20 mmol/l and is therefore suitable both for the fine monitoring of low-alkaline water and for highly alkaline applications.
The SYCON P works according to the colorimetric titration method. The dye phenolphthalein contained in the Reagent is colorless below pH 8.2 and intensely pink to violet above this level. During the measurement, an alkaline water sample (pH > 8.2) is automatically fed into the measuring chamber and titrated step by step with the Reagent. An optical sensor detects the color change at the pH 8.2 point and calculates the p-value.
The analysis time is approx. 3 minutes. The indicator consumption is only 0.05 to 0.6 ml per analysis, depending on the measured p-value.
Quantitative determination of the p-value with ± 5 % accuracy and ± 2.5 % repeatability
Protects boilers, pipes and heat exchangers from acid-induced corrosion
P25-5 (0.2-5 mmol/l or 0.01-0.5 ppm) for low alkaline water, P25-20 (0.8-20 mmol/l or 0.2-6.0 ppm) for highly alkaline applications
Direct query of measured values and device parameters by a PLC – seamless integration into the system automation
Pre-alarm and main alarm or monitoring of a bandwidth with lower and upper threshold value
Limit value 1, limit value 2 / indicator level, device fault, analysis active / cooling water valve
No manual calibration – automatic compensation for ambient light, contamination and turbidity
0.05-0.6 ml per analysis – one 500 ml bottle is sufficient for numerous analyses
Complete logging, installation wizard, software updates via SD card
The SYCON P is used wherever the alkalinity of the process water needs to be continuously monitored:
| Area of application | Description |
|---|---|
| Steam boiler systems | Monitoring the alkalinity in the boiler water to protect against acid corrosion – too low a p-value endangers boiler tubes and heat exchangers |
| Cooling water circuits | Continuous monitoring of the buffer capacity in the circulating water – basis for the correct dosing of conditioning chemicals |
| Industrial process water treatment | Quantitative p-value monitoring with automatic documentation and PLC connection via Modbus RTU or 4-20 mA |
| Condensate return | Monitoring the returning condensate for sufficient alkalinity – a drop in acidity in the condensate indicates leaks in the heat exchanger |
| Parameters | Requirement |
|---|---|
| pH value | > 8,2 |
| Characteristics | Clear, colorless, free of solids, free of gas bubbles |
| Temperature | 5-40 °C (use sample cooler for higher temperatures) |
| min. 0.5 bar, max. 5 bar (recommended 1-2 bar) |
A sample cooler is required for sample water temperatures above 40 °C. Relay 4 can be configured to automatically activate a cooling water valve. Oxidizing agents (chlorine, ozone) above the drinking water limit values interfere with the measurement – in this case, an upstream activated carbon filter is recommended.
| Reagent | Measuring range (mmol/l) | Measuring range (ppm) | Item no. (single bottle) | Item no. (4-pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P25-5 | 0,2 – 5 | 0,01 – 0,5 | 32-086335 | 32-486335 |
| P25-20 | 0,8 – 20 | 0,2 – 6,0 | 32-086345 | 32-486345 |
The measured value to be monitored should be in the middle of the Reagent measuring range if possible.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Colorimetric titration method |
| Parameter | p-value (phenolphthalein alkalinity) |
| Measuring range P25-5 | 0.2-5 mmol/l (0.01-0.5 ppm) |
| Measuring range P25-20 | 0.8-20 mmol/l (0.2-6.0 ppm) |
| Accuracy | ± 5 % of the maximum measured value |
| Repeat accuracy | ± 2,5 % |
| Unit | mmol/l |
| Analysis time | approx. 3 minutes |
| Indicator consumption | 0.05-0.6 ml per analysis (p-value dependent) |
| Water consumption | approx. 1 l per analysis at 2 bar |
| Durability Reagent | at least 12 months (stored at < 25 °C, in the dark) |
| Sample water requirement | pH > 8.2, clear, free of solids, without gas bubbles |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage (230 V version) | 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Supply voltage (24 V version) | 21.6-26.4 V AC/DC, 50 Hz |
| Power consumption | max. 25 VA / 8 VA measurement mode / 3.5 VA standby |
| Relay outputs | 4 relays, max. 250 V AC/DC, 1 A, potential-free changeover contacts (NC/NO) |
| Relay 1 | Limit value exceeded 1 |
| Relay 2 | Limit value exceeded 2 / indicator level low |
| Relay 3 | Device fault |
| Relay 4 | Analysis active / cooling water valve / indicator level low |
| Analog output | 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA, resolution < 100 µA, max. 750 Ω Load |
| RS485 interface | Modbus RTU |
| Digital inputs | 2× galvanically isolated – analysis start, water meter, flow monitor, interval reset |
| Feature | Wall bracket IP43 | Housing IP54 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 274 × 275 × 129 mm | 332 × 345 × 190 mm |
| weight | approx. 2.0 kg | approx. 4.0 kg |
| Protection class | IP43 | IP54 |
| Ambient condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | 10-45 °C |
| Storage temperature | 0-45 °C |
| Sample water temperature | 5-40 °C |
| Air humidity | 20-90 % RH (non-condensing) |
| Inlet water pressure | min. 0.5 bar, max. 5 bar (recommended 1-2 bar) |
| Reagent | Measuring range | Item no. (single bottle) | Item no. (4-pack) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P25-5 | 0.2-5 mmol/l (0.01-0.5 ppm) | 32-086335 | 32-486335 |
| P25-20 | 0.8-20 mmol/l (0.2-6.0 ppm) | 32-086345 | 32-486345 |
Note: The measured value to be monitored should be in the middle of the Reagent measuring range if possible.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | Multicolored graphic display |
| Operation | 8 buttons |
| Languages | German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Danish |
| Data memory | SD card (measured value logging and software updates) |
| Component |
|---|
| 1 × SYCON P (configured for selected supply voltage) |
| Wall bracket or housing (depending on order variant) |
| SD card |
| Operating instructions (German or English, depending on order variant) |
Note: A compatible Reagent from the P25 series is required for operation and must be ordered separately.
| Design | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 230 V AC, 24 V AC/DC |
| Manual | English, German |
| Parameter | p-value |
| Product category | Analyzer |
| Series | SYCON |
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