Frequently asked questions
Answers on all aspects of water analysis, from the choice of device to the test set
Online Analyzers
SYCON & LIMES – automatic monitoring of water parameters
Selection & General
Which device is right for my application?
Which indicator is required?
How does the measurement work?
Which parameters can be monitored besides water hardness?
What are the typical application areas for the analyzers?
Installation & Operation
What are the requirements for connection?
How often is maintenance required and what is needed?
Error Messages & Troubleshooting
What do the error messages E11, E12, E13 and E14 mean?
The device does not perform a measurement – what can be checked?
How is a software update performed?
Data & Interfaces
How is measurement data stored and retrieved?
Is integration with PLC or SCADA systems possible?
Manual Analytics
CALDUR® test kits – on-site water analysis, fast and reliable
CALDUR® Test Kits
What is CALDUR® and which parameters can be determined?
What is the difference between colorimetric, photometric and titrimetric?
Which test kit is right for my application?
What is CALDUR® Scientific and what advantages does it offer?
What accessories are needed for the test kits?
Ordering & Service
Downloads, repairs and contact
Ordering & Service
Where can operating manuals and data sheets be found?
How can a repair be requested?
Who can be contacted for technical questions?
Didn’t find an answer?
Our technical support team is happy to assist personally.
Contact support
Downloads & manuals
Which device is right for my application?
This depends primarily on whether an exact measured value or a threshold monitoring is required:
- LIMES – compact threshold monitoring of total hardness, ideal as a hardness guard downstream of water softeners
- SYCON 2602 – colorimetric threshold monitoring with graphic display, relay outputs and SD card
- SYCON 2702 – titration analyzer with exact measured value, 4-20 mA output and Modbus interface
- SYCON 2802 – premium titration analyzer with two thresholds, four relays and full interface range
A detailed comparison of all models is available on the SYCON comparison page.
Which indicator is required?
The appropriate indicator depends on the parameter to be monitored (e.g. total hardness, carbonate hardness) and the measuring range. Various H25 indicators are available for hardness measurement, each covering a specific range. The expected measured value should ideally be in the middle of the indicator’s measuring range.
An overview of all available indicators with measuring ranges and compatible devices can be found on the indicator comparison page.
How does the measurement work?
All SYCON devices operate fully automatically. The sample water is fed into the measuring chamber and an indicator is dosed automatically. An optical sensor then evaluates the color reaction.
- SYCON 2602 & LIMES – operate using the colorimetric threshold method: the device evaluates the color intensity after the indicator is added and detects whether the set threshold is exceeded or not.
- SYCON 2702 & 2802 – operate using the colorimetric titration method: the indicator is dosed incrementally. The device calculates the exact concentration of the water constituent from the color change during dosing.
Which parameters can be monitored besides water hardness?
In addition to total hardness
and carbonate hardness, the SYCON series covers further important parameters in water
analytics:
- Iron (Fe) – with the SYCON Fe
Elevated iron levels cause
discoloration in drinking water and deposits in pipelines – particularly relevant when treating well
water - Silicate (SiO2) – with the SYCON SiO2
Even low silicate
concentrations can lead to deposits on turbine blades – continuous monitoring protects costly power plant
components - p-value / alkalinity – with the SYCON P
The p-value is a key
parameter for corrosion protection in boiler water and cooling water circuits
Each device is
specialized for its parameter and operates fully automatically using the same proven measurement principle.
What are the typical application areas for the analyzers?
SYCON and LIMES devices are
used in many areas of water treatment and monitoring:
| Device | Typical application areas |
|---|---|
| LIMES | Water softening systems, soft water monitoring, building services Prevent limescale deposits in pipelines and heat exchangers early on – an exhausted softening system often goes unnoticed without monitoring |
| SYCON 2602 |
Water softening systems, industrial processes, drinking water treatment Reliable threshold monitoring with automatic regeneration triggering – protects systems and saves regeneration chemicals through demand-based control |
| SYCON 2702 / 2802 |
Waterworks, industrial process water treatment, boiler feed water, district heating networks Precise measured values enable accurate control and documentation of water quality – essential wherever limit values must be verifiably maintained |
| SYCON BoB |
Steam boiler systems, monitoring of boiler feed water and condensate TÜV-certified according to WÜV 100 – meets the requirement for 72-hour operational monitoring of steam boiler systems |
| SYCON Fe | Drinking water treatment, well water monitoring, corrosion control Elevated iron levels lead to discoloration and deposits – continuous monitoring detects problems before they become visible to the consumer |
| SYCON SiO2 | Power plants, mixed bed filter monitoring, ultrapure water treatment Even low silicate concentrations can cause turbine deposits – early detection protects costly plant components |
| SYCON P | Boiler water monitoring, cooling water circuits, industrial processes The p-value (alkalinity) is crucial for corrosion protection – a value that is too low or too high attacks pipelines and heat exchangers |
What are the requirements for connection?
The following conditions should be met for trouble-free operation:
- Water pressure: min. 0.5 bar, max. 5 bar (recommended 1–2 bar)
- Water temperature: 5–40 °C – a sample cooler should be used at higher temperatures
- Water quality: clear, free of solids and without gas bubbles
- Power supply: depending on device variant 24 V AC/DC or 100–240 V AC – please check the rating plate
- Drain hose: keep as short as possible and lead freely into a funnel or drain
Detailed installation instructions can be found in the respective operating manual.
How often is maintenance required and what is needed?
All SYCON and LIMES devices operate largely maintenance-free. Recommended intervals:
| Interval | Action |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months | Cleaning the measuring chamber (using the SYCON Clean cleaning kit incl. FIT 3000) |
| Every 24 months or after 30,000 analyses | Installation of the maintenance kit (peristaltic pump cassette, seals, stirrer) |
In case of high water temperatures or organically contaminated water, cleaning intervals should be shortened accordingly. Cleaning the measuring chamber takes approx. 20 minutes.
Maintenance kits and cleaning kits are available as accessories.
What do the error messages E11, E12, E13 and E14 mean?
| Code | Meaning | First step |
|---|---|---|
| E11 | Indicator | Check indicator level and hose connections |
| E12 | Water flow | Check water inlet and pressure |
| E13 | Sensor | Check measuring chamber for contamination |
| E14 | Optics | Check measuring chamber for gas bubbles or turbidity |
Detailed checklists for each error message can be found in the operating manual.
Our technical support team is happy to assist with troubleshooting – by e-mail at support@rls-wacon.de or by phone at +49 (0)5121 28126-24.
The device does not perform a measurement – what can be checked?
The following points can be checked first:
- Is the water inlet open and sufficient pressure available?
- Is the indicator bottle inserted and are the hose connections intact?
- Is an SD card inserted?
- Is the device in automatic mode?
If the cause cannot be identified, our technical support team is happy to assist – ideally with the serial number and a brief description of the issue.
How is a software update performed?
The current software file is copied to the SD card. When switching on the device, hold down the OK button – the device detects the new version and performs the update automatically.
The latest software version can be requested from technical support at any time.
How is measurement data stored and retrieved?
All analysis results are automatically logged on the SD card in CSV format. The card can be removed and read on a PC. More than 100,000 analyses can be stored.
Recommendation: Use SD cards from the Transcend brand.
Is integration with PLC or SCADA systems possible?
Yes. SYCON devices offer two ways to integrate into higher-level systems:
- Analog output 4–20 mA – for direct measured value transmission
- RS-485 / Modbus RTU – for digital communication with PLC and SCADA systems
Configuration details can be found in the operating manual and the separate Modbus manual.
What is CALDUR® and which parameters can be determined?
CALDUR® is the brand for manual test kits for determining water constituents. All test kits are characterized by easy handling and precise measurement point determination.
The range includes test kits for the following parameters, among others:
- Total hardness & carbonate hardness
- Residual hardness
- Chlorine (free & combined)
- Iron
- pH value
- Phosphate, nitrate, nitrite
- Copper, manganese, aluminium
- Silicate, sulphite, chloride
- and many more
The complete range can be found in the online shop.
What is the difference between colorimetric, photometric and titrimetric?
| Method | How it works | Accessories required? |
|---|---|---|
| Colorimetric | Color comparison with supplied color chart – quick on-site determination | No |
| Photometric | Evaluation with a photometer – higher accuracy through digital measurement | Yes (e.g. WINLAB Data Line) |
| Titrimetric | Classic drop titration – proven method for parameters such as hardness and alkalinity | No |
Which test kit is right for my application?
The choice depends on the parameter to be determined and the preferred method. A simple guide:
- Quick on-site check without instruments → colorimetric test kit
- Higher accuracy with digital results → photometric test kit
- Precise determination of hardness or alkalinity → titrimetric test kit or CALDUR Scientific
What is CALDUR® Scientific and what advantages does it offer?
CALDUR® Scientific uses syringe titration – an advancement of classic drop titration. Instead of counting individual drops, the reagent solution is dosed via a graduated syringe. The measured value can be read directly and continuously from the scale.
Advantages at a glance:
- Continuous reading – no counting of individual drops
- Fast analysis in approx. 1 minute
- Up to 200 determinations per kit – cost-effective for continuous use
- Ideal for monitoring water softening and treatment systems
Available for: residual hardness, total hardness, carbonate hardness and p-value.
What accessories are needed for the test kits?
- Colorimetric tests: no additional accessories required – everything needed is included in the kit
- Photometric tests: a compatible photometer, e.g. the WINLAB Data Line
- Titrimetric tests & Scientific: everything needed is included in the kit
Where can operating manuals and data sheets be found?
All operating manuals, data sheets and product flyers are available for free download in multiple languages on the downloads page.
How can a repair be requested?
A repair can be requested directly via the online repair form. After receiving the request, technical support will respond with the next steps.
Who can be contacted for technical questions?
Technical support is available for all questions regarding water analytics:
- E-mail: support@rls-wacon.de
- Phone: +49 (0)5121 28126-24
- Availability: Mon–Thu 07:00–16:30, Fri 07:00–13:00 (CET)