What is the total hardness measured for?

The total hardness of water is an important parameter for water quality and describes the sum of all alkaline earth ions, mainly calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). These ions originate from the natural dissolution of rocks and minerals and have a significant influence on the properties of the water.

In Germany, water hardness is given in °dH (degrees of German hardness):

• 0-7 °dH: Soft water
• 7-14 °dH: Medium hard water
• 14-21 °dH: Hard water
• >21 °dH: Very hard water

Knowing the water hardness is crucial for many applications: from the dosing of detergents and the adjustment of softening systems to the prevention of limescale deposits in pipes, boilers and industrial systems.

Hardness measurement is particularly important for: Drinking water treatment, boiler water monitoring, aquaristics, swimming pools, the food industry and industrial processes.

How does the test set work?

The CALDUR® Total Hardness Test Set GR uses the proven complexometric titration method with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In this method, the calcium and magnesium ions are bound by EDTA, with a Reagent indicating the end point by a characteristic color change.

Measuring principle: 1 reagent is added to the water sample. When the titration solution is added drop by drop, the hardness constituents bind to the EDTA. The color change from red to green indicates that all hardness constituents are bound.

Calculation: Each drop of titration solution corresponds to 0.1 °dH (for 5 ml sample) or 0.05 °dH (for 10 ml sample). The number of drops multiplied by the drop value directly results in the total hardness in °dH.

Advantages of the CALDUR® test set

• Quick analysis in just 1 minute

  Ideal for routine checks on site – immediate results without waiting time

• High precision due to drop-by-drop titration

  Measured value per drop: 0.1 / 0.05 °dH – exact results thanks to proven complexometric method

• 100 at 1°dH Determinations per set

  Economical for regular household, commercial and industrial checks

• Clear color change from red to green

  Clear endpoint recognition – easy to read even for inexperienced users

• Flexible sample volume (5 ml or 10 ml)

  Higher accuracy with 10 ml sample due to halved drop value

• Robust, waterproof plastic housing with hinged lid

  Safe transportation and protection of reagents – durable even under harsh conditions

Der Beitrag Caldur® Total hardness GR – Titration erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is the total hardness measured for?

The total hardness of water is an important parameter for water quality and describes the sum of all alkaline earth ions, mainly calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). These ions originate from the natural dissolution of rocks and minerals and have a significant influence on the properties of the water.

In Germany, water hardness is given in °dH (degrees of German hardness):

• 0-7 °dH: Soft water
• 7-14 °dH: Medium hard water
• 14-21 °dH: Hard water
• >21 °dH: Very hard water

Knowing the water hardness is crucial for many applications: from the dosing of detergents and the adjustment of softening systems to the prevention of limescale deposits in pipes, boilers and industrial systems.

Hardness measurement is particularly important for: Drinking water treatment, boiler water monitoring, aquaristics, swimming pools, the food industry and industrial processes.

How does the test set work?

The CALDUR® Total Hardness Test Set GH uses the proven complexometric titration method with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In this method, the calcium and magnesium ions are bound by EDTA, with a Reagent indicating the end point by a characteristic color change.

Measuring principle: 1 reagent is added to the water sample. When the titration solution is added drop by drop, the hardness constituents bind to the EDTA. The color change from red to green indicates that all hardness constituents are bound.

Calculation: Each drop of titration solution corresponds to 0.5 °dH (for 5 ml sample) or 0.25 °dH (for 10 ml sample). The number of drops multiplied by the drop value directly results in the total hardness in °dH.

Advantages of the CALDUR® test set

• Quick analysis in just 1 minute

  Ideal for routine checks on site – immediate results without waiting time

• High precision due to drop-by-drop titration

  Measured value per drop: 0.5 / 0.25 °dH – exact results thanks to proven complexometric method

• 100 at 5°dH Determinations per set

  Economical for regular household, commercial and industrial checks

• Clear color change from red to green

  Clear endpoint recognition – easy to read even for inexperienced users

• Flexible sample volume (5 ml or 10 ml)

  Higher accuracy with 10 ml sample due to halved drop value

• Robust, waterproof plastic housing with hinged lid

  Safe transportation and protection of reagents – durable even under harsh conditions

Der Beitrag Caldur® Total hardness GH – Titration erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is the total hardness measured for?

The total hardness of water is an important parameter for water quality and describes the sum of all alkaline earth ions, mainly calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). These ions originate from the natural dissolution of rocks and minerals and have a significant influence on the properties of the water.

In Germany, water hardness is given in °dH (degrees of German hardness):

• 0-7 °dH: Soft water
• 7-14 °dH: Medium hard water
• 14-21 °dH: Hard water
• >21 °dH: Very hard water

Knowing the water hardness is crucial for many applications: from the dosing of detergents and the adjustment of softening systems to the prevention of limescale deposits in pipes, boilers and industrial systems.

Hardness measurement is particularly important for: Drinking water treatment, boiler water monitoring, aquaristics, swimming pools, the food industry and industrial processes.

How does the test set work?

The CALDUR® Total Hardness Test Set GHT 100 uses the proven complexometric titration method with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In this method, the calcium and magnesium ions are bound by EDTA, with a Reagent indicating the end point by a characteristic color change.

Measuring principle: 2 reagents (Reagent and titration solution) are added to the water sample. When the titration solution is added drop by drop, the hardness constituents bind to the EDTA. The color change from red to green indicates that all hardness constituents are bound.

Calculation: Each drop of titration solution corresponds to 1.0 °dH (for 5 ml sample) or 0.5 °dH (for 10 ml sample). The number of drops multiplied by the drop value directly results in the total hardness in °dH.

Advantages of the CALDUR® test set

• Quick analysis in just 1 minute

  Ideal for routine checks on site – immediate results without waiting time

• High precision due to drop-by-drop titration

  Measured value per drop: 1.0 / 0.5 °dH – exact results thanks to proven complexometric method

• 100 at 10°dH Determinations per set

  Economical for regular household, commercial and industrial checks

• Clear color change from red to green

  Clear endpoint recognition – easy to read even for inexperienced users

• Flexible sample volume (5 ml or 10 ml)

  Higher accuracy with 10 ml sample due to halved drop value

• Robust, waterproof plastic housing with hinged lid

  Safe transportation and protection of reagents – durable even under harsh conditions

Der Beitrag Caldur® Total hardness GHT 100 – Titration erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why is regular maintenance important?

The SYCON analyzers from RLS Wacon work fully automatically and reliably – provided that the wearing parts are replaced at regular intervals. The peristaltic pump cassette is the central dosing element: it delivers the Reagent precisely into the measuring cell and thus significantly determines the measuring accuracy. Worn pump hoses lead to inaccurate dosing quantities and therefore to falsified measurement results.

Seals (O-rings), suction lance and agitator blades are also subject to natural wear due to constant contact with water and indicator solution. Replacing these components in good time prevents leaks, dosing errors and unplanned device failures.

When should you wait?

The maintenance intervals vary depending on the appliance type:

If the water or ambient temperature is high or the water is organically contaminated, the cleaning intervals should be shortened if necessary. Cleaning the measuring chamber takes approx. 20 minutes.

What is included in the maintenance kit?

Each maintenance set contains all the wear parts required for complete maintenance: Hose pump cassette, bottle connector, suction lance, O-rings, dosing O-ring and agitator blade. The exact scope is tailored to the respective appliance type.

Advantages of the original maintenance set

• All wear parts in one set

  No tedious searching for individual spare parts – everything is coordinated

• Original RLS Wacon quality

  Precisely manufactured components for maximum measuring accuracy and service life

• Perfect fit for your device type

  Select the set for your specific SYCON model – with the right pump cassettes and seals

• Easy replacement without special tools

  All components can be replaced in a few simple steps – detailed instructions in the device manual

• Plannable maintenance costs

  One set covers complete maintenance – no hidden costs for missing parts

Der Beitrag SYCON maintenance set erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why is the total hardness measured with LHV?

The LHV series has been specially developed for total hardness measurement with analyzers from the LIMES series. The LIMES devices work purely as limit value monitors and continuously monitor whether a defined hardness limit value is exceeded or not reached.

Typical areas of application:

• Softening systems: Monitoring of the drain water after ion exchangers – immediate detection of resin breakthroughs.
• Boiler feed water: Ensure that the required residual hardness is maintained in order to avoid limescale deposits.
• Reverse osmosis systems: Continuous control of the permeate quality.
• Drinking water treatment: Automated quality assurance of water hardness.

The LIMES system offers a cost-effective solution for automatic hardness monitoring, which reliably issues an alarm as soon as a limit value is exceeded.

How does the Reagent work?

The LHV Reagents are liquid color reagents for automatic limit value monitoring with LIMES analyzers (LIMES Base, LIMES Plus). The device automatically takes a water sample, adds the Reagent and evaluates the color reaction.

In contrast to measuring range devices, the LIMES system does not provide exact measured values, but monitors whether the set limit value is adhered to. If the limit value is exceeded, an alarm is triggered – ideal for the reliable monitoring of water softening systems.

Advantages of the LHV series

• 4 limit value levels from 0.1 to 7 °dH

  Suitable sensitivity for different applications

• Specially developed for LIMES analyzers

  Optimum adjustment to the LIMES measuring principle

• Reliable limit value monitoring around the clock

  Immediate alarm when limit values are exceeded

• 750 ml bottles – larger volume for longer service life

  Less frequent indicator changes

• In-house production and individual batch calibration

  Consistently high quality – Made in Germany

• 24 months shelf life from production

  Cost-efficient stockpiling

Der Beitrag Total value LHV series erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is silicate measured for?

Silicate (SiO₂) is a dissolved ingredient that occurs in almost all natural waters. Monitoring the silicate concentration is particularly important in the following areas:

• Power plants and steam generation: At high temperatures and pressures, silicate forms extremely hard, glass-like deposits on turbine blades and in steam pipes. These deposits are almost impossible to remove and lead to considerable efficiency losses.
• Boiler feed water: Even low silicate concentrations can cause damage in the high-pressure range. Typical limit values are in the range of a few µg/l.
• Reverse osmosis systems: Silicate can irreversibly foul membranes (silica fouling). Monitoring the permeate protects against costly membrane damage.
• Mixed bed ion exchanger: Control of the exchange capacity – silicate is often one of the first parameters to break through during depletion.

How does the Reagent work?

The silicate Reagents consist of a reagent set with several components for fully automatic silicate determination with the SYCON SiO₂ analyzer. The device automatically takes a water sample, adds the reagents in the correct order and quantity and measures the coloration photometrically.

Two measuring ranges are available: Low Range (0.02-10 mg/l) for the trace range and High Range (10-150 mg/l) for higher concentrations.

Advantages of silicate Reagents

• Two measuring ranges: Low Range (0.02-10 mg/l) and High Range (10-150 mg/l)

  Covered from trace levels to high concentrations

• Fully automatic measurement with the SYCON SiO₂

  Continuous 24/7 monitoring of critical processes

• Reagent sets with coordinated components

  Optimal reaction conditions for precise results

• High-quality raw materials and our own recipe

  Manufactured by RLS Wacon – Made in Germany

• Single batch calibration

  Consistently high precision with every delivery

• 24 months shelf life

  Cost-efficient stockpiling

Der Beitrag Silicate erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is the p-value measured for?

The p-value (also acid capacity up to pH 8.2 or m-value/alkalinity) describes the concentration of hydroxide and carbonate ions in the water. It is a decisive parameter in boiler water and cooling water chemistry:

• Boiler water: The p-value is a key parameter for correct alkalization. Too low values lead to corrosion, too high values can cause foaming and overflow problems.
• Steam and condensate systems: Monitoring the p-value ensures that the alkalization remains in the optimum range.
• Cooling water systems: The p-value influences the corrosion and limescale separation behavior.
• Industrial process water: control of water chemistry in closed circuits.

How does the Reagent work?

The P25 Reagents are liquid color reagents for fully automated p-value determination with the SYCON P analyzer. The device automatically takes a water sample, precisely doses the Reagent and measures the resulting coloration photometrically.

Two measuring ranges are available: P25-5 for the low range (0.2-5.0 mmol/l) and P25-20 for higher concentrations (0.8-20.0 mmol/l).

Advantages of the P25 series

• Two measuring ranges: P25-5 (0.2-5 mmol/l) and P25-20 (0.8-20 mmol/l)

  Precise measurement over a wide concentration range

• Fully automatic measurement with the SYCON P

  Continuous 24/7 monitoring of boiler water chemistry

• High-quality raw materials and our own recipe

  Manufactured by RLS Wacon – Made in Germany

• Single batch calibration

  Consistently high precision with every delivery

• Available as single bottle (500 ml) and value pack (4 × 500 ml)

  Economical container sizes for every need

• 24 months shelf life

  Cost-efficient stockpiling

Der Beitrag p-value P25 series erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is iron measured for?

Iron (Fe) is one of the most common elements in water and can be of natural origin or enter the water through corrosion of pipes. Monitoring the iron concentration is essential in many areas:

• Drinking water treatment: The limit value for drinking water is 0.2 mg/l Fe (Drinking Water Ordinance). Elevated iron levels lead to undesirable discoloration and a metallic taste.
• Boiler feed water: Iron causes deposits in boilers and steam systems, which can lead to corrosion damage.
• Cooling water: Iron deposits reduce the heat transfer capacity and clog pipes.
• Waterworks: monitoring of iron removal – checking whether iron filters are working properly.

How does the Reagent work?

The Fe Reagents are liquid color reagents for fully automatic iron determination with the SYCON Fe analyzer. The device automatically takes a water sample, adds the Reagent and measures the coloration photometrically.

Two measuring ranges are available: The LRS (Low Range) Reagent for low concentrations (0.01-0.5 mg/l) and the HRS (High Range) Reagent for higher concentrations (0.2-6.0 mg/l).

Advantages of the Fe series

• Two measuring ranges: LRS (0.01-0.5 mg/l) and HRS (0.2-6.0 mg/l)

  Precise measurement both in the trace range and at higher concentrations

• Freely configurable limit values on the device

  Limit values: 0.03 / 0.05 / 0.1 / 0.2 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.6 mg/l

• Fully automatic measurement with the SYCON Fe

  Continuous 24/7 monitoring

• High-quality raw materials and our own recipe

  Manufactured by RLS Wacon – Made in Germany

• Individual batch calibration for consistent quality

  Highest precision with every delivery

• 24 months shelf life

  Cost-efficient stockpiling

Der Beitrag Iron Fe series erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is the carbonate value measured for?

The carbonate value (also known as the temporal value) describes the proportion of the water value that is caused by hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO₃-). Monitoring carbonate levels is crucial in many areas of water treatment:

• Cooling water systems: The carbonate values directly influence the lime-carbonic acid balance. Excessive values lead to lime precipitation in cooling towers and heat exchangers.
• Boiler feed water: Hydrogen carbonate decomposes to carbonate and CO₂ during heating, which leads to corrosion in the steam/condensate system.
• Swimming pool and bathing water: The carbonate value is an important parameter for the water balance according to Langelier or the LSI index.
• Drinking water: The carbonate content influences the taste and the tendency for limescale formation in pipes.

How does the Reagent work?

The C25 Reagents are liquid color reagents for fully automatic water analysis with SYCON analyzers. The SYCON device automatically takes a water sample, precisely doses the Reagent and measures the resulting coloration photometrically.

Depending on the device mode, the system operates as a limit value monitor (SYCON 2602) or as a measuring range device (SYCON 2702, 2802) with continuous measured value output.

Advantages of the C25 series

• 4 concentration levels from 1 to 3 °dKH

  Customized selection for different applications

• Limit value and measuring range operation possible

  Flexible use with SYCON 2602, 2702 and 2802

• Fully automatic measurement around the clock

  Leak-free monitoring without manual intervention

• High-quality raw materials and our own recipe

  Manufactured by RLS Wacon – Made in Germany

• Single batch calibration

  Consistently high precision with every delivery

• 24 months shelf life, 500 ml and 4-pack available

  Economical container sizes for every need

Der Beitrag Carbonate C25 series erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is Sulfite measured for?

Sulfite (SO₃²-) is used in water treatment as an oxygen binding agent to prevent corrosion
in steam boilers, heating systems and closed cooling systems. As a reducing agent
, Sulfite reacts with dissolved oxygen and thus protects pipelines and system components from
oxygen corrosion.

The optimum Sulfite concentration in boiler water is 20-30 mg/l SO₃²-.
Regular monitoring is essential, as values that are too low do not provide sufficient corrosion protection
, while concentrations that are too high are uneconomical and promote the formation of Sulfite.

Sulfite is also used as a preservative and antioxidant in the food industry.
Monitoring the concentration of sulfite is therefore of great importance in various industrial sectors.

How does the test set work?

The CALDUR® Sulfite Test Set – Colorimetric is based on the proven thiobenzoic acid method.
After adding two reagents to the water sample, a
characteristic color develops within 3 minutes, the intensity of which is proportional to the Sulfite concentration.

The measured value is determined by direct color comparison with a supplied 6-level color chart.
Optionally, the sample can also be evaluated photometrically with the WINLAB Data Line photometer.

Advantages of the CALDUR® test set

• Quick analysis in just 3 minutes

  Ideal for regular checks in boiler systems – immediate results on site

• Wide measuring range from 0.5 to 20 mg/l SO₃²-

  Covers the entire practical range for boiler water and industrial applications

• 150 provisions per set – economical in continuous use

  Cost-efficient for daily checks in power plants, heating systems and industrial operations

• Can be used colorimetrically and optionally photometrically

  Flexible for simple on-site tests or precise laboratory analyses with photometer

• Easy handling without special equipment

  No additional technology required – ideal for quick routine checks

• Robust, waterproof plastic housing with hinged lid

  Safe transportation and protection of reagents – durable and reliable even under harsh conditions

Der Beitrag Caldur® Sulfite – Colorimetric erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.