What is the LIMES used for?

The LIMES hardness monitor reliably monitors whether the total hardness of the water stays within a defined limit value – ideal for monitoring reverse-osmosis and water-softening systems. It is available in two models: the entry-level LIMESBASE and the LIMESPLUS with extended control options. Select the appropriate model above.

How does it work?

The device works on the principle of “limit-value monitoring with colour change” using a laboratory-calibrated LHV indicator. The limit value is defined by the indicator type; if it is exceeded, the LIMES outputs a signal on a potential-free relay output that can be further processed, e.g. by a softening controller. It requires no calibration, shows no drift effects and is not subject to sensor wear.

LIMESBASE or LIMESPLUS? The differences

Both models reliably monitor the same hardness limit value. The LIMESPLUS additionally offers more flexibility in analysis interval and plant control:

Benefits at a glance

• Reliable limit-value monitoring with a laboratory-calibrated indicator
• No delayed response (compared to a swelling-resin sensor)
• No calibration, no drift effects (compared to electrode measurement)
• No sensor wear, no regeneration needed
• Up to 10,000 analyses per 750 ml indicator bottle
• Status display via four LEDs (limit value, analysis, device, service)

Der Beitrag LIMES hardness monitor erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

What is the p-value and why is it measured?

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.

What is the SYCON P?

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.

How does the SYCON P work?

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.

Advantages of the SYCON P

• Exact determination of measured values by titration method

  Quantitative determination of the p-value with ± 5 % accuracy and ± 2.5 % repeatability

• Continuous online monitoring of a critical corrosion parameter

  Protects boilers, pipes and heat exchangers from acid-induced corrosion

• Two measuring ranges for different applications

  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

• RS485 interface with Modbus RTU

  Direct query of measured values and device parameters by a PLC – seamless integration into the system automation

• Two freely programmable limit values

  Pre-alarm and main alarm or monitoring of a bandwidth with lower and upper threshold value

• 4 potential-free relay outputs

  Limit value 1, limit value 2 / indicator level, device fault, analysis active / cooling water valve

• Self-calibrating full color sensor

  No manual calibration – automatic compensation for ambient light, contamination and turbidity

• Very low indicator consumption

  0.05-0.6 ml per analysis – one 500 ml bottle is sufficient for numerous analyses

• 9-language graphic display with SD card

  Complete logging, installation wizard, software updates via SD card

Der Beitrag SYCON P erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why does silicate need to be monitored?

Silicate (SiO₂) is a natural component of many bodies of water and enters industrial processes via the raw water. In low concentrations, silicate is inconspicuous – but at just a few ppm, glass-like, extremely hard deposits can form on turbine blades, membranes and heat exchangers. These deposits are very difficult to remove and lead to a loss of performance, increased energy consumption and costly downtime.

Silicate monitoring is particularly critical in power plants, ultrapure water systems and wherever mixed-bed filters or reverse osmosis membranes are used. Continuous online monitoring detects the depletion of the filter media at an early stage and protects downstream system components.

What is the SYCON SiO2?

The SYCON SiO2 from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online analyzer for the quantitative determination of the silicate or silica concentration in process water. It works according to the colorimetric method and covers a broad spectrum with two measuring ranges: from ultra-pure water monitoring in the lower ppb range to highly contaminated process water with up to 150 ppm SiO₂.

The device offers the full range of functions of the SYCON platform: four relay outputs, Modbus RTU, analog output 4-20 mA, two digital inputs and a 9-language graphical display.

How does the SYCON SiO2 work?

The SYCON SiO2 works according to the colorimetric method. A water sample is automatically fed into the measuring chamber. The reagents are then added: Three reagents (Silicate-A, -B and -C) are used in the LR measuring range (Low Range) and two (Silicate-B and -C) in the HR measuring range (High Range). The reagents generate a color reaction whose intensity is proportional to the silicate concentration. An optical sensor evaluates the color intensity and calculates the measured value.

Before each measurement, the device automatically performs a zero point adjustment to compensate for disturbance variables such as turbidity or contamination. The analysis time is approx. 15 minutes. The measured values are shown on the display and automatically logged on the SD card.

Two measuring ranges for different requirements

The measured value can be displayed either as silicate (Si) or silicic acid (SiO₂) in the units mg/l, ppm, µg/l or ppb.

Advantages of the SYCON SiO2

• Wide measuring range from 0.02 to 150 ppm SiO₂

  Two measuring ranges (LR and HR) cover ultrapure water to highly contaminated process water

• Automatic zero point adjustment before each measurement

  Compensates for turbidity, contamination and extraneous light – reliable results even under difficult conditions

• Early detection of filter exhaustion

  Ideal for monitoring mixed bed filters – recommended between main filter and police filter

• RS485 interface with Modbus RTU

  Seamless integration into PLC and SCADA systems for central process monitoring

• 4 potential-free relay outputs

  Limit value 1, limit value 2, device fault, analysis active / cooling water valve / reagent message

• Compact, corrosion-free plastic housing

  All components easily accessible – maintenance of the measuring chamber possible without tools

• Self-calibrating sensor

  No manual calibration required during regular operation

• 9-language graphic display with SD card

  Complete logging, installation wizard, software updates via SD card

Der Beitrag SYCON SiO2 erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why does the iron content need to be monitored?

Iron (Fe) is one of the most common interference parameters in water treatment. Even low concentrations lead to visible discoloration of the water, rusty-brown deposits in pipes and can damage downstream treatment stages such as softening systems or reverse osmosis membranes. A limit value of 0.2 mg/l applies in the drinking water supply – exceeding this value leads to complaints and indicates corrosion or inadequate treatment.

In well water treatment, iron is often the determining parameter for the design of the deferrization system. Continuous online monitoring detects concentration fluctuations in the raw water and checks the efficiency of the treatment plant.

What is the SYCON Fe?

The SYCON Fe from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online analyzer for the quantitative determination of the iron concentration in process water. It works according to the colorimetric method and covers a measuring range of 0.01 to 6 mg/l with two Reagents (Fe LRS and Fe HRS).

The device offers four relay outputs, an RS485 interface with Modbus RTU, an analog output 0/4-20 mA and two digital inputs. In addition to the programmable limit value alarm, the SYCON Fe has a message for measured values below the detection limit – an important signal for monitoring deferrization systems.

How does the SYCON Fe work?

The SYCON Fe works according to the colorimetric method. For each analysis, a water sample is automatically fed into the measuring chamber and mixed with the Reagent. The reaction with dissolved iron produces a characteristic color reaction whose intensity is proportional to the iron concentration. An optical sensor evaluates the color intensity and calculates the measured value.

Depending on the indicator selected, a corresponding actuator LED is used in the measuring chamber: blue marker for the Reagent Fe LRS (low concentrations) and red marker for Fe HRS (higher concentrations). The analysis time is approx. 7 minutes.

Advantages of the SYCON Fe

• Sensitive measurement from 0.01 mg/l iron

  The Fe LRS Reagent already detects concentrations far below the drinking water limit of 0.2 mg/l

• Two measuring ranges for different applications

  Fe LRS (0.01-0.5 mg/l) for drinking water and treated water, Fe HRS (0.2-6 mg/l) for untreated water and industrial applications

• Message for measured value below the detection limit

  Confirms complete removal of iron – important for monitoring deferrization systems

• RS485 interface with Modbus RTU

  Seamless integration into PLC and SCADA systems for central process monitoring

• 4 potential-free relay outputs

  Limit value alarm, detection limit / dosing fault, device fault, analysis active / cooling water valve / indicator message

• Analog output 0/4-20 mA

  Direct transmission of measured values to the system controller

• Self-calibrating sensor

  Automatic compensation of ambient light and soiling

• Compact design

  Same dimensions as SYCON 2702/2802 – as wall bracket (IP43) or in housing (IP54)

• 9-language graphic display with SD card

  Complete logging, installation wizard, software updates via SD card

Der Beitrag SYCON Fe erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why is certified hardness monitoring required in the boiler house?

Steam boiler systems place the highest demands on the quality of the feed water. Even the smallest amounts of residual hardness can lead to limescale deposits on the heating surfaces – resulting in overheating, loss of performance and, in the worst case, boiler damage. VdTÜV Code of Practice WÜV 100 therefore requires continuous, automated monitoring of water hardness using certified devices – including the option of 72-hour unattended operation (BOB).

What is the SYCON BoB?

The SYCON BoB from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online analyzer for monitoring the residual hardness in boiler feed water and returning condensate. It is certified in accordance with VdTÜV data sheet WÜV 100 and therefore fulfills the requirement for operation without supervision (BOB) for 72 hours.

The device is based on the proven SYCON platform, but is specially optimized for use in steam boilers: Pre-configured relays, an access code to protect against incorrect parameterization, a BOB probe for level monitoring of the Reagent and a shortened maintenance interval ensure maximum operational reliability.

How does the SYCON BoB work?

The SYCON BoB works according to the colorimetric titration method. A water sample is automatically fed into the measuring chamber and the Reagent (H25-0.05 or H25-0.1) is added step by step. An optical sensor detects the color change and calculates the residual hardness of the water.

The integrated BOB sensor continuously monitors the fill level of the indicator bottle. As soon as the remaining content is sufficient for less than 72 hours of operation (approx. 12 % fill level), a BOB message is issued via relay 2 and the display. This ensures that the indicator supply is replenished in good time.

The analysis time is approx. 3 minutes with an indicator consumption of only 0.05 ml per analysis. Up to 10,000 analyses are possible with a 500 ml bottle.

Special features compared to the other SYCON models

Advantages of the SYCON BoB

• TÜV-certified according to VdTÜV data sheet WÜV 100

  Meets the legal requirements for the unattended operation of steam boiler systems

• 72-hour BOB operation with fill level monitoring

  The BOB probe signals in good time when the indicator supply needs to be replenished – can be extended to up to 144 hours with a longer measuring interval

• Access code to protect against incorrect parameterization

  Locks access to critical settings during unattended operation

• Preconfigured relays for standardized installation

  Limit value, BOB message, device fault, analysis active – Terminal diagram can be created in advance

• RS485 interface with Modbus RTU

  Integration into the boiler control system and higher-level control systems

• Analog output 0/4-20 mA

  Direct transmission of measured values to the system controller

• Robust housing (IP54, IK08)

  Suitable for the harsh environmental conditions in the boiler house

• Self-calibrating full color sensor

  No manual calibration – automatic compensation for ambient light, contamination and turbidity

• Very low indicator consumption

  0.05 ml per analysis – up to 10,000 analyses per 500 ml bottle

Der Beitrag SYCON BoB erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why does water hardness need to be measured precisely?

In many areas of water treatment, simple limit value monitoring is not sufficient. If you want to operate a water softener or reverse osmosis system economically and safely, you need exact water hardness measurements – not just a good/bad statement. Only with a quantitative measured value can trends be identified, system performance assessed and regeneration cycles optimized.

A gradual increase in residual hardness indicates a decreasing capacity of the ion exchanger – long before a breakthrough occurs. Similarly, the retention value of the membranes in a reverse osmosis system can only be reliably assessed if the permeate and feed hardness are quantitatively known. Precise measurement enables predictive maintenance and avoids unplanned downtime.

What is the SYCON 2702?

The SYCON 2702 from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online titration device for the quantitative measurement of total hardness or carbonate hardness (acid capacity KS 4.3) in process and industrial water. In contrast to the SYCON 2602, which only provides a limit value statement, the SYCON 2702 determines the exact hardness value within the selected measuring range for each analysis. In addition, the device monitors a freely programmable limit value and signals whether it is exceeded or not via potential-free relay outputs.

The SYCON 2702 has an analog current interface (0-20 mA or 4-20 mA) that can output the current measured value or the device status to a PLC or building management system. This makes it ideal for integration into higher-level control and monitoring systems.

How does the SYCON 2702 work?

The SYCON 2702 works according to the principle of the colorimetric titration method. For each analysis, a water sample is automatically fed into the measuring cell. The Reagent (H25 series for total hardness or C25 series for carbonate hardness) is then dosed into the sample step by step. A maintenance-free RGB full color sensor in combination with a white high-power LED evaluates the progressive color change.

The device calculates the exact hardness concentration of the water sample from the dosed amount of indicator. The measured values are shown on the graphic color display and automatically logged on an SD card. In addition, the current measured value can be transmitted to a PLC via the analog 4-20 mA output.

After the measurement, the measuring cell is automatically flushed with line pressure. The color sensor automatically calibrates itself against ambient light, contamination and turbidity during each analysis. An integrated self-diagnosis with plausibility monitoring of the sensor data ensures additional operational safety. If limit values are exceeded, a control measurement can be repeated automatically to avoid false alarms caused by counter-ion effects.

Measuring accuracy and reproducibility

The SYCON 2702 achieves a measuring accuracy of ± 5 % of the measuring range end value of the Reagent used with a repeatability of ± 2.5 %. The analysis time is approx. 3 minutes depending on the degree of hardness and rinsing time. At least 10,000 analyses are possible per 500 ml bottle of Reagent – with a consumption of less than 0.05 ml per analysis for soft water. The measured values can be displayed in six units: °dH, °f, ppm CaCO₃, mmol/l, °e and °Zh.

Advantages of the SYCON 2702

• Exact determination of measured values by titration method

  Quantitative determination of water hardness – not just the limit value, but the actual hardness value

• High measuring accuracy: ± 5 %, repeatability ± 2.5 %

  Reliable results for process monitoring and documentation

• 11 measuring ranges for total hardness (0.012-30 °dH), 4 for carbonate hardness (0.3-22.5 °dH)

  Wide selection of H25 and C25 Reagents for every application

• Analog output 0/4-20 mA for PLC connection

  Measured value or status transmission to building management system, resolution < 100 µA, max. 750 Ω load

• Freely programmable limit value with control measurement

  Automatic repetition when limit values are exceeded to avoid false alarms

• Self-calibrating full color sensor

  No manual calibration – automatic compensation of ambient light, contamination and turbidity

• Very low indicator consumption

  Less than 0.05 ml per analysis – at least 10,000 analyses per 500 ml bottle

• Fast analysis time of approx. 3 minutes

  More frequent measurement intervals possible than with the limit value method

• Simple commissioning using the installation wizard

  Step-by-step guidance on the 9-language graphic display

• Low maintenance effort

  Peristaltic pump technology and automatic rinsing – Maintenance set every 2 years or 30,000 analyses

• SD card for complete measured value logging

  All analysis results with time stamp – can also be used for software updates

Der Beitrag SYCON 2702 erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why the SYCON 2802?

In complex water treatment plants, the highest demands are placed on process monitoring. In addition to the precise measurement of water hardness, measured values must be transmitted in real time to higher-level control systems (PLC, SCADA, building management systems). Several limit values enable a differentiated response – for example, a pre-alarm if slightly exceeded and a safety shutdown if critical values are reached.

The SYCON 2802 is the flagship of the SYCON series and combines all the functions of the SYCON 2702 with additional interfaces and control options. It is the first choice for demanding industrial applications where seamless integration into plant automation and complete process documentation are required.

What is the SYCON 2802?

The SYCON 2802 from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online titration device for the quantitative measurement of total hardness or carbonate hardness (acid capacity KS 4.3) in process and industrial water. Compared to the SYCON 2702, it offers two additional relay outputs (4 in total), an RS485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol, a second digital input and a second, freely programmable limit value.

The second limit value enables differentiated monitoring: for example, limit value 1 can be configured as a pre-alarm and limit value 2 as the main alarm. Alternatively, a water overlap can be monitored with two limit values – with a lower and an upper threshold value for the desired mixing hardness.

How does the SYCON 2802 work?

The measuring principle is identical to the SYCON 2702: colorimetric titration method. A water sample is automatically fed into the measuring cell and the Reagent (H25 series or C25 series) is added step by step. The maintenance-free RGB full color sensor evaluates the color change and calculates the exact hardness concentration. The analysis time is approx. 3 minutes and the indicator consumption is less than 0.05 ml per analysis.

The decisive difference lies in the extended interfaces: Via the RS485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol, measured values and device parameters can be queried directly from a PLC. The analog output (0/4-20 mA) is also available. Four relay outputs offer maximum flexibility for signaling and system control.

Extended functions compared to the SYCON 2702

Advantages of the SYCON 2802

• Exact determination of measured values by titration method

  Quantitative determination of water hardness with ± 5 % accuracy and ± 2.5 % repeatability

• RS485 interface with Modbus RTU

  Direct query of measured values and device parameters by a PLC – seamless integration into the system automation

• Two freely programmable limit values

  Pre-alarm and main alarm or monitoring of a water overlap with lower and upper threshold value

• 4 potential-free relay outputs

  Limit value 1, limit value 2 / indicator level, device fault, analysis active / cooling water valve

• Analog output 0/4-20 mA in addition to Modbus

  Parallel measured value output via analog and digital interface

• 2 digital inputs

  External analysis start, water meter, flow monitor, interval reset, remote reset – flexibly configurable

• Control of an external cooling water valve

  Relay 4 can be configured to automatically control a sample cooler valve

• Self-calibrating full color sensor

  No manual calibration – automatic compensation of ambient light, contamination and turbidity

• Very low indicator consumption

  Less than 0.05 ml per analysis – at least 10,000 analyses per 500 ml bottle

• 9-language graphic display with SD card

  Complete logging, installation wizard, software updates via SD card

Der Beitrag SYCON 2802 erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Why does water hardness need to be monitored?

In water treatment, reliable monitoring of water hardness is a decisive factor for the protection of downstream systems and processes. Softening systems that work on an ion exchanger basis must be regenerated in good time before hardness-forming ions (calcium and magnesium) break through the exchanger. A breakthrough can lead to scaling in pipes, heat exchangers and steam boilers – with considerable consequential costs due to energy losses, production downtime and costly cleaning.

Limit value monitoring is also essential for the protection of reverse osmosis systems: if the permissible hardness in the feed water is exceeded, there is a risk of irreversible membrane damage due to scaling. The early detection of a hardness breakthrough enables immediate intervention – whether through a demand-controlled regeneration trigger or a safety shutdown of the downstream system.

What is the SYCON 2602?

The SYCON 2602 from RLS Wacon is a fully automatic online analyzer for limit value monitoring of total hardness or carbonate hardness (acid capacity KS 4.3) in process and industrial water. As an entry-level model in the SYCON series, it offers a reliable pass/fail assessment of water quality: the device checks whether the limit value set by the Reagent used is met or exceeded for each analysis and reports the result via up to three potential-free relay outputs.

In addition to the limit value status, the graphic color display also shows information such as analysis interval, indicator supply, device status and error history. The menu navigation is available in nine languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Dutch and Danish.

How does the SYCON 2602 work?

The SYCON 2602 works according to the principle of the colorimetric limit value method. For each analysis, a water sample is automatically fed into the measuring cell and the respective Reagent (H25 series for total hardness or C25 series for carbonate hardness) is added. A maintenance-free RGB full color sensor in combination with a white high-power LED evaluates the color change of the sample.

If the hardness of the sample water is below the Reagent limit value, the sample discolors – the result is “GOOD”. If there is no discoloration or it is too weak, the limit value is reported as exceeded (“BAD”) and relay 1 switches. After the measurement, the measuring cell is automatically flushed with line pressure so that no indicator residues affect the next analysis.

The color sensor automatically calibrates itself against ambient light, contamination and turbidity of the water sample during each measurement. An integrated self-diagnosis with plausibility monitoring of the sensor data ensures additional operational reliability. All measurement results are automatically logged on an SD card.

BOB functionality – operation without supervision

The SYCON 2602 automatically monitors the indicator supply and signals via the configurable relay output 3 when the fill level is low. The BOB function (unattended operation) enables continuous, unattended operation for at least 72 hours – with an indicator consumption of less than 0.1 ml per analysis and at least 5,000 analyses per 500 ml bottle, operation is possible for weeks without refilling.

Advantages of the SYCON 2602

• Reliable limit value monitoring for total hardness and carbonate hardness

  Automatic good/bad evaluation with immediate alarm via relay output

• 11 limit values for total hardness, 4 for carbonate hardness

  From 0.02 to 10 °dH (total hardness) and 1 to 3 °dH (carbonate hardness) – suitable for every application

• Self-calibrating full color sensor

  No manual calibration required – automatic compensation for ambient light, contamination and turbidity

• Very low indicator consumption

  Less than 0.1 ml per analysis – at least 5,000 analyses per 500 ml bottle

• Simple commissioning using the installation wizard

  Step-by-step guidance on the graphic display – even without prior knowledge

• 3 potential-free relay outputs

  Limit value alarm, device fault and analysis active / BOB message / indicator fill level – freely configurable

• Low maintenance effort

  Peristaltic pump technology and automatic flushing of the measuring cell with line pressure – Maintenance set every 2 years or 30,000 analyses

• 9-language graphic display

  DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, RU, PL, NL, DK – ideal for international use

• SD card for measured value logging

  Complete documentation of all analysis results with time stamp

• Compact design – wall bracket or housing

  274 × 275 × 129 mm (wall bracket IP43) or 332 × 345 × 190 mm (housing IP54)

Der Beitrag SYCON 2602 erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Product information LIMESBASE

• LED status display
• language-neutral
• First value suppression to prevent false alarms
• Automatic interval operation: limit value check of the system every 10 minutes
• Connections:
  • 2 potential-free outputs:
    • Limit value exceeded
    • Device fault
• Easy to upgrade to LIMESPLUS if required

Der Beitrag LIMESBASE erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.

Product information LIMESPLUS

• LED status display
• language-neutral
• First value suppression to prevent false alarms
• Flushing duration adjustable to the supply line length
• Automatic interval operation: limit value control of the system at adjustable intervals of 10, 20 or 30 minutes
• Connections:
  • 2 potential-free outputs:
    • Limit value exceeded
    • Device fault
  • Input contact for potential-free switch
    • External analysis start
    • Pausing the internal interval using a flow switch
• Diagnostic program for testing the assemblies

Der Beitrag LIMESPLUS erschien zuerst auf RLS Wacon analytics.