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 the total value measured for?

The total hardness (also water hardness) describes the concentration of alkaline earth ions dissolved in the water, in particular calcium and magnesium. Reliable hardness measurement is indispensable in many areas of water treatment:

• Boiler feed water and steam generation: Even small residues lead to limescale deposits (scaling), which can impair the heat transfer and cause damage to the system.
• Ion exchanger monitoring: Precise hardness measurement enables early detection of resin breakthroughs and needs-based regeneration.
• Reverse osmosis systems: Continuous control of permeate quality to protect downstream processes.
• Cooling water systems: Prevention of deposits and corrosion in cooling towers and heat exchangers.
• Drinking and process water: Monitoring of water quality in accordance with operational specifications.

In industrial water treatment, precise and continuous monitoring of residual hardness is crucial for safe, efficient and economical plant operation.

How does the Reagent work?

The H25 Reagents are liquid color reagents for fully automatic water analysis with analyzers of the SYCON series from RLS Wacon. The measuring principle is based on a colorimetric reaction:

The analyzer automatically takes a water sample at freely configurable intervals, precisely doses the Reagent and measures the resulting coloration photometrically. The color intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of hardness in the water.

Fully automatic sampling and evaluation eliminates operating errors and ensures seamless 24/7 monitoring – even at measuring points that are difficult to access.

Advantages of the H25 series

• 11 concentration levels from 0.02 to 10 °dH

  Precise selection for every measuring range and limit value

• Fully automatic measurement with SYCON analyzers

  24/7 monitoring without manual intervention

• Compatible with SYCON 2602, 2702, 2802 and SYCON BoB

  Flexible applications for limit value and measuring range devices

• High-quality raw materials and our own recipe

  Manufactured by RLS Wacon – Made in Germany

• In-house production and individual batch calibration

  Consistently high quality and precision with every delivery

• 24 months shelf life from production

  Cost-efficient stockpiling and flexible warehousing

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

  Economical container sizes for every need

Der Beitrag Total hardness H25 series 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 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 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.