CALDUR® MEKO – Colorimetric
MEKO determination in water by color chart (0.5-10 mg/l MEKO)

Private customers can also find our range in our partner store Ampha-Analyse.
Reagent for CALDUR® MEKO – Colorimetric:
See also:
CALDUR® MEKO test set – Colorimetric
What is MEKO measured for?
MEKO (methyl ethyl ketoxime) is an oxygen binding agent that is used as an alternative to DEHA and sodium sulphite in steam boiler systems. It has the advantage that it remains stable even at high temperatures and does not form any decomposition products that contaminate the steam.
Controlling the MEKO concentration is essential to ensure sufficient oxygen binding in the boiler water and at the same time to avoid overdosing. Typical target values are between 1 and 5 mg/l MEKO in the feed water.
MEKO reacts with dissolved oxygen and thus protects the metallic surfaces of boilers, steam pipes and condensers against oxygen corrosion.
How does the test set work?
The CALDUR® MEKO Test Set – Colorimetric is based on the ferrozine method. After adding two reagents to the water sample, a characteristic coloration develops within 8 minutes, the intensity of which is proportional to the MEKO concentration.
The measured value is determined by direct color comparison with a supplied color chart.
Advantages of the CALDUR® test set
- Practical measuring range 0.5 – 10 mg/l MEKO
Covers the entire dosing range in boiler systems
- 100 determinations per set
Economical for regular checks
- Quick analysis in 8 minutes
Results directly on site at the boiler system
- Proven ferrozine method
Selective and reliable for MEKO
- Robust plastic housing with hinged lid
Safe transportation and protection of reagents
Areas of application
Carrying out the measurement:
- Fill water sample into test tubes up to the 10 ml mark
- Add 5 drops of reagent A and mix
- Add 3 drops of reagent B and mix
- Wait for 8 minutes reaction time
- Perform color comparison with color chart
Tip for best results
The sample should be cooled to room temperature before the measurement, as hot boiler water can accelerate the reaction and falsify the result. Do not ventilate the sample to avoid oxidation of the MEKO.
Important notes
- Allow the sample to cool to room temperature before measurement
- Adhere exactly to the reaction time of 8 minutes
- Do not ventilate the sample – MEKO reacts with atmospheric oxygen
- Avoid direct sunlight during the measurement
- Thoroughly rinse the test tube with the sample before each measurement
Measuring range
| Measuring level | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.5 mg/l | Low concentration (pale violet) |
| 1 mg/l | Lower dosing range (light violet) |
| 2 mg/l | Optimum dosing range (violet) |
| 3 mg/l | Medium dosing range (deep violet) |
| 5 mg/l | Upper dosing range (dark violet) |
| 10 mg/l | High concentration (deep violet) |
If the color lies between two fields, you can form the mean value
(e.g. between 2 and 3 mg/l = approx. 2.5 mg/l).
Number of possible determinations
You can carry out 100 measurements with one CALDUR® MEKO test set.
This refers to the quantity of reagents contained.
Measuring accuracy and reproducibility
Readability: ± 1 color level
Reproducibility: Very good if the application instructions are followed
Interference: Other oxygen binding agents (DEHA, sodium sulphite) can influence the result. Heavily colored samples make color readings more difficult. In these cases a photometric determination is recommended.
What to do if measured values are out of range?
Measured value > 10 mg/l
| Dilution | Execution | Calculation of the measured value |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 5 ml sample + 5 ml MEKO-free water | Measured value × 2 |
| 1:4 | 2 ml sample + 8 ml MEKO-free water | Measured value × 5 |
Measured value < 0.5 mg/l
The measured value is below the detection limit or the MEKO dosage is too low. Check the dosing pump and increase the MEKO dosage if necessary.
Specifications at a glance
Reagents (2 reagents)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Parameters | MEKO (methyl ethyl ketoxime) |
| Item number | 31-072400 |
| Method | Colorimetric (ferrozine) |
| Measuring principle | Color comparison with 6-stage color chart |
| Measuring range | 0.5 to 10 mg/l MEKO |
| Color scale | 6 measuring levels (0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 mg/l) |
| Duration of analysis | 8 minutes |
| Number of determinations | 100 |
| Number of reagents | 2 |
| Packaging | Hinged lid box |
| Packaging size | 103 x 91 x 36 mm |
| weight | approx. 140 g |
| Scope of delivery |
|---|
| 2 reagent bottles (reagent A, reagent B) with detailed labeling |
| 1 test tube with 10 ml scale |
| 1 color card with 6 measuring levels |
| Detailed operating instructions (DE/EN) |
| Safety data sheets for all reagents |
| Robust hinged lid box (103 x 91 x 36 mm) |
Reagent details
| Reagent | Volume | Shelf life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reagent A (ferrozine) | 30 ml | 24 months (24M) | Ferrozine reagent, shake before use |
| Reagent B (buffer) | 10 ml | 24 months (24M) | Buffer solution, shake before use |
Shelf life: The shelf life starts from the date of manufacture (printed on the bottle).
After opening, the reagents should be used within 12 months.
Store the test kit in a dry, cool place (10-25°C) and protected from direct sunlight.
Additional information
| Packaging | Hinged lid box, Refill pack |
|---|---|
| Product category | Test kit |
Flyer
Operating instructions
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