Water testing: How to choose your method

Depending on your specific application, Palintest offers a range of kit types. To select the most appropriate:

• First check the Table of Tests below and look up the test parameters which are of interest to you. This table shows the different types of test systems which are available for each parameter.
• Now decide which type of test would be most suitable for your application. The notes below give some more information to help you in your choice. Note that different systems may cover different test ranges for the sample parameter.

Table of tests

WHY TEST THESE PARAMETERS?	TEST SYSTEM
	PHOTOMETER	COMPARATOR / VISUAL	TABLET COUNT	DROP COUNT	SCANNING ANALYZER	OTHER
Acidity
Acid Strength
Alkalinity
Aluminium
Ammonia
Boron
Bromine
Cadmium
Calcium Hardness
Carbon Dioxide
Chloride
Chlorine
Chlorine Dioxide
Chromium
Color
Copper
Cyanuric Acid
Dissolved Oxygen
Fluoride
Hardness
Hydrazine
Hydrogen Peroxide
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdate
Nickel
Nitrate
Nitrite
Organophosphonate
Ozone
Permanganate Value
Phenol
PHMB
pH
Phosphate
Potassium
QAC
Silica
Sulphate
Sulphide
Sulphite
Tannin
Total Nitrogen
Total Phosphorus
Turbidity
Zinc

1. PHOTOMETER TESTS

   These tests use a precision electronic photometer to measure the color which is produced when reagents are added to a sample of water. Reagents are supplied either in the form of test tablets or as a liquid predispensed into glass test tubes. They are convenient and simple to use and are suitable for all general water testing applications. The Tubetests predispensed reagent tubes conform strictly to standard methods of analysis. These reagents are particularly suited to environmental monitoring and waste water analysis. Photometer kits are designed for professional applications where results of the highest precision and accuracy are required.

2. COMPARATOR TESTS

   These tests use visual color standards to assess the color produced when reagents are added to a sample of water. Tablet reagents are used with these kits for maximum simplicity and convenience. Comparator kits provide a high level of accuracy at a more economical price than photometer kits and are suitable for both laboratory and field applications.

3. TABLET COUNT TESTS

   These tests use a graduated sample container in conjunction with tabletted reagents. The reagent tablets are added one at a time to a sample of water until a color change takes place. Tablet Count tests are very quick and simple to use, and are economically priced and are particularly suitable for use by unskilled staff. These tests find particular application in the control of swimming pools and industrial water systems, and for general water testing.

4. DROP COUNT TESTS

   These tests use a graduated sample container in conjunction with liquid reagents. The reagent is added a drop at a time to a sample of water until a color change takes place. Drop Count tests are very quick and simple to use and are economically priced. The range of available Drop Count tests make them particularly suitable for control of industrial water systems as well as for general water testing.

5. SCANNING ANALYZER TESTS

   These tests use an electronic analyzer instrument in conjunction with a unique disposable electrode. These tests are based on new technology in anodic stripping voltammetry and are designed specifically for the determination of very low levels of heavy metals. The tests are however very simple to carry out and can be used in both laboratory and field test applications. Scanning analyzer tests are designed for professional water analysis as an alternative to atomic absorption spectroscopy

6. POCKET KITS

   These kits are an inexpensive range of simple to use kits for individual test parameters. The kits, which are all based on tablet reagents, use a variety of test procedures - color match methods with a transparent color card, tablet count or turbidity methods. Pocket kits are suitable for casual or occasional users, where the costs of other kits cannot be justified or where highest precision is not required.

   Reagents for Palintest kits are supplied either as starter packs for each test system or in 'economy' replacement packs for the heavy user. This gives the user the maximum flexibility in selecting just the tests they require. Scanning analyzer kits are supplied complete with electrodes.

7. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS

   The Palintest range of portable instruments includes pocket sensors and meters for pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Palintest instruments are sophisticated, yet so simple to use, technically advanced, yet so economical in price.

   Palintest electronic instruments are all fully guaranteed and are supplied complete with batteries and full operating instructions.