To provide customers with the best water treatment solutions, it is crucial to know what exactly is in the water. Analytical testing methods are essential factors for any professional in the water treatment business.
According to Hach Company Product Manager Peter Sauerwein, “The fundamentals of analytical testing (colorimetry, spectrophotometery and titrations) haven’t changed since the 1950s.” These technologies establish the foundation for today’s testing methods, he adds, with enhancements being implemented regarding testing convenience, sensitivity, consistency and efficiency.
“Modern methods are almost all based upon either light detection technology or electrochemical technology,” explains DelAgua Water Testing Ltd. General Manager, Geoff Douglas, FCMI. “The sensitivity of modern equipment to measure light absorption at various wavelengths or electrical difference between two electrodes has improved by orders of magnitude over the last three to four years and as a result the ability to detect extremely low levels of contaminants is now commonplace even with inexpensive equipment.”
Within the past 10 years advancements in smart technologies have resulted in smartphone apps and electronic software installations, compared to desktop units, and tests have transitioned from analog to digital, improving the overall convenience for everyday water testing.
Upgrades such as replacing filament lamps with LED, light detector vacuum tubes with light sensors and glass testing cells with plastic cells, have also been made.
“Savvy users are looking for up-to-date methods that offer accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability as a tool for their sales force,” says Charlie Gloyd, market manager for water conditioning at LaMotte Company. “Products and services that offer them a competitive advantage and professional image are important. Today’s homeowner is more likely to respond to organizations that offer clean, courteous and professional presentations.”
The March 2014 issue of Water Technology featured an in depth article covering water testing. You can read that entire article here.