Designed to provide a quicker and less technique-dependent way to measure chlorine than the DPD tablet method, the ChloroSense reagent-free portable water tester from Palintest enables untrained personnel to produce accurate chlorine results on the first try. Once the sample is collected and inserted into the tester, it automatically produces a result in less than a minute. The tester then records and stores all chlorine analysis and temperature results, which can be reviewed on the display or exported to a PC via a waterproof USB port.
Developed in-house at the company’s facility in Gateshead, England, the tester is an extension of its field portable test for lead in water, paint, dust and ceramics, says George Belarski, regional sales manager. And while the technology is similar, it is different from the EPA-approved methodology of the SA-1000 lead and copper analyzer.
“A survey of water utilities indicated a need for an extremely easy-to-use, foolproof, technique-independent, accurate, fast and cost-effective method for measuring free and total chlorine,” Belarski says. Total test time is approximately 50 seconds. And because of its range and auto-ranging ability, no retesting should be required.
To use, test water is placed in the removable sample tray and a disposable sensor is inserted. Testing begins as soon as the lid is closed, with progress indicated on the display screen. Once the test is completed, results for free chlorine, total chlorine and temperature are displayed. Up to 500 test results can be time- and date-stamped and stored in memory for later recall. To begin another test, the sample tray is emptied and new water is added. One disposable electrode is required for each sample.
In development for four years and on the market since March 2008, the chlorine tester was first released in the United Kingdom and is being used in water facilities there, as well as in France and Canada.
“The industry in the U.S. is just becoming aware of its technology, advantages and availability,” Belarski says. For more information: 800/835-9629; www.palintestusa.com.
