When performing a drop count tests, it’s important to minimize interferences that may affect your results. In this blog, we will discuss the effects of static charge.
First, what is static electricity and how is it formed? Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material typically produced by friction in a dry, low-humidity environment. For example, the dry conditions in the winter are right for experiencing static more often than in the summer months.
In our experiment, first, we added drops to a plastic vial that we introduced a static charge. While holding the bottle vertically to optimize consistent drop release and size, the drops were attracted to the side of the vial and were narrow and elongated in appearance. The charged static surfaces reacted and changed the performance and behavior of the drop.
Next, we added drops to the vial with no static present. We wiped down the vial and dropper bottle with a damp paper towel/cloth to remove any static charge. The drops fell directly into the middle of the vial and the shape and size of the drops were normal. Simple measures such as using a humidifier in a room or opening a window can prevent or remove static charge.
The static charge introduced in this instance reduced the drop size by 17%. Drop count kits are usually +/- 10% accurate. Given drop count test kits and dropper tips are standardized for a specific size drop, test results and data could significantly be skewed if there is significant static charge present.
AquaPhoenix recommends reviewing and preparing for all potential interferences including static charge to provide accurate reliable test information.
Water testing measures key parts of a water system quality and chemistry to make sure the water treatment program is working properly. It is important when taking water samples that the sample represents the whole system and not a smaller, non-representative portion of the system. If a sample isn’t representative of the whole system, or if it is handled improperly, it can “lie to you”. By this we mean the test results will be true of the sample, but not the entire system and could lead to decisions affecting the water treatment program. Improper handling can consume certain chemicals or introduce contaminants which affect tests and your response to the result. An important key to a representative sample, is flushing the sample line before you take your sample. This will clear out impurities or chemical concentrations at the sample point.
You can learn a lot from your sample. By looking for clues in your samples, you can get a head start on understanding what is going on in the system. Look for things like color, smell and quality (cloudiness or suspended solids). Was the sample line clogged? These observations can help direct your testing.
Finally, in certain situations a chain of custody – that is, a record of who took or handled a sample, and when, is important for regulatory or legal reasons. In these cases, proper sampling and records are critical.
Once you have selected your sampling point, follow flushing guidelines and grab a sample. Doing this properly helps you prepare it for testing. If testing boiler water, be sure to cool the sample to room temperature before testing. You can use a sample cooler or cold-water bath to achieve this. Mistakes happen when testing, so be sure to collect a large enough sample to allow for repeat testing if needed.
Now that you’ve collected your sample (and cooled it if necessary), it’s important to test immediately! This is particularly important when testing sulfite. Following these sample collection fundamentals will ensure you get your testing started on the right track.
If you’re looking for more training, check out AquaPhoenix Academy, our online training classes to help grow and develop your team as well as a library of testing videos to help reinforce testing fundamentals.
Selecting the right filtration technology for all applications becomes easy when you perform a Particle Distribution Analysis (PDA). Laser counters are the most commonly used and are accurate and affordable.
Considerations must be given to determine if the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) illustrate a majority of total counts less than 10.0 microns. The microscopic particles between 0.45 and 5.0 microns are responsible for biofilm buildup and increased energy and operational costs.
Synergies through combined treatment technologies allow for:
Biofilm has a thermal conductivity of just 0.6 and is four times as resistant to heat transfer as compared to calcium carbonate scale. Years of research have proven that biofilm starts with TSS around 5.0 micron size range and smaller particles attached to the base layer later on. Selecting the right technology that can reduce TSS between 0.45 – 5.0 microns is of the utmost importance.
Consider a 200 ton chiller operating at 50% load with a $ 0.05/kwh rate, the energy cost to operate that chiller would be $ 26,280.00/yr. A 0.045 inch of biofilm on the condenser would increase the energy cost by $9,198.00.
Buying a product that only fits a specific budgeted amount of money could be a bad investment. Understand your options with specific goals and objectives in mind to achieve a real ROI.
by Keith Karl, Filtration Product Manager
References