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How do the Quantab
test strips for chloride work?
Problem Description:
How do the Quantab test strips for chloride work?
Problem Solution:
When the Quantab® strip is placed in aqueous solutions, fluid rises up
the strip by capillary action. When the strip is completely saturated, a
moisture sensitive string across the top of the titrator turns dark
blue.
The strip contains silver ions, which combine with chloride in the
sample to form a white column of silver chloride. The length of the
white column (silver chloride) in the strip is proportional to the
chloride ion concentration.
Each lot of Quantab strips is calibrated independently, so that the
chart on the bottle where you find the chloride concentration may differ
from a previous bottle.
Quantab Test Strip numbers
on strips vs. bottle
Problem Description:
Why do the Quantab Test Strips have a scale that goes to 10, but the numbers on
the bottle don't go up that high?
Problem Solution:
Each lot of Quantab Test Strips for chloride is calibrated independently,
therefore the highest chloride concentration for one lot may correspond to a
different number on the strip for a different lot.
Although most lots are not calibrated to go up to the top of the scale, the 0-10
scale on the strip can be divided into increments of 0.2, which is easy to read.
Interferences with Quantab
Test Strips
Problem Description:
What can interfere with the Quantab Test Strips for chloride?
Problem Solution:
The Quantab Test Strip reaction involves the formation of silver chloride on the
strip from the combination of silver on the strip with chloride in the sample.
Any anion (for example bromide, iodide, cyanide, and sulfide) which will react
with the silver to give an insoluble precipitate may interfere with the Quantab®
test and give a higher than actual result.
Strong acids may also interfere, however the strips will work in caustic or
extremely high pH samples. Nitrite and nitrate have no adverse effect on the
Quantab® test.
Quantabs will work in colored solutions as long as they are clear, however
turbid solutions can clog the wick and cause very slow or incomplete reactions.
Filter turbid samples before testing.
Quantab strips can be used in a wide range of temperatures.
Range limits on Quantab
Test Strips
Problem Description:
How can I extend the range of the Quantab Test Strips for chloride? The number
on my strip is above (or below) the numbers shown on the bottle.
Problem Solution:
The range for these strips cannot be extended above or below the limits shown on
the bottle. The calibration is not linear and results will not be accurate
outside of the stated range.
Samples above the range can be diluted until the chloride concentration is in
the measurable range. Results for diluted samples should be multiplied by the
dilution factor. To measure samples below the lower limit on the strips, a
different method such as titration should be used.
The
salt that is normally found in contaminated water wells is composed
primarily of calcium of sodium chloride. The salinity of water is
measured by the concentration of the chloride ion. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has established a Secondary Drinking
Water Standard of 250 mg/l for chloride in public drinking water
supplies. This is an aesthetic standard and simply means that some
individuals will begin noticing a salty taste in water when the chloride
concentration exceeds this level. Salt contamination of water wells may
occur by a single or a combination of ways. Following are a number of
possible sources of salt contamination:
1.
Oil-field brine
is a waste water produced during oil and gas drilling and producing
operations. Brine can be as much as ten times more salty than sea
water.
According to Ohio oil and gas law,
brine must be contained and properly injected into deep formations
through permitted injection wells or properly spread on roadways
for ice and dust control. However,
improper storage or disposal of brine can cause contamination of ground
water.
2. Rock-salt
used during winter months for the deicing of highways or stored in open
piles, can enter ground-water by surface or stream runoff.
3. Water
softeners use salt to condition hard water.
Discharge of salty regeneration fluid into septic systems, on the ground
surface or into storm sewers may
contaminate shallow ground-water
aquifers.
4. Naturally
occurring saline fluids can contaminate a
water well that is drilled too deep. In addition, if a water well is
developed in a fresh water aquifer that is
underlain by heavier saline water,
contamination can occur when the water well is pumped. If fresh water
is pumped from the aquifer more quickly than it can be
replenished, the underlying saline
water may eventually be drawn upward into the water well.
Quantab chloride titrators can be used to
measure salt (chloride) concentration in water. When the Quantab is
placed upright in water, fluid will rise in the brown column
of the Quantab. If chloride is
present in the water, it will cause a chemical reaction that turns the
brown column, white. When the reaction is complete, the yellow
strip at the top of the column turns
dark blue. The height of the white color change in the column indicates
the chloride concentration.
Directions:
1.
Obtain a sample of your
water prior to any filters or water conditioning equipment. The valve
at the bottom of your pressure tank is a good place to obtain a sample
if you have conditioning equipment.
2. Fill a cup or jar with water to
a depth of one inch after you have run the water five minutes.
3. Stand the plastic strip upright
in the cup or jar with the word Quantab at the top. Do not immerse the
entire strip.
4. Within several minutes, the
yellow strip will turn blue indicating completion of the test.
5. Within five minutes after this
change, read the scale on the plastic strip.
6. Holding the top of the Quantab,
run your thumbnail along the numbered strip toward the bottom. This
procedure will make the test result permanent.
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