Table of Contents
Understanding Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Its Measurement of Hardness
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid that are present in a molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended form. TDS can include Minerals, salts, metals, cations, anions, and other substances. The measurement of TDS is crucial in various industries, including water treatment, Agriculture, aquaculture, and beverage production, as it provides valuable insights into water quality and composition.
Measuring Method | N,N-Diethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (DPD) spectrophotometry | |||
Model | CLA-7122 | CLA-7222 | CLA-7123 | CLA-7223 |
Inlet water channel | Single channel | Dual channel | Single channel | Dual channel\u00a0 |
Measurement range | Total Chlorine : (0.0 \uff5e 2.0)mg/L ,calculated as Cl2 ; | Total Chlorine : (0.5 \uff5e10.0)mg/L ,calculated as Cl2 ; | ||
pH\uff1a\uff080-14\uff09\uff1btemperature\uff1a\uff080-100\uff09\u2103 | ||||
Accuracy | Free chlorine: \u00b110% or 0.05mg/L (whichever is greater), calculated as Cl2; Total chlorine: \u00b110% or 0.05mg/L (whichever is greater), calculated as Cl2 | Free chlorine: \u00b110% or 0.25mg/L (whichever is greater), calculated as Cl2; Total chlorine: \u00b110% or 0.25mg/L (whichever is greater), calculated as Cl2 | ||
pH:\u00b10.1pH\uff1bTemp.:\u00b10.5\u2103 | ||||
Measurement cycle | Free Chlorine\u22642.5min | |||
Sampling interval | The interval (1\uff5e999) min can be set to any value | |||
Maintenance cycle | Recommended once a month (see maintenance chapter) | |||
Environmental | Ventilated and dry room without strong vibration; Suggested room temperature: (15 \uff5e 28)\u2103; relative humidity: \u226485% (no condensation). | |||
requirements | ||||
Sample water flow | \uff08200-400\uff09 mL/min | |||
inlet water pressure | \uff080.1-0.3\uff09 bar | |||
Inlet water temperature range | \uff080-40\uff09\u2103 | |||
Power supply | AC (100-240)V\uff1b 50/60Hz | |||
Consumption | 120W | |||
Power connection | 3-core power cord with plug is connected to the mains Socket with ground wire | |||
Data output | RS232/RS485/\uff084\uff5e20\uff09mA | |||
Dimension size | H*W*D:\uff08800*400*200\uff09mm |
One common misconception is whether a TDS meter can accurately measure water hardness. Water hardness is primarily caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions in the water, which can Lead to scaling issues in pipes and appliances. While TDS meters measure the total amount of dissolved substances in water, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, they do not specifically measure water hardness. Water hardness is typically measured in terms of calcium carbonate concentration, expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).
It is important to note that TDS and water hardness are related but distinct parameters. TDS meters provide a general indication of water quality based on the total dissolved solids present, whereas water hardness specifically refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. In some cases, high TDS Levels may correlate with increased water hardness due to the presence of mineral ions, but this relationship is not always direct or consistent.
To accurately measure water hardness, it is recommended to use a dedicated water hardness test kit or a specialized instrument designed for that purpose. These tests typically involve the use of colorimetric methods or complexometric titrations to determine the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. By measuring water hardness directly, users can better understand the potential for scale formation, Soap scum buildup, and other issues associated with hard water.
In summary, while TDS meters can provide valuable information about the overall quality of water by measuring the total dissolved solids present, they are not specifically designed to measure water hardness. Water hardness is a distinct parameter that relates to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water, which can impact its suitability for various applications. For accurate measurements of water hardness, it is advisable to use dedicated test kits or instruments specifically designed for that purpose.
Understanding the differences between TDS and water hardness can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions regarding water treatment, filtration, and conditioning to ensure optimal water quality and performance in a variety of applications.