Water Hardness Analyzer and Control System

The Water Hardness Analyzer and Control System offered by RealTech Controls has proven to be one of the most user-friendly, and versatile controllers on the market. Water Hardness is caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium carbonates. The ratio of calcium to magnesium is generally fixed, typically in the ratio 3:1 (Ca:Mg), therefore Total Hardness can be inferred, by knowing the amount of calcium present.
RealTech Controls offers two types of Water Hardness Analyzers:

  • The model ETX Transmitter is an online, real-time analyzer and uses the S80 Calcium Ion Sensor. This is an ion-selective electrode, measuring the amount of Calcium in the water. The total hardness is displayed in ppm, ppt, or ppb on the front screen and can be selected for auto-ranging.

  • The CA-6 colorimetric Water Hardness Analyzer uses reagents (chemical solutions) on a programmable timed cycle to determine the amount of calcium carbonate in the water.

The unit of Water Hardness measurements is usually ppm (milligrams/liter) Calcium Carbonate (CaC03) and a normal working range is 0.1 – 10 ppm. The most common method of softening is by ion exchange using resin beds (traditionally referred to as Sodium Zeolite). The Sodium ion attached to the resin is exchanged for the Calcium and Magnesium ions. Another method is “precipitation” (lime), but this is gradually being replaced by ion exchange. The same equipment will work for both methods; but please check if the application is a hot lime process.

Magnesium is more soluble than Calcium and so it is more readily replaced by Sodium. This means the first indication that the softener train is failing is the increase of Calcium in the effluent. The measurement / control packages are used to detect this “breakthrough” of Calcium, indicating the need for the bed to be regenerated and a new bed to be switched in.

Sodium Zeolite does not reduce the alkalinity of the softened water; in some installations a Hydrogen Zeolite softener is run in parallel to the Sodium and the resulting effluents blended to give the desired pH (this provides an opportunity to provide pH analysis). The softener regeneration requires acids or bases (depending on the exchange method) requiring Conductivity measurement, as % acid or % base.

Products

Water Hardness Analyzer

Model: ETX + S80

(Calcium Ion Selective Electrode)

Model ETX Water Hardnesss Analyzer and Control System
Now available on e-store

Description

The Model ETX Universal Transmitter is used in combination with the S80 Calcium Ion-Selective Electrode to achieve a cost-effective, online Water Hardness Analyzer. Single and Dual channel versions are available. The ETX offers a scalable mA output for total water hardness, and 3 x programmable relay set-points / alarms as standard for control.
The Calcium Ion Electrode is a combination electrode with a sensing element made of a PVC membrane containing an ion exchanger, and a double junction reference electrode. The Calcium Ion-Selective Electrode cartridge develops a millivolt potential proportional to the concentration of Calcium ions in the measured solution. The typical output is 25mV to 30mV per decade of change in concentration. The controller gives a real-time reading and is updated every second.

  • Measurement Range: 20ppb to 40,000ppm (3-11 pH), 5 x 10-7 molar to 1.0 molar
  • Outputs: Single or dual channel 4-20mA outputs, with 3 x Relays, and Modbus
  • Temperature Range: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
  • Pressure Range: 0 to 50 psig (0 to 3.5 bar)
  • Response Time: T90 in 10 seconds
  • Electrode Life: 6 to 12 months
  • Interfering ions: Lead (ll), Mercury (ll), Iron (ll), Ammonium
  • Wetted Materials: Radel, epoxy, PVC, PTFE, 316 SS, Viton O-Ring
  • Process connections: S80 Insertion: 3⁄4” MNPT compression fitting
  • Options for retractable ball valve assembly: 1” MNPT Ball Valve
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Drinking water
  • Industrial effluents
  • Effluent and influent monitoring
  • Boiler feed water
  • Condensate and cooling water
  • Surface water
  • Process water

Accessories

It is very important that the S80 Water Hardness sensor electrode stay submerged in water so it does not try out.
The EMEC NPED range of probe holders is designed so that when there is minimal or no flow, water is still present in the bowl. The design of the bowl also eliminates siphoning and ensures the sensor electrode stays submerged in water. The bowl can either be installed in-line or in a side-stream sample line, depending on the amount of flow required.

Model: EMEC NPED + S80

Bowl Style Probe Holder

EMEC NPED3 with S80 Sensor

Description

The EMEC NPED Series of Off-Line Flow Cells / Probe Holders offer a bowl design, which is easy to remove, clean and maintain. A wall mount bracket is standard, with options for Clear or Black Bowls to limit Algae growth for outdoor installations. We are also able to customize the amount and size of threads to accommodate your specific probe mounting application.

  • Ensures sensors stay submerged in water
  • Easy of Maintenance with removable Bowl
  • PP Body
  • 72 PSI at 122°F (5 Bar at 50°C)
  • Includes 6Ft Length of PE Tubing
  • Simple Installation with wall mount bracket
  • Bowls Available in Transparent or Black for outdoor installation
  • Custom options for Number of Probes, Thread Type, and Flow Switch available, contact us
  • Flow Cell accommodates 3/4″ MNPT Water Hardness Sensor
  • Additional space for 2 x 12mm smooth-body pH and/or ORP sensors
  • Custom Threads available for 3rd party probes

Water Hardness Analyzer

Model: CA-6

(Calcium Carbonate Colorimetric)

CA-6 Water Hardnesss Analyzer

Description

The Model CA-6 Water Hardness Analyzer is an on-line sequential sampling analyzer, where a sequence of sampling, analysis, and result processing is performed and repeated using colorimetric methods. This uses an LED light source and a heated colorimetric cell designed for measuring trace amounts of analyte in the water.

A typical Analysis Program in the Model CA-6 Water Hardness Analyzer would have the following structure: Rinse the colorimetric reaction cell with the sample solution and take a sample, add one or more reagents (buffer or masking agent), and then make the first measurement, called the Reference measurement. The Reference measurement eliminates interfering factors such as sample color and turbidity, as well as miscellaneous color from the reagents and refractive index variations.

After the Reference reading, the color producing reagent(s) are added. The sample is mixed and allowed time to complete the color forming reactions before taking the second measurement, the Reading measurement. The Reference and Reading values are used to calculate the end result. The reaction cell is then drained and rinsed several times before starting the next measurement.

Simple

  • Easy installation
  • User friendly
  • Menu structure
  • Touchscreen interface
  • Easy process configuration

Reliable

  • Epoxy powder coated
  • Rugged cold rolled steel cabinet
  • Two separate compartments (electronics hydraulics)
  • Loss of sample & low reagent alarms

Cost effective

  • Low maintenance
  • Adjustable cycle time to minimize reagent usage
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Drinking water
  • Industrial effluents
  • Effluent and influent monitoring
  • Boiler feed water
  • Condensate and cooling water
  • Surface water
  • Process water