Efficient Colorimetric Analyser Helps Monitor Troublesome Manganese & Iron in Drinking Water

The easy-to-use and economical CA6 Colorimetric Analyser from Electro-Chemical Devices (USA) provides accurate and reliable measurement of manganese (Mn) or iron levels in municipal drinking water production, food/beverage processing and other high purity water processes.

The Model CA6 Colorimetric Analyser is an on-line sequential sampling analyser. A sequence of sampling, analysis and results processing is performed and repeated using colorimetric methods. This technology relies on an LED light source and a heated colorimetric cell designed for measuring trace amounts of manganese, iron and other analytes in water.

Manganese and iron are natural occurring elements found in air, soil and water. Manganese and iron are essential nutrients for humans and animals. Adverse health effects can be caused by inadequate intake or over exposure. Manganese deficiency in humans is thought to be rare because manganese is present in many common foods.

Both manganese and iron have a strong, unpleasant metallic taste in water. Ground water sources with manganese and iron can appear clear initially, but turn black (manganese) and orange-brown (iron) when exposed to air. An advisory from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reducing manganese and iron concentrations to or below 0.05 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L, respectively, which are the EPA’s secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCL’s).           

The EPA’s manganese and iron SMCL’s are based on staining and taste considerations, but are not federally enforceable regulations and are intended as guidelines. There are multiple municipal water treatment options for the removal of Mn and iron from drinking water.            

They all, however, rely on accurate and dependable water quality analysis prior to and after treatment.  The CA6 Colorimetric Manganese Analyser is available in three ranges:  0-100 ug/L, 0-1 mg/L and 0-5 mg/L and the CA6 Colorimetric Iron Analyser also is available in three ranges: 0-0.1 mg/L, 0-1.0 mg/L and 0-5.0 mg/L.

The CA6 precision online sequential sampling analyser is lightweight and easy to install. Weighing less than 40 pounds, it can be wall mounted or simply set on a bench using the optional bench top stand. After the sample, waste and reagent lines have been connected to the analyser and provided with power, the CA6 will begin its preprogrammed analysis sequence. The CA6 is available with up to 4 channels (optional) each from a separate sample point. A simple, user-friendly menu structure and touchscreen interface makes it easy to access information or customise analyses.

The CA6 utilises photometric differential absorbance to analyse manganese, iron and over 20 other common parameters including: aluminum, silica, nitrogen, iron and sulphate. It operates at a wide temperature range of 5-50°C and  offers repeatability of ±2% on the absorbance value if the turbidity <80 NTU and drift of ±2% per month on the absorbance measurement.

The CA6 Analyser’s easy-to-use touch-screen display shows the measured parameter, analyser status, percent reagent volumes and the menu bar, which provides access to the run, display, programme, service and help menus. It includes two alarm relay outputs and a 4-20 mA channel that connects with programmable logic controllers (PLC’s) or distributed control systems (DCS’s).

The rugged and reliable CA6 features two separate compartments to isolate liquids and electronics and is enclosed in an epoxy powder coated, cold rolled steel cabinet. The liquids enclosure houses all the components necessary for sampling and reagent flow, mixing and reaction stages (sampling pump, reagent micro-pumps and colorimetric reaction cell).