FAQs

No. The Clor-N-Oil PCB field screening kits can only be used to test transformer oil (dielectric fluid). The kits do not work on used motor/lubricating oils because the test method does not specifically identify the presence of PCB. This product detects the CHLORINE associated with the PCB molecule. Mineral oil, the traditional dielectric fluid found in most electrical  equipment, should not contain any background chlorine that could cause false positive results, however, most lubricating oils contain upwards of 200 ppm chlorine from additives and other sources. When testing mineral oil (dielectric fluid), a positive result is presumed to be due to PCB based on chlorine detected in the sample, but laboratory analysis would be required as confirmation. 

This product is best used within 1 year of the date of manufacture. This "Best-By" date is printed on each kit box. Occasionally, the foil bag in which the kits are sealed, will also display a date. This date should be disregarded, as it does not pertain to the kits inside.

While it is strongly advised that the user adhere to the "Best-By" date printed on the kit box, it may be possible to utilize the product a bit beyond that date. Over time, the indicator reagent in this kit will degrade, increasing the likelihood of false positive results when the "Best-By" date is exceeded.

While this product does not require special refrigeration, it is recommended that they be kept in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum shelf life. It is critical to keep this product out of excessive heat. The kits should never be kept near heating units, or in vehicles during summer months. Heat in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit can destroy the chemistry of this product in a matter of days, causing false positive results. If the kits must be kept in vehicles during the summer, they should be kept in in insulated containers with an ice pack.

Freezing does not adversely affect the chemistry of this product, but frozen kits should be allowed to slowly thaw and come to room temperature prior to use. Extreme cold may slow reaction times, necessitating longer wait times between steps to achieve the proper result. 

No. This indicates that the clear buffer solution in the tube #2 has leaked. This is often caused by the pressure changes in an airplane cargo hold during shipping. The buffer solution should be approximately 1/2" above the embossed 5 mL line on the test tube. If the tube does not contain the proper volume of buffer solution, contact Dexsil for support. 

There are 3 EPA categories for classifying the PCB content of transformer oil:

- Less than 50 ppm = "Non-PCB"

- 50-499 ppm = PCB contaminated

- 500+ ppm = PCB oil/equiptment

In most cases, the Clor-N-Oil 50 would be the starting point for classifying in-use equipment.

- Presence of any other source of organic or inorganic chlorine (solvents, salt, seawater, sweat).

- The kit is being used beyond the "Best-By" date.

- Sulfur in excess of approximately 1%.

- A sample that is contaminated with bits of carbon from an equipment fire.

- A sample that is excessively hot from equipment that was recently on fire.

- Clor-N-Oil kits are calibrated to Aroclor 1242 . More heavily chlorinated Aroclors, such as 1254 or 1260, may cause  false positive reporting.

- Water content in excess of approximately 1%.

- Alcohols, acetone, ketones, and acids may also destroy the sodium reagent in the same manner that water does. 

The Clor-N-Soil  test method determines PCB content by examining chlorine associated with the PCB molecules. Other sources of organic chlorine (solvents, herbicides, pesticides, etc) may cause false positive results. Clor-N-Soil kits are calibrated to Aroclor 1242. More heavily chlorinated Aroclors, such as 1254 or 1260, may cause  false positive reporting.

No. The extraction method of the Clor-N-Soil kit removes any inorganic chloride from the sample. 

Yes, the Clor-N-Soil kits is compatible with the full spectrum of soil types, however, heavy clays will absorb much more extract solvent, making it a bit more difficult to recover the full 5 mL required for analysis. To release more of the liquid from the soil, press down on the soil using the plunger from the syringe assembly, or bounce the tube on a flat surface to compact the soil.

No. Any material that is designed to absorb liquids will soak up most, or all, of the extraction solvent, thus making it impossible to recover enough extract liquid for analysis. 

No. The Clor-N-Soil test method is designed specifically for soil testing. Particle size/surface area, weight, absorbency, and non-PCB organo-chlorine interference are import considerations. Further, the Clor-N-Soil chemistry in not designed to extract PCB from non-soil matrices. 

The test includes a drying column that removes both moisture and inorganic chloride from the sample, however, the main concern for wet soil is the sample weight. If a significant portion of the sample is water, this could cause an underestimation of PCB content. Samples that are wet should be spread out in a metal pan and allowed to air dry at room temperature prior to weighting out the 10 grams required for the test. 

This product is best used within 1 year of the date of manufacture. This "Best-By" date is printed on each kit box. Occasionally, the foil bag in which the kits are sealed, will also display a date. This date should be disregarded, as it does not pertain to the kits inside.

While it is strongly advised that the user adhere to the "Best-By" date printed on the kit box, it may be possible to utilize the product a bit beyond that date. Over time, the indicator reagent in this kit will degrade, increasing the likelihood of false positive results when the "Best-By" date is exceeded.

While this product does not require special refrigeration, it is recommended that they be kept in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum shelf life. It is critical to keep this product out of excessive heat. The kits should never be kept near heating units, or in vehicles during summer months. Heat in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit can destroy the chemistry of this product in a matter of days, causing false positive results. If the kits must be kept in vehicles during the summer, they should be kept in in insulated containers with an ice pack.

Freezing does not adversely affect the chemistry of this product, but frozen kits should be allowed to slowly thaw and come to room temperature prior to use. Extreme cold may slow reaction times, necessitating longer wait times between steps to achieve the proper result. 

No. This indicates that the clear buffer solution has leaked. This is often caused by the pressure changes in an airplane cargo hold during shipping. The buffer solution should be approximately 1/2" above the embossed 5 mL line on the test tube. If the tube does not contain the proper volume of buffer solution, contact Dexsil for support. 

No. The calibration standard only has a life expectancy of 20 minutes, therefore, should be discarded after use.

No. The calibration standard is designed to be used in calibrations mode only. When in sample read mode, it will not read 1000 ppm.

No. Use only the calibration standard that is provided from Dexsil with each box of reagents.

Yes. Naturally occurring organic compounds will act as a positive interfere on any TPH test. It is advised that the user remove the top layer of soil containing the majority of organic material, prior to taking a sample for testing.

Choose the contaminant with the lowest response factor listed, as this will provide the most conservative results.

This is very important. The sample should be read after being allowed to develop for 10 minutes, and before 20 minutes has elapsed. Samples that are not allowed to fully develop can not be expected to give accurate results.

Yes. The meter cannot read the sample if any outside light is allowed to enter the optical cell. 

No. PetroFLAG utilizes an extraction solvent that is miscible in water, therefore has no extraction capabilities in such a matrix.

No. Only alkaline 9 volt batteries are compatible with this unit.

Yes. Once the meter is calibrated, any change in temperature of 10 degrees Celcius (+/-) or greater, will trigger the meter to prompt re-calibration. Operationally, the instrument should be run with the temperature range of 35-95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The TitraLube TAN kits are used to determine the oxidation (acid buildup) of lubricating/industrial oils, such as pump oils, hydraulic fluids, turbine oils. The TitraLube TBN kits are designed to measure the reserve alkalinity of lubricating oils used in large diesel engines. 

The manufacturer or distributor of the oil should be able to provide you with recommendations regarding the useful life of the oil. The kits aid in monitoring the oil condition per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Yes, TitraLube kits are compatible with a wide variety of synthetic lubricants.

Yes, lithium or alkaline batteries may be used.

Yes. The Hydroscout can be used to test fuels such as diesel or gasoline.

Due to recent improvements in reaction tube strength, Hydroscout is now compatible with a wide variety of synthetic oils, including phosphate esters.

The only known positive interference is ethylene glycol. (Propylene glycol does not interfere with the test.) 

No.