Clor-N-Oil
Can Clor-N-Oil be used to determine PCB contamination of used motor/lubricating oil?
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.
How should test kits be stored?
While our products do 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 our products out of excessive heat. The kits should never be kept near heating units, or in vehicles during summer months.
What are the potential causes of false positive results on a Clor-N-Oil?
- 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.
What are the potential causes of false negative results on a Clor-N-Oil?
- 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.
Clor-D-Tect 1000 & Q4000
What is the difference between the Clor-D-Tect 1000 & Q4000?
The Clor-D-Tect 1000 provides pass/fail results at the 1000 ppm total halogen action level described in Federal Register 40 CFR 266.40 and 279.44. The Q4000 provides quantitative results across a range of 200-4000 ppm total halogen. Both conform to U.S. EPA SW-846, Method 9077.
My reaction tube seemed grey and watery after breaking the sodium ampule. What does this mean?
A watery reaction tube is a sign of too much water in your sample. These kits can handle up to 20% water. Water in higher concentrations can give a false negative result.
How can I tell my my positive result is from PCB?
As a chlorinated compound, PCB may be a contributor to a positive Clor-D-Tect result, but there is no way to determine if that is the case in the field. PCB presence must be determined in the lab via GC analysis.
Clor-N-Soil
What are the possible interferences for the Clor-N-Soil kit?
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.
Will inorganic chloride from road salt or seawater cause an interference?
No. The extraction method of the Clor-N-Soil kit removes any inorganic chloride from the sample.
Can Clor-N-Soil be used on any type of soil?
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.
Can Clor-N-Soil be used on soil containing Speedy Dry, wood pulp, or other absorbent material?
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.
Can Clor-N-Soil be used to test caulk, wood/metal shavings, paint, or concrete?
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.
Does moisture impact the accuracy of the Clor-N-Soil?
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.
PetroFLAG
Can I use a prepared calibration standard more than once?
No. The calibration standard only has a life expectancy of 20 minutes, therefore, should be discarded after use.
If the meter is in sample read mode, can I check the calibrations using the 1000 ppm standard?
No. The calibration standard is designed to be used in calibrations mode only. When in sample read mode, it will not read 1000 ppm.
Can I make my own calibration standard?
No. Use only the calibration standard that is provided from Dexsil with each box of reagents.
Will naturally occurring organic compounds interfere with the test?
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.
What response factory should I choose when my matrix has multiple contaminants?
Choose the contaminant with the lowest response factor listed, as this will provide the most conservative results.
How important is the 10 minute developing time?
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.
Can PetroFLAG be utilized to test water samples for TPH?
No. PetroFLAG utilizes an extraction solvent that is miscible in water, therefore has no extraction capabilities in such a matrix.
Can any type of 9 volt battery be used in the PetroFLAG?
No. Only alkaline 9 volt batteries are compatible with this unit.
Does temperature affect the PetroFLAG?
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.
Hydroscout
My battery needs to be replaced. Can any type of “9 volt” battery be used?
Yes, lithium or alkaline 9V batteries may be used.
Can Hydroscout be used to test fuels (i.e. diesel)?
Yes. The Hydroscout can be used to test fuels such as diesel or gasoline.
Can Hydroscout be used to test synthetic oils?
Due to recent improvements in reaction tube strength, Hydroscout is now compatible with a wide variety of synthetic oils, including phosphate esters.
Are there any interferences?
The only common positive interference is ethylene glycol. (Propylene glycol does not interfere with the test.)
Does the Hydroscout need to be calibrated?
The Hydroscout is calibrated during manufacturing. Hydroscout recalibrates itself every time it is turned on, and performs periodic self-QC checks during operation. The user does not need to perform any calibration. As long as no error messages are displayed, your analyzer is functioning and measuring properly.
L2000 DXT
Can the L2000 system be used in the field?
Yes, the L2000 DXT can be used in the field. With appx 6 hours or battery life, and external data storage, the L2000 DXT was designed to accommodate a wide variety of operational conditions.
I have an older L2000 or L2000 DX, are the reagents and electrodes still the same?
Yes, all reagents and chloride ion electrodes are still compatible with past versions of the L2000 Analyzer.
Does the L2000 require periodic factory calibration or service?
No, the L2000 is calibrated by the user at the time of analysis. This system is designed to be low maintenance. As long as no error messages are displayed, your system is functioning normally.
Does the L2000 replace GC analysis?
No, the L2000 is a screening method based on the extraction and quantification of chlorine associated with PCB and other chlorinated organic compounds. While the L2000 provides reliable quantitative screening results, these are not the same as GC analyses.
My analyzer is displaying a Drift error. What does this mean?
Refer to the troubleshooting section of your product manual, as your electrode may need attention. If electrode performance is in doubt, follow the Electrode Diagnostic procedures outlined in the manual.
Can the L2000 system be used to test used motor/lubricating oil for PCB?
Absolutely not. Unfortunately, this technology is not compatible with the complexities of a waste lubricant matrix. Erroneous results and eventual destruction of the chloride ion electrode will occur. The only oil that this system is compatible with is transformer oil (mineral oil).
Is internal data storage infinite?
No. While the L2000 DXT can store thousands of data points, internal memory should be uploaded to the external drive, and cleared regularly.
DEXSIL Lead Test
What kind of surfaces can be tested with DEXSIL Lead Test?
Lead Test can be used on virtually any non-porous surface suspected to be contaminated with leachable lead. It is most commonly used on painted surfaces, plumbing, and metal objects.
Why did my Lead Test swab turned pink long after I did the test?
Some forms of lead are more soluble than others. Less soluble forms of lead can delay the development of a positive result by an hour or more. Please refer to the instructions for tips on dealing with this.
Can Lead Test be used to test my antique ceramics?
Yes it can, however please be advised that the reagent may stain certain surfaces. If using on an item of value, use Lead Test on an area where a stain is not a detriment to the item's appearance.
Can Lead Test be used to test my drinking water?
No. Lead Test is designed to work on solid surfaces. You may be able to use Lead Test to test your pipes or service lines, but determination of lead presence in the water itself will require a specialized test.