Testing PH

Steve_210

What are you guys using to test the pH levels When the boiler has aluminum heat exchanger

Looking for something good and reliable happy to spend the money

Would also need to be pretty durable

Jean-David Beyer

What are you guys using to test the pH levels

I am just a homeowner. I sometimes use a narrow-range (around pH 7) pH paper that I do not have much luck with, and a pH meter by Hanna Instruments HI96108. Since I do not use it very often, I have to calibrate it with buffer solutions every time, which is a nuisance, but necessary. Also, the reading is very sensitive to temperature, so I have to test at the same temperature as the buffer solutions.



That model is no longer current, but more are here.

http://www.hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=040003



This one is most like mine.

http://www.hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=040003&ProdCode=HI%2098108



They call these pH testers.

They also sell pH meters, but they cost more (and are probably more accurate).

hot_rod

testing boiler water?

and fill water? Good to have a hardness test kit, ph, and TDS tester. Also a nice refractometer for glycol.



I have different meters for all these, Hanna brand. Dwight at Rhomar hooked me up with my array.



I see they have some combo meters now.



Don't buy the least expensive model, I wish I had upgraded to the waterproof versions with multi functions, one less battery and instrument to maintain.



If you are or going to use chemical treatments you need some additional test kits to go along with that product, to check inhibitor levels, etc



I'd buy your meters from a company that has some technical knowledge and support people, not just amazon, for example. Some need to be re-calibrated from time to time.



Plenty of instrument companies around.

icesailor

Good Recommendations.

Good recommendations. I use this PH meter from Hanna, temperature compensated. I have a bottle of 7.0 PH regent check it with. It has never needed to be re-calibrated.

I have a Misco Refractometer that does Poly and Ethylene Glycol plus battery charge level.



http://www.hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=040003&ProdCode=HI 98128

The Hanna that I have doesn't do TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) but it was what was sold to me by my wholesaler who had it recommended to. Someone else can say if you need one that does TDS. It is only a little more.

You can use it on your potable water. Most well water where I used to live has a low PH and it is easy to check. The local water company had very shallow wells that were very acidic, below 7.0 PH. They bored some new very deep wells and got down to glacial shells. The PH went way up because of the shells. From 6.8 PH to 8.4. 8.4 PH will raise hell with water heaters and hot water pipes. They are both handy tools for the technically abled tool lovers.