Suggestions on Residual Chlorine Analyzer Selection

I am looking into new residual chlorine analyzers for drinking water. Not to sound demeaning or disrespectful decker1, but do you have any experience with Chlorine testing/analyzing? Do you have any background in Chemistry? I have found a wide opinion by people as to what equipment they prefer, usually by what they're comfortable with using and to what degree of accuracy is need. Fortunately, when it comes to drinking water chlorination, most people won't drink the water if it stinks of chlorine.

No I don't have much back round in chlorine analysis. I do take care of one chlorine analyzer. It is my understanding that the normal levels of chlorine in drinking water is .2 to 1 mg/l. The analyzer we have online right now is set up to alarm at .4 mg/l as it is not at the end point of water distribution on the property. I may go with the same make and model because as you said most people including myself like to go with equipment they are comfortable with. That being said I do like to explore all my options and draw on other peoples experience who may be more experienced than myself.

I'm curious, is this system for community, public waterworks?

no it's at a smelter

decker1, being this is a world wide forum and we don't know where your located, I would contact your local Health Dept and have an Inspector come out and look over your system. Ask them what they would recommend and what level of CL to use in your system.

....most people won't drink the water if it stinks of chlorine.

I find that chlorine smell reassuring. I consider it a positive signal that what I am drinking is well dead.

I agree to a point, either side of the scale can be dangerous. I'm a firm believer in keeping the immune system on guard, but by the same token, I don't got out seeking nasty bugs either

In another life I measured residual chlorine in a public swimming pool with Ortho-Toluidine and a visual comparator. There are no doubt more precise methods available now, especially for drinking water. Here is a good starting point:

http://www.standardmethods.org/

Good luck.

Decker1; Is the chlorine a contaminate to your process? If so remove the chlorine from the water. Aeration,uv light, carbon filtration and R.O. all work to lower or totally remove chlorine in water.

Don't use RO. Chlorine is death to RO membranes!

I would agree with Kevinm regarding the selection of a Hach product. GA for him!

I've found them to be extremely user friendly, accurate, and cost effective, with parts replacement and distribution being exceptionally good, if not one of the best in the industry.

There are other brands as equally good...some are better and some a pure junk. You would be best served looking at analyzer reviews in trade magazines, water treatment agencies and at online water industry websites.

One thing you must consider is that if you have another manufacturer's chlorine residual analyzer then you may want to remain with that company altogether for commonality of parts and service (if you have a service agreement), unless of course the analyzer is old or is malfunctioning or is wholly inaccurate for your needs. Replacement costs for equipment and replacement parts, as well as chemicals cost/availability must be factored into the overall replacement analysis.

What brand is your current analyzer?

I currently have a micro chem 2.