Waltron FAQ
The Waltron FAQ includes answers to the most frequently asked client questions. The information is presented in 3 sections – Analyzers, Reagents & Standards, and Techincal-Operations.
Waltron Water Chemistry Analyzers: Product FAQ
The following information was compiled from current user manuals, most of which are available on the waltron.net website for download. For more details, you are welcome to consult the user manual or reach out to us directly at sales@waltron.net.
Silica
What technology is used in your Silica Analyzers?
The Waltron 3141 Silica Analyzer uses a colorimetric method based on the Lambert-Beer Law.
How is the Silica Analyzers Calibrated?
The recommended frequency for operational calibration is every 7 days. A manual factor (slope) calibration is specifically required during initial start-up, after replacing reagents, and following any period of extended shutdown. The analyzer can be configured to perform these calibrations automatically. Users can program a “Cycles ratio” in the Settings Menu, determining how many analysis cycles run before a calibration (extra) cycle is automatically triggered.
What maintenance is required?
Annual maintenance includes cleaning the 3-way valve, replacing the colorimetric cell o-ring, and replacing reagent straw and sample tubing. A yearly consumables kit (W3140-101) is available.
Sodium
What is the measurement range?
The measurement range of the 9135, 9131C and 9033X Sodium Analyzers spans from 0.01 ppb to 10 ppm.
What reagents and other consumables are required?
The analyzer requires a buffer solution. Two alternative reagent solutions may be used, depending on the required lower limit of measurement. Concentrated ammonia solution, which provides adjustment of sample pH to 10.7 is suitable for measurements of sodium ion to approximately 0.5ppb. At concentrations below 0.5ppb, hydrogen ion interference becomes significant and a reagent of Diisopropylamine solution should be used. This adjusts the sample pH to 11.2 – 11.5 and enables measurements to be made to concentrations below 0.5ppb.
For the reference electrode, a 3.0 M Potassium Chloride (KCl) solution is required for refilling at extended intervals.
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
How are the Sodium analyzers calibrated?
Waltron Sodium Analyzers utilize a microcontroller to control calibration via Single Point, Two Point, or Process calibration methods.
- Two-Point Calibration (Recommended): This is the standard method used to establish the slope of the calibration curve. It requires two fresh sodium standard solutions: a Low Standard (100 ppb) and a High Standard (1000 ppb / 1 ppm). It is recommended to perform a 2-Point calibration at least once a week to eliminate drift caused by changing electrode response.
- Single Point (1-Pt) Calibration: This method is performed only if the analyzer has already successfully passed a 2-Point calibration. If the monitor runs continuously at high concentrations (>100 ppb), a weekly Single Point calibration is recommended.
- Automatic Calibration: The analyzer can be configured to perform 1-Pt or 2-Pt calibrations automatically at user-defined intervals.
Dissolved Oxygen
Describe the benefits of Luminescent technology?
The Waltron Dissolved Oxygen Analyzers and Sensors utilize luminescent technology, which provides high accuracy with excellent long-term stability compared to traditional dissolved oxygen sensing technologies because it requires no membranes, no electrolyte, and no polarization time. Unlike older electrochemical sensors, LDO sensors do not consume oxygen, making them accurate even in low-flow conditions, and they require significantly less maintenance (typically a sensor cap change every 1-2 years).
How often must the sensor be calibrated?
For the Luminescent sensor, calibration is recommended yearly via a sensor exchange program where a fully refurbished and calibrated sensor is shipped to the customer.
What are the outputs?
The 9165 Luminescent Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer user outputs are as follows:
- Analog Outputs: The analyzer offers four analog outputs that are independent of each other. These can be configured as 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, or 0-10 V. The Outputs can be assigned to either Oxygen or Temperature readings. The outputs support “Hold” (freeze output) and “Simulate” (force output to 0%, 50%, or 100%) functions for testing and maintenance.
- Relay Outputs: The analyzer includes four available relay outputs.
Note: If referring specifically to the 9165S Smart Sensor (standalone operation), it provides a single 4-20 mA current output. The 4000DO monitor offers 0/4-20 mA outputs. It also features relay connections and setpoints that can be configured for High, Low, Band, Latch High, Latch Low, Cleaning, and Alarm modes.
Conductivity
How does Waltron measure Degassed Cation Conductivity?
Waltron 9096 Degassed Cation Conductivity Analyzer measures specific, cation, and degassed cation conductivities. It utilizes a degassing column where a small amount of sample flow discharges constantly to provide the degassed measurement.
4000DC Degassed Cation Conductivity Analyzer measures cation conductivity through a multi-stage process designed to isolate corrosive species from other chemical masking agents..
What technologies are used?
The 9096 analyzer uses Cationic Exchange technology and measures specific and cation conductivities in high purity process water.
The 4000EC monitor utilizes electrodeless conductivity technology.
The 4000DC monitor uses dynamic degassing technology.
The 4000SC Monitor users contacting electrode technology.
What are the ranges?
The 9096 Degas Cation Conductivity supports multiple ranges: 0-9.999 µS/cm, 0-99.99 µS/cm.
The 4000EC monitor’s range is 0-1000mS/cm.The 4000DC monitor’s range is 0-9.999 µS/cm.
The 4000SC monitor offers auto-ranging or selectable ranges such – 0-9.999µS/cm to 0-999.9mS/cm depending on the cell constant selected.
What reagents and other consumables are required?
For the 9096 Degassed Cation Conductivity Analyzer and 4000DC require the periodic replacement of the cation resin bottle and the soda lime cartridge.
The 4000EC is electrodeless and requires no reagents. Standard Solutions such as KCI are required for calibration.
The 4000SC utilizes contacting conductivity sensors and requires no chemical reagents for the measurement process. Standard Solutions such as KCI are required for calibration.
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
pH
What technology is used in your pH analyzer?
The 4000PH is a microprocessor-controlled instrument compatible with separate glass and reference electrode pairs or combination electrodes. It supports both pH and Redox (ORP) measurement.
What is the calibration method?
The 4000PH supports “Auto calibration” which is preconfigured for Waltron buffers (4pH and 9pH). It also allows for manual temperature input if the temperature compensation mode is set to manual.
How does the analyzer handle “noisy” environments?
The 4000PH features an “Input Filtering” (Averaging) function, allowing the user to filter sensor readings by taking a running average over a selected time period (from 10 seconds to 5 minutes) to manage very noisy environments.
Film Forming Amines
What technology is used in your Filming Amines analyzer?
The Waltron 3154 Analyzer uses a colorimetric method with a glass flowcell and LED source to measure Filming Amine concentrations,
What are the ranges?
The measurement range for the 3154 Analyzer is 0 – 500 ppb.
What are the outputs?
Analog: The analyzer provides 4-20 mA outputs (with an optional galvanic isolator module) or 0-5V outputs.
Digital: A serial data output RS-232 is standard, while RS-485 is available as an option.
Relay: The unit features 2 or 4 configurable alarm relays.
Hardness
What technology is used in your Hardness analyzers?
The 3151 Hardness (Calcium) uses a colorimetric method with matching reagents to measure hardness.
The Aqualert 6051 uses automatic titrimetric technology to detect hardness levels in water as total or carbonate hardness.
What are the ranges?
The 3151 Analyzer offers wide ranges including 0-250ppb, 0-1ppm for measuring Calcium Harndness.
The Aqualert 6051 measures total hardness in the range of 0.02-30 °dH (3.6 – 5349 µmol/l). Specific ranges depend on the reagent used; for example, reagent type 500S/500 covers 0.22-2.14 ppm, while type 600/500 covers 53.40-534.0 ppm.
What reagents and other consumables are required?
Our Hardness Analyzers use a Hydrochloric Acid Reagent, A Buffer Solution Reagent, and a Calibration Standard which can be purchased individually or as a kit at https://shop.waltron.net/collections/hardness-analyzer-consumables.
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
Maintenance kits including peristaltic pump cartridges and gaskets are also available.
Oil in Water
What technology is used in the Oil in Water analyzer?
The 2410 Oil in Water Analyzer uses light scatter and transmission signals to detect oil.
How does the analyzer distinguish between oil and other factors?
The analyzer monitors for specific errors such as “Error SH” which indicates excessive solids content, or “Error BC” for bad clean water calibration.
What is the maintenance procedure?
Maintenance includes performing flush and cleaning procedures if errors regarding solids content or signal faults occur.
Phosphate
What technology is used in the Phosphate analyzer?
The Waltron 3142 Analyzer uses a colorimetric determination method based on the Lambert-Beer Law, measuring absorbance at a specific wavelength using a glass colorimetric reaction cell,
What is the calibration method?
The Waltron 3142 Analyzer uses multi-point calibration (zero and mid-range) and includes matrix corrections for sample blank correction. It is critically important to use DI water with the lowest possible Phosphate concentration for blank calibration.
What reagents and other consumables are required?
The analyzer uses chemical reagents including a Phosphate Blue Reagent #1, Molybdate/Sulfuric Acid Reagent, a Phosphate Blue Reagent #2, Reducing Reagent, and Calibration standards for multiple ranges. A yearly consumables kit (part number W3040-101) is available which includes tubing and fittings for scheduled maintenance.
You can purchase these consumables at our online store at https://shop.waltron.net/collections/phosphate
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
Hydrazine
What technology is used in the Hydrazine analyzers?
The Waltron 3144 Hydrazine Analyzer uses a colorimetric method to measure Hydrazine concentrations.
The Waltron 9072 Hydrazine Analyzer measurement is based on a highly-accurate potentiostatic electro-chemical principle.
What is are the analyzer ranges?
The 3144 Analyzer ranges are 0-100ppb, 0-500ppb.
The 9072 Analyzer offers a wide range of 0-1000ppb.
Iron
What technology is used in the Iron analyzer?
The Waltron 3148 Iron Analyzer is an on-line analyzer for batch analysis using a colorimetric method.
What reagents are required?
The Waltron 3148 Iron Analyzer uses three reagents: Sulfuric Acid and Molybdate Reagent, Oxalic Acid Reagent, and a Reducing Reagent. These are available for purchase at our online store at https://shop.waltron.net/collections/iron-analyzer-consumables
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
Ethylene Glycol
What is the measurement range?
The Waltron 3149 Ethylene Glycol Analyzer has a range of 0 – 15 ppm and 0 – 150ppm with an accuracy of +/- .1ppm or +/- 2% of full scale, whichever is greater.
What reagents are required?
The analyzer utilizes four reagents: Periodic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Persulfate, and Purpald Color Reagent. These reagents, and calibration standards, are available for purchase at our online store at https://shop.waltron.net/collections/ethylene-glycol-analyzer-consumables
For more details, you can see the Reagents and Standards FAQ below.
Miscellaneous Analyzer
What are the lead times for delivery of your products?
As a guideline, analyzer equipment is delivered between 2 – 6 weeks from the date of order depending on the product. Consumables are delivered between 1 – 2 weeks from the date of order.
Waltron Reagents & Standards FAQ
The following information was compiled from current user manuals, most of which are available on the waltron.net website for download.
Reagents, Standards, and other consumables are avaialbe for purchase at the Waltron store at https://shop.waltron.net/
For more details, you are welcome to consult the user manual or reach out to us directly at sales@waltron.net.
Silica Analyzer (3141)
The 3141 uses a colorimetric method requiring three distinct chemical reagents.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Sulfuric Acid and Molybdate Reagent.
Reagent 2: Oxalic Acid Reagent.
Reagent 3: Reducing Reagent.
Standards:
Silica Calibration Standard: Options include 200 ppb, 1.5 ppm, or 75 ppm, depending on the measurement range.
Sodium Analyzers (9131C, 9033X, 9135)
These analyzers require a base-raising reagent to buffer the sample pH, calibration standards, and electrode maintenance solutions.
Reagents (Buffer Solutions):
Ammonium Hydroxide (29%): Used for standard applications,
Diisopropylamine (DIPA) (99%): Used for low-level sodium measurement applications (<0.5 ppb) to eliminate hydrogen ion interference,
Standards:
Low Standard: 100 ppb Sodium Standard
High Standard: 1000 ppb (1 ppm) Sodium Standard (Note: This is often red in color to distinguish it from the low standard)
Maintenance Consumables:
Etching/Regeneration Solution: Sodium Fluoride solution used to reactivate the glass sodium electrode
Reference Electrolyte: 3.0 M or 3.5 M Potassium Chloride (KCl) solution for refilling the reference electrode
Dissolved Oxygen Analyzers (9165, 9165S, 4165P, 4000DO)
The luminescent technology does not require chemical reagents for measurement, but calibration consumables are needed.
Reagents: None required for operation.
Calibration Standards:
Zero Point: Certified Nitrogen (N2) or CO2 gas (99.999% purity), or Waltron Zero Oxygen Water
High Point: Air (water-saturated air) or certified gas with 1-2% O2 content.
Conductivity Analyzers (9095 & 9096)
Reagents:
Cation Resin: Required for Cation and Degassed Cation Conductivity analyzers (9095, 9096, 4000DC). The resin bottles (Waltron Part W1234-609) must be replaced monthly
Soda Lime: Required for the 9096 Degassed Cation Conductivity Analyzer to scrub CO2 from the air.
Standards:
KCl Standards: Potassium Chloride solutions are used for sensor calibration (e.g., 147 µS/cm or 12.88 mS/cm)
Phosphate Analyzer (3142)
This 3142 Analyzer uses a single reagent for colorimetric detection.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Phosphate Reagent.
Standards:
Phosphate Calibration Standard: 50 ppb (for 0-100 ppb range) or 200 ppb (for 0-500 ppb range).
Hydrazine Analyzers (3144 and 9072)
Model 3144 (Colorimetric)
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Hydrazine Reagent.
Standards:
Hydrazine Calibration Standard: 50 ppb or 200 ppb.
Model 9072 (Electrochemical)
Consumables:
Electrolyte: 3M Potassium Chloride (KCl) solution.
Buffer: Granular Marble (used to maintain sample pH).
Iron Analyzer (3148)
The 3148 uses a colorimetric method requiring three distinct chemical reagents.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Sulfuric Acid and Molybdate Reagent.
Reagent 2: Oxalic Acid Reagent.
Reagent 3: Reducing Reagent.
Standards:
Iron Calibration Standard: Options include 200 ppb, 1.5 ppm, or 75 ppm, depending on the measurement range.
Ethylene Glycol Analyzer (3149)
The 3149 uses a colorimetric method requiring four distinct chemical reagents.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Periodic Acid Reagent.
Reagent 2: Potassium Hydroxide Reagent.
Reagent 3: Potassium Persulfate Reagent.
Reagent 4: Purpald Color Reagent.
Standards:
Ethylene Glycol Standard: 8ppm (for 0 – 15 ppm range).
Filming Amine Analyzer (3154)
The 3154 uses a colorimetric method requiring three distinct chemical reagents.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Buffer Solution – Call 908-534-5100 or send an email to sales@waltron.net for details..
Reagent 2: Indicator Solution – Call 908-534-5100 or send an email to sales@waltron.net for details..
Reagent 3: Cleaning Solution – Call 908-534-5100 or send an email to sales@waltron.net for details.
Standards:
Filming Amine Calibration Standard: Call 908-534-5100 or send an email to sales@waltron.net for details.
Calcium Hardness (3151)
The 3151 uses a colorimetric method requiring two distinct chemical reagents.
Reagents:
Reagent 1: Hardness Reagent #1, Hydrochloric Acid
Reagent 2: Hardness Reagent #2, Buffer Solution
Standards:
Calcium Hardness Calibration Standard: 50 ppb
Total Hardness Analyzer (6051)
This analyzer uses specific reagents that determine the measurement range. In all, the analyzer covers the measurement range of 3.6 – 5349 µmol/l.
Total Hardness Reagents:
0.22-2.14ppm / 0,02-0,12°dH / 0,04-0,21°f
0.36-3.56ppm / 0,02-0,2 °dH / 0,04 – 0,36°f
0.53-5.34ppm / 0,03-0,3°dH / 0,05-0,54°f
1.07-10.68ppm / 0,06-0,6°dH / 0,11-1,07°f
1.60-16.02ppm / 0,09-0,9°dH / 0,16-1,61°f
2.67-26.70ppm / 0,15-1,5°dH / 0,27-2,68°f
5.34-53.40ppm / 0,3-3,0°dH / 0,54-5,36°f
10.68-106.8ppm / 0,6-6,0°dH / 1,07-10,71 °f
16.02-160.2ppm / 0,9 – 9,0°dH / 1,61-16,07°f
26.70-267.0ppm / 1,5-15°dH / 2,68-26,79°f
53.40-534.0ppm / 3,0-30°dH / 5,36-53,57°f
Carbonate Hardness Reagents:
5.34-53.4ppm / 0,3-3,0°dH / 0,54-5,36°f
8.01-80.10ppm / 0,45-4,5°dH / 0,80-8,04°f
10.68-106.8ppm / 0,6-6,0°dH / 1,07-10,71°f
16.02-160.2ppm / 0,9-9,0°dH / 1,61-16,07°f
Miscellaneous Consumables
What are the storage conditions for reagents?
Analyzer chemicals must be kept away from heat and extreme temperatures. Reagent powders must be kept dry.
How should chemicals be disposed of?
Liquid waste from analyzers contains small amounts of reagent chemicals and must be disposed of in accordance with appropriate regulations,. Users should follow all regulations and warning labels.
Where can I find Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
Individual Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be obtained by contacting Waltron at sales@waltron.net.
What is the shelf-life of the Hydrazine Standard?
The shelf life of the Hydrazine Standard is 30 Days. Hydrazine is a highly reactive oxygen scavenger, and its concentration can degrade over time due to its inherent chemical instability when exposed to oxygen and other environmental factors. As a result, the material’s accuracy and reliability cannot be assured beyond the one-month stability period. For this reason, Waltron specifies a maximum shelf life of 30 days to ensure that all analytical measurements performed with the standard remain valid and compliant with quality assurance requirements.
We recommend that users store the Hydrazine Standard Solution tightly sealed, in a dark and cold place. Any material remaining beyond the stated shelf life should be discarded and replaced with a freshly manufactured standard.
What are the lead times for delivery of your reagents and standards?
Consumables are delivered between 1 – 2 weeks from the date of order.
Waltron Technical & Operations FAQ
A guide for plant chemists, operators, maintenance technicians, and I&C teams regarding the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of Waltron instrumentation. The content below provide guidelines for Walton’s various product lines. For specific analyzer models, please consult the user manual which may be available for download on waltron.net. You may also contact us at sales@waltron.net to request a specific product user manual.
Installation Requirements
What sample flow rates are required?
Flow rate requirements vary by analyzer technology.
Colorimetric Analyzers (3140 Series): Typically require a sample flow between 100 – 500 ml/min,,.
Luminescent Dissolved Oxygen Suite Requires 10 – 500 ml/min.
Sodium Analyzers (9135/9033X): During a 2-point calibration, the sample must be delivered at a rate of 150 – 400 ml/min to avoid calibration failure.
Degassed Cation Conductivity (9096): Requires a flow rate of 0.031 – 0.044 GPM (7-10 L/h).
Do we need a sample cooler?
Yes, if your sample temperature exceeds the analyzer’s operational limits. Most Waltron analyzers, such as the 3140 series and 9096 Degassed Cation Conductivity units, are rated for sample temperatures between 5°C and 50°C or 55°C (41°F – 131°F). Samples from high-temperature sources must be cooled to within this range before entering the instrument.
What are the mounting configurations?
Most Waltron Analyzers can be wall or panel mounted. For example.
Colormetirc Analyzers (3140 series): Supplied with brackets for wall mounting or stainless steel support rack installation. Panel mounting kits are available as an option
4000 Series Transmitters: Support surface, panel, and pipe mounting configurations.
9096 Degassed Cation Conductivity: Designed for wall or panel mounting with dimensions of 29 x 37 x 10”.
To confirm configurations for a specific analyzer, you may consult the user guide or email us at sales@waltron.net
What outputs are supported (4–20mA, Modbus, DCS)??
Waltron analyzers generally support multiple output formats for integration with DCS:
Analog: Galvanically isolated 0/4-20mA outputs are standard on most units, including the 9131, 3141, and 4000 series
Digital: RS-232 is standard on many models (e.g., 3141 Silica), while RS-485 using Modbus RTU protocol is available as an option or standard depending on the model (e.g., 9135 Sodium)
Relays: Configurable relays for High, Low, and General Alarms are standard
To confirm outputs for a specific analyzer, you may consult the user guide or email us at sales@waltron.net
What is the recommended sample line material?
To ensure sample integrity, particularly for trace analysis, Stainless Steel (AISI 316) is the standard material for wetted parts and connections in analyzers like the 3140 series. Sample inlet connections are typically ¼” Swagelok fittings.
To confirm sample line requirements for a specific analyzer, you may consult the user guide or email us at sales@waltron.net
Maintenance & Calibration
How often should sensors be calibrated?
Colorimetric (3140 series): It is recommended to perform a multi-point calibration (zero and mid-range) every 7 days.
Sodium (9135): A 2-Point calibration should be performed at least once a week to eliminate drift.
Luminescent Dissolved Oxygen: These sensors are highly stable; however, annual calibration is recommended, often handled via a sensor exchange program.
For additional calibration requirements for specific equipment, consult the user guide or email us at sales@waltron.net
What tasks must be performed weekly/monthly?
You can consult the user guide or reach out to us at sales@waltron.net for specific maintenance timelines. Here are some standards for Waltron equipment.
Monthly:
Colorimetric Analyzers: Refill reagent containers, clean the colorimetric cell, and perform a visual check for leaks,,.
Degassed Cation Conductivity (9096/4000DC): Replace the cation resin bottle and the soda lime cartridge (for the 9096),
Sodium (9135/9131C): Replenish the buffer solution (DIPA or Ammonia).
Quarterly:
Replace pump tubing for reagents and samples on wet-chemistry units
What is the expected lifespan of each sensor type?
Electrodes: The warranty covers reusable electrodes (such as pH and Sodium) for six months after shipment.
Luminescent Optical Sensor Spots : Waltron sensor spots used in our LDO equipment are replaced only when photobleaching has rendered them inaccurate. This is based on the number of pulses and generally comes into play every 2-4 years based on the settings of the sensor. This means Waltron sensor spots have to be replaced far less frequently than those from typical optical DO instruments.
What causes fouling or drift?
Drift: In sodium analysis, drift is often caused by changing electrode response, which is mitigated by weekly 2-point calibration.
Fouling/Interference: In colorimetric analysis), turbidity or sample color can interfere with readings. Waltron analyzers utilize a reference measurement step to eliminate these interfering factors,
Resin Issues: For conductivity analyzers, failure to use pre-rinsed resin can cause reading delays or inaccuracies lasting from hours to days.
How do you clean a DO, pH, or conductivity probes?
Colorimetric Cells: The glass optical cell should be cleaned monthly using a soft, non-aggressive cleaner to remove deposits.
4000 Series (pH/DO): These transmitters support automated cleaning cycles, such as operating a jet spray wash on a timed cycle with adjustable duration and recovery times.
How do you replace reagent tubing safely?
- Safety First: Always wear protective clothing and safety glasses when handling reagents.
- Empty Tubing: Before removing the tubing, put the analyzer in standby mode. Pull the reagent straw from the bottle and perform a manual “add reagent” command for 60 seconds to empty the tube of chemicals.
- Rinse: Always label and rinse all connected tubing with water prior to removal.
- Replace: Remove the pump head screws, disconnect the old tubing, and install the new assembly, ensuring the head aligns with the motor shaft.
