Tablet Count Kits provide an extremely simple method of analysis for an important range of water parameters. The tests are particularly useful for the routine control of industrial waters such as boiler waters and cooling water systems, as well as swimming pools, natural waters and similar applications.

The tests are carried out by taking a measured volume of water and adding tablets one at a time until a prescribed colour change takes place. The result of the test is given by the number of tablets used in relation to the volume of water sample taken. A wide range of test concentrations can be measured by varying the sample size taken of the test.

The tablet count tests may be used a standalone test kits, or combined with the comparators or photometer test kits.

Test Reagents

The test tablets used in tablet count procedures contain accurately standardised titration reagents combined with specific colour indicators. In certain cases a conditioning tablet is first used to provide the correct conditions for the test. Test instructions for the individual test indicated the test reagents required and method of use.

Test Range/Sample Size

In tablet count tests, the test range depends on the sample size taken. The larger the sample size, the lower the concentration that can be measured. Similarly, the smaller the sample size, the higher the test range. The sample sizes recommended in individual test instructions are those which are most appropriate to the test ranges likely to be encountered in practice.

The maximum concentration that can be measured for each sample size is governed by the number of tablets which can be conveniently added to the water sample The most accurate result is achieved when a tablet count between four and twelve tablets is obtained. When the tablet count falls outside this number, it is recommended that a larger or smaller sample be taken as appropriate to bring the tablet count within this range.

When using small samples of 10ml or less it is desirable, once the sample has been measured out, to increase the working volume of the solution by adding deionised water (approximately 40ml) to the sample container. This is merely to aid the dissolving of the tablets and observation of the colour change. It does not effect the calculation of the test result.

Calculation of Result

The test result depends on the number of count tablets used in relation to the sample size taken. Individual test instructions give the method of calculating the test result for different sample sizes for that test.