Analyzers for Hardness, Iron & More

Analyzers for Hardness, Iron & More

Online metal and hardness analyzers continuously quantify dissolved constituents that directly affect water quality, treatment performance, and asset integrity. Typical measured parameters include water hardness, iron, aluminum, chromate, and sodium, selected to match the chemical risks of the application and the reporting requirements of the facility.

Most measurements are performed using standardized colorimetric photometry: reagents react with the target species to form a colored compound, and the analyzer measures light attenuation at a defined wavelength to determine concentration from calibration curves. For certain species such as sodium, potentiometric methods are also used to achieve sensitive monitoring in high-purity water circuits.

Continuous analysis converts intermittent lab snapshots into actionable trends, enabling earlier detection of contamination, breakthrough, or treatment drift. This supports tighter chemical dosing control, minimizes the likelihood of scaling or corrosion drivers going unnoticed, and reduces the lag and variability associated with manual grab sampling and off-line testing.

Common applications span potable and bottled-water quality assurance, where trace metals and nuisance constituents must be controlled for health, taste, and appearance. In process water, monitoring hardness, silica-related indicators, and sodium supports steam generation and cooling systems by preventing deposits and protecting heat transfer surfaces; chromate monitoring supports environmental controls where hexavalent chromium must be rigorously contained.

Implementations typically pair the analyzer with robust sample conditioning to deliver a representative, clean sample stream and to manage solids loading through automated backflushing or cleaning cycles. Reagent logistics, calibration verification, and service access are planned into the installation, and modern analyzer platforms can consolidate additional digital sensors to broaden water-quality context without duplicating transmitters.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.