Automated Dechlorination with MANTECH
Discover how automation can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the dechlorination process when preparing samples for the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test. With MANTECH’s automated BOD Pro analyzers, users have the option to perform automated dechlorination in addition to other options such as automated sample transfer and pH measurement & adjustment. Dechlorination is also available from MANTECH as a benchtop station.
Overview of Dechlorination in Water Quality Testing
Dechlorination is a crucial step in water quality testing, particularly before conducting biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis. The presence of residual chlorine in water samples can interfere with the accuracy of BOD results as it inhibits the growth of living bacteria, making it essential to remove any chlorine traces.
Traditionally, a sodium sulfite solution is used to neutralize chlorine in water samples, ensuring that the subsequent BOD analysis is not compromised. This process must be carefully managed to maintain the integrity of the water sample and provide reliable data for water quality assessment.
Comparing Manual and Automated Dechlorination Methods
Manual dechlorination involves adding specific amounts of sodium sulfite to water samples by hand. This method is time-consuming and prone to human error. Each sample needs individual attention, which can be labor-intensive and inconsistent. Adding too much sodium sulfite can increase the oxygen demand of the sample so it must be done accurately. Manually dechlorinating samples may also take many attempts to remove all the chlorine from the sample.
Conversely, automated dechlorination systems, like those offered by MANTECH, streamline this process. Automated systems precisely measure and add the correct amount of sodium sulfite to each sample, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring uniform treatment across all samples. This shift from manual to automated methods can significantly improve both the efficiency and reliability of the dechlorination process
Benefits of Automated Dechlorination for Lab Efficiency
Automated dechlorination systems offer numerous benefits for laboratory efficiency. Firstly, they free up valuable time for lab analysts, allowing them to focus on other tasks rather than routine sample preparation. This can lead to faster turnaround times for water quality testing results.
Additionally, automated systems enhance accuracy by minimizing the variability associated with manual handling. Consistent and precise dechlorination means that BOD analysis results are more reliable, helping laboratories maintain high standards of data integrity and quality assurance.
Automated and Benchtop Solutions Offered by MANTECH
Not all laboratories require dechlorination on all samples so adding automated dechlorination on an automated system may not be practical. Although, this can be added in the future. As a result, MANTECH also offers a benchtop system that can dechlorinate one sample at a time. These systems have the add-on option of performing different analyses for pH, alkalinity and more when they’re not in use for dechlorination.
