What is a water tester? Should I use a water test pen to check water quality?

To check whether the water is clean or dirty, people will need a water test pen. So what is a water test pen and should a water test pen be used to check water quality? Let’s find out with Tnhelearning.edu.vn right through the article below!

What is a water tester? Structure and working principle

The water test pen, also known as the TDS ( Total Dissolved Solids ) test pen, is used to test the purity of water as the initial basis to determine the purity of the water source. From there, it helps users know the quality of the water they are using in a basic way.

Features of water test pen:

• Has a very flexible design, compact size and very light weight.
• Used to test the performance of water purification equipment.
• Measure the electrical conductivity of minerals, salts, metals in the form of ions. However, this type of pen cannot measure solid impurities, impurities suspended in water.

Structure of the water test pen

The water test pen is composed of the following main parts:

• Case : is the outer part of the machine and the part that protects the machine, helping users identify the model.
• Electrode : is an indispensable part of the water test pen, in contact with the sample and performing TDS measurement.

• Function keys : the part that helps the user to communicate with the machine. Users will manipulate the machine control through these function keys.
• LCD screen : displays information, setting parameters and measurement results after the user performs measurement operations. The screen will also be the place to show warnings and errors during measurement so that users can recognize and adjust.
• Electronic circuit : is the part that receives and processes information and transmits it back to the user by encoding information and representing it by symbols, letters, numbers and displayed on the screen of the machine. .

In addition, the pen has other external parts such as: battery compartment, cover, …

Working principle of water tester

TDS testers will measure the potential difference between the two electrodes by applying an alternating voltage to the solution and this will generate an electric current.

This current will depend on the conductivity of that solution, from measuring the potential difference between the two electrodes of the machine, the device will measure the conductivity of the water sample based on the calculation formula and a constant. preset reference number (through calibration).

From determining the EC conductivity of that water sample, the meter continues to calculate the TDS index through a conversion factor (this coefficient will also depend on the type of solution).

Due to the operating principle of the device, usually the water test pens will be integrated with the function of converting to EC index so that users can check this index without using an additional conductivity meter. EC too.

Should water test pen be used to test clean water?

• With the water test pen, users can check the concentration of dissolved solids, the level of permeability to determine if the water is eligible for use or not.
• Regular use of the TDS tester helps you to check your filter’s filtration performance by capturing changes in water quality, so you know when it’s time to replace the filter/membrane/cartridge.
• TDS can warn of too large heavy metal content in water so that there can be remedial measures early, helping to minimize negative impacts on the body.

In addition to being used to measure the amount of dissolved solids in water, the TDS test pen also functions as a thermometer. The pen will measure the temperature of the water within the allowable range.

How to read the TDS index that you should know

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in general and Vietnam in particular, the TDS index should not exceed 500mg/l for drinking water, and 1000mg/l for domestic water.

When water loses all minerals, it will have a TDS = 0 equivalent to pure distilled water.

TDS is not considered a pollutant index, it is a composite indicator of the presence of chemical compounds present in water. Accordingly:

• TDS PPM : is pure water, no dissolved solids. This water does not add minerals, only provides clean water for the body when we use it.
• TDS > 5 PPM : water with dissolved solids. A high TDS does not mean that the water is harmful because it is possible that the composition of the solids contains solids that are considered beneficial.
• From 50 PPM – 150 PPM : This TDS level has been considered the best level for health by WHO. At this level, drinking water is almost free of some harmful dissolved substances. Especially for people with kidney problems, drinking water with TDS level below 100mg/l can also help their health condition.
• From 170 PPM – 400 PPM : called hard water only used in daily life, not for drinking.

Thus, Tnhelearning.edu.vn has provided you with sufficient information about the water test pen and whether you should use a water test pen. Hope the above article is useful to you. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment below for immediate advice!