Chlor-Assure Chlorine Test Strip, 200ppm

FAQs

Do certain chlorine test strips work better with trichloramines?

Yes. For example, or Chlorine paper (10-200ppm) will get a good reading, but the Mid-Level chlorine plastic strip (0-200ppm) will not work with trichloramines.

The difference is explained by the “type” of chlorine that each strip reacts to.

The paper strip is based on the potassium iodide starch reaction and will react to both “free” and “total” chlorine. The Mid-Level plastic chlorine test strip uses a red-ox indicator and only reacts to “free” chlorine.

“Free” chlorine is the combination of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite present in the solution. The amount of each is dependent on the pH of the solution. At neutral pH and lower, the hypochlorous acid form dominates.

“Total” chlorine is the combination of “free” chlorine and “combined” chlorine (chlorine combined with ammonia to form monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine).

Therefore, if you are monitoring solutions containing chloramines, you should use the paper chlorine strips. To get any response with the plastic strips, you would have to add much more chlorine.

What is the difference between Chlor-Assure and Mid-Level Chlorine test strips?

Both the Chlor-Assure and the Mid-Level Chlorine test strips measure up to 200ppm. Both strips are complimentary to our Chlorine test Papers, although they have a slightly different chemistry. The Chlor-Assure test strips offer a 150ppm color block that the Mid-Level strip does not, however the Mid-Level strip is a bit less expensive.

How do I determine the recommended bleach concentration for a certain product?

To determine the recommended bleach concentration for your application, locate the EPA registration number on your product label. Visit the EPA’s website, and enter the EPA Registration Number, then click Search. You should see the details about the product, and beneath that, a PDF bearing the date that this product was registered by the EPA (if there is a list, the PDF at the top of the list should show the most recent approval). Click on that most recently-approved PDF. The PDF should come up on your screen. Scroll down to the section that shows the directions for using the product as a sanitizer or disinfectant. Follow the directions listed for your intended use.

How do I select the correct chlorine test strip?

Chlorine is one of the most popular chemicals for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Two common examples will help illustrate this. Swimming pools are often treated with chlorine chemicals. In this application, the amount of chlorine needed is low, typically only 1-3ppm chlorine. On the other hand, disinfection of daycare and hospital facilities requires a much higher chlorine level, typically 600-1200ppm. In both examples, the 0-200ppm chlorine test paper is not the best choice. Precision Laboratories manufactures a whole range of chlorine test strips. Please consult our product listing for the chlorine test strip that best matches your application.

What is the ideal pH of an available chlorine solution?

All available chlorine has some biocide strength, although hypochlorous acid is a far stronger biocide than hypochlorite ion or the chloramines. In solutions at pH of 5-7, hypochlorous acid is the most prevalent species. For this reason, most sanitizing solutions will work best in the neutral to slightly acidic pH range.

 What is the difference between free available, combined available, and total available chlorine?

All available chlorine has some biocide strength, although hypochlorous acid is a far stronger biocide than hypochlorite ion or the chloramines. In solutions at pH of 5-7, hypochlorous acid is the most prevalent species. For this reason, most sanitizing solutions will work best in the neutral to slightly acidic pH range.

What is the recommended ppm level of chlorine sanitizers in food establishments?

This depends upon your local health code. In many areas, the level is 50-100ppm available chlorine. It is best to check with your local health inspector for the level required in your area. Federal regulations (21 CFR Part 178) permit the use of hypochlorite solutions on food processing equipment and contact areas (tables) but state that solutions used for sanitizing equipment not exceed 200ppm available chlorine. If higher concentrations are used, a final rinse in potable water is required.