Test Kit Instructionsand Formulary Guidelines

#9922

Spartan Chemical Company, Inc.1110 Spartan Drive / Maumee, OH 43537

1-800-537-8990 / www.spartanchemical.com ©SCC 2/10

WATER HARDNESSTest results are expressed as Total Hardness in parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg) of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).

• To receive results in ppm, fi ll tube to upper line.• To receive results in gpg, fi ll tube to middle line.• If the hardness level is above 200 ppm, fi ll tube to lower line.NOTE: 1 gpg = 17.1 ppm

1. Fill the tube (4488) to the desired line (see note above) with the sample water.2. Add fi ve (5) drops of Hardness Reagent #5 (4483). Cap and mix.3. Add fi ve (5) drops of Hardness Reagent #6 (4485). Cap and mix. Solution will turn RED.4. Use the pipet (0392) to add Hardness Reagent #7 (4487PS), one drop at a time, swirling the

tube between each addition. Hold the pipet vertically to form uniformly-sized drops. Count each drop added. Continue adding drops until the RED COLOR CHANGES TO CLEAR BLUE.

5. To determine the Total Harness test result, multiply the number of drops added in Step 4 by:

10 ppm CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to upper line)

1 gpg CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to middle line)

20 ppm CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to lower line)

Inlet Water Quality – Water HardnessBelow 6 gpg (~100 ppm) CaCO3 -- Soft to Slightly Hard Water

• Detergent can be used without additional builders or water softeners (Laundry Break).Laundry Detergent or BLD can be used at normal dosage levels.

Between 6 gpg (~100 ppm) and 12 gpg (205 ppm) CaCO3 -- Slightly Hard to Hard Water

• For hard water you must use either BLD or Laundry Detergent in conjunction withLaundry Break to soften the water for the wash process.

Above 12 gpg (205 ppm) CaCO3 -- Hard to Very Hard Water

• For excessively hard water you should only use Laundry Detergent in conjunction withLaundry Break to soften the water. Clothesline Fresh BLD will introduce too much detergent while compensating for high levels of hard water.

ALKALINITY, BREAK & SUDSING (Wash Cycle)This test should be run on a sample of drain water obtained after the break and/or suds step(s). Active alkalinity should be present at a residual level no higher than 200 - 300 ppm to ensure suffi cient alkalinity reduction can occur during rinsing. Inactive alkalinity should show an increase in concentration from the baseline inactive alkalinity levels.

1. Fill a test tube (0608) to the 25 mL line with the sample water.2. Add 3 drops of Phenolphthalein Indicator, 1% (2246). If NO RED COLOR APPEARS, skip step 3 and

go to step 4.3. Use a clean pipet with cap (0392) to add Hydrochloric Acid, 1.0 N (6230PS) to the sample, one drop

at a time, while counting the drops. Continue addition, swirling to mix after each drop, until the RED COLOR DISAPPEARS.

Number of Drops x 100 = ppm Active Alkalinity4. To the same sample, add 3 drops of Methyl Orange Indicator (2230). Mix.5. Again add Hydrochloric Acid, 1.0 N (6130PS), one drop at a time, until the YELLOW COLOR

CHANGES TO RED ORANGE.Number of Drops x 100 = ppm Inactive Alkalinity

6. To calculate the Total Break/Suds Alkalinity:Total Number of Drops x 100 = Total Alkalinity in ppm CaCO3

Wash Formula – Post Break/Suds StepActive Alkalinity is not present (0 ppm)

• Increase Laundry Break or BLD by 1.0 oz. increments* until Active Alkalinity is between 200 and 300 ppm.

Active Alkalinity Level is minimal (< 200 ppm)• Increase Laundry Break or BLD by 0.5 oz. increments* until the level of Active Alkalinity is

between 200 and 300 ppm.

Active Alkalinity Level is between 200 and 300 ppm• Dosage of Laundry Break or BLD is suffi cient.

Active Alkalinity Level is high (> 300 ppm)• Decrease Laundry Break or BLD by 0.5 oz. increments* until the level of Active Alkalinity is

between 200 and 300 ppm.

Active Alkalinity Level is signifi cantly high (> 750 ppm)• Decrease Laundry Break or BLD by 1.0 oz. increments* until Active Alkalinity is between 200

and 300 ppm.

* per 50 lbs. of dry, soiled laundry.

RESIDUAL CHLORINE (Wash Cycle)This test should be run on a sample of drain water obtained after the Chlorine Bleach step. Residual chlorine levels should be within the range of 50 - 150 ppm.

1. Fill test tube (0715) to the 10 mL line with sample water.2. Add three (3) to fi ve (5) drops of Chlorine Reagent #1 (4498WT).3. Add three (3) to fi ve (5) drops of Chlorine Reagent #2 (4499WT). Swirl to mix. Solution will turn a

GREEN OR BROWN COLOR.4. Fill pipet dropper with Chlorine Reagent #3 (4500PA). While gently swirling tube, add Chlorine

Reagent #3, one drop at a time, until GREEN OR BROWN COLOR DISAPPEARS. Record the number of drops added. Hold pipet vertically to ensure uniform droplet formation.

5. Multiply the number of drops used in Step 4 by 10. Record as ppm Chlorine.Number of Drops x 10 = ppm Chlorine

Wash Formula – Post Bleach StepResidual Chlorine Levels below 50 ppm

• Increase Chlorine Bleach by 0.5 oz. increments* until Residual Chlorine level is above 50 ppm to ensure proper bleaching is achieved.

Residual Chlorine level above 150 ppm

• Decrease Chlorine Bleach by 0.5 oz. increments* until Residual Chlorine level is below 150 ppm to ensure fi ber damage does not occur.

* per 50 lbs. of dry, soiled laundry.

ALKALINITY, RINSE (Wash Cycle)This test will be run on drain water obtained after the rinse cycle. If the rinse water is within 50 ppm of the baseline alkalinity, the rinsing is suffi cient. If the difference is greater than 50 ppm then additional rinse steps are needed.

1. Fill a test tube (0608) to the 25 mL line with the sample water.2. Add three (3) drops of Phenolphthalein Indicator (2246). If A RED COLOR DEVELOPS, active alkali

is present. Proceed to step 3. If no red color appears, skip step 3 and go to step 4.3. Use a clean pipet with cap (0392) to add Hydrochloric Acid, 0.1 N (6323) to the sample, one drop at a

time, counting the drops. Continue addition, swirling to mix after each drop, until the RED COLOR DISAPPEARS.

Number of Drops x 10 = ppm Active Alkalinity4. To the sample, add 3 drops of Methyl Orange Indicator (2230). Mix.5. Again add Hydrochloric Acid, 0.1 N (6323), one drop at a time, until the YELLOW COLOR CHANGES

TO RED ORANGE.Number of Drops x 10 = ppm Inactive Alkalinity

6. To calculate Total Rinse Alkalinity:Total Number of Drops x 10 = Total Alkalinity in ppm CaCO3

Wash Formula – Post 1st Rinse StepTotal Alkalinity of 1st rinse step greater than 50 ppm of Total Baseline Alkalinity

• Additional rinse steps are needed before Laundry Sour can be added to the wash cycle.

Total Alkalinity of 1st rinse step within 50 ppm of Total Baseline Alkalinity• Laundry Sour can be added to wash cycle, no additional rinsing is required.

Wash Formula – Post Additional Rinse StepsTotal Alkalinity of additional rinse step greater than 50 ppm of Total Baseline Alkalinity

• Additional rinse steps are needed before Laundry Sour can be added to the wash cycle.

Total Alkalinity of additional rinse step within 50 ppm of Total Baseline Alkalinity• Laundry Sour can be added to wash cycle, no additional rinsing is required.

When additional rinse steps do not dilute residual alkalinity to within 50 ppm of total baseline alkalinity, wash formula changes are required.

• Reduce Laundry Break or BLD and Chlorine Bleach by 0.5 oz. increments* until rinsing will adequately dilute the residual alkalinity.

* per 50 lbs. of dry, soiled laundry.

FINAL pH (Wash Cycle)

The pH of the fi nal rinse, post sour/soft step, should be taken to ensure proper fabric pH.For most fabrics a pH below 7 is desired. An ideal pH range for most applications is 5.5 - 6.5.

Use pH paper or a calibrated pH meter to check the pH of the post sour/soft drain water.

Wash Formula – Post Sour/Soft StepFinal wash water pH above 7.0

• Increase Laundry Sour or Sour/Softener by 0.5 oz. increments* until pH is between 5.5 – 6.5.

Final wash water pH below 5.0• Decrease Laundry Sour or Sour/Softener by 0.5 oz. increments* until pH is between 5.5 – 6.5.

Final wash water pH is 5.5 - 6.5• Laundry Sour or Sour/Softener dosages are suffi cient.

* per 50 lbs. of dry, soiled laundry.

pH OF FABRIC - Fabric Test KitThe fi nal pH of the fabric is very important, both from a skin irritation stand point and from a fabric life standpoint. If the fi nal pH is too alkaline then skin irritation issues will arise quickly. If the fi nal pH is too acidic then fabric damage will occur.

1. Place two drops of the Sour Indicator Solution (9078WT) on the fabric.2. Observe the color produced. Use the grid on reverse to determine pH level.3. Rinse the test area of the fabric immediately after testing.

Color pH ResultRed Below 4.5 Very Acidic

Red Orange to Orange 4.5 - 5.5 Acidic

Yellow 6.0 Slightly Acidic

Green 7.0 Neutral

Green Blue 8.0 Slightly Alkaline

Blue - Purple 9.0 and above Alkaline to Very Alkaline

CHLORINE IN FABRIC - Fabric Test KitChlorine in fabric typically leaves fabric feeling coarse and can cause skin irritation issues. High levels of chlorine left on fabric will lead to fabric degradation. If chlorine is present in the fabric, consult the Wash Formula Setup Key for further instructions on dealing with residual chlorine levels.

1. Place one drop of the Chlorine Reagent, O-Tolidine (4100) on the fabric.2. A YELLOW COLOR will develop if chlorine is present. A BROWNISH COLOR indicates a high

chlorine level.

CAUTION: Rinse the test area of the fabric immediately after testing because the reagents are strongly acid and could cause future damage to the fabric.

IRON IN FABRIC - Fabric Test KitIron in fabric typically presents itself when white fabric turns yellow or yellow-orange spots develop on the fabric. If iron is present in the fabric, consult the Wash Formula Setup Key for further instructions.

1. Place one drop of Hydrochloric Acid (6381) on the fabric.2. Place one drop of the Ferric Iron Test Solution (5116WT) on top of the Hydrochloric Acid.3. An ORANGE or RED COLOR will develop immediately if iron is present.

CAUTION: Rinse the test area of the fabric immediately after testing because the reagents are strongly acidic and could cause future damage to the fabric.

WATER HARDNESS Test results are expressed as Total Hardness in parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg) of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).

• To receive results in ppm, fi ll tube to upper line.• To receive results in gpg, fi ll tube to middle line.• If the hardness level is above 200 ppm, fi ll tube to lower line.

NOTE: 1 gpg = 17.1 ppm

1. Fill the tube (4488) to the desired line (see note above) with the sample water.2. Add fi ve (5) drops of Hardness Reagent #5 (4483). Cap and mix.3. Add fi ve (5) drops of Hardness Reagent #6 (4485). Cap and mix. Solution will turn RED.4. Use the pipet (0392) to add Hardness Reagent #7 (4487PS), one drop at a time, swirling the

tube between each addition. Hold the pipet vertically to form uniformly-sized drops. Count each drop added. Continue adding drops until the RED COLOR CHANGES TO CLEAR BLUE.

5. To determine the Total Harness test result, multiply the number of drops added in Step 4 by:

10 ppm CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to upper line) 1 gpg CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to middle line)20 ppm CaCO3 (test tube fi lled to lower line)

Water Hardness Below 6 gpg (~100 ppm) CaCO3 -- Soft to Slightly Hard Water

• Any SparClean detergent or rinse aid can be used at normal levels to ensure clean, spot free glassware and dishes. Delime machine at least once a month.

Between 6 gpg (~100 ppm) and 12 gpg (205 ppm) CaCO3 -- Slightly Hard to Hard Water• Elevated levels of SparClean Detergent II [49] may be necessary to ensure one pass washing. Hard

water spots on glassware may necessitate an increase in rinse aid dosage. Delime dish machine at least every other week.

Above 12 gpg (205 ppm) CaCO3 -- Hard to Very Hard Water• For excessively hard water you should only use SparClean All Temperature Detergent [50] and

High Temperature Rinse Aid [52]. Elevated levels of rinse aid may be needed to ensure spot free glassware. Delime machine at least once a week.

ALKALINITY TITRATIONThe concentration of any SparClean detergent can be measured by testing the wash water alkalinity. Alkalinity tests should be done with captured, moving water only. Nonmoving sump water will yield give inaccurate readings.

1. Fill a test tube (0608) to the 5 mL line with the sample water.2. Add three (3) drops of Phenolphthalein Indicator (2246).3. Use a clean pipet with cap (0392) to add Hydrochloric Acid, 0.1 N (6323) to the sample, one drop at a

time, counting the drops. 4. Check the product label or Informative Bulletin for concentration range5. If the concentration is too low, increase dosage in 1 ml/gal increments.6. If the concentration is too high, decrease dosage in 1 ml/gal increments.

Alkalinity - Low Temperature MachinesSparClean All Temperature Detergent [50] & Chlorinated Detergent [51] Dosages

• 3 - 4 ml per gallon of wash water• Alkalinity Titration Range 6 - 10 drops (60 - 100 ppm)

SparClean Detergent II [49] Recommended Dosages• 6 - 8 ml per gallon of wash water• Alkalinity Titration Range 6 - 10 drops (60 - 100 ppm)

Alkalinity - High Temperature MachinesSparClean All Temperature Detergent [50] & Chlorinated Detergent [51] Dosages

• 4 - 7 ml per gallon of wash water• Alkalinity Titration Range 10 - 15 drops (100 - 500 ppm)

SparClean Detergent II [49] Recommended Dosages• 8 - 14 ml per gallon of wash water• Alkalinity Titration Range 10 - 15 drops (100 - 150 ppm)

CHLORINE SANITIZER LEVELS This test should be run on a sample of water obtained during the rinse/sanitation cycle on a low temperature dish machine. Chlorine levels should be within the range of 50 - 150 ppm.

1. Fill test tube (0715) to the 10 mL line with sample water.2. Add three (3) to fi ve (5) drops of Chlorine Reagent #1 (4498WT).3. Add three (3) to fi ve (5) drops of Chlorine Reagent #2 (4499WT). Swirl to mix. Solution will turn a

GREEN OR BROWN COLOR.4. Fill pipet dropper with Chlorine Reagent #3 (4500PA). While gently swirling tube, add Chlorine

Reagent #3, one drop at a time, until GREEN OR BROWN COLOR DISAPPEARS. Record the number of drops added. Hold pipet vertically to ensure uniform droplet formation.

5. Multiply the number of drops used in Step 4 by 10. Record as ppm Chlorine. Number of Drops x 10 = ppm Chlorine.6. Chlorine Test Strips can also be used to perform this type of testing.

Chlorine Sanitizer LevelsChlorine Levels below 50 ppm

• Increase SparClean Sanitizer [54] or SparChlor in 1ml per gallon increments.

Residual Chlorine level above 150 ppm• Decrease SparClean Sanitizer [54] or SparChlor in 1 ml per gallon increments.

If chlorine levels are routinely low, check the concentration of chlorine in SparClean Sanitizer [54] or SparChlor.