Silica, Low Range

DR 2800 Analytical Procedure AP-7/2800

SPECIFICATIONS
Method: Spectrophotometric (DR 2800)
Range: 0.01 to 1.60 mg/L silica (as SiO2)
Testing Time: 15 minutes

DESCRIPTION
Silica and phosphate react with the molybdate ion
in acidic conditions to form yellow silicomolybdic
and phosphomolybdic acid complexes. Addition
of citric acid destroys the phosphate complex
preferentially. An amino acid is then added to
reduce the yellow silicomolybdate to an intense
blue complex that is directly proportional to the
silica concentration.

ORDERING INFORMATION
Nalco DR 2800 Spectrophotometer
Order all replacement parts and reagents by their
part numbers. To be sure this product is compatible
with your treatment program, contact your local
Nalco Sales Engineer. To place your order, please Accessories
contact your local customer service department.
Description Part No.
Sample Cell, 10-mL, 1-inch glass
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND REAGENTS square matched pair 500-P2500.88
Sample Cell, 25-mL, 1-inch glass
Required Parts
square matched pair 500-P2502.88
Description Part No. 47 mm, Filter Membrane,
Nalco DR 2800 Spectrophotometer 6017050 0.45 micron, 100/pkg 500-P1405.88
Nalco Pressure Filter SIL-1, 50 mL* 460-S0626.71
(with filter membranes) 420-C0091.88 SIH-2/SIL-2, 10 mL, 100/pkg* 460-S0623.87
Reagent Set, Silica, Low Range 460-P3112.88 SIL-3, 10 mL, 100/pkg* 460-S617P.87
INTERFERENCES SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Color and turbidity interfere but are eliminated by Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
zeroing (Step 10) the instrument with the actual specific reagent personal safety and disposal
sample. information.
If filtration is required, use filters 500-P1418.88 or
500-P1424.88. Do not use glass microfiber filters as SUPPORT
these will add silica to the sample.
If you have any questions regarding this procedure,
Sulfide and large amounts of iron interfere. please contact your Nalco Sales Engineer. In North
No interference is observed from phosphate when America you can also contact the Nalco Equipment
present below 50 mg/L (as PO4). When present Solutions Help Desk at 1-800-323-8483.
above 60 mg/L (as PO4), a – 2% interference is
observed. At 75 mg/L (as PO4), the interference
observed is – 11%.
Occasionally, a sample may contain silica that is
very slow to react with molybdate (SIL-3). If this
“molybdate-unreactive” silica is present, increase
the reaction time after the addition of SIL-1 before
adding SIH-2/SIL-2.
LOW RANGE SILICA DR 2800 PROCEDURE

Stored
Programs

1 2 3 4
Touch: Fill two 10-mL sample cells Add 14 drops of SIL-1 Touch the TIMER icon. A
Stored Programs to the 10-mL mark with Reagent to each sample four-minute reaction period
sample. cell. Swirl to mix. will begin.
Select stored program
651 Silica LR Note: Reaction time given
is for samples at 20°C
Touch: (68°F). If sample temper-
Start ature is 10°C (50°F), wait
eight minutes. If at 30°C
(86°F), wait two minutes.

5 6
When the timer beeps, add
the contents of one SIH-2/
SIL-2 Reagent Powder
Pillow to each sample cell.
Swirl to mix.
Touch the TIMER icon. A
one-minute reaction period
will begin. Phosphate
interference is eliminated
during this period.
Note: The time given is for
samples at 20°C (68°F).
If sample temperature is
10°C (50°F), wait two
minutes. If at 30°C (86°F),
wait 30 seconds.
7 8
When the timer beeps, add Touch the TIMER icon. A
the contents of one SIL-3 two-minute reaction period
Reagent Powder Pillow to will begin.
one of the sample cells. Swirl
to mix. This is the prepared
sample.
Notes: A blue color will
develop if silica is present.
The sample cell without the
SIL-3 Reagent is the blank.
 Zero Read

9 10 11 12
Place the blank cell into the Touch ZERO. Place the prepared sample Touch READ.
cell holder. Close the cover. into the cell holder. Close the
The display will show: cover. The result in mg/L silica will
be displayed.
0.000 mg/L SiO2

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