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How To Read a CHEMetrics Comparator

What is a Comparator?

Colour comparators are used as part of CHEMetrics CHEMets and HR CHEMets visual colourimetric water test kits. A comparator is a set of sealed ampoules containing colour standards made of dye mixtures that closely match the developed colour (hue) and intensity of CHEMetrics test ampoules when the tips are snapped in solutions of corresponding analyte concentrations. By sealing the dyes in ampoules, we can more closely recreate the colour generated in the test ampoules.

CHEMetrics offers two types of comparators:

  • A round comparator is cylindrical and is viewed through the length of the ampoule for low range measurements.
  • A flat comparator is viewed through the width of the ampoule on a white background for high range measurements.

Follow these recommendations to obtain the most accurate readings using a comparator.

First Consider Your Light Source

The colour of an object is affected by the light source. Fluorescent lighting is often appropriate for optimal colour matching however, LED and natural outdoor light sources are adequate. If taking multiple readings, it is best to keep the light source as consistent as you can. Reading the comparator requires a moderate light source, like normal indoor lighting. Some sources, like full sunlight, can be too intense and may require some shade.

Figure 1: An operator reads a flat comparator under LED lights in a lab.

Figure 2: The operator reads the same comparator as Figure 1 outside.

Reading a Round Comparator

When reading a low range comparator, insert the ampoule, flat end first, into the comparator, point the comparator toward the light source and view from the bottom. Align the test ampoule directly above the colour standard with the lowest concentration. Then slowly turn the comparator counter-clockwise until the intensity of the test ampoule’s colour appears to be the same as a colour standard or in between those of two colour standards. To help see subtle differences in intensity change the angle of the comparator slightly back and forth while rotating the comparator slowly. If the reading is between two colour standards, consider where the intensity of the test ampoule falls between the two. The easiest way is to estimate by using fractions like halfway (½) between the colour standards or a fourth (¼). Once you’ve determined a fraction, you can convert it to a concentration by multiplying it times the concentration difference between the adjacent colour standards, and either adding this value to the concentration of the lower colour standard or subtracting it from the concentration of the upper colour standard, whichever it is closest to.

For example, here’s a scenario where a reading is a little more intense than the nearest colour standard. The reading falls between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm. The analyst interprets the reading as being ¼ (or converting that to a decimal, 0.25), darker than 0.6 ppm. So, [0.25 ✕ (0.8 − 0.6)] + 0.6 = 0.65 ppm.

If your reading is more intense than the highest colour standard of the comparator, this means that the sample concentration is higher than the range of the round comparator. When available, compare the test ampoule to the flat comparator included in your test kit.

Reading a Flat Comparator

When reading a high range comparator it is very important to hold it in a manner that eliminates glare and reflection from your light source. This can be accomplished by angling the comparator relative to the light source until the light reflection disappears. Some analysts prefer to hold the comparator so the bubble is at the top of the ampoule while others like to angle the top of the comparator down to make the bubble disappear into the body of the comparator. Either method will work, but the latter method presents the colour standard with a longer continuous colour with which to match the test ampoule.

Next, the test ampoule should be placed between the first and second colour standards at the left (lower concentration) end of the comparator and progressively moved to the right between the other comparator colour standards until the intensity of the test ampoule appears to be the same as or in between two colour standards. Move the test ampoule one colour standard further to the right to be sure its intensity is less than the colour standard now to its left. If it is not clearly less intense than the colour standard to its left then it is probably very close to, or equal to, that intensity. Make sure to vary the angle of the comparator to ensure that the intensity is really the same and its not a glare or shadow affecting the intensity. Once you are sure of the intensity you can get your reading in the same manner as with the low range comparator.

If your reading is more intense than the highest colour standard of the comparator, the sample concentration is greater than the range of the flat comparator. Manually dilute your sample if appropriate or use a higher range test kit.

Colour Matching Tips

Sometimes the colour match between the test ampoule and the colour standard is not ideal due to colour impurities or turbidity in the sample. When this happens, it is important to distinguish the intensity of the colour caused by the analyte from the colour caused by the impurity.

Figure 3: A round comparator with a strong colour match.

Figure 4: A round comparator with a poor colour match.

Comparator Light Source

CHEMetrics offers a self-contained light source, or CLS, Cat. No. A-0004, which incorporates an LED light with an adapter that is designed to be used with a round comparator. This device makes it easier to obtain test results in low-light environments such as power plants or any industrial setting where lighting conditions are poor.

Simply attach the CLS accessory to your comparator to illuminate the colour standards. The CLS has been validated for use with CHEMetrics C-7518, C-7540 and C-7599 ppb Dissolved Oxygen and C-1001 Filming Amine comparators.

Conclusion

Our eyes are very good analytical ‘instruments’. CHEMetrics visual test kits permit water analysis measurements at very low analyte concentrations that rival laboratory optical equipment. Although reading a comparator is a simple task whether you are working in the field or the lab, new users may need some practice manipulating the test ampoules in the comparators to determine for themselves the techniques that work best for them. Check out the video tutorial link at the top of the page and if you have any other questions please contact us.