Problems with the reagent

The reagent system (bottle, connectors, line and stepper pump) is one the most important factors for good accuracy

Many problems of KH swings have been solved by taking care of the reagent system. Check your installation to see if everything is correct, according to the following recommendations:

• The reagent bottle should be located as close as possible to the autoBalance, and immediately below it.
• The maximum distance from the tube to the autoBalance should be 25cm (10 in). The shorter the distance, the higher the accuracy.
• The reagent tube should have an oblique cut, to prevent it from lying flat on the bottom of the reagent bottle and creating a vacuum.
• The reagent tube should be straight and direct to the autoBalance, without elbows or connectors other than the autoBalance itself.
• The reagent bottle should be capped to prevent evaporation of the active ingredient, but not hermetically sealed, otherwise a vacuum could be produced in the bottle and consequent back pressure. It is a good idea to drill a plug with a hole slightly larger than the tube and pass the tube through it, so that enough air will enter through the hole to compensate for the drop in level.
• Change the inner tube of the reagent pump every 9 months. Keep an eye on the calibration, it should not vary too much between calibrations.
• Make sure that the reagent tubing has no bends, obstructions or cuts.