Product FAQs

No. The Clor-N-Oil PCB field screening kits can only be used to test transformer oil (dielectric fluid). The kits do not work on used motor/lubricating oils because the test method does not specifically identify the presence of PCB. This product detects the CHLORINE associated with the PCB molecule. Mineral oil, the traditional dielectric fluid found in most electrical equipment, should not contain any background chlorine that could cause false positive results, however, most lubricating oils contain upwards of 200 ppm chlorine from additives and other sources. When testing mineral oil (dielectric fluid), a positive result is presumed to be due to PCB based on chlorine detected in the sample, but laboratory analysis would be required as confirmation.

While our products do not require special refrigeration, it is recommended that they be kept in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum shelf life. It is critical to keep our products out of excessive heat. The kits should never be kept near heating units, or in vehicles during summer months. 

• Presence of any other source of organic or inorganic chlorine (solvents, salt, seawater, sweat).
• The kit is being used beyond the "Best-By" date.
• Sulfur in excess of approximately 1%.
• A sample that is contaminated with bits of carbon from an equipment fire.
• A sample that is excessively hot from equipment that was recently on fire.
• Clor-N-Oil kits are calibrated to Aroclor 1242. More heavily chlorinated Aroclors, such as 1254 or 1260, may cause false positive.

• Water content in excess of approximately 1%.
• Alcohols, acetone, ketones, and acids may also destroy the sodium reagent in the same manner that water does.

The Clor-D-Tect 1000 provides pass/fail results at the 1000 ppm total halogen action level described in Federal Register 40 CFR 266.40 and 279.44. The Q4000 provides quantitative results across a range of 200-4000 ppm total halogen. Both conform to U.S. EPA SW-846, Method 9077.

A watery reaction tube is a sign of too much water in your sample. These kits can handle up to 20% water. Water in higher concentrations can give a false negative result.

As a chlorinated compound, PCB may be a contributor to a positive Clor-D-Tect result, but there is no way to determine if that is the case in the field. PCB presence must be determined in the lab via GC analysis.

The Clor-N-Soil test method determines PCB content by examining chlorine associated with the PCB molecules. Other sources of organic chlorine (solvents, herbicides, pesticides, etc) may cause false positive results. Clor-N-Soil kits are calibrated to Aroclor 1242. More heavily chlorinated Aroclors, such as 1254 or 1260, may cause false positive reporting.

No. The extraction method of the Clor-N-Soil kit removes any inorganic chloride from the sample.

Yes, the Clor-N-Soil kits is compatible with the full spectrum of soil types, however, heavy clays will absorb much more extract solvent, making it a bit more difficult to recover the full 5 mL required for analysis. To release more of the liquid from the soil, press down on the soil using the plunger from the syringe assembly, or bounce the tube on a flat surface to compact the soil.

No. Any material that is designed to absorb liquids will soak up most, or all, of the extraction solvent, thus making it impossible to recover enough extract liquid for analysis.

No. The Clor-N-Soil test method is designed specifically for soil testing. Particle size/surface area, weight, absorbency, and non-PCB organo-chlorine interference are import considerations. Further, the Clor-N-Soil chemistry in not designed to extract PCB from non-soil matrices.

The test includes a drying column that removes both moisture and inorganic chloride from the sample, however, the main concern for wet soil is the sample weight. If a significant portion of the sample is water, this could cause an underestimation of PCB content. Samples that are wet should be spread out in a metal pan and allowed to air dry at room temperature prior to weighting out the 10 grams required for the test.

No. The calibration standard only has a life expectancy of 20 minutes, therefore, should be discarded after use.

No. The calibration standard is designed to be used in calibrations mode only. When in sample read mode, it will not read 1000 ppm.

No. Use only the calibration standard that is provided from Dexsil with each box of reagents.

Yes. Naturally occurring organic compounds will act as a positive interfere on any TPH test. It is advised that the user remove the top layer of soil containing the majority of organic material, prior to taking a sample for testing.

Choose the contaminant with the lowest response factor listed, as this will provide the most conservative results.

This is very important. The sample should be read after being allowed to develop for 10 minutes, and before 20 minutes has elapsed. Samples that are not allowed to fully develop can not be expected to give accurate results.

No. PetroFLAG utilizes an extraction solvent that is miscible in water, therefore has no extraction capabilities in such a matrix.

No. Only alkaline 9 volt batteries are compatible with this unit.

Yes. Once the meter is calibrated, any change in temperature of 10 degrees Celcius (+/-) or greater, will trigger the meter to prompt re-calibration. Operationally, the instrument should be run with the temperature range of 35-95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yes, lithium or alkaline 9V batteries may be used.

Yes. The Hydroscout can be used to test fuels such as diesel or gasoline.

Due to recent improvements in reaction tube strength, Hydroscout is now compatible with a wide variety of synthetic oils, including phosphate esters.

The only common positive interference is ethylene glycol. (Propylene glycol does not interfere with the test.)

The Hydroscout is calibrated during manufacturing. Hydroscout recalibrates itself every time it is turned on, and performs periodic self-QC checks during operation. The user does not need to perform any calibration. As long as no error messages are displayed, your analyzer is functioning and measuring properly.

Yes, the L2000 DXT can be used in the field. With appx 6 hours or battery life, and external data storage, the L2000 DXT was designed to accommodate a wide variety of operational conditions.

Yes, all reagents and chloride ion electrodes are still compatible with past versions of the L2000 Analyzer.

No, the L2000 is calibrated by the user at the time of analysis. This system is designed to be low maintenance. As long as no error messages are displayed, your system is functioning normally.

No, the L2000 is a screening method based on the extraction and quantification of chlorine associated with PCB and other chlorinated organic compounds. While the L2000 provides reliable quantitative screening results, these are not the same as GC analyses.

Refer to the troubleshooting section of your product manual, as your electrode may need attention. If electrode performance is in doubt, follow the Electrode Diagnostic procedures outlined in the manual.

Absolutely not. Unfortunately, this technology is not compatible with the complexities of a waste lubricant matrix. Erroneous results and eventual destruction of the chloride ion electrode will occur. The only oil that this system is compatible with is transformer oil (mineral oil).

No. While the L2000 DXT can store thousands of data points, internal memory should be uploaded to the external drive, and cleared regularly.

Lead Test can be used on virtually any non-porous surface suspected to be contaminated with leachable lead. It is most commonly used on painted surfaces, plumbing, and metal objects.

Some forms of lead are more soluble than others. Less soluble forms of lead can delay the development of a positive result by an hour or more. Please refer to the instructions for tips on dealing with this.

Yes it can, however please be advised that the reagent may stain certain surfaces. If using on an item of value, use Lead Test on an area where a stain is not a detriment to the item's appearance. 

No. Lead Test is designed to work on solid surfaces. You may be able to use Lead Test to test your pipes or service lines, but determination of lead presence in the water itself will require a specialized test.

Yes! Read our technical paper here: DEXSIL Lead Test