Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
How to look at your tests
Episode 397
"Your test kit is your tool, and you are the master of that tool. "- Trace Blackmore
In this insightful episode of Scaling Up! H2O Podcast, host Trace Blackmore delves into the critical topic of understanding and optimizing water treatment tests. This episode is designed to equip water treatment professionals with practical knowledge to enhance their test-taking techniques and interpretation skills.
The Concept of Pinks and Blues Trace shares the origins of the term "pinks and blues," coined by his father, and explains its significance in water testing. He stresses the importance of understanding that tests are tools to confirm or disprove hypotheses about system conditions, not tasks that generate revenue. This foundational mindset shift sets the stage for improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of test execution.
Strategic Testing Approaches Trace provides a comprehensive breakdown of running tests in the most efficient order, starting with the longest tests and multitasking with shorter ones while waiting. This strategic approach helps water professionals maximize time on-site. He also discusses the value of running tests based on hypothesis-driven objectives, such as walking through the site and engaging with clients before taking samples.
Categorizing and Interpreting Your Tests Listeners will gain insight into organizing test types into meaningful categories:
- Base water
- Concentrated water
- Product contributions
- System signs
Trace illustrates how to establish true concentration levels and interpret results to identify potential issues like scaling, precipitation, and system corrosion. The importance of using non-scaling ions, like silica, for accurate concentration analysis is also explained.
Analyzing Interpretative Skills Trace walks through examples that highlight how to use test results for informed decision-making, whether it's confirming system status or taking corrective action. He advises on how to integrate polymer tests and other contributing product measurements into your routine for a fuller picture of system health. This deep dive into interpretation emphasizes a detective-like approach to problem-solving in water treatment.
Final Thoughts and Essential Tips The episode concludes with Trace's encouragement to prioritize understanding your test procedures and knowing the interferences that can affect results. He underscores the importance of planning tests efficiently and being prepared with all necessary tools before visiting client sites. By m
Published on 1 year ago