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Chemicals Analysis Case Study

HRL ensures safety of water treatment chemicals for major supplier

Challenge

The water industry in Australia follows a strict set of guidelines, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with a specific section on water treatment chemicals. For some time, this section has been largely ignored however, with a renewed focus on compliance by water authorities including specific tender requirements in some instances, water providers are increasingly motivated to ensure they meet the standards.

One major supplier of water treatment chemicals to the water supply industry needed to test its chemicals for trace metals and other active ingredients, ensuring their products met the guideline requirements.

Solution

The client engaged HRL, which has a specialist water treatment testing team who have developed a leading methodology with National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation. This methodology includes a range of testing methods, specific to each water treatment chemical including:

  • Aluminium-based chemicals
  • Iron-based chemicals
  • Acids such as HCL and H2SO4
  • Bases such as NaOH
  • Sodium and Calcium Hypochlorite
  • Sodium Bisulphite
  • Potassium Permanganate
  • Ammonia
  • Soda Ash
  • Raw materials used for the manufacturing of the chemicals such as high purity water and brine, metals etc

After completing its comprehensive testing process, HRL supplied a one-page report for each chemical tested including its specifications, the test result, and whether that result complied with the specification or failed. All of this was completed and documented in line with NATA requirements.

Results

The client was very happy with the quality and timeliness of the work completed, and has since engaged HRL to complete this testing on an ongoing basis. This involves testing and reporting of the data each month, with two internal experts dedicated to this project. The client now has peace of mind that they are complying with specifications. The client also receives compliance certificates, which can be provided to potential buyers of the chemicals as proof of their compliance and safety.

Meet The Expert

Nick Miller

Nick has over 20 years of experience working as a chemist in the power generation and mineral processing industries. Inorganic and elemental analysis of various sample types, particularly fuels such as coal, oil and biosolids as well as pharmaceuticals, soils and waters. Material characterisation particularly for energy industries.

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Our Certifications

NATA

NATA accredited AtS/NZS ISO 17025, AS/NZS ISO 17020NATA Accredited Laboratories number 561

ISO 9001 Quality Management

ISO 9001 Quality Management certified by BSI under certificate number FS605116.