Pure Water Testing

ISO 3696 - Pure Water Testing in Analytical Laboratories

Laboratory work is highly dependent on the purity and quality of the water used for the reliability of the analysis results. The ISO 3696:1987 standard for analytical laboratories specifies the quality of water to be used in laboratory processes and defines test methods to maintain its properties. In this article, we discuss the details of the ISO 3696:1987 standard and the importance of laboratory water quality.

What is ISO 3696:1987?

ISO 3696:1987 is a standard established to ensure that water used in analytical laboratories has certain levels of purity. This standard covers the specifications and test methods required to determine whether water is suitable for different analysis processes. In particular, the presence of impurities in the composition of water used in analytical processes can affect the results of the analysis. Therefore, the standard defines specific purity levels.

Laboratory Water Purity Levels

According to the ISO 3696:1987 standard, laboratory water is divided into three main classes. These classes are determined by the degree of purity of the water and each class has its own characteristics:

1. Grade 1 Water: It is the highest purity water and is used for sensitive instrumental analysis and ultra-sensitive testing. Grade 1 water provides the most reliable results in high-precision analysis.
2. Class 2 Water: It is used for general analysis and preparation of chemical solutions requiring moderate purity. This grade of water is sufficient for most analytical laboratory tests but is not used for sensitive analysis.
3. Class 3 Water: Water with a low level of purity and is preferred for laboratory processes requiring low precision, such as washing and rinsing. Class 3 water is ideal for non-analytical processes.

The Importance of Water in accordance with ISO 3696:1987 Standard

In analytical laboratories, the purity level of water is a factor that directly affects the accuracy of the analysis. The use of impure water can lead to inaccurate results and the need for retesting. Water quality determined according to the ISO 3696:1987 standard increases the reliability of analyses and reduces analysis costs.

• Accuracy of Analysis Results: The use of high purity water guarantees the accuracy of the analysis. Impure water can interfere with reagents and distort analysis results.
• Laboratory Efficiency: The use of standardized water reduces the need to repeat tests and makes the analysis process more efficient.
• Device Security: The use of high quality water ensures that laboratory equipment is protected from scale and residue buildup and extends the life of the instruments.

Water Supply in accordance with ISO 3696:1987 Standard

To obtain water that meets the ISO 3696:1987 standard, laboratories often use purification methods such as distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis. These processes bring the water to different levels of purity, allowing to obtain class 1, 2 or 3 water. The treatment process should be selected according to the type of analysis and the needs of the laboratory.

Test Methods as defined in ISO 3696:1987

Specific tests are applied to verify the purity level of the water and to ensure compliance with ISO 3696:1987 standards. These tests include key parameters to be considered when assessing the purity of water:

• Conductivity: Used to determine the ionic components in water. Conductivity is an indicator of how pure the water is. Class 1 water is expected to have a low conductivity value, while class 3 water is expected to have a higher conductivity value.
• pH Value: pH determines the acidic or basic character of water. The pH of pure water should generally be between 6.5-7.5.
• Absorbance: The UV absorbance test is performed to measure whether organic substances are present in the water. The absorbance value of 1st class water, especially for sensitive analysis, should be very low.
• Residue Analysis: Determines the amount of residue left after evaporation of water. This test reveals the amount of insoluble substances present in the water and evaluates the purity of the water.

ISO 3696:1987 is an indispensable standard for ensuring the quality of water used in analytical laboratories. Using water that conforms to this standard increases the reliability of analyses and the efficiency of laboratory processes. The evaluation of water by various criteria such as conductivity, pH, UV absorbance and residue tests guarantees the accuracy of the laboratory results and keeps the quality of the water consistently high.

Why NANOLAB?

Nanolab offers the most reliable and fastest solution for pure water testing in analytical laboratories in accordance with ISO 3696 standard. It rigorously evaluates the quality parameters required to ensure the usability of pure water for analysis and performs tests with high accuracy at every stage. Thanks to ISO 17025 accreditation, test results are internationally recognized and the quality assurance requirements of pure water are accurately met. With its extensive instrumentation and expert technical team, it completes pure water testing efficiently and quickly. Thanks to its regulatory expertise, ISO 3696 and other legal requirements are fully met. Nanolab stands out as the address where quality, reliability and speed combine in pure water testing in analytical laboratories.