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Re: Testing Paper for VFA's

Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 2:20 pm
by joehem
Thanks

Yes, the only thing we have in our lab is the GC. We grind up the fiberglass in our pulper. We can physically see it in the paper as shinny circles I would guess at .002-.005" in diameter. Speculating smaller pieces are present. We have a 200 mesh screen ~.003" in our lab. My main need is to know if the visible concentrations are higher or lower in various areas of our water system. From what I read the human eye can see down to about .0016"

Re: Testing Paper for VFA's

Posted: Fri May 30, 2025 1:06 pm
by Peter Apps
Excellent!

Quick side question... we are trying to figure out how to measure fiberglass content in water. Our water has paper fibers, and a lot of calcium carbonate.... so we run up to 1080C in our lab oven ... everything burns off and a white powder is left. From what I read the calcium carbonate converts to calcium oxide above 825C. Working with our GC supplier they said since it wont burn the equipment can't measure concentrations. So we are trying to figure out if we can separate the calcium oxide from the fiberglass somehow. We have a very accurate lab scale that could measure the weight differences.
Acidify to dissolves the calcium carbonate, quantitatively filter off the paper and glass fibres, then ignite it, the residue will be glass fibres.