Product Overview
The YSI 251398Y DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder is designed for accurate measurement of free chlorine in water samples using a compatible colorimeter. Each pack contains 100 individual powder packs, with each pack formulated for a 5ml sample volume and capable of measuring free chlorine in the range of 0 to 3.5 mg/L.
This reagent utilizes the DPD (N,N-Diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method, which reacts with free chlorine to produce a magenta color, the intensity of which is proportional to the chlorine concentration and measured by a colorimeter.
Safety Information
Always handle chemical reagents with care. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product before use. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when handling the reagent powder. Avoid ingestion and contact with skin or eyes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Setup and Preparation
Before beginning any measurements, ensure you have the following:
- YSI 251398Y DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder pack
- Compatible colorimeter or spectrophotometer
- Clean sample cells/vials
- Deionized or distilled water for blanks and dilutions (if necessary)
- Water sample to be tested
- Timer
Preparation Steps:
- Ensure all glassware and sample cells are clean and free from contamination. Rinse with deionized water before use.
- Calibrate your colorimeter according to its specific instruction manual before use.
Operating Instructions
Follow these steps to accurately measure free chlorine using the YSI 251398Y DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder:
- Sample Collection: Collect a fresh water sample in a clean sample cell. The required volume is 5ml. Ensure the sample is representative of the water being tested.
- Add Reagent: Carefully tear open one YSI 251398Y DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder pack. Add the entire contents of the powder pack to the 5ml water sample in the sample cell.
- Mix: Cap the sample cell and invert several times to thoroughly mix the reagent with the sample. Ensure all powder dissolves completely. A magenta color will develop if free chlorine is present.
- Reaction Time: Allow a reaction time of 1 minute for the color to fully develop. Do not exceed 6 minutes, as color fading may occur, leading to inaccurate results.
- Measurement: Insert the prepared sample cell into your calibrated colorimeter. Follow your colorimeter's instructions to initiate the measurement. The colorimeter will display the free chlorine concentration in mg/L.
- Record Results: Record the measured free chlorine concentration.

Image: A single YSI DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder packet. This silver foil packet contains the pre-measured reagent powder for a single test. The text "VARIO.LIT Chlorine FREE-DPD" is visible on the packet, indicating its contents and purpose.
Maintenance and Storage
Proper storage and handling are crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the reagent powder:
- Storage: Store the reagent powder packs in their original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not store near strong acids or bases.
- Shelf Life: Refer to the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not use expired reagents, as they may yield inaccurate results.
- Disposal: Dispose of used reagent and sample solutions according to local environmental regulations. Consult your local authorities for proper chemical waste disposal procedures.
- Cleanliness: Always ensure sample cells and equipment are thoroughly cleaned after each use to prevent cross-contamination.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during testing, consider the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No color development | No free chlorine present; Expired reagent; Incorrect sample volume. | Verify sample contains chlorine; Check reagent expiration date; Ensure 5ml sample volume. |
| Fading color or inaccurate reading | Reaction time exceeded; Contaminated sample cell; Turbidity in sample. | Adhere strictly to 1-minute reaction time; Clean sample cells thoroughly; Filter turbid samples if necessary. |
| Inconsistent results | Improper mixing; Temperature variations; Colorimeter not calibrated. | Ensure complete dissolution of powder; Perform tests at consistent temperatures; Recalibrate colorimeter. |
Specifications
- Product Name: YSI DPD Free Chlorine Reagent Powder
- Model Number: 251398Y
- Reagent Type: DPD (N,N-Diethyl-p-phenylenediamine)
- Analyte: Free Chlorine (Cl2)
- Sample Volume: 5 ml
- Measurement Range: 0 to 3.5 mg/L (ppm)
- Packaging: Powder packs, 100 per pack
- Manufacturer: YSI
- ASIN: B00CMX0PDK
- Package Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
Warranty and Support
For information regarding product warranty, technical support, or to purchase additional reagents, please contact YSI customer service or visit the official YSI website. Refer to your purchase documentation for specific warranty terms and conditions.
YSI Contact Information:
- Website: www.ysi.com (Please note: This is a placeholder link, refer to official YSI documentation for exact contact details.)





