Xiaomi tds water quality tester. Water hardness analyzer XIAOMI MI TDS: design features and principle of operation

Since water is the basis of life and we, due to the peculiarities of our physiology, have to consume it without fail, it would be nice to be able, if not at a professional, then at least at a household level, to assess its quality. An inexpensive device from a fairly well-known Chinese manufacturer - Xiaomi MI TDS Pen will help in this. What kind of tester is this and how it works - this will be our conversation.

What is being measured?

One of the most important indicators of water quality is the degree of its mineralization. This term refers to the amount of various inorganic impurities - individual trace elements and their compounds, per unit volume of liquid. special case- the so-called hardness salts, which are commonly called calcium and magnesium compounds. When water is heated, they partially crystallize and are deposited in the form of scale, which we can see in the kettle and on the heating elements of boilers and washing machines.

Not only hardness salts, but also other mineral impurities, and these include the infamous heavy metals today, with an excess content, they have negative impact on the health of the consumer. One of the most striking examples is the formation of kidney stones and bladder. There are other violations:

deterioration in the condition of the hair;
tooth decay, etc.

Therefore, it is extremely important to have data on the degree of mineralization of drinking water consumed over a long period of time.

In our country, the content of mineral impurities is usually measured in milligram equivalents per liter (mg-eq / l). Abroad, this parameter is called Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which translates as "the total content of dissolved solids". The TDS of water is measured in units of “Parts per million” (PPM), which translates as “parts per million”. Xiaomi TDS water tester featured in this material, shows the degree of mineralization in these units. The ratio of domestic and "imported" units of measurement is as follows: 1 meq/l = 50.05 PPM.

What is considered normal

The requirements for the degree of mineralization of drinking water are prescribed in the SanPiN document ( sanitary regulations and norms) No. 2.1.4.1074-01. According to him, the concentration of mineral impurities should not exceed 7 mg-eq / l, which is equivalent to 350 PPM. On the box in which the TDS quality tester is packed Xiaomi water MI TDS Pen, there is a "Water Quality" table with the following gradation:

Up to 50 PPM: water that can be conditionally considered distilled. It is obtained using reverse osmosis plants and distillers. Some experts do not recommend drinking water with low mineral content, believing that it can greatly disrupt the electrolyte and salt balance in the body. But this point of view has not yet been proven and it has both supporters and opponents. We will not delve into the scientific jungle, but we note that a well-known propagandist drank distilled water and recommended drinking healthy lifestyle life of Paul Bragg. As you know, he drowned at the age of more than 80 years while surfing, which in itself indicates remarkable health.
Between 50 and 170 PPM: pure water, which can be found in some natural sources or obtained using a charcoal filter.
Between 170 and 300 PPM: hard water, which can be considered limited.
Between 300 and 600 PPM: Extremely hard water not recommended for drinking.
Between 600 and 1000 PPM: Not only is the water harmful, it also has a noticeable bad taste.
Above 1000 PPM: the water is not suitable for continuous drinking.

Description of the device

The Xiaomi water tester looks like a marker or an electrothermometer. On the ends there are caps:

a container for batteries is hidden under one of them;
under the other - a temperature sensor and two titanium electrodes (they have anti-corrosion resistance).

The cap on the side of the sensors is designed in such a way that water can be scooped into it.

In the middle part of the body there are:

small display;
power button (on / off);
button labeled "TDS" (taking measurements);
a clip with which the device can be hooked onto a patch pocket.

The case itself is made of shiny plastic. These materials are known to scratch quite easily, so you would expect this TDS meter to wear out relatively quickly. But with its cost - from 5.3 USD on the official website to 7.7 USD in some online stores - this drawback can be considered quite tolerable.

In its action, the Xiaomi TDS water tester is similar to a conventional ohmmeter: it determines the electrical conductivity of water, for which a voltage of several volts is applied to the electrodes immersed in it. Pure distilled water is known to be a dielectric. And some impurities present in the form of ions give it the ability to conduct electricity. The higher the content of such impurities, the lower the electrical resistance of water.

The water analyzer detects the following substances:

Salts of calcium, magnesium and other alkaline earth metals.
Ions of heavy metals - lead, chromium, copper, zinc, etc.
Some organic impurities, such as ammonium acetate.

As you can see, the list is quite modest, especially when compared with professional analysis: in Western European countries, drinking water is tested according to 60 parameters, in the USA - according to 90. Thus, the Xiaomi MI TDS Pen water tester cannot be considered as a means for a full-fledged quality check water - bacterial contamination, benzene, cadaveric poison and many other toxic substances are not identified by him.

This device is a TSD factor meter. If you need to check the water, for example, from a well, you should contact a specialized laboratory.

AlthoughXiaomi TDS water tester is equipped with a temperature sensor, it does not display the temperature. This sensor is needed in order to correctly determine the PPM indicator, because water with the same salt concentration at different temperatures will have different electrical conductivity.

The temperature accounting function is referred to as "Auto Temperature Compensation". If it were not there, then in order to obtain accurate readings, the water under study would have to be heated or cooled to a certain temperature, say, + 200C.

Specifications

Tester dimensions: 150x16x16 mm.

Weight: 27.4 g

Battery type: push-button, AG13 or LR44, with a voltage of 1.5 V and a total capacity of 160 mAh (2 pcs.).

Measurement accuracy: within 2%.

The temperature of the investigated water, at which the measurement error does not exceed 2%: from 0 to +800C.

How to use the device?

Using the TDS meter is extremely simple: turning it on, you need to immerse the sensors in water or scoop it into the cap, and then press the "TDS" button. At the same time, a number will light up on the display, showing the concentration of impurities in PPM units. The reading will fluctuate at first, but after a few seconds the final value will be set.

The matrix is designed for three digits, but if the indicator exceeds 1000 PPM, then the additional “x10” icon will light up (multiply by 10). Thus, the water tester can objectively display the degree of mineralization up to and including 9990 PPM.

If the device is idle for 2 minutes, it will turn itself off.

Who needs a water tester from Xiaomi

This device will help determine the suitability of water for:

eating;
filling the aquarium;
applications in appliances such as irons (steamers), steam generators and ultrasonic humidifiers.

It will come in handy both for people who do not use filters, and for those who have such installations: with the help of a water tester, you can accurately determine whether it is time to change the cartridges.

Video review

It is believed that if the mineralization of water after filtration is 8-10 times lower than before it, the cartridges are fully functional.

A separate issue is hardness salts. Many mistakenly believe that you can get rid of them by boiling. In fact, only magnesium and calcium bicarbonates turn into hard scale. Chlorides and sulfates remain in solution and enter the body. Therefore, even after boiling, the TDS of water is desirable to control.

Do not think that the problem of excessive mineralization is relevant only for residents big cities that are supplied with water from surface water bodies. Any natural source, regardless of proximity to industrial regions, can be overmineralized.

Even artesian water in some regions contains a large number of some elements, for example, iron, which requires iron removal measures before eating. Water in a mountain stream may well have a TDS of over 1000 PPM (one of the Xiaomi MI TDS Pen users was convinced of this), so this device will also come in handy for tourists.

Do you need such a device? Leave your opinion in the comments!

Xiaomi Mi TDS pen is indispensable, easy to manage and very useful device, for systematic monitoring of water quality

Allows you to test your water at home to see if it needs water treatment.

Externally, the device looks like electronic thermometer. But in addition to temperature, it is able to measure the content of heavy metals in water, organic substances and the mineralization of water in general, to assess its overall purity.

What is the water quality at home? Test before use!

Initially, xiaomi was engaged in the production of software and smartphones, but quickly realized that all sorts of technology brings good profit went on to create devices for the home. In this review, we will consider an interesting thing - the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester pen. Alas, today this device can be considered a necessity for residents of large cities.

We cannot figure out the purity of drinking water with the naked eye, it would seem in crystal clear water
contains a lot of impurities, the TDS value represents the total content of soluble solids in water, Mi TDS can reflect the water quality to a certain extent. Generally, a lower TDS value indicates less presence of water soluble heavy metal salts, thus cleaner and better water quality. Mi TDS Pen detects water quality and can accurately determine the TDS value of water.

Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen despite its functionality has reasonable price when buying in the online store.

What is Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen?

The water contains substances for measuring the total mineralization of water (TDS - total dissolved solids). This means that thanks to the device, you can find out if and in what size the water contains:

heavy metals (lead, chromium, copper, zinc);
inorganic salts (magnesium, calcium);
organic compounds(ammonium acetate).
The total mineralization of water is measured in parts per million or ppm (parts per million).

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

TDS values below 600 mg/l are generally considered good quality water and recommended to drink
When the TDS value exceeds 1000 mg/l, there will be a significant change in the taste of drinking water.

To clarify: if Xiaomi Mi TDS pen shows us 250 ppm, it means that millions of water particles contain 250 molecules of unwanted substances. By the way, this is a normal result, relatively safe for the body.

Xiaomi Mi TDS water analyzer pen can measure from 0 to 1000ppm.

There is a special table for decoding the measurement results:

0-50 ppm (mg/l) ultrapure water (distilled if possible);
50-100 ppm (mg/l) - pure (filtered) water;
100-300 ppm (mg / l) - ordinary (tap) water that has undergone initial treatment;
300-600 ppm (mg / l) - hard water;
600-1000 ppm (mg / l) - hard water is undrinkable, but not poison;
1000 ppm (mg/L) is the hazardous liquid value.

Who can use Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen?

It's pretty easy to find practical use water analyzer. The most obvious option is to use a tester to check the quality of filtered water. This is due to xiaomi mi tds pen, you can simply replace the cartridge in the filter jug or reverse osmosis filter during the replacement.

The thing is, cartridge manufacturers always make recommendations when you need to replace this accessory, but practice (and tester) shows that cartridge sellers care too much about their pockets. Sometimes when using a cartridge, even twice its expiration date, xiaomi mi tds pen shows quite normal ppm water values. At the same time, the recommendations of filter manufacturers are obvious: the more often you replace the cartridge, the more money will fall into their accounts.

You can check ordinary tap water and water from open reservoirs with xiaomi Mi TDS pen. In any case, the manufacturer positions the device as universal. But it should be noted that if tap water first goes through a certain amount of cleansing and is conditionally considered good for drinking, then water from wells, rivers, lakes and other sources can include a bunch of organic and inorganic substances, bacteria and impurities, which will not be determined in the analyzer. As a result, the tester will show a good result, but the water will be undrinkable. For this reason, it is impossible to consider xiaomi mi tds pen universal tool.

Who else needs a water test tool and why:

those who live in areas with very hard water, the consumption of which leads to the formation of kidney and bladder stones;
before pouring water into the iron;
aquarists add only correct water, purified from hardness salts.

Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester device

The Xiaomi Mi TDS pen resembles an ordinary electronic thermometer, which is closed on both sides of the lid. On one side, lr44 batteries are inserted into the device (they are included in the kit), and on the other side, there are 2 special titanium probes. Titanium provides resistance to corrosion of the instrument and high accuracy.

The analyzer is turned on and off with a single button. For analysis, it is enough to lower the device into a container with water from the side of the probe. The display on the side of the Mi TDS Pen will show the measurement result.

The instrument can be calibrated and is said to be very easy and simple to do. I think that there are still some difficulties - the question remains, where to get the standard for calibration. The only thing that comes to mind is water for injection from a pharmacy, by default, it is ultra-pure, distilled, and therefore well suited for our purposes.

As you know, water temperature always affects the error in determining the mineralization index. To account for this parameter, the analyzer can measure the heating level of the liquid. However, for some reason, manufacturers have decided that users do not need to measure water temperatures, since it is not displayed on the display tester, but simply “take into account”.

So just to keep you informed, here's another example: if you take a hot and cold water from the same faucet in the same apartment, the difference in instrument readings will be about 50-60 ppm. Naturally, hot water will show worse results.

Most likely, the problem is not that xiaomi mi tds pen does not remove errors well due to temperature. There are usually two pipes - one with cold (drinking) water, and the second with hot (usually considered technical). In fact, we are talking about liquids with different mineral composition. It is not surprising that the device will show different meanings TDS.

By the way, the water from the reverse osmosis filter shows the content harmful substances about 20-30ppm. After the water pitcher filter, the TDS value is approximately 150-170 ppm (this is normal). Mineral Waters usually show up to 300 ppm this is a fact and minerals, because sometimes you need to use salt, which is good for the body.

Buy Xiaomi Mi TDS water quality tester

Conclusion

That's all cool in this device, but it is still far from perfect. For those who want to control the quality of filtered water, xiaomi mi tds pen is suitable. First you need to measure the mineral and salt composition of water before and after filtration.

Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen is a very well known product in our country Xiaomi company. This is a water tester for the content of solids (mineralization) in it. "Xiaomi products will continue to improve your quality of life!" is a beautiful and inspiring slogan of the company, and you can buy the Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen water tester in our online store with delivery.

How does a water quality tester work

Clean water is becoming one of the main values on the planet. We all know that the drinking water that flows from our faucet is difficult to trust. Xiaomi Mi TDSPen is a device capable of measuring the concentration of particulate matter. This concept includes salts (ions of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other metals), as well as impurities of ammonium acetate, sulfates, organic compounds, heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pl, Cu) and their ions.

Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen water tester measures TDS. This English abbreviation means Total Dissolved Solid, literally "the amount of dissolved solids." The TDS indicator is displayed in ppm, that is, parts per million, the number of impurity molecules per milligram / liter. The measurement range of PPM in our drinking water tester varies from 0 to 9990. For those who are interested, ppm is translated into water hardness indicators accepted in our country as 0.02 meq / l.

We will also give a list from which it will become clear how to determine the quality of water.

0-5 ppm - too "clean" water, this is also not recommended for drinking (yes, healthy water should be slightly mineralized).
50-100 - the best water for health, equivalent to spring, filtered, (purchased bottled should be within these limits).
100-300 - drinking water with safe mineralization, what should be in our water supply.
300-600 ppm - drinking water, not recommended for consumption.
From 1000 - water, harmful to health.

How to use the tester

The shape of the tester is similar to a pen, which is clear from the name Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen. Length 150 mm, diameter 16 mm. The measuring element is made of titanium. The tester is powered by two AG13 batteries (tablet). The body is completely sealed.

The device is very easy to use. You just need to lower the Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen into the water to be tested and press the button. The TDS reading will be displayed on the small LCD display. The tester will automatically turn off after 2 minutes.

Good day dear readers,

This review is dedicated to another water hardness tester (TDS tester) from famous company Xiaomi.

Who cares - welcome under the cat

So what is it?

This device measures the hardness of water. There are several but. This is not a laboratory instrument, and the measurement is based on the measurement of water resistance, but it is measured by the TDS device, which stands for Total Dissolved Solids - the total content of dissolved solids. Some call it a "salt meter", because salt fits perfectly into the definition of what the device measures.
The lower the reading of the device, the better, the units change from 0 to 1000, but if the reading is more than 1000 (units per million particles), water is not recommended to be consumed.

Let's start

The device comes in a small cardboard box. This is not a grandiose package like caps, but it’s stylish, it’s not for nothing that some people call Xiaomi the Chinese Apple.

The device looks very simple, but it is made with high quality. There is a company logo on the battery cover, and the measuring contacts are under another matte cap.

The device is sold with pre-installed batteries.

Contacts that make the measurements themselves. The manufacturer claims that they are made of titanium (I remind you that they are especially good at oxidation) and there is also thermal compensation. If it is, then it happens "behind the scenes", since the screen shows only the data of this very TDS.

Comparison with handles will give an idea of the size of the device. The screen is small, but the numbers are clearly visible even at an angle. The only button turns the device on and off - a short press turns it on, a long press turns it off.

Some measurements.

It is extremely simple to measure - we dip the contacts into water and almost immediately the measurement result appears on the screen. The results "float", but only by plus or minus 5 units, at least this is how it happens with my device.
- Water in the tap in the office where I work - 480
Water in the filter-cooler in the office (checked on several floors in different coolers) - 320-360
Water in the tap at home (I live in another city, not where the office is, according to Israeli concepts far) - 180
House water after filter Brita - 160
Water after the filter built into the refrigerator (something with coconut fibers ..) - 170
Mineral water Neviot - 220

Conclusions, results

Well, personally, I am very pleased with the device, if only because now I can know when to change filters not only according to the calendar, but also according to the quality of the water itself. Well, over time I will pick up mineral water with the lowest TDS.

Thanks for attention.
Offers? Remarks? Criticism? Please write, I will be happy to help.

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review is published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.

I plan to buy +65 Add to favourites Liked the review +14 +46

A well-known Chinese smartphone manufacturer began to expand its product range and released a number of electronic devices that monitor the content of dissolved particles of various substances in liquid media.

One of these models fell into our hands, and we prepared a review of the design of the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester with a test of its performance in various conditions operation, backed it up with explanatory pictures, diagrams and a video.

The topic is important, it concerns the health of every person, we recommend that you read and express your opinion.

Purpose

The task of the water tester is to determine the impurities of various substances in it:

simple, double and mixed salts;
all types of metals, especially copper, zinc, chromium, iron;
organic components such as ammonium acetates.

Appearance and layout

The instrument is supplied in cardboard box rectangular shape with instructions printed directly on it Chinese.

Read and understand.

Package

The Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester is placed in the recess of a cardboard box.

Dimensions

Its dimensions are comparable to a pencil or ballpoint pen and resemble their shape. For this reason, the word Pen has been added to the title.

external organs

The case is made of light plastic. It contains:

power control button;
indicator board;
protective tip of electrodes;
cover for the battery compartment.

Instrument power supply

When you press the button of the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester, the indicator lights up and at the same time the state of the electrical medium located between the electrodes is automatically measured.

The photograph shows that the electrodes of the device with the cap removed are in the air, and its circuit gives a zero reading - “0 PPM”.

To operate the Xiaomi Mi TDS tester, two pill-shaped batteries are placed in the power socket under the cover near the indicator board.

electrodes

Contact sockets for water test are mounted on the opposite side of the housing in an internal socket.

Test technology

To measure the amount of impurities, Xiaomi Mi TDS must be lowered into the controlled liquid to the level of a thickening on the case. Then a current will flow through it, the value of which will make it possible to judge the electrical conductivity of the medium.

This principle reminds me very much when power is supplied to the circuit from a stabilized voltage source and the value of the electrical resistance is judged by the value of the current flowing through the circuit.

Like this small appliance performs a count of the number of impurity particles in a different way, I can not imagine. Calculating the number of foreign matter contaminants in milligrams per liter of test water from one microscopic dust speck is simply not realistic.

It turns out that Xiaomi specialists have identified a pattern between electrical resistance water and its degree of mineralization. According to its dependence, the device gives its readings.

Normative base

To rely on legislative framework the developments of US specialists from the Environmental Protection Agency for the protection of health and environment.

The device during the test shows total number particles dissolved in a liquid medium by an indirect method based on its electrical conductivity.

Instrument testing

I will show the work of the Xiaomi Mi TDS salt meter using the example of water measurements:

from the tap in the kitchen;
inside a barrel for watering plants in a country house, into which streams of rain from a slate roof are collected;
from a village well.

Plumbing test

Result 341 ppm. It is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as an acceptable option when water must be boiled for consumption. Which is what we usually do.

Rainwater

Here it turned out very interesting test with a result of only 33 ppm. This is taking into account the fact that summer is now in full swing, and water is constantly consumed and replenished. There is no question of any cleanup.

The barrel is rusty. Watering cans that are used for irrigation are placed directly on the ground. The dirt on them is clearly visible, and it falls directly into the water. It does not harm plants. In addition, the old slate is made from asbestos, the carcinogenic properties of which are widely known.

Judging by my own logic, I would never drink such water. However, the marketers of the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester advertise it as ideal for drinking.

There are clear contradictions real life and advertising marketing policy.

The result of measurement directly in the well bucket is 340 ppm. Almost coincided with the result of the test from the water supply. The difference is only one unit.

People often drink this water raw, even without boiling. Among the neighbors in the dacha there are several residents over the age of 90, leading a rural lifestyle and working in the garden. They do not experience harm from such a composition of minerals.

Boiled well water test

The ppm dropped to 261, which was to be expected.

Other experiments

Effect of temperature on the test

Heating slightly increases the electrical conductivity, and cooling in the refrigerator decreases it. The device reacts to the temperature of the liquid, but slightly, which fully meets the basic physical laws.

Salt or Sugar Addition Test

Plain salt and sugar can very easily go off scale on the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester. He reacts very well to their number.

Own conclusions

Xiaomi Mi TDS marketers recommend their products as consumer electronics that allow you to control drinking water and ensure your health and longevity. They successfully urge the population to buy a tester at a price that is quite affordable for many. They make a profit on sales.

An advertising campaign has been launched on the Internet, and YouTube users have published many videos on his test. Look at the work of Alexei Ignatiev “Review of the Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester” and most importantly, read the comments on it from people who do not fall for marketing tricks, have their own opinion.

I believe that this electronic measuring device fully functional as technical means measurements of the electrical conductivity of a liquid medium. But drawing conclusions about water intake based on his test readings is quite dangerous: there are still a lot of other factors that he simply does not analyze. Microbes, viruses, non-conductive impurities can cause harm to health.

The Xiaomi Mi TDS water tester evaluates only one parameter unbiasedly. And the complex of others should take into account the human mind. In our body, it is necessary to maintain an optimal balance minerals. The use of water without minerals over time leads to leaching of the body and disease. Therefore, since ancient times, people go to healing springs and improve their health there, even according to the recommendations of official medicine.

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