Measuring PPM ( Parts per Million )
Colloidal Silver Concentration

This section provides information documenting the various methods used to attempt to measure the concentration ( PPM ) of "home-brewed" colloidal silver. However, it should be noted that there is no way to properly and accurately measure or classify colloidal silver without professional testing. There is even a great discrepancy between results obtained from different labs who have tested the same products.

Methods Commonly Used to Determine Concentration/Strength of Home Colloidal Silver

Laser Light Pen

Utilizing a laser light after colloidal silver production is a favorite method utilized by "home-brewers". While using a laser light to detect a tyndall effect in no way indicates the total concentration of colloidal silver, it does have several uses.

1. The presence of a tyndall effect indicates minute particles in suspension. When creating colloidal silver via the electrolysis method in distilled water, the tyndall effect demonstrates that the production of colloidal silver has been successful. Since most colloidal silver produced via LVDC ( Low Voltage Direct Current ) is between 80 - 85% ionic, the presence of a tyndal effect indicates the presence of both silver particles and ionic silver.

[ strong tyndall effect in a clear isolated silver solution ]

2. The tyndall effect via a laser light pen can provide those experienced with a method of quality control. Through trial and error, a user gains a feel for how strong a product is and should be, and the silver solution may be meticulously studied for tiny silver flakes and other particulate contaminants. Laser lights and video camera may be utilized to study how silver particles are dispersed into the water during production.

Pure Water Testing Meter ( Hanna PWT Meter )

Utilizing a Hanna PWT Meter to estimate the PPM of colloidal silver is one of the most valueable methods available without access to a laboratory.

Before making colloidal silver, the quality of the distilled water is measured. The best distilled water for making colloidal silver will read below 1.0 on the Hanna PWT Meter. The purest water we've tested ( via our own distillation ) read 0.2uS.

Since the PWT meter actually measures conductivity, near-accurate results depend upon the purity of the water, silver, and cleanliness of all equipment used during colloidal silver production.

Once the distilled water is checked for quality, it is a good idea to add the distilled water to the production vessel ( the colloidal silver generator ), wait about 2 minutes, and then re-check for contamination.

Make a note of the final reading. After production, let the colloidal silver sit for awhile, between 15 mins and an hour. Test the final product.

The equation for estimating the PPM of the colloidal silver is as follows:

( Final Meter Reading - Initial Distilled Water Reading ) X Adjustment/Conversion Factor = PPM Colloidal Silver.

A standard conversion factor used by many producers is 1.2; however, this number will not be entirely accurate, and depends upon many variables that cannot be easily isolated. The 1.2 specification applies to Silvergen Colloidal Silver Generators specifically, and was developed by comparing a laboratory analysis ( total silver content measured in PPM ) with readings from the Hanna PWT meter. Silvergen colloidal silver is 80-85% ionic, 15%-20% particulate. Keep in mind that the Hanna PWT meter will not register any particulate silver in the CS product; this is why a conversion factor is required.

Even if one has not had batches tested to properly classify and measure colloidal silver concentration, the Hanna PWT meter is still an excellent tool to assist the homebrewer with quality control. By making notes and developing a baseline, one can at least be certain that an end batch is within acceptable parameters.

View our Next Section: Properly Classifying Colloidal Silver | Analytical Studies

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