How to Measure DPD at Home — 5-Step Protocol

The DPD test is the only way to objectively measure molecular hydrogen in your water. No magic required: 5 steps, 90 seconds, a yellow reagent that turns purple depending on the H₂ concentration. Each ELITE 9K HYDROGENYX comes with an included DPD kit (10 capsules + graduated tube + color chart). This guide teaches you the Lyon 7ᵉ workshop protocol to validate your 9,000 PPB. No lab equipment needed.

Prerequisites

• Equipment: HYDROGENYX DPD kit (included in your box).
• Water: 25 ml from a freshly completed 7-min ELITE 9K cycle.
• Time: 90 seconds per measurement.
• Level: beginner, no chemistry required.

1. Step-by-step method — DPD protocol in 5 steps

Step 1 — Prepare the tube

Take the transparent graduated tube out of the kit. Rinse twice with filtered water. Never use tap water: residual chlorine distorts the measurement. Dry the outside.

Step 2 — Cycle the ELITE 9K

Fill the bottle with 250-300 ml of filtered water. Start a full 7-min cycle (blue LED flashes). Wait for the cycle to end (LED steady then off). The test must be done within 60 seconds after the end of the cycle to measure the H₂ peak.

Step 3 — Pour 25 ml into the tube

Pour gently up to the "25 ml" mark on the tube. Avoid splashing, which oxygenates the water and reduces the measurement. Pour in a steady stream along the side.

Step 4 — Add the DPD reagent

Break a HYDROGENYX DPD capsule over the tube (yellow powder). Cap immediately. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Place on a flat surface.

Step 5 — Read the color (30 sec)

Wait exactly 30 seconds. Compare to the included color chart:

• Pale yellow = 0-3,000 PPB (incomplete cycle or faulty cell).
• Pale pink = 3,000-6,000 PPB (water too hard or low battery).
• Strong pink = 6,000-8,500 PPB (good, slightly suboptimal).
• Violet = 8,500-9,200 PPB (nominal ELITE 9K).
• Deep violet = > 9,200 PPB (excellent, superior quality water).

2. Frequent errors

Error #1 — Reading after 1-2 minutes. The DPD reagent continues to react. Read EXACTLY at 30 seconds (time it). Beyond that, a false positive deep violet color change occurs.

Error #2 — Unrinsed tube. Previous residues (tap chlorine, soap) distort the measurement by 20-30%. Always 2 rinses with filtered water + external drying.

Error #3 — Water tested too late after the cycle. H₂ dissipates by -30% in 5 min, -50% in 15 min. It is imperative to test within 60 seconds.

Error #4 — Expired DPD capsule. DPD reagents lose their reactivity after 18 months of being open. Check the expiration date on the sachet (printed batch). Replacement capsules available free of charge under warranty at /products.

Error #5 — Reading under warm light. Yellow bulb distorts color perception. Always read in daylight or neutral white LED (4000K).

3. FAQ — Your 5 frequent questions

Q1. How often should I test?
Once a month routinely. More if a perceived drop in quality or after descaling.

Q2. Why does my test only show pink?
3 causes: water too hard (filter), battery < 30% (recharge), or cell at end of life. Perform a gentle descaling then re-test.

Q3. Does the DPD test really measure hydrogen?
Indirectly. DPD reacts to reducing species (including dissolved H₂). Method adopted by 90% of H₂ manufacturers. Laboratory reference = gas chromatography, beyond public reach.

Q4. Can I test water from another H₂ generator?
Yes, DPD kit is universal for hydrogenated water. Measurement is valid regardless of the brand.

Q5. How much do replacement capsules cost?
Free during the 5-year warranty (10 capsules / year). Beyond that: €19 for 50 capsules.

Switch to ELITE 9K — DPD-validated · 9,000 PPB guaranteed

The ELITE 9K HYDROGENYX is the only bottle on the market that comes with an included DPD kit. Validate your 9,000 PPB of molecular hydrogen with every measurement. SPE/PEM platinum-titanium cell, 7 min cycle, 5-year warranty, 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Lyon 7ᵉ workshop, free delivery in France in 6-10 days.

Discover the ELITE 9K →

Paul Fournier, founder HYDROGENYX. Lyon 7ᵉ workshop. 320+ peer-reviewed studies referenced on molecular hydrogen. 1,988 verified reviews 4.7/5. La Source — HYDROGENYX Journal.