QAC

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC or Quats), and similar cationic detergents, are used as sanitising germicides in catering, the food and drinks industry and similar applications. The uses of these products include the washing of utensils and equipment, surface cleaning, dish-washing rinse water and other applications where germ free conditions must be maintained.

The Palintest Quatest method provides a simple means of measuring QAC levels in detergent use solutions over the range 0 - 500 mg/l active QAC. The Quatest test can also be used as a simple control test for QAC levels at 200 mg/l - a commonly used concentration.

The Quatest method was standardised using a recognized standard Quaternary Ammonium Compount consisting of n-alkyl (50% C₁₄, 40% C₁₂, 10% C₁₆) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Test results are expressed as "mg/l active QAC" in terms of this compound.

Commercial detergent products may contain different types of quaternary ammonium compounds or other cationic compounds in solutions of varying concentration, and may be formulated with other ingredients. To calculate the dosage of commercial products from the test result regard must be paid to the active content of the detergent in use.