The Key Parameters Measured by an Online Turbidity Meter

The use of turbidity meters as an effective tool for water quality assessment has been widely recognized and employed across various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment plants. The ability of this instrument to measure the amount of suspended particles, such as sediments, bacteria, and algae, in a sample of water provides valuable information regarding its clarity and purity. An online turbidity meter is particularly useful for continuous monitoring and control of water quality, eliminating the need for manual and time-consuming methods of analysis. This article delves into the key parameters measured by an online turbidity meter.

1. What is Turbidity?

Turbidity refers to the degree of cloudiness or haziness in a liquid, caused by the presence of suspended particles such as clay, silt, bacteria, or other microscopic organisms that scatter light passing through it. Turbidity is expressed in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), a measure of the amount of light scattered by particles in water.

2. Instrument Calibration

To obtain accurate measurements, an online turbidity meter must be calibrated regularly. Calibration standards with known turbidity values are used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration process involves adjustments to the instrument's settings that ensures it is within allowable error limits as prescribed by the manufacturer.

3. Range and Resolution

The range and resolution of an online turbidity meter are significant parameters to consider. The range refers to the lowest and highest turbidity levels that the instrument can accurately measure, while resolution refers to the smallest increment of change that the instrument can detect within the measurement range. The range and resolution of the instrument should match the intended applications or requirements of the user, ensuring precise measurements.

4. Sampling and Flow Rate

The accuracy and precision of online turbidity measurements depend on the sampling and flow rate of the liquid passing through the instrument. The sampling mode and frequency affect the response time of the instrument, which is important in continuous monitoring applications, and the accuracy of the measurement. The flow rate through the instrument must remain constant to obtain stable readings.

5. Temperature and Particle Size

Temperature and particle size can significantly affect the accuracy and precision of turbidity readings. As temperature increases, the sensitivity of the instrument is reduced, causing a shift in the calibration curve. Furthermore, different particle sizes affect the light scattering properties of the sample, which can also result in errors in the measurements. The online turbidity meter must compensate for these factors to provide accurate readings.

In conclusion, the online turbidity meter is a useful tool for water quality monitoring. Its ability to provide continuous, accurate, and automatic measurements of water clarity and purity makes it an essential instrument in various industries. The key parameters measured by an online turbidity meter should be considered when selecting the most suitable instrument for your applications. It is essential to ensure that the instrument's calibration, range, resolution, sampling and flow rate, temperature, and particle size compensation meet the requirements of your applications. Regular maintenance and calibration of the instrument are also necessary to ensure accuracy and precision in measurements over time.