What Is Turbidity Meter?
A turbidity meter is a device used to measure the clarity or “turbidity” of water. It is used to monitor water quality by measuring the amount of suspended particulates in the water. By using a turbidity monitor, it is possible to detect changes in the water’s turbidity over time, which can indicate changes in the water’s quality. This type of continuous measurement can help to ensure that water quality remains consistent and safe.
What Is Turbidity?
Turbidity is the measure of how much suspended material, such as sediment and other particulates, are present in a given body of water. It is typically measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) and is an important indicator of the overall condition of raw intake water. Online turbidity analyzers can measure this parameter, allowing for accurate and real-time monitoring.
What Does a Turbidity Meter Measure?
A turbidity meter measures the amount of suspended particles in the water by shining a light through the sample and measuring how much light is scattered back. The more particles present in the water, the higher the turbidity measurement will be.
Turbidity Meters In Canada:
In Canada, turbidity meters are often used to monitor the health of rivers and lakes, as well as drinking water supplies. By having a continuous online turbidity analyzer, it is possible to measure fluctuations in turbidity levels and make decisions accordingly. This helps ensure that water supplies are always safe for drinking and recreation.
The use of Online Turbidity Analyzers
Online turbidity analyzers provide continuous data to water plant operators. This data is used to determine the quality of intake water and the levels of chemical coagulant required for successful flocculation.
Online analyzers monitor continuously and the best option is a reagent free, zero contact system such as the ‘Swan AMI Turbiwell LED’ which enables zero contact (with the sample) continuous online turbidity monitoring.
This analyzer is equipped with advanced sensors that continuously measure the turbidity levels in a water source, providing operators with reliable and accurate readings that can be used to adjust treatment processes accordingly. Non-contact, EPA approved white light LED optical system is virtually maintenance-free. The system requires no calibration, uses no spare parts or consumables, and thus offers many years of low cost, practically maintenance-free turbidity monitoring.
What Are The Causes Of High Turbidity?
High turbidity can be caused by a variety of factors, including human activities such as farming and construction, natural processes such as erosion, and biological organisms such as plankton. Human activities that lead to high turbidity include the release of untreated sewage or fertilizer runoff into water sources, dredging and mining, and construction activities near bodies of water. Natural processes that cause increased turbidity include heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion of sediment.
How Do Turbidity Meters Work?
Turbidity meters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used both online and offline. Online turbidity analyzers provide continuous monitoring, making them ideal for applications such as drinking water treatment, cooling tower management, and industrial process control. Offline meters are typically portable and are well-suited for laboratory analysis and spot checks in the field.
It is important to remember that what a turbidity meter measures is not always the same as what the human eye perceives. For example, a turbidity meter may show high levels of suspended particulates in water, even though it looks clear to the naked eye. It is also important to choose a meter that is compatible with the source of the water being tested. There are various models available, such as those certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 50 or certified for use in Canada.