Turbidity Analysers

 

Precision turbidity analysers for critical water quality monitoring applications

 

What is Turbidity?

Turbidity is the measure of the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, primarily water, caused by the presence of suspended particles. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, scatter and absorb light, preventing it from passing through the water clearly and giving it a cloudy appearance. A turbidity meter is used to quantify this cloudiness, making it an essential tool in water quality assessment. Turbidity is an important parameter because it affects the aesthetic quality of water, its suitability for drinking, and the health of aquatic ecosystems. High levels of turbidity can also hinder the effectiveness of disinfection processes in water treatment by shielding harmful pathogens from ultraviolet (UV) light or chemical sanitisers. Therefore, turbidity is a key indicator used in water quality monitoring and regulation.

 

Monitoring Turbidity with a Turbidity Analyser

Monitoring turbidity is a critical control function in water treatment and industrial water systems. A turbidity analyser provides continuous measurement of suspended particles by detecting light scatter, enabling operators to verify filtration performance and respond immediately to process variations.

Elevated turbidity is not simply an aesthetic concern. Increased suspended solids can indicate filter breakthrough, membrane fouling or upstream instability. In drinking water treatment, high turbidity can shield microorganisms from disinfection, reducing treatment effectiveness and increasing compliance risk. In industrial applications, particulate loading can foul membranes, reduce UV efficiency, contaminate high-purity systems and accelerate wear on boilers and heat exchangers.

Turbidity monitoring equipment is typically installed at key control points throughout a treatment process, including raw water intake, post-filtration stages and prior to final disinfection or discharge. By verifying each treatment barrier in real time, turbidity analysers support regulatory compliance in New Zealand while protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining consistent water quality performance.

 

Turbidity Analyser: Non-Contact Online Nephelometer

Swan Analytical Instruments has emerged as a leader in the water quality monitoring sector, particularly with its Turbiwell series, which showcases high precision in turbidity measurement through its innovative non-contact nephelometric technology. This infrared design aligns with ISO 7027 (EN 27027, DIN 38404) standards and the white light version is EPA 180.1 approved, ensuring accuracy and reliability in measuring turbidity levels.

What sets the Swan Analytical Turbiwell apart in the market is its non-contact measurement approach. Unlike traditional methods that require water samples to come into direct contact with sensors or measurement devices, the Turbiwell series utilises advanced optical technology to analyse water without physical interaction. This feature significantly reduces the risk of contamination and wear on the device, thereby enhancing longevity and maintaining consistent accuracy over time. The application of such technology is particularly beneficial in both potable water and wastewater treatment contexts.

For potable water, ensuring low turbidity is crucial for achieving aesthetic quality and safety standards, as high turbidity levels can harbour harmful microorganisms and hinder disinfection processes. The Turbiwell’s ability to provide continuous, real-time monitoring allows for immediate adjustments in treatment protocols, ensuring that drinking water remains safe for consumption.

In the realm of wastewater treatment, the non-contact approach is equally valuable, offering a robust solution for monitoring effluent quality and ensuring compliance with environmental discharge regulations. By leveraging the Monitor AMI Turbiwell, treatment facilities can optimise their processes, reduce operational costs, and contribute to the protection of public health and the environment, underscoring the instrument’s standout position in the market.

 

Turbidity Analyser: Portable Handheld Turbidimeter

The Chematest, a cutting-edge portable water analysis system, has expanded its capabilities to include turbidity measurement, marking a significant advancement in field testing technology. This feature enhances the handheld instrument’s utility for comprehensive water quality assessments, particularly in environments where access is limited. The integration of turbidity measurement into the Chematest 42 leverages a nephelometric method, which involves assessing the intensity of scattered light at a specific angle, caused by particles suspended in the water. This method aligns with standard protocols for turbidity assessment, ensuring accurate and reliable results. By offering turbidity measurement alongside its existing capabilities to analyse various chemical parameters, the Chematest 42 provides water treatment professionals and quality control technicians with a complete picture of water quality in real-time. This multi-parameter approach facilitates immediate decision-making on-site, significantly benefiting water treatment processes, environmental monitoring, and compliance with regulatory standards for both drinking water and wastewater.

Turbidity Analyser FAQs

 

Turbidity Analysers