Turbidity Meter, Turbidimeter - TurbSense®
The turbidity meter from Pi is the world’s only probe based turbidity meter with a resolution of 0.001NTU. It achieves this through its patented technology that complies with international standard ISO 7027 at the same time that it sets the standard in stability and low maintenance.
The patent relates to the measurement of the emitted light as well as the received light allowing the TurbSense® turbidimeter to vary the light output. Doing this allows for the mathematical correction for zero, zero drift, aging optics and fouling windows. The TurbSense® self-calibrates every time it takes a reading and therefore it is only necessary to check the calibration every several months.
- Excellent resolution – 0.001 NTU
- The simplicity of a probe
- Great value for money
- Long term reliability
- AutoClean capability
- Solid Secondary Standards – 0.9 NTU and 18 NTU
- AutoClean solid state optical sensor – no moving parts
- Single point calibration – very easy to use
- Stable and reliable – excellent process control
- Suitable for all potable, waste and process waters between 0 NTU and 1000 NTU
- ‘Maintenance free’ – low cost of ownership
- No ‘zero’ required – improved accuracy at the low end
- Several flow cell mounting options – easy installation
- Up to 1 year between calibration – very little drift
- Up to 10 bar – for inline operation
- 0.001 NTU resolution
- Automatic debubbling and bubble removal solutions – no interference from bubbles
- Available with different controllers – controlling costs, remote access, multi-sensor, multi-parameter options
Anywhere where the measurement range is 0.01-1000 NTU (approx 0-2000 mg/l, application dependent) is a suitable application for the TurbSense® online turbidity meter.
Traditional online turbidity monitoring applications where the TurbSense® is particularly suited:
- Raw water inlet
- Settled water turbidity
- Final water turbidity
- Wastewater effluent turbidity
- Fire hydrant monitoring
- Swimming pool clarity monitoring
Calibration of the TurbSense® is simple and fast. Due to the patented method of measuring turbidity, calibration is only required every year or when a calibration check suggests that the calibration has changed. There are three ways to calibrate the TurbSense®.
The first is to place the sensor probe into a primary calibration standard inside the calibration chamber supplied. This primary calibration solution is likely to be a solution of Formazin or a suspension of Latex beads of known turbidity.
The second is by using a Secondary Standard from Pi. This is a solid that when placed against the end of the TurbSense® will give a response of a known turbidity (this secondary standard can be used to calibrate the turbidity sensor and also to provide a check of the calibration already in the probe).
The third way to calibrate a turbidity meter is to measure the turbidity of the sample using a handheld turbidity meter and using that result to calibrate the TurbSense®.
Each sensor has a light source, a side detector for the measurement of scattered light from the sample and a reference detector for monitoring the light output. The light source is a long-life IR LED emitter suitable for 15 years continuous use. By varying the light output it is possible to correct the signal for window fouling, zero, zero drift and electronics drift. This patented technique is how the TurbSense® breaks all norms for a probe based sensor in terms of performance.
The probes are made of stainless steel and sapphire so can work almost anywhere. An AutoClean flushing system can be included to keep the optical surfaces clean, thereby reducing maintenance to a potential ‘maintenance free’.
The TurbSense® online turbidity meter is suitable for dip monitoring and mounting in a debubbling flow cell whch can be pressured or not, depending on the likelihood of there being nucleating bubbles. Entrained bubbles can be removed using the debubbler.
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>> Small Water Treatment Plant Monitoring for Chlorine, pH and Turbidity
>> TurbSense® for Online Turbidity Monitoring
Document | Type | Size |
---|---|---|
TurbSense® | Brochure | 631kB |
TurbSense® Calibration | Article | 942kB |
TurbSense® Secondary Standards | Technical Note | 676kB |
TurbSense® Mounting Options | Technical Note | 948kB |
US Turbidity Trial | Article | 924kB |
Bubbles in Turbidity | Technical Note | 584kB |
Overcoming ‘Noise’ and Establishing a ‘Zero’ | Technical Note | 677kB |
Secondary Standards Instructions | Technical Note | 563kB |
Probe Fouling | Technical Note | 459kB |
FAQs
What is the difference between turbidity and suspended solids?
What is the best way to calibrate my TurbSense®?
Why are the TurbSense® windows made of sapphire?
Is there a maximum temperature that TurbSense® can be used at?
Yes, 50°C or 120°F. This is because the electronics inside the TurbSense® will start to degrade in temperatures higher than that.
What is turbidity in water?
Turbidity in water is a measure of how cloudy the water is, and is used in making clean water for people to drink.
Can I put a TurbSense® sensor in a pipe?
Yes, but there are factors end users should consider because the reliable operation of the sensor depends upon a powerful light source and sensitive optics. Reflections from walls and bends in pipes can cause problems in accuracy, so the turbidity of the process stream, the diameter of the pipe and the material used will need to be taken into account.
Larger diameter pipes and those made of less reflective materials are better; additionally, the higher the turbidity the more likely pipe insertion will be effective. At >200NTU, putting a TurbSense® into a pipe shouldn’t be a problem.
I am thinking about buying a TurbSense®. Is there anything else I should think about?
Many users who purchase TurbSense® use our AutoClean option to ensure optimum performance; pressurized water cleans the sensor head on a user designed schedule which greatly reduces maintenance times. Ideally the sensor should not be placed in direct sunlight as this can affect the reliability of the sensor.
What is the purpose of the TurbSense® flow chamber?
The specially designed flow chamber provides the ideal environment for the TurbSense®. It removes entrained bubbles, is sealed against ambient light and its black polypropylene construction eliminates internal reflections. It also allows the sensor to be incorporated into a sample line along with other sensors.
Open flow cell
For samples with no nucleating or entrained bubbles and an atmospheric drain.
Open flow cell with de-bubbler
For samples with entrained air and with an atmospheric drain.
Closed flow cell
For samples with nucleating bubbles (air coming out of solution) or if no atmospheric pressure drain is available
Pipe insertion kit
For direct insertion into a pipe.
Dip mounting kit
For mounting the TurbSense® on the end of a pole and dipping it into a tank or body of water.
Dip mounting kit with light shield
For mounting the TurbSense® on the end of a pole and dipping it into a tank or body of water when the turbidity is low and sunlight could affect the readings.
Secondary calibration standard
A solid calibration standard to check the TurbSense® readings or to be used as a calibration. Available in 0.9 NTU and 18 NTU.
Options
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