Turbidity Applications
Understanding Turbidity and the Benefits of Portable Measurement Instruments
A Guide for Environmental and Industrial Monitoring
What is Turbidity?
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a liquid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye. It is a key indicator of water quality and is commonly measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) using optical sensors that detect the intensity of light scattered at a particular angle.
Turbidity can result from silt, algae, microorganisms, organic matter, and industrial waste. High turbidity can interfere with water disinfection, contribute to the growth of pathogens, and indicate contamination or inefficiency in treatment processes.
Advantages of Using a Portable Turbidity Meter
- Immediate Results: Obtain real-time data directly at the sampling site.
- Field Readiness: Designed for outdoor and rugged use, with weather-resistant enclosures and battery operation.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces and automated calibration simplify operation.
- Lower Costs: Reduces the need for transporting samples and using lab facilities.
- Consistent Monitoring: Facilitates frequent measurements at multiple locations for better data coverage.
Common Applications
Portable turbidity meters are essential in a wide range of applications:
Conclusion
Turbidity is a vital indicator of water quality across environmental and industrial domains. Portable turbidity meters provide a reliable, efficient solution for real-time, on-site assessment. Their practicality makes them indispensable tools for ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting ecosystems, and maintaining operational efficiency.
The HORIBA Measurement Solutions
With over 75 years of engineering excellence, HORIBA's innovative and diverse range of water quality analyzers, electrodes and solutions are ideal for everyday needs in the laboratory and field through to the most demanding of applications.
For measurement of turbidity with a portable meter, HORIBA can offer two solutions: the TB-220 and the U-50 series.
TB-220: The TB-220 is a single parameter instrument which can only measure turbidity. It uses vials to do the calibration and measurements. Samples are collected in an empty vial which is then placed in the instrument to conduct the measurement.
U-50 Series: The U-50 is not only a turbidity meter but is also able to measure other parameters such as pH, ORP, conductivity, TDS, salinity and dissolved oxygen. The series offers 20 models with various configurations, including depth measurement, various cable lengths, and GPS positioning.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Model | TB-220 | U-52 | U-53 | U-54 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 0.00 NTU to 2,000 NTU | 0 NTU to 800 NTU | 0 NTU to 1000 NTU | 0 NTU to 1000 NTU |
| Resolution | Up to four significant digits | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU |
| Accuracy | < 1000 NTU: ±2% of reading or ±0.02 NTU. >1000 NTU: ±3% | ±5% of reading or ±1 NTU, whichever is larger | 0 to 10 NTU: ±0.5NTU 10 to 1000 NTU: 3% of reading |
±5% of reading or ±1 NTU, whichever is larger |
| Repeatability | ±2% of reading or ±0.02 NTU | ±5% (Reading) or ± 0.5 NTU whichever is greater | ±3% (Reading) or ± 0.1 NTU whichever is greater | ±5% (Reading) or ± 0.5 NTU whichever is greater |
| Calibration points | Up to 4 (0.02, 20, 100, 800 NTU) | Up to 4 with any value | Up to 4 with any value | Up to 4 with any value |
| Standard solution | Styrene/divinylbenzene (SDVB) | Formazin or kaolin | Formazin or kaolin | Formazin or kaolin |
| Sample volume | 10 ml | 250 ml | 250 ml | 250 ml |
| Measurement Method | 90° transmission light scattering method | 30° scattering method | 90° scattering method | 90° scattering method |
| Light source | Near infrared LED 860 nm | LED | Tungsten | LED |
| Compliance standards | ISO7027, DIN EN 27027 | EPA Method 180.1 | ISO7027, DIN EN 27027 | |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 50 °C | -5 °C to 45 °C | -5 °C to 45 °C | -5 °C to 45 °C |
| Memory | 1000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
| Datalogging | Manual | Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual |
| Real-time Clock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Date/time Stamp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Housing IP Rating | IP67 (excluding the vial mounting section) | IP67 (probe IP68) | IP67 (probe IP68) | IP67 (probe IP68) |
| Power Requirements | 4 x AA (or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries) | 4 x LR14 (C size) | 4 x LR14 (C size) | 4 x LR14 (C size) |
| Battery Life | > 500 hours | > 70 hours | 500 measurements | > 70 hours |
| Weight | Approx. 410 g (excl batteries) | 2.600 g (excl batteries) | 2.600 g (excl batteries) | 2.600 g (excl batteries) |
Our Portable Turbidity Meters
