Suspended solids measurement simplified with highly intelligent turbidity analyser

Process and plant engineers will find the Triton TR86 turbidity analyser from Electro-Chemical Devices (ECD) brings measurement to a new level with its intelligent transmitter and near infrared (IR) optical sensing capabilities, which set the industry standard for ease of installation, accurate measurement and reliable operation.

The measurement of suspended solids (turbidity) in water is critical in a wide range of treatment applications, especially in municipal services. Suspended particles in water are typically clay and silt, and they give a cloudy or hazy appearance in sampled water. Such particles can become homes for bacteria and viruses that attach themselves and are a danger and generally indicate a lower overall quality of treated water.

The TR86 turbidity analyser features an advanced transmitter combined with ECD’s sophisticated T80 universal analyser. Together they provide reliably accurate turbidity monitoring with the capability to add a second measurement parameter to the system, such as pH, ORP, conductivity, DO or various pIONs.

Users will find the flexible TR86 turbidity analyser comes in a choice of three separate ranges from 0 to 4000 NTU for continuous measurement. The TR86’s advanced IR optical sensing technology emits an 850 nm beam of near infrared light into the sample where it is scattered by the particles suspended in the water. Measurement is achieved when the amount of scattered back light returns to the sensor, which is then correlated to the amount of suspended solid particulates in the water.

The TR86 sensor’s measurement response time depends on the size, shape and composition of the suspended particles. This requires that mg/L, ppm and % suspended solids must be calibrated with the monitored water sample. Turbidity measurements (NTU, FNU) can be calibrated with calibration standards such as Formazin, StablCal or SDVD beads.

The precision TR86 analyser is accurate to 2 percent of reading, or 0.5 NTU, whichever is greater. The sensor features built-in temperature compensation to ensure accuracy and operates over a wide temperature range from 32 to 122°F (-5 to 50°C) and at pressures up to 50 psi maximum in a flow cell configuration.

With a rugged design for demanding wastewater treatment plants, the TR86 is available with either side mounted or front axially mounted optics. For technicians, these two options provide them with a choice to minimize interference from surfaces below the sensor (side-mount) or from surfaces around the sensor (axial front-mount). A built-in daylight rejection filter blocks sun light and reduces ambient light interference. The front mount configuration includes a copper ring sensor surround shield that inhibits algae and other biological films.

The plug-n-play TR86 sensor connects directly to the T80 universal transmitter and is factory pre-set to the desired range. The dual channel T80 transmitter operates with one or two 4-20 mA outputs, MODBUS RTU and optional alarm relays (three) or HART 7 communication.

The Triton TR86 turbidity analyser can be set up in minutes by a technician without special tools or extensive product training. All that is necessary is a 1-inch stand pipe for immersion service or with ECD’s PVC flow cell for an in-line flow through application. Either the side-mount or front-mount configuration of the TR86 sensor is suitable for immersion service. The side mount configuration must be used for in-line service.