Water treatment specialists rely on a variety of data sources to make sound decisions about the best course of action for their customers’ water quality problems.
Accurate water quality analysis data provides the most crucial clues for a water treatment professional’s decision-making process.
Water quality testing instruments are applied to detect chemical and biological pollutants in water as well as to assess aspects like clarity and rate of movement.
These instruments provide a uniform tool for collecting data from various water sources.
Water quality testing devices can measure water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrogen/phosphorus concentration, turbidity, macroinvertebrates and pesticide, and harmful chemical levels.
Mounting style
When choosing a water quality testing device, it is critical to consider mounting style.
The mounting style should be appropriate for the intended purpose.
Handheld, portable, or modular gadgets are designed to be operated with one’s hands.
This mounting style is ideal for small samples and has a handy carrying capacity.
Laboratory or benchtop models are intended to sit atop a laboratory bench or desktop.
They are not ideal for usage in the field, but they are better suited for larger samples.
In-situ/field applications are intended for use outside of the laboratory.
They are typically more rugged in design and can withstand a variety of environments and terrain.
Panel-mounted water quality testing instruments, together with other testing equipment, are attached to a panel.
What equipment that are used for water testing?
Some of the equipment that is used for water quality testing include:
Silt density index (SDI) testers
One of the most serious problems in reverse osmosis systems is the presence of suspended solids and colloidal materials in the feed water.
Silt Density Index (SDI Testers) is used to determine the extent of the fouling problem.
In the case of reverse osmosis systems, and Silt Density Index of less than 5 is considered acceptable.
This means that at SDI values less than 5, the membranes should foul very slowly.
Although the concept works most of the time, there are times when a lower Silt Density Index (less than 3) is preferred due to the nature of the suspended solids in the feed water.
Types of silt density index testers
Portable Silt Density Index test kits-direct SDI.
Portable Auto Silt Density Index testers-sample SDI.
Auto Silt Density Index monitor-EZ-SDI.
Pocket TDS testers
Pocket TDS meters are excellent for measuring total dissolved solids in water up to 9,990 ppm. Pocket meters are ideal for use on the go because of their small size.
Because of their low cost, they are ideal for checking the TDS of tap water or RO permeates water at home.
TDS testing is quick and simple: turn on the TDS meter, immerse it in the solution to be tested, gently stir, and wait for the reading to stabilize.
Pocket pH meters
The pH of a sample indicates its acidity, but it is a measurement of the potential activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in the sample. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral.
Acids are solutions with a pH of lower than.
Bases are solutions with a pH greater than 7 and up to 14. All organisms are affected by the acidity of stream water and perform best within a certain range.
Digital thermometers for testing water temperature
Digital Thermometers are used for most hot and cold fluids and semisolid materials.
Digital Thermometers are used to measure temperature accurately over a wide range of temperatures and are durable for commercial and industrial environment uses.
Pocket combo-meters multi-measurement mater quality testers
Portable pocket combo meters are distinct by measuring multiple water quality factors with a single meter.
Because of their small size, they are ideal for use on the go.
Their multi-function performance in routine measurements eliminates the need to carry multiple meters.
Simply turn on the meter, immerse it in the solution to be tested, gently stir, and wait for the reading to stabilize.
Pocket ORP meters
Oxidation-reduction is when a molecule or ion gains or loses electrons.
Oxidation-reduction most commonly occurs in water treatment, pool and spa maintenance where an oxidizer is added to water to break down contaminants.
Pocket ORP meters are ideal for measuring the ORP of water to about 1000 mV.
Because of their small size, they are ideal for use on the go.
Simply turn on the ORP meter, immerse it in the solution to be tested, gently stir and wait for the ORP reading to stabilize.
Digital water quality test instruments
This product is ideal for water treatment testing as well as other industrial and commercial applications.
Test meters
Meters are used for quick, accurate, on-the-spot measurements of total dissolved solids (TDS) or conductivity.
Photometers for water quality testing
Photometers are diagnostic portable microprocessor meters with an advanced optical system based on a special tungsten lamp and a narrow band interference filter for allowing the most accurate and repeatable readings.
Chemical test kits for water quality testing
Chemical water quality test kits are available for measuring different substances in water.
Calibration and buffer solutions for pH, TDS and ORP Tests.
factory calibration of water quality testers is used:
Conductivity Standard Solutions
pH Buffers
Regular use of these solutions is recommended to ensure determined instrument accuracy.
Potable colorimeters
colorimeter saves time in the field by allowing fast and easy access to the most used testing methods in less than four clicks.
This colorimeter is waterproof, dustproof and shock resistant, and has been drop tested for greater quality assurance.
Analytical testing
Analytical testing procedures such as colorimetry and spectrophotometer are critical in the water treatment industry.
After all, if you don’t know what’s in the water, you can’t prescribe a correct solution to your consumers, and you can’t properly comply with regulatory rules for pollutant levels and disposal in municipal and industrial settings.
Analytical field-testing equipment has progressed in price, precision, convenience, sensitivity, consistency and efficiency, making today’s water testing laboratories very effective and reliable.
As technology advances, so does the number of contaminants that can be accurately examined in the field.
Spectrophotometer
A spectrophotometer is a device that accurately detects electromagnetic energy at specified light wavelengths.
It employs light and energy properties to detect colors and determine how much of each color is present in a ray of light.
A spectrophotometer is made up of two major parts: a spectrometer and a photometer.
Spectrophotometry can aid in the detection of oil and grease contamination in major water sources, as well as the detection of minute levels of iron in drinking water supplies.
Marine chemistry analysis utilizing spectrophotometers can determine the health of our seas and streams by quantifying quantities of chlorophyll and nitrates.
References
[1] Applied membrane, water quality testing equipment, (online), available at https://appliedmembranes.com/test-kits-and-equipment-for-testing-water-quality.html
[2] Grainger, water quality equipment and Meters, {online}available at https://www.grainger.com/category/lab-supplies/water-testing-equipment-and-meters
[3] Mr. Brian Orem, PG, Water Research Center – Water Quality, Drinking water, Corrosion, and Water pH(online) available at https://www.knowyourh2o.com/outdoor-4/ph-in-the-environment
[4] Meryl Kremer, November 14, 2018, Essential Water Testing Equipment for Laboratories, [online], available at https://blog.jencoi.com/essential-water-testing-equipment-for-laboratories
