Addressing the Market Need for Advanced Turbidity Sensors

One might question why there’s a market demand for a new turbidity meter when numerous such devices are already available. The answer lies in the fact that existing sensors are often incapable of resolving all prevalent issues associated with online turbidity measurement. Pi’s proprietary MutoLux® turbidity measurement system is a game-changer in this field. It resolves these challenges, illustrating why it stands as a remarkable solution in the market.

Turbidity measurement has been revolutionized by the innovative TurbSense® technology. This system employs a patented measurement technique, MutoLux®, effectively eliminating the influence of background light and electronic drift on the measurement outcomes. With a remarkable resolution spanning from 0.001NTU up to 1000NTU, TurbSense® sets new standards in the industry, all achievable through a single-point calibration sans the necessity for setting a zero. Furthermore, the sophisticated design of the TurbSense® flow cell safeguards measurements from being disrupted by both entrained and nucleated bubbles. This technological advancement addresses the prevailing challenges associated with traditional turbidity sensors, setting TurbSense® as a paragon in the field.

Calibration Process

The calibration of most nephelometric turbidity monitors requires a factory-set zero, which may drift over time, or a zero NTU sample, which is extremely difficult to maintain pure due to high susceptibility to contamination. These calibration hurdles are eliminated with the patent-protected MutoLux® measurement system incorporated in the TurbSense® units by Process Instruments.

Our CRONOS® and CRIUS®4.0 TurbSense® units feature a smart and easy-to-use calibration system that doesn’t require a zero. The TurbSense® leverages the linearity of 90° nephelometric turbidity, varying the output light from the sensor while keeping the detected light constant at the same turbidity. This process allows a precise back-calculation of the zero, eliminating drift and providing the most accurate zero level achievable.

The exceptional efficacy of the MutoLux® technology has been observed by many TurbSense® users, who report that they rarely, if ever, need to recalibrate their sensors due to drift elimination by MutoLux®.

Fouling of optics

Utilized across an array of water-associated industries, turbidity probes play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of both waste and potable water. However, these probes often encounter the issue of optical fouling, which hampers accurate measurements. Parameters such as particulates and bubbles can obstruct the sensor optics, necessitating manual cleaning. This often inconvenient process may require the halting of an entire industrial operation. Pi’s TurbSense® presents an innovative solution to this pervasive issue with its autoclean functionality. This feature jets water across the optics, facilitating consistent cleanliness and drastically reducing the need for manual cleaning thereby ensuring consistent, accurate readings.

Poor accuracy at low-level turbidities

The issue of erroneous readings at lower turbidity levels is not uncommon in the industry, often originating from the initial setting of zero by manufacturers. Any subsequent electronic drift can produce minor errors that, while small, can significantly skew the accuracy of low-level turbidity measurements. However, with the calibration methodology employed by TurbSense®, this concern is effectively mitigated. By establishing a fresh zero on each calibration, we effectively eliminate any drift, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of TurbSense® measurements. This allows our users to consistently have faith in the data provided by our systems.

Bubbles

Turbidity sensors, despite their immense utility, encounter a significant challenge in the form of bubbles. These bubbles, whether entrained in the water sample or nucleated on surfaces such as the sensor window, alter the water’s optical properties, creating a semblance of turbidity. This adversely impacts the credibility of the readings, thus compromising the sensor’s accuracy and performance.

However, Pi’s advanced sensor models, CRONOS® and CRIUS®4.0 TurbSense®, employ robust solutions to this issue. These models can incorporate a flow cell equipped with a baffle system. This system forces any entrained air out of the water sample, thereby eliminating the challenge posed by entrained bubbles. Alternatively, the flow cell can operate at pressures of up to 6 bar. This heightened pressure ensures that dissolved gases remain in solution, thereby preventing the formation of nucleated bubbles. These innovative, yet straightforward features guarantee the elimination of interference from both entrained and nucleated bubbles, thereby assuring the uncompromised performance and reliability of our turbidity sensors.

In conclusion, Pi’s TurbSense® stands out as a remarkable solution in the realm of online turbidity measurement instruments. It successfully circumvents common issues that affect similar instruments on the market, providing unparalleled accuracy and dependability. The TurbSense® is competitively priced and offers full functionality. For a comprehensive technical analysis on how it overcomes the challenge of bubbles or to understand more about the measurement techniques incorporated by the TurbSense®, please let us know.