Turbidity Meters

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of a liquid caused by undissolved suspended particles or substances. These undissolved materials can be particulates, sediments, silts, clay, organic matter, microorganisms, or air bubbles. While turbid water can be identified by basic visual inspection, it is quantified through turbidity measurement devices known as water turbidity meters. These turbidity meters help analyze the quality of water and its contents by measuring the amount of suspended particles. These handheld feature a digital display offering an overview of the suspended particles. These waterproof turbidity measurement devices can be easily carried to the site where the water sample needs to be tested.

At Cannon Water Technology, we offer various types of handheld turbidity meters, which can measure the turbidity of water and several other fluids. Browse our selection to find the right water turbidity meter for your turbidity measurement requirements.

Why Measure Turbidity in Water?

Turbidity is an indicator of ecosystem health. Turbidity is one of the most often measured water quality characteristics, along with temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, ORP, and conductivity. Turbidity is known to reduce the quality of water, thereby making it unfit for use. In addition, it can affect fish or other sea animals seeking to locate their reproductive grounds, or sometimes even wipe out species of delicate organisms. Turbid water is not potable and cannot be used for food production or drinking. Thus, measuring the turbidity of water and making it fit for use is quite important. This can be easily achieved by using handheld turbidity meters offered by us.

What are the Sources of Turbidity?

There are different sources of turbidity and the following are a few common ones among them.

  • Suspended Sediments: Sediment particles may be released into water bodies due to soil erosion and weathering of land surfaces due to natural calamities like floods, landslides or human activities such as construction, mining, or agriculture.
  • Organic Matter: The decomposition of organic matter, such as leaves, plant debris, and animal waste, are known to release particles into the water bodies. These particles remain undissolved and contribute to turbidity.
  • Algae: This is another cause of turbidity in water. Algae and phytoplankton, known as algal blooms, can multiply rapidly under certain conditions, such as high nutrient levels in the water, and their presence can lead to increased turbidity.
  • Suspended Solids from Wastewater: Discharging untreated or poorly treated wastewater into water bodies can introduce suspended solids, including organic and inorganic particles, into the water. This can occur from sewage outflows, industrial discharges, or stormwater runoff-carrying pollutants.
  • Natural Events: Natural events such as storms, floods, or earthquakes can cause disturbances that result in increased turbidity. These events can mobilize sediments, stir up the water column, and introduce suspended particles into the water.
  • Construction and Dredging: Construction activities near water bodies can produce dust, debris, and sediments, which would increase the turbidity of water. Similarly, dredging operations, which involve removing sediments from the bottom of water bodies, can release particles leading to turbidity.

How Does a Turbidity Meter Work?

The handheld turbidity meter measures the quantity of suspended particles in a fluid through a light beam and light detector, which is set at a right angle from the former. The beam of light scatters through the water or fluid based on the density of suspended particles. The light detector determines the amount of light reflected. The amount of light reflected is directly proportional to the density of the fluid, which is the amount of suspended particles. Also, once the beam of light enters the sample water or fluid, the rate at which it spreads through slows down. This scattering of light would be slower if the water is denser. The entire beam of light cannot penetrate till the end if the water is dense or turbid, and it gets converted into forms of energy. The amount of reflected light is quantified and turbidity is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). This NTU reflects on the display of the device and it represents the level of cloudiness.

Beneficial Features of Turbidity Meters

Water for drinking and consumption must definitely not be turbid. The more the number of suspended particles, the more is the turbidity of water. Portable turbidity meters offered by Cannon Water offers a number of benefits. Here are some of them:

  • As mentioned, these are easy-to-use, affordable, robust, water proof handy devices with simple push buttons which you can operate as per the given menu.
  • We also offer turbidity meters with several functionalities. For instance, our water quality testing photometer offers readings for close to 30 parameters such as pH, turbidity, combined chlorine, calcium, ozone, and so on.
  • Each turbidity meter comes with sample vials, bottles, case, a USB cable and adapter, as well as a cleaning cloth.
  • They are powered by rechargeable batteries and come with an LCD or LED display to note the readings.
  • Some models have Bluetooth which makes data transfer to another nearby device, such as smartphone, easy.
  • The maximum turbidity range is defined for each model but generally is up to around 2000 NTU.
  • Our turbidity meters are environmentally friendly.
  • We also offer thermos scientific turbidity meters with pre-calibrated sensors, which are suitable for om-line turbidity measurement and instant output.
  • Our meters have a quite wide temperature range and are suitable for hot and cold waters ranging from -5 to 50 degrees Celsius.
  • Most of these models come with a two-point calibration.
  • If required, we also offer a set of rechargeable batteries and calibration sets.

Applications

Turbidity meter for water analysis is used across industries, where water is a key ingredient or part of process. Here are some application areas:

  • Wastewater treatment
  • Food & beverages
  • Industrial water purification
  • Chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Water filtration and supply systems
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental
  • Government departments of water supply

3 Important Facts to Consider While Selecting the Right Turbidity Instrument

There are various factors to keep in mind when you are selecting a turbidity instrument. Listed below are a few prominent ones among them.

  1. Measurement Range: The turbidity levels of water may differ across applications. Also, the turbidity measurement ranges would vary across devices. Choosing one that measures the turbidity within your desired range and aligns with your measurement requirements is important.
  2. Precision and Accuracy: Turbidity meters are used in water treatment and wastewater treatment applications. However, the accuracy and precision requirements would vary across these applications.  Ensure to read the manufacturer’s manual to understand the precision and accuracy assured by a turbidity meter.
  3. Sample Handling and Compatibility: Consider the type of samples you may require and their compatibility with the instrument. Although designed to handle contaminated samples, some turbidity meters cannot withstand extremely contaminated ones. Some others may require sample preparation or instruct you to use specific sample cells. Ensure the instrument you choose can handle your sample type.

Frequently Asked Questions on Turbidity Meters

  • Can I use turbidity meters from Cannon Water Technology for drinking water and wastewater applications?

Yes, our turbidity meters can be used for measuring the turbidity of drinking water and wastewater treatment processes.

  • Do I need to calibrate the turbidity meter often?

The frequency of calibration will depend on how frequently you use the device and the type of model used. Our turbidity meters are user-friendly and would need regular calibration if you use them regularly. Their user-friendly designs make calibration easy.

  • Can I integrate turbidity meters from Cannon Water with other water quality monitoring systems?

It would depend on the type of model you choose. Some of our models can be integrated with other monitoring systems, whereas others can be used individually as handheld models. In both ways, they enable reliable water quality analysis results.

  • Do you provide parts readily for turbidity meters?

Yes, we do provide replacement parts for turbidity meters. This has immensely helped our clients in easy maintenance and prolonging the lifespan of the meter.

  • Do you provide a warranty for all turbidity meters listed on the website?

We stock turbidity meters from leading brands like Pyxis, Walchem, and so on. These meters are covered by manufacturer’s warranty. For more information, you can get in touch with our team today.

  • Do you offer customer support on all products displayed here?

Yes, we do offer customer support for all products displayed here.

  • Can I use the turbidity measurement devices displayed here for groundwater and surface water monitoring?

Yes, you can use them for groundwater and surface water monitoring. This would help you assess the quality of water in different environments.

If you are looking for good quality portable turbidity meters for your application, you can totally rely on us. At Cannon Water, we have an efficient and experienced team with whom you can share your requirements, and they will offer you the right turbidity meter based on the same. They can answer all the questions you may have regarding these turbidity meters. In case of any further enquiries or requirement sharing, you can reach us via phone or email.