Suspended solids analyzer

Introduction

A suspended solids analyzer is an instrument used to measure the concentration of the suspended solids in the water and the wastewater, and it is used in the environmental monitoring, the wastewater treatment, and the water quality management. The suspended solids analyzer measures the suspended solids by the various methods, including the gravimetric method, in which the sample is filtered, the filter with the retained solids is dried and weighed, and the concentration is calculated; the turbidimetric method, in which the turbidity of the sample is measured and correlated with the suspended solids; and the optical methods, in which the light scattering or the absorption is measured, and the analyzer provides the concentration, expressed in milligrams per liter; the suspended solids analyzer consists of the measurement system, such as the filter holder and the balance for the gravimetric method, or the optical sensor for the optical method, and the control and the data analysis system, and it provides features such as the automated analysis and the data management; the suspended solids analyzer is used for the monitoring of the suspended solids in the wastewater, for the assessment of the water quality, for the monitoring of the treatment plant performance, for the compliance with the discharge regulations, for the monitoring of the rivers and the lakes, and for many other applications, and it is available as the portable, the benchtop, and the online analyzers; the suspended solids analyzer is an essential instrument for the water quality monitoring. Suspended solids analyzers are used in the wastewater treatment plants, in the environmental monitoring, in the water quality laboratories, in the industrial facilities, and for many other applications. With their suspended solids measurement, suspended solids analyzers are essential for the water quality assessment.

Suspended Solids Analyzer LSSA-T2011

Suspended Solids Analyzer provides measurement accuracy with minimum resolution of 0.01mg/L. It adopts a high performance, low-power 16-bit microcontroller system, offering excellent per...

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Suspended Solids Analyzer LSSA-T2010

Suspended Solids Analyzer provides measuring range within 0 to 1000mg/L with repeatability of ≤2%. It ensures excellent optical stability with absorbance drift of ≤0.002A/20min. Provid...

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Standards

ISO 11923:1997-Water quality-Determination of suspended solids by filtration through glass-fibre filters

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Suspended solids analyzer for measuring total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity in water and wastewater.

2. Instrument using gravimetric filtration, optical turbidity, or near-infrared technology to quantify suspended particles.

3. Suitable for wastewater treatment, water treatment, environmental, industrial process and quality control labs.

4. Includes analyzer body, filter assembly/optical sensor, sample handling, calibration standards and operation manual.

5. Supports TSS measurement (mg/L) in influent, effluent, process water, natural water and industrial wastewater.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this analyzer mainly applied to?

A: The suspended solids analyzer is used in wastewater treatment, water treatment, environmental monitoring, industrial process, and quality control laboratories to measure the concentration of suspended solids (total suspended solids, TSS - particles retained by a filter) in water and wastewater, providing a key parameter for treatment process control, regulatory compliance, and water quality assessment. It supports wastewater treatment (influent (raw sewage TSS 100-500+ mg/L), primary/secondary effluent (TSS 5-30 mg/L after treatment), activated sludge (mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) 2000-8000 mg/L - control sludge age/wasting), return activated sludge (RAS), waste activated sludge (WAS), final effluent (discharge permit compliance - typically <5-30 mg/L per NPDES), sludge blanket level, water treatment (raw water (influent TSS for coagulant dosing), filtered water (filtration efficiency - TSS <1-5 mg/L), backwash water, drinking water (turbidity/TSS for clarity), environmental (rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries, stormwater (construction runoff, urban runoff - TSS as indicator of erosion/sediment; regulatory monitoring), groundwater (low TSS), industrial process (cooling water, boiler feedwater, process water, mining/quarry water (high sediment), food/beverage process water, pulp/paper mill effluent (high fiber/solids), chemical manufacturing effluent, and research/QC (water quality research, method development, batch consistency). Measurement technologies: (1) Gravimetric (reference method - filter known volume through pre-weighed 0.45 micrometer filter, dry, weigh; TSS = (final - initial weight) x 1000 / volume (mL) = mg/L; accurate but slow (hours), lab-based; EPA 160.2, ISO 11923), (2) Optical/turbidity (nephelometric or absorption - correlates with TSS but measures scattering/absorption, not direct TSS; fast, continuous, field/inline; needs calibration with actual samples because TSS-turbidity correlation depends on particle size/color/shape), (3) Near-infrared (NIR) absorption/backscatter (for high TSS (MLSS, sludge) - 700-2500 mg/L range; less affected by color than visible light; common in wastewater inline sensors), (4) Ultrasonic (for high sludge concentration). This "analyzer" may be a lab gravimetric system (vacuum filtration + balance + oven) or an inline/online optical sensor for continuous monitoring.

Q2: What standards does the analyzer comply with?

A: The suspended solids analyzer follows relevant ISO, EPA, ASTM, Standard Methods and GB/T standards including EPA Method 160.2 (total suspended solids (TSS) by filtration - gravimetric), ISO 11923 (water quality - determination of suspended solids by filtration through glass-fiber filters), Standard Methods 2540 D (total suspended solids dried at 103-105 degrees C - APHA/AWWA/WEF), ASTM D5907 (standard test methods for filterable and nonfilterable matter in water), ISO 7027 (turbidity - if optical method), EPA Method 180.1 (turbidity), and GB/T standards for suspended solids/turbidity. The hardware complies with applicable analytical instrument standards, EMC (IEC 61326), and safety (IEC 61010). For gravimetric: analytical balance (calibrated, readability 0.1 mg), glass-fiber filters (0.45 micrometer or GF/F, pre-ashed/pre-weighed), drying oven (103-105 degrees C), desiccator, vacuum filtration apparatus. For optical/inline: calibration with actual site samples (gravimetric correlation) per manufacturer and method. For wastewater discharge, follow EPA/NPDES permit methods (TSS is a common permit parameter - typically <5-30 mg/L). For drinking water, follow EPA/Standard Methods (turbidity is primary, TSS less common for finished water). For regulated labs, follow ISO 17025 and maintain calibration records (balance, oven temperature, filter lots, QC). For inline/process analyzers, follow ISA/IEC standards and manufacturer calibration procedures.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole analyzer and key components?

A: The whole suspended solids analyzer is covered by a 12-24 month warranty (analytical/process instruments often 1-2 years). The instrument body, pump/vacuum system (gravimetric), optical sensor/light source (optical), electronics, and housing are covered, while filters (consumable - glass-fiber or membrane, per test), balance (if integrated - separate warranty), lamps/LEDs (wear, optical), tubing/valves (wear), and calibration standards are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, filter clogging (high TSS samples - use smaller volume or pre-filter), liquid/corrosive ingress, optical window fouling (inline sensors - biofilm, scale - clean regularly), using wrong filter type (affects results), or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty/service contracts (calibration, sensor cleaning) may be available. Electronics/sensor last 3-7 years; optical lamps 1-3 years; filters are per-test cost.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation depends on type: gravimetric requires trained lab personnel (filtration, weighing, drying technique); optical/inline is simpler (calibrate, immerse sensor, read). We provide operation manuals and training (1-2 days). Gravimetric TSS procedure (reference method): (1) Prepare filters (glass-fiber GF/F or 0.45 micrometer membrane; pre-dry at 103-105 C for 1 hour, cool in desiccator, weigh to nearest 0.1 mg; record initial weight; handle with tweezers, do not touch with fingers), (2) Assemble filtration apparatus (place filter on support, connect vacuum flask to pump), (3) Measure sample volume (choose volume to yield 2.5-200 mg dried solids (per Standard Methods); for low TSS (drinking water) filter 1 L; for high TSS (sludge) filter 1-10 mL; record volume), (4) Filter sample (apply vacuum, pour sample, rinse funnel walls 3x with DI water to recover all solids; do not overload filter (slow filtration, cracking)), (5) Dry filter + solids (103-105 C for 1 hour or to constant weight), (6) Cool in desiccator, weigh (final weight), (7) Calculate TSS (mg/L) = (final weight - initial weight) (mg) x 1000 / sample volume (mL); or (gross weight - tare weight) / volume, (8) Quality control (run duplicate (10% of samples), blank (DI water filtered through filter - should be <0.5 mg difference), spike recovery if needed; record all weights, volumes, dates, operators), (9) Clean apparatus (rinse filtration unit, dispose filter/solids as appropriate (biohazard if wastewater)). Optical/inline procedure: calibrate sensor with site-specific samples (gravimetric correlation - measure several samples by both methods, establish correlation curve; TSS = a x turbidity/NIR + b; correlation depends on particle size/color/shape - must be site-specific and re-validated periodically), immerse/flow sample, read TSS (mg/L), clean sensor regularly (wipe optical window, remove biofilm/scale - fouling causes drift). Key considerations: TSS is gravimetric by definition - optical methods are surrogate and require calibration with actual samples (different particle types scatter differently; e.g., fine clay vs coarse sand vs organic flocs have different turbidity per mg TSS). For regulatory reporting, gravimetric method (EPA 160.2/Standard Methods 2540D) is usually required - optical/inline is for process control, not compliance reporting unless validated and approved.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: For gravimetric: no instrument calibration per se, but associated equipment requires calibration: analytical balance (every 6-12 months with certified weights, ISO 17025), drying oven (temperature calibration every 6-12 months with certified thermometer), vacuum gauge (if monitoring), and filter QC (each lot - blank test, weight consistency). For optical/inline: calibration with site-specific gravimetric samples every 1-3 months (or per quality system); sensor cleaning (weekly to monthly depending on fouling); optical window inspection. If sensor is cleaned/replaced, line changes, or readings drift, recalibrate. Routine verification: compare inline reading with grab sample gravimetric TSS periodically (weekly/monthly) to confirm correlation. For ISO 17025/EPA/NPDES regulated labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records (balance calibration certificates, oven temp logs, filter lot QC, duplicate/blank results, optical correlation data). For compliance reporting, gravimetric method must be used (optical is process control only unless formally validated and approved by regulator).

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Filters (glass-fiber (GF/F, 0.7 micrometer) or membrane (0.45 micrometer cellulose nitrate/acetate, PVDF, PES) - universal from lab supply (Whatman, Pall, Millipore, Sartorius) but use correct pore size per method (0.45 micrometer for TSS per EPA 160.2; GF/F for Standard Methods/ISO), filtration apparatus (glass/plastic, universal - 47 mm or 90 mm), vacuum pump (universal lab pump), filter flasks (side-arm Erlenmeyer, universal), analytical balance (separate equipment, universal), desiccator + desiccant (universal), and for optical: calibration standards/filters (specific to sensor or gravimetric correlation), cleaning supplies are available from lab supply companies. Long-term consumable cost: filters (per test, $0.50-$2 each), and for inline: periodic sensor replacement/calibration.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes type (gravimetric lab system (vacuum filtration + balance + oven + desiccator - reference method, accurate but slow) or optical/inline sensor (turbidity/NIR, fast, continuous, process control - needs site calibration)), range (low (0-100 mg/L for drinking/effluent), medium (0-1000 mg/L), high (0-50000 mg/L for MLSS/sludge - NIR/ultrasonic)), form (benchtop/lab (gravimetric or optical batch) or inline/online (continuous monitoring, 4-20 mA/digital output, for process control)), optical technology (turbidity/nephelometric (90-degree scatter, low range), absorption/transmittance (medium range), near-infrared backscatter (high range, MLSS), ultrasonic (very high sludge)), data/connectivity (basic (display only) or advanced (data logging, 4-20 mA, Modbus/HART/Profibus, WiFi, SCADA integration, alarms for high/low TSS)), accessories (extra filters (multiple sizes/types), filtration manifold (multi-place for high throughput), vacuum pump, filter flasks, analytical balance (0.1 mg), drying oven, desiccator, calibration standards, sensor cleaning kit, carrying case (portable), calibration certificate, certifications (CE, ISO 9001, EPA/ISO method compliance), language and accessories. Additional filters, apparatus, and accessories can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes suspended solids analyzer (sensor/filtration setup), initial consumables (sometimes), power cord, and manual. On-site installation is not required for lab gravimetric systems (assemble filtration apparatus, use with existing balance/oven). For inline/process optical sensors: on-site installation, calibration (gravimetric correlation), and training ARE recommended (requires process integration, site-specific calibration, and user training; manufacturer/certified technician installation standard for process instruments). For lab optical batch meters: self-install feasible but calibration training recommended. Always calibrate/verify with gravimetric method before use (especially optical/inline).

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The suspended solids analyzer measures TSS in various water samples including wastewater (influent, effluent, activated sludge (MLSS), RAS/WAS, primary/secondary effluent), drinking water (raw, filtered, distribution - low TSS), natural water (river, lake, stream, stormwater, groundwater, estuarine), industrial process water (cooling, boiler, mining, food/beverage, pulp/paper, chemical), and effluent discharge. NOT compatible with: Samples with high oil/grease (coats filters/optical window, interferes - extract oil before filtration or use appropriate method), samples with dissolved solids that precipitate during drying (can bias TSS - TSS is filterable solids only; dissolved solids pass through 0.45 micrometer filter), highly volatile solids (may be lost during drying at 103 C - use 180 C for volatile solids correction if needed, per Standard Methods 2540 E), samples beyond filter capacity (very high TSS clogs filter - use smaller volume or pre-filter; for sludge, use appropriate method), non-aqueous liquids (oils, solvents - TSS method is for water; use different filtration/solvent), and samples with large debris (should be removed or homogenized per standard method - TSS standard methods define sample handling; for heterogeneous samples, homogenize before aliquoting). For optical/inline: color and particle size affect correlation - must calibrate with actual site samples; dark-colored samples (e.g., dye wastewater) may absorb light and bias optical readings (NIR is less affected than visible). IMPORTANT: Suspended solids analyzer fundamentals: (1) What is TSS? Total Suspended Solids = solids retained by a 0.45 micrometer filter (or glass-fiber GF/F) from a known water volume, dried at 103-105 degrees C, and weighed. Units: mg/L. Distinguish from: - TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): solids passing through 0.45 micrometer filter (dissolved salts). - TS (Total Solids) = TSS + TDS. - TVS (Total Volatile Solids): fraction lost on ignition at 550 C (organic matter). - Turbidity: optical scattering (NTU), correlates with but not equal to TSS. (2) Gravimetric method (reference - EPA 160.2, Standard Methods 2540D, ISO 11923): 1. Pre-weigh filter (dry, cool, weigh to 0.1 mg). 2. Filter known volume (aim for 2.5-200 mg solids). 3. Dry filter + solids at 103-105 C (1 h or constant weight). 4. Cool in desiccator, weigh. 5. TSS (mg/L) = (W_final - W_initial) (mg) x 1000 / V (mL). - Accurate, but slow (hours), lab-based, labor-intensive. - Required for regulatory compliance (NPDES permits). - QC: duplicates, blanks, filter lot verification. (3) Optical methods (surrogate - process control): - Turbidity/nephelometry: 90-degree light scattering. Good for low TSS (<1000 mg/L). Affected by particle size, color, shape. - Absorption/transmittance: Light attenuation. Medium range. - Near-infrared (NIR) backscatter: 700-2500 nm, less color interference, good for high TSS (MLSS 2000-8000 mg/L). - Ultrasonic: Sound attenuation, very high sludge. - Optical methods are FAST (seconds) and can be continuous/inline, but MUST be calibrated with gravimetric measurements on actual site samples (correlation is site-specific because different particles scatter differently). - For regulatory reporting, gravimetric is usually required (optical is process control only unless validated and regulator-approved). (4) Typical TSS values: - Drinking water (filtered): <1-5 mg/L - Good quality river: 5-50 mg/L - Raw wastewater influent: 100-500 mg/L - Activated sludge (MLSS): 2000-8000 mg/L - Return activated sludge (RAS): 8000-15000 mg/L - Treated effluent: 5-30 mg/L (permit limit) - Stormwater (construction): 50-5000 mg/L - Mining/quarry water: 100-10000+ mg/L - Pulp/paper effluent: 50-500 mg/L (5) Key factors in gravimetric TSS: - Filter type: 0.45 micrometer membrane (EPA 160.2) or glass-fiber GF/F (Standard Methods, ISO). Glass-fiber has higher loading capacity, faster flow. - Sample volume: Too little = large weighing error; too much = clogging, long filtration. Aim 2.5-200 mg solids. - Drying: 103-105 C (some methods 180 C for volatile correction). To constant weight (difference <0.5 mg). - Desiccation: Cool in desiccator before weighing (moisture absorption affects weight). - Handling: Use tweezers, do not touch filter with fingers (oil/contamination). - Homogenization: Mix sample well before aliquoting (solids settle). - Duplicates/blank: QC required for regulatory. (6) Common errors: - Wrong filter pore size (use 0.45 micrometer or GF/F per method). - Overloading filter (clogs, slow, cracking). - Not drying to constant weight (moisture = high TSS). - Not cooling in desiccator (absorbs moisture = high). - Touching filter with fingers (contamination = high). - Sample not homogenized (settling = variable results). - For optical: using generic calibration (not site-specific = inaccurate; must correlate with gravimetric on actual samples). - Optical sensor fouling (biofilm, scale = drift; clean regularly). - Confusing TSS with turbidity (they correlate but are not the same; report appropriate parameter per regulation). - Volatile solids loss at 103 C (some organics volatilize; for accurate organic fraction, use 550 C ignition (TVS)). (7) Choosing the right analyzer: - Regulatory compliance/lab accuracy: Gravimetric filtration setup (vacuum, filters, balance, oven). - Process control, continuous monitoring, high TSS (MLSS): Inline NIR/optical sensor. - Field/portable: Portable turbidity meter (as surrogate) or portable filtration + balance. - High throughput lab: Multi-place filtration manifold, automated gravimetric systems. - Low TSS (drinking water): Turbidity is more common (more sensitive at low end); TSS needs large volume (1 L). - High TSS (sludge): NIR/ultrasonic inline, or gravimetric with small volume.