Turbidity Analyzer: Working Principle, Usage, Common Faults, and Repair Guide – Online Low-Range Turbidity Analyzer

I. Introduction

The turbidity analyzer is a precision instrument specifically designed to measure the turbidity of liquids. It finds wide applications in drinking water testing, industrial production, wastewater treatment, beverage production, and laboratory research. By measuring the degree of light scattering caused by insoluble particles in the liquid, it assesses the clarity of the liquid, providing crucial data support for water quality safety and product quality control.

II. Working Principle

The turbidity analyzer operates based on the principle of light scattering. When a beam of light passes through a liquid containing suspended particles, these particles scatter the light. The intensity of scattered light is proportional to the concentration of particles in the liquid. The analyzer emits a beam of light into the sample and calculates the turbidity by measuring the intensity of scattered light. Depending on the measurement principle, turbidity analyzers can be divided into two types: scattering method and transmission method.

• Scattering Method: Calculates turbidity by measuring the intensity of scattered light at a certain angle (e.g., 90°) to the incident light. Suitable for measuring low-turbidity water samples.
• Transmission Method: Calculates turbidity by measuring the degree of attenuation of light after it passes through the water sample (i.e., the ratio of transmitted light intensity to incident light intensity). Suitable for measuring high-turbidity water samples.

III. Usage

Preparation:

1. Remove the instrument from the packaging box and place it on a horizontal and stable workbench.
2. Check if all parts of the instrument are intact. Clean the water tank and fill it with pure or deionized water to the top.
3. Clean the glass cuvette to ensure it is clean and stain-free.

Instrument Calibration:

1. Preheat the instrument for 10 minutes.
2. Use a turbidity standard plate for calibration to ensure that the displayed reading matches the factory calibrated value of the standard plate.

Sample Measurement:

1. Add water with zero turbidity to the cuvette as a blank control and adjust the instrument to zero.
2. Add the sample to be tested to the cuvette, ensuring no bubbles or residue on the cuvette walls.
3. Place the cuvette into the instrument, and the displayed value is the turbidity value (NTU) of the tested liquid.

Data Processing:

1. Record the measurement results as needed for data processing and analysis.

IV. Common Faults and Repair Methods

Power Issues:

• Fault Phenomenon: The power light is not on.
• Repair Method: Check if the power plug is securely inserted and if the socket is well-contacted. If the power is confirmed to be normal, the fuse may have blown and needs to be replaced.

Unstable Readings:

• Fault Phenomenon: The measured readings fluctuate greatly.
• Repair Method: Check if there are bubbles in the sample and wait for them to dissipate before measuring. Check if there is water or residue inside or outside the cuvette and dry it with filter paper. Confirm if the solution temperature is too high and wait for it to cool before measuring.

Large Measurement Errors:

• Fault Phenomenon: The measured results deviate significantly from expectations.
• Repair Method: Recalibrate the instrument, ensuring the standard plate is clean and stain-free. Check if the cuvette matches the current range. Confirm if the sample meets the measurement requirements, avoiding contamination or evaporation.

Sensor Faults:

• Fault Phenomenon: The instrument does not work properly or displays abnormalities.
• Repair Method: Check if the sensor is correctly connected and not damaged. Clean the sensor surface to remove stains or adherents. If the sensor is severely damaged, it needs to be replaced.

Software or Setting Issues:

• Fault Phenomenon: The instrument’s operation interface is abnormal or parameters cannot be set.
• Repair Method: Refer to the user manual to confirm if the software version is compatible. Check if the settings are correct and adjust them according to the manual. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer or supplier for technical support.

V. Brands and Models of Turbidity Analyzers Repaired by Rongji Electromechanical Company

1. Hach
   • 2100Q Portable Turbidimeter
   • 2100N Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • TL23 Series Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • TU5200 Laboratory Laser Turbidimeter
   • TU5300 Online Laser Turbidimeter
   • TU5400 Online Laser Turbidimeter
   • Online Low-Range Turbidity Analyzer SC200
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific
   • Orion AQ4500 Turbidimeter
   • Orion AQ3010 Portable Turbidimeter
   • Orion AQ4000 Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • Orion AQ3700 Portable Turbidimeter
3. YSI (a Xylem brand)
   • TSS Portable Turbidimeter
   • P700 IQ Online Turbidimeter
   • 9500 Turbidity Meter
   • 9300 Portable Turbidimeter
4. LaMotte
   • 2020we Portable Turbidimeter
   • 2020wi Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • 2020t Turbidity Meter
5. Hanna Instruments
   • HI98703 Portable Turbidity Meter
   • HI88703 Laboratory Turbidity Meter
   • HI88713 EPA Compliant Turbidity Meter
   • HI98713 Portable Turbidity Meter
6. WTW (a Xylem brand)
   • Turb 430 IR Portable Turbidimeter
   • Turb 355 IR/T Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • Turb 555 IR Benchtop Turbidimeter
7. Lovibond (Tintometer)
   • TB 210 IR Portable Turbidimeter
   • TB 300 IR Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • TB 350 WL/IR Benchtop Turbidimeter
8. Apera Instruments
   • TN400 Portable Turbidimeter
   • TN500 Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • TN600 Online Turbidimeter
9. Eutech Instruments (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
   • TN-100 Portable Turbidimeter
   • TN-200 Laboratory Turbidimeter
   • TN-1000 Laboratory Turbidimeter
10. Hach Ultra (formerly Anatel)
    • ANATEL PAT700
    • ANATEL PAT800
11. Merck Millipore
    • Spectroquant Turb® 430 IR Portable Turbidimeter
    • Spectroquant Turb® 550 Laboratory Turbidimeter
12. Extech Instruments
    • TB400 Portable Turbidity Meter
    • TB400-LAB Laboratory Turbidity Meter
13. Palintest
    • Compact Turbimeter
    • PT 600 Series Laboratory Turbidimeter
14. Horiba
    • LAQUA T-300 Portable Turbidity Meter
    • U-50 Series Multiparameter Meter
15. Met One Instruments
    • 202-5 Portable Turbidimeter
    • Hach Ultra 2500 Laboratory Turbidimeter

VI. Conclusion

The turbidity analyzer is an important water quality testing device that works based on the principle of light scattering. During usage, strict adherence to the instructions and proper maintenance are essential to ensure the accuracy of measurement results and the long-term stable operation of the instrument. For common faults, users can troubleshoot and address them according to the aforementioned repair methods. If necessary, technical support from Rongji Electromechanical Company can be sought. Rongji Electromechanical Company has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing turbidity analyzers (online turbidity analyzers) and can quickly repair various types of instruments. Additionally, they recycle and sell various used turbidity analyzers (online turbidity analyzers). For more information, please contact us.