Continuous Monitoring of Water Parameters According to International Standards

Bürkert‘s (Germany) Type 8905 Online Analysis System is a modular system for monitoring all important water parameters with one platform. The basic version provides standalone sensor cubes for five measurement parameters: pH value, redox potential (ORP), conductivity, free chlorine and turbidity. The turbidity measurement can now be conducted in accordance with Eurepean standards as well as the US EPA.

Bürkert designed the MS05 sensor cube to carry out turbidity measurement specifically for operation on the fluidics backplane in the Type 8905 Online Analysis System. Continuous analysis of the water’s turbidity allows detection of undesired, non-dissolved substances in the water. The measurement can indicate filter efficiency, for example, and therefore is the basis for optimisation of the filter stage, including integrity tests, which often saves water and energy.

The optical measurement of the turbidity in the past has complied with DIN EN ISO 7027, in which diffused infrared light with a wavelength of 860 nm is specified. A laser diode is used as the light source. One detector determines the diffused light in a 90° angle, while another measures the transmitted light.

A similar method is used by the United States‘ EPA which requires the use of a broadband light source with white light for turbidity measurement in water samples. To supply the US market with the required EPA method Bürkert now also offers the MS05 sensor cube for turbidity measurement with an optical sensor in accordance with US EPA method 180.1.

The measurement range of the sensor cube for turbidity measurement is 0 to 40 FNU or NTU at a resolution ± 0.05 FNU (NTU). Both sensor versions are hot swap capable for replacing the sensor cube during operation; both also use minimum measurement water and are fully compatible with all Bürkert sensor cubes and other büS systems.