Turbidity, the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by suspended particles, is a critical parameter in water quality assessment. Accurate measurement of turbidity is essential across various applications, including drinking water treatment, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. LaMotte’s 2020i and 2020t Turbidity Meters represent a significant advancement in handheld, waterproof turbidity measurement devices, offering innovative features and compliance with international standards.
Innovative Ratiometric Design
Both the 2020i and 2020t models incorporate a new ratiometric design that enhances measurement accuracy and reliability. This design utilizes multiple detectors to assess light scattering at different angles, minimizing the effects of stray light and color interference. The multi-detector optical configuration ensures long-term stability, providing consistent and precise turbidity readings.
Measurement Modes and Ranges
The meters offer three distinct measurement modes to cater to various turbidity levels and applications:
Nephelometric Mode: Measures turbidity in the range of 0–40 NTU/FNU by detecting light scattered at a 90-degree angle. This mode is ideal for low-level turbidity measurements, such as those required in drinking water applications.
Ratiometric Mode: Extends the measurement range from 40 to 1000 NTRU/FNRU by utilizing readings from both 90-degree and 180-degree detectors. This mode minimizes interference from sample color and is suitable for mid-range industrial applications.
Attenuation Mode: Covers high turbidity levels from 1000 to 2000 AU by measuring the attenuation of light passing through the sample. This mode is appropriate for high-range environmental applications.
Compliance with Standards
The 2020t and 2020i models are designed to meet specific regulatory standards:
2020t Model: Complies with U.S. EPA Method 180.1, Rev. 2.0 (1993) and Standard Methods 2130 B-2001, utilizing a tungsten light source.
2020i Model: Adheres to ISO 7027 standards, employing an infrared LED light source at 860 nm, making it suitable for colored or highly turbid samples.
Key Features
Waterproof Design: Rated to IP67, ensuring durability in various field conditions.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: Provides extended operational time, enhancing field usability.
USB Connectivity: Facilitates easy data transfer and device charging.
Multilingual Support: Offers operation in seven languages, broadening accessibility.
Backlit Display: Ensures readability in low-light environments.
Advanced Calibration Algorithms: Enhance measurement accuracy and reliability.
User-Friendly Interface: Features easy menu navigation and a large LCD display for straightforward operation.
Data Logging: Capable of storing up to 500 data points, with results viewable directly on the instrument.
Included Accessories
Each turbidity meter comes with a comprehensive set of accessories to facilitate immediate use:
- Calibration standards (0, 1, and 10 NTU for 2020t; 0, 10, and 100 FNU for 2020i)
- Sample bottle
- Six sample tubes
- USB cable
- Wall adapter
- Sturdy carrying case
Understanding Turbidity Measurement
Turbidity is measured by assessing the scattering of light as it passes through a liquid sample containing suspended particles. The amount of light scattered is influenced by factors such as particle size, shape, color, and reflectivity. Different measurement modes and units are employed to accurately quantify turbidity across various applications:
Nephelometric Mode: Utilizes a 90-degree detector to measure light scattered by particles, reporting results in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) for the 2020t model and Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU) for the 2020i model.
Ratiometric Mode: Combines readings from 90-degree and 180-degree detectors to minimize color interference, with results expressed in Nephelometric Turbidity Ratio Units (NTRU) for the 2020t and Formazin Nephelometric Ratio Units (FNRU) for the 2020i.
Attenuation Mode: Measures the decrease in light intensity due to absorption and scatter using a 180-degree detector, reporting in Attenuation Units (AU) for the 2020t and Formazin Attenuation Units (FAU) for the 2020i.
It’s important to note that while these units are numerically equivalent when calibrated to formazin standards (e.g., 1 NTU = 1 AU = 1 NTRU = 1 FNU = 1 FAU = 1 FNRU), they provide insight into the measurement method and detector configuration used.
Applications
The versatility of the 2020i and 2020t Turbidity Meters makes them suitable for a wide range of applications:
Drinking Water: Ensuring compliance with regulatory turbidity limits to safeguard public health.
Environmental Monitoring: Assessing water quality in natural bodies of water to evaluate ecosystem health.
Industrial Processes: Monitoring turbidity in various industrial applications to maintain process efficiency and product quality.
LaMotte’s 2020i and 2020t Turbidity Meters offer advanced features and compliance with international standards, making them valuable tools for professionals in water quality assessment. Their innovative design, multiple measurement modes, and user-friendly interface provide accurate and reliable turbidity measurements across a broad spectrum
