Protecting Water Analysis Instrumentation from Contaminated Sample Water

Protecting Continuous Water Analysis Instrumentation from Contaminated Sample Water

Wet chemistry water analysis has always struggled with quality of sample water.  On-line analytical equipment for water monitoring and dosing systems have low tolerances for particulate and debris. 

Previously, and for many applications, intermittent sampling and measuring, allowing a ‘rinse’ between cycles mitigated the possibility of blockages and damage to sensitive instruments. Now, however, system tolerances are smaller and more stringent regulatory regimes demand continuous rather than discrete measurement and monitoring.

This article looks at two methods of pre-screening sample water to allow on-line analysers, dosing systems and other water monitoring equipment to operate continuously and avoid blockage or damage from particulate and debris in sample water.

Proactive Preventative Measures

Water analysis relies on precise measurements and consistent flow rates to ensure accurate results. Interrupted sample water supply can disrupt these measurements and compromise the integrity of the data collected. Worse still, any blockages in the sampling system can lead to equipment damage. 

A well set-up system for analysing water will already have several means of protection and of identifying potential issues before they occur. For example:

• Automatic real-time control and monitoring software to optimize performance and protect equipment.
• Chemical consumption management to efficiently manage chemical dosing and identify process inconsistencies
• Smart alarming to detect events or trends before they impact processes and result
• Pre-filtration and screening of sample water.
• Regular preventative maintenance.

Of these, by far the most effective means of avoiding difficulties and interruptions to continuous on-line water analysers and dosing systems is filtration.

Filtering Sample Water

Continuous water analysis implies a continuous supply of sampled water. The requirement to analyse and monitor water quality spans many industrial sectors, and the source of sample water can be as diverse as the industries themselves

Take food processing as an example. For instance, garlic bulbs need to be washed and processed before hitting the supermarkets, and disinfected for human consumption.  The sample water supplied to the analyser and dosing equipment determining the degree of disinfection is muddy, gritty, full of garlic skin and other organic debris.

The sample water needs to be finely filtered before being processed. Not much water at all is required, but the flow needs to be continuous.

Another example from the water industry. Water from rivers is fed into water treatment works to be brought up to drinking water standard. Water is sampled on intake, and the quality of water can vary widely. Extreme weather events can churn up debris in the river, or there may be a surfeit of weed or algae. The water needs to filtered ahead of analytical instruments, particularly as many sample sites are remote or unmanned.

Keeping Filters from Blocking

There is a danger of course that by pre-filtering or screening sample water to prevent blockage to analysers, all that happens is that the blockage is moved back a stage to the filter. This is better in that filters tend to be less expensive to replace or maintain than analysers and dosing systems, but does not avoid the issue of disruption to continuous monitoring.

This problem can be greatly reduced by the use of either of these two innovative sample filtration products: