Any operator knows there is more to a treatment plant than bar screens, tanks, pumps, motors and blowers. Mechanical equipment does the bull work, but performance ultimately depends just as much on process chemistries and lab analysis. Here’s a look at a variety of current offerings designed to help treatment plant teams keep processes healthy and verify permit compliance.

Fast delivery

Three popular KPSI Transducer models from Pressure Systems are now built and ready to ship in two days, helping to reduce facility downtime associated with a transducer’s failure. The service is available with the hydrostatic and submersible 700, 705 and 750 models, used in water and wastewater treatment for level measurement.

For water resistance, the transducers have a water blocking cable that self-seals in the event of an accidental cut. Over-molded cabling on the transducers is more reliable than snap-in connectors. Each transducer comes with a SuperDry vent filter that provides maintenance-free moisture protection.

The general purpose Model 700 has analog outputs of 4-20 mA and 0 VDC to 5 VDC in custom level ranges up to 700-ft H2O. Static accuracy is +/-1 %FS. The Model 705 uses a flush Teflon-coated elastomeric diaphragm with a surface area of 0.90 inch to prevent clogging. The transducer is available in custom level ranges from 6-ft H2O to 115-ft H2O with analog outputs of 4-20 mA or 0 VDC to 5 VDC. Static accuracy is +/-0.25 %FS.

The Model 750 offers a 2.75-inch non-clogging sensing area for highly viscous applications. Custom level ranges are available from 10-ft H2O to 115-ft H2O with analog outputs of 4-20 mA or 0 VDC to 5 VDC. Static accuracy is +/-0.25 %FS. 800/328-3665; www.pressuresystems.com.

Handheld photometer

Industrial Test Systems Inc. offers the eXact Micro 7+ handheld photometer. It reads 10 parameters directly, and in transmission mode the meter tests for 26 additional water parameters. The unit is EPA-compliant for free and total chlorine regulatory testing. With a 4-ml sample cell, it is environmentally friendly, using 60 percent less chemicals than many other 10-ml tests. The device is waterproof (IP-67), and the sampling cell is built into the meter. It provides fast results (using the 20-second test method) at 0.01 resolution. 803/329-9712; www. sensafe.com.

Multi-Analyte Photometer

The V-2000 Multi-Analyte Photometer from CHEMetrics Inc. offers advanced water testing with push-button ease. Lightweight and field portable, the microprocessor-based LED colorimeter uses preprogrammed methods to measure 13-mm, 16-mm, or 1-inch cells in concentration, percent transmittance (%T) or absorbance (abs) modes.

In addition, up to 10 user-created custom methods can be stored in memory. The intuitive interface guides users through setup and measurement. With a built-in computer interface/output, the instrument can log 100 data points with date/time tags and download them to a printer or PC. Self-filling Vacu-vial reagent ampoules minimize contact with chemicals and provide accurate and safe water-quality tests for more than 30 important analytes, including chlorine, dissolved oxygen, nitrate/nitrite, sulfide and COD. 800/356-3072; www.chemetrics.com.

BOD Analyzer

The QuickScan BOD Analyzer from Challenge Technology is a fully digital respirometer system. It helps users gain knowledge of BOD, short-term BOD, oxygen uptake rates and SOUR in aerobic processes, and gas production in anaerobic processes.

Users can see real-time rates and totals on up to four samples at one time and make comparisons. All data is stored via the included notebook computer with pre-loaded monitoring and graphing software. Also included is the MS-304 stirring unit, which uses rare earth magnets to allow stirring speeds of up to 750 rpm, along with glassware and a test kit. 479/927-1008; www.challenge-sys.com.

Measuring turbidity

The LTC-3000 benchtop turbidity and chlorine meter by LaMotte Company offers a wide range and high accuracy. The meter meets EPA 180.1 for turbidity and EPA 330.5 for chlorine. The turbidity range is 0 to 4,000 NTU with a MDL of 0.05 NTU. The free and total chlorine range is 0 to 10 ppm with a MDL of 0.02 ppm. The meter can store 4,000 data points, which can be downloaded to a computer or printer. It also allows six languages and employs a universal AC adapter for worldwide use. 800/344-3100; www.lamotte.com.

Moisture and ash analysis

The Computrac MAX 5000XL moisture and ash analyzer from Arizona Instrument enables rapid analysis with a temperature-controlled balance that provides users with stable, accurate measurements. The instrument also has a temperature ramp-control feature that allows it to be used for qualitative analyses that were previously only possible using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The unit can analyze materials with ash concentrations as low as 0.5 percent. 800/290-1414; www.azic.com.

Lab information

The MSC-LIMS laboratory information management system by Mountain States Consulting is a flexible, powerful, secure and stable GALP-compliant system designed for small- to mid-sized facilities. It integrates with handheld PCs or PDAs to efficiently import data recorded in the field.

A Microsoft Excel interface can be used to create analyte-specific calculating data entry screens and to import operations data and results from instruments. The interface also allows labs to use their existing Excel regulatory report formats (NPDES, DMR, MOR). The system supports basic statistics, trend graphs, and control charts. It is available in single-user and multi-user versions for work groups of up to 20 concurrent users, in labs processing up to 75,000 samples per year and up to 300,000 analyses per year. The system includes an integrated audit trail, archiving, e-mail messaging, and security access controls. 307/733-1442; www.msc-lims.com.

TOC analyzer

The QuickTOC online TOC analyzer from Liquid Analytical Resource validates purity and protects against organic contaminants that threaten expensive systems, public safety and product quality. The device provides fast, accurate, filterless measurements. Using thermal combustion technology, it provides continuous online monitoring for the measurement of total organic carbon (TOC), total carbon (TC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC), according to EPA 415.1. It has an operating range of 0.01 to 50,000 mg/l. 978/ 425-0300; www.lar.com.

Precision cleaner

Micro-90 concentrated precision cleaner from International Products Corporation is used in laboratory applications to clean flasks, pi-pettes, slides, analysis equipment, counter surfaces and other labware, as well as to de-foul filter membranes used in wastewater purification. The cleaners can be used in ultra-sonic, immersion and machine-washing applications. 609/386-8770; www.ipcol.com.

Conductivity measurement

The Model 3084 multi-function conductivity instrument from Amber Science Inc. measures conductivity, resistivity, total dissolved solids, salinity and temperature of all types of water. The device has user-friendly menu prompts, push-button front panel switches, and a bright backlit, two-line display. It is simple to calibrate and has an RS-232 output for data logging. 541/345-6877; www. conductivity-meters.com.

Desiccant Dehumidification

Liquid desiccant dehumidification systems from Kathabar Dehumid-ification Systems Inc., are designed for precise, reliable, energy efficient temperature and humidity control regardless of air inlet conditions. The devices also capture most airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Liquid desiccant dehumidification systems offer energy recovery and utility cost savings. With an integrated systems approach, the equipment can use waste heat and support on-site power generation and cogeneration. All systems are made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) with industrial grade construction and can handle airflows from 750 to 84,000 cfm. 732/356-6000; www.kathabar.com.

Optimization software

GPS-X software by Hydromantis Inc. is a full-featured application for optimization and management of wastewater treatment facilities. It includes advanced tools for evaluating plant performance while improving effluent quality and reducing operating costs. Customized screens can be developed to allow operations staff to easily carry out what-if investigations using their own plant layout. It is ideal for training and process optimization. 905/522-0012; www.hydromantis.com.

Multi-parameter measurement

Version 2.0 of the LiQC multi-parameter system from Mettler Toledo is designed for simultaneous determination of density, refractive index, pH/conductivity and color. The system increases productivity by combining single measurements in a fully automated process.

After a sample is filled into a vial, placed onto an automatic sample changer and assigned a barcode label, the system automatically completes every step: choosing the appropriate method, pumping the sample into the various flow-through cells, and performing all measurements. The results are statistically evaluated, compared to specifications, and transferred to LIMS systems. The unit also thoroughly cleans and dries the measuring cells before moving on to the next sample. 800/638-8537; www.mt.com.

Chemical storage

Poly Processing Company’s Crosslinked Polyethylene Chemical Storage Tanks with the OR-1000 system are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 Drinking Water System Components standards. Sizes range from 55 to 14,650 gallons. They are available in verticals, full-drain IMFO, double-wall SAFE-tanks, horizontals and cones. 866/590-6845; www.polyprocessing.com.