AWWA WQTC58872

A first generation instrument applying Dynamic Particle Analysis (DPA) technology to particlecharacterization in the water sector has been introduced for counting, sizing, and imaging suspendedparticles. The technology incorporates a digital camera, illumination and magnification modules,innovative fluid handling system and image processing software to capture and analyze images ofsuspended particles in a flowing sample. The images are processed in real time to directly determineparticle sizes and concentrations. The measurement technique is direct and does not rely uponintermediate calibrating materials for accuracy. It is therefore suited to analyze the broad range ofparticle materials found in drinking or wastewater. Inherent advantages of the technology includethe ability to analyze samples with particles over a wide range of sizes (1.5 to over 1000 um) andconcentrations (1 to over 1x106 particles/ml). In addition, the technology offers the significantbenefit of capturing magnified images of particles for visual analysis.The paper briefly reviews the main attributes of the different instrument technologies currentlyemployed in the water sector for suspended solids characterization and compares these with thecapabilities of DPA. Application of the instrument to water samples taken at various points in thewater treatment cycle have been evaluated. It has been determined that DPA technology offers manyof the advantages of microscopic analysis (image capture, material insensitivity, broad size range,and broad concentration range) while largely preserving the attractive features (rapid speed ofanalysis, little or no sample preparation, no operator subjectivity or special skill requirements) ofexisting instrumentation. The analysis of samples from various points in a water treatment plant hashighlighted the potential of the instrument to aid in many areas of water quality research andprocess optimization. Includes table, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/02/2003

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 2.2 MB