CALDEE PLD-11901 Laboratory Suspended Solids Analyzer

Overview

The CALDEE PLD-11901 Laboratory Suspended Solids Analyzer is a precision-engineered gravimetric filtration system designed for the standardized determination of total suspended solids (TSS) in aqueous samples according to internationally recognized methodologies—including EPA Method 160.2, ISO 11923:1997, and GB/T 11901–1989. It operates on the principle of quantitative solid-phase retention using certified 0.45 µm pore-size membranes, followed by controlled thermal drying and high-resolution mass measurement. Unlike optical or turbidimetric alternatives, this instrument delivers traceable, reference-grade TSS values based on dry-weight mass—ensuring metrological integrity across environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment compliance, and regulatory reporting workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated vacuum filtration station with adjustable negative pressure control (20–80 kPa), enabling consistent flow rates across varying sample viscosities and particulate loads.
• Dual-filter support for both φ50 mm and φ60 mm standard membranes—compatible with glass fiber filters (e.g., Whatman GF/F) and rapid quantitative filter paper meeting ASTM D2974 specifications.
• High-efficiency diaphragm vacuum pump delivering ≥20 L/min free-air flow at ≤60 dB(A) acoustic emission—optimized for shared laboratory environments.
• Thermally stable drying interface calibrated to maintain 104 ± 1 °C during post-filtration conditioning, aligned with ISO 5667-12 and US EPA requirements for TSS gravimetry.
• Rugged aluminum alloy chassis with chemical-resistant surface finish and modular hose/port layout for rapid setup, cleaning, and maintenance.
• No embedded software or touchscreen—designed exclusively for method-compliant manual operation under GLP/GMP-aligned quality systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PLD-11901 supports analysis of diverse water matrices including surface water, groundwater, domestic wastewater, and industrial effluents—provided particulates are non-volatile and thermally stable below 105 °C. Samples containing floating scum, submerged macro-debris, or oil films must be pre-screened per Standard Methods 2540 D to exclude non-suspended fractions. The system adheres to core regulatory frameworks: it satisfies the physical instrumentation requirements of ASTM D5907 (Standard Test Method for Total Suspended Solids in Water), complies with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.3 for equipment suitability, and enables full auditability when used within laboratories operating under ISO 9001 or NELAC-accredited quality management systems. No reagents or consumables beyond certified filters and distilled water are required.

Software & Data Management

The PLD-11901 is a hardware-only platform with no onboard firmware, data storage, or connectivity interfaces. All measurement records—including filter lot numbers, drying durations, balance serial IDs, operator initials, and ambient lab conditions—are documented manually in bound laboratory notebooks or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. This design eliminates validation overhead associated with embedded software while preserving full chain-of-custody traceability. When integrated into validated analytical workflows, the instrument supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) through disciplined procedural execution and independent balance calibration logs.

Applications

• Regulatory TSS reporting for NPDES discharge permits and municipal wastewater treatment plant compliance monitoring.
• Baseline characterization of raw intake water in drinking water facilities prior to coagulation/flocculation stages.
• Performance evaluation of sedimentation tanks, clarifiers, and membrane filtration units in process engineering studies.
• Research-grade quantification of suspended load dynamics in fluvial, lacustrine, and estuarine systems.
• Quality control testing of industrial process waters where particulate carryover may impact downstream catalysis or heat exchange efficiency.

FAQ

What filtration membrane specifications are required for compliant operation?
Certified 0.45 µm pore-size membranes—either glass fiber (e.g., Pall GN-6, Whatman GF/F) or rapid quantitative filter paper (ASTM D2974 Class A)—in φ50 mm or φ60 mm diameter formats.
Is the instrument suitable for saline or high-TDS water samples?
Yes, provided residual dissolved salts do not precipitate during drying; users should verify absence of hygroscopic residue interference via blank filtration controls.
Can the PLD-11901 be used in field-deployable labs?
It is designed for benchtop use in climate-controlled laboratories; power dependency (AC 220 V) and sensitivity to vibration limit mobile deployment without auxiliary stabilization.
How does the system ensure reproducibility between operators?
By enforcing strict adherence to standardized gravimetric protocol steps—membrane pre-conditioning, defined drying duration (60 min minimum), and balance verification—reducing inter-operator variability to <±0.6 mg under ISO 5725-2 repeatability conditions.
Does CALDEE provide method validation documentation?
Yes—application notes detailing ICH Q2(R2)-aligned precision, accuracy, and robustness assessments for PLD-11901-based TSS workflows are available upon request to technical support.