Timepower TP-180 Online Turbidimeter

Overview

The Timepower TP-180 Online Turbidimeter is an industrial-grade, continuous-monitoring turbidity sensor engineered for reliable, long-term deployment in water quality management systems. It operates on a ratio-metric optical principle—measuring both scattered and transmitted light intensities at 90° and 180° relative to the incident beam—and computing their quotient to minimize drift caused by lamp aging, window fouling, or source intensity fluctuations. This dual-signal methodology ensures stable calibration across the full measurement range (0.1–1000 NTU), eliminating the need for multi-point calibration routines typically required by conventional nephelometric sensors. Designed for permanent installation in potable water distribution networks, wastewater treatment effluent channels, cooling tower circuits, and surface water monitoring stations, the TP-180 delivers consistent performance under variable flow conditions and ambient lighting environments.

Key Features

• Ratio-metric optical design enhances long-term stability and reduces recalibration frequency—single-point calibration suffices for routine operation.
• IP65-rated stainless steel and polycarbonate housing enables robust outdoor or semi-outdoor deployment, including wet utility trenches, pump stations, and open-channel installations.
• Embedded microcontroller with high-resolution A/D conversion provides precise signal digitization and real-time temperature compensation (via integrated thermistor).
• Configurable analog output (4–20 mA standard; optional 0–5 V or 0–10 V) supports seamless integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, and DCS architectures.
• Two independently programmable relay outputs support fail-safe alarm logic—for example, high-turbidity alerts for filter breakthrough or low-turbidity verification during disinfection validation.
• Cyclic internal data storage retains up to 30 days of 15-minute interval readings (user-adjustable logging interval); overflow behavior is fully automatic with no manual purge requirement.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TP-180 is validated for use with clear to moderately turbid aqueous matrices—including chlorinated drinking water, filtered surface water, tertiary-treated wastewater, and recirculated pool water. It complies with ISO 7027:2016 (optical properties of turbidimeters) and meets the functional requirements outlined in ASTM D6508 (Standard Practice for Online Monitoring of Turbidity in Water). While not certified for regulatory reporting under US EPA Method 180.1 or ISO 10705-2, its ±2% accuracy specification and linear response over 0.1–1000 NTU align with QA/QC protocols used in GLP-compliant municipal utilities and industrial pretreatment facilities. The instrument’s analog output and relay logic are compatible with systems undergoing FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit readiness when paired with compliant SCADA historian software.

Software & Data Management

The TP-180 operates as a standalone field device without proprietary software dependency. All configuration—including zero/span calibration, alarm thresholds, relay hysteresis, output scaling, and data logging intervals—is performed via intuitive on-device menu navigation using the backlit 128×64 LCD. No PC connection or driver installation is required. For centralized data aggregation, the 4–20 mA output integrates directly into industry-standard Modbus RTU or HART-enabled gateways. When deployed in networks with Timepower’s optional TPCloud™ telemetry module (sold separately), encrypted time-stamped records—including sensor diagnostics, calibration history, and alarm event timestamps—are transmitted via cellular or Ethernet to cloud-hosted dashboards supporting CSV export, trend visualization, and automated email/SMS alerting.

Applications

• Real-time monitoring of finished drinking water at municipal treatment plant outlets and distribution system entry points.
• Early detection of filter media failure or backwash inefficiency in rapid sand or multimedia filtration units.
• Process control feedback for coagulant dosing optimization in conventional and membrane-based treatment trains.
• Compliance tracking for swimming pool and spa facilities subject to CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) turbidity limits (<0.5 NTU).
• Environmental surveillance of reservoir inflows, river discharge points, and stormwater outfalls per local watershed protection ordinances.
• Boiler feedwater and condensate loop monitoring in power generation plants to prevent silica scaling and turbine erosion risks.

FAQ

Does the TP-180 require regular cleaning of the optical windows?

Yes—while the ratio-metric design mitigates signal drift from gradual fouling, periodic inspection and gentle wiping with lint-free cloth and deionized water are recommended every 2–4 weeks in high-sediment environments.
Can the TP-180 be installed in pressurized piping systems?

It is designed for insertion-type mounting in open channels or side-stream bypass loops; direct in-line pressurized installation requires an optional pressure-rated flow cell (model FC-TP180-P, sold separately).
Is NIST-traceable calibration supported?

The unit accepts Formazin or AMCO AEPA-1 primary standards; users may perform traceable calibration using certified reference suspensions and documented SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory practices.
What is the expected service life of the LED light source?

The 850 nm infrared LED has a rated operational lifetime exceeding 60,000 hours under continuous operation at nominal drive current.
Does the device support MODBUS communication natively?

No—the base TP-180 model communicates only via analog output and relay contacts; MODBUS RTU capability is available exclusively through the optional TPCloud™ telemetry add-on module.