TimePower TP3116 Benchtop Suspended Solids Analyzer

Overview

The TimePower TP3116 Benchtop Suspended Solids Analyzer is a dedicated gravimetric-based analytical instrument engineered for precise quantification of total suspended solids (TSS) in aqueous samples according to standardized laboratory protocols—including EPA Method 160.2, ISO 11923:1997, and ASTM D5907. Unlike optical turbidity or scattering methods, the TP3116 implements a validated filtration–drying–weighing workflow: samples are vacuum-filtered through pre-weighed, ash-free glass fiber filters (e.g., Whatman GF/F), dried at 103–105 °C per regulatory specifications, and re-weighed on an integrated high-resolution analytical balance (not included; compatible with external balances meeting ±0.1 mg repeatability). This ensures traceable, mass-based TSS determination—critical for wastewater treatment compliance reporting, environmental impact assessments, and process control in municipal and industrial water facilities.

Key Features

• Gravimetric TSS analysis platform compliant with core regulatory methodologies (EPA, ISO, ASTM)
• Integrated large-format LCD display with intuitive keypad navigation and multilingual UI support (English default)
• Dedicated hardware architecture optimized for filter handling, drying sequence timing, and weight data capture synchronization
• Imported long-life cold LED light source used in auxiliary optical verification modules (e.g., filter integrity check, residue homogeneity assessment)
• Onboard thermal printer supporting immediate hard-copy output of current measurements, calibration logs, and batch reports
• Non-volatile memory preserving all operational settings, curve coefficients, and 30,000 timestamped results—even during unexpected power interruption
• Modular firmware architecture enabling future integration of complementary parameters (e.g., turbidity, COD, nitrate) via certified software updates

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TP3116 accommodates sample volumes from 10 mL to 2 L, with automatic volume normalization applied during result calculation. It supports standard 47 mm and 90 mm diameter filters and is compatible with both borosilicate glass fiber and polyether sulfone (PES) membranes. All procedural workflows align with GLP documentation requirements: audit trails record operator ID, date/time stamps, filter lot numbers, drying temperature profiles, and final mass deltas. The system meets structural and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1:2010 and electromagnetic compatibility per EN 61326-1:2013. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its data export functionality (CSV/Excel via USB/Ethernet) enables full traceability for GMP-aligned laboratories when paired with validated LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are managed through embedded firmware—not external PC software—ensuring deterministic response times and reduced configuration drift. Measurement records include sample ID, analyst code, filtration duration, drying cycle parameters, initial/final filter masses, calculated TSS concentration (mg/L), and uncertainty flags (e.g., filter clogging, moisture retention). Historical datasets are searchable by date range, operator, or custom tag. USB export generates timestamped .csv files with UTF-8 encoding and ISO 8601 date formatting. Ethernet connectivity supports static IP assignment and integration into facility-wide SCADA or LabWare LIMS environments via Modbus TCP or HTTP RESTful endpoints (firmware v2.4+).

Applications

• Regulatory TSS monitoring for NPDES permit compliance in municipal wastewater discharge points
• Performance evaluation of sedimentation tanks, clarifiers, and membrane bioreactors (MBRs)
• Baseline characterization of surface water bodies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) under USGS or EU WFD frameworks
• Process validation in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor ultrapure water systems
• Academic research on colloidal stability, flocculation kinetics, and particle size distribution correlations
• Calibration reference for online turbidimeters and laser diffraction analyzers

FAQ

Does the TP3116 include an integrated analytical balance?
No—the instrument is designed to interface with externally calibrated analytical balances (0.1 mg resolution, ISO/IEC 17025–accredited preferred) via RS-232 or USB HID protocol.
Can it measure volatile suspended solids (VSS)?
Yes—by extending the post-drying ignition step at 550 °C using a certified muffle furnace, users may derive VSS following Standard Methods 2540G.
Is method validation documentation provided?
TimePower supplies a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, metrological traceability certificates for optical components, and a complete SOP template aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.2.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Optical path cleaning every 6 months; filter holder sterilization after each hazardous waste sample; annual verification of vacuum pump performance and thermal chamber uniformity.
Are consumables supplied by TimePower?
Yes—certified GF/F filters (47 mm, ash content <0.01%), pre-ashed weighing boats, and calibration weights (Class M1) are available under catalog codes TP-FIL-47GF, TP-BOAT-W, and TP-CAL-M1.