VELP TB1 Portable Turbidimeter
| Brand | VELP |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | TB1 |
| Battery Life | Up to 1200 Measurements per Set |
| Measurement Range | 0.02–800 NTU |
| Detector | Silicon Photodiode |
| Light Source | Near-Infrared LED (850 nm) |
| Sample Cell | 25 mm Round Cuvettes (3 included) |
| Housing | Impact-Resistant ABS |
| Accessories | Calibration Cloth, Silicone Oil, Carrying Case, AA Batteries (4) |
Overview
The VELP TB1 Portable Turbidimeter is an optical instrument engineered for rapid, field-deployable turbidity measurement in accordance with the international standard ISO 7027. It employs the nephelometric principle—detecting scattered light at a 90° angle from a near-infrared (850 nm) LED light source—to quantify suspended particulate concentration in liquid samples. Unlike white-light systems, the fixed-wavelength NIR source minimizes interference from sample coloration or fluorescence, ensuring high specificity and long-term stability. Designed for environmental monitoring, drinking water verification, wastewater treatment control, and process validation in food & beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing, the TB1 delivers laboratory-grade repeatability in a handheld format. Its compact architecture integrates a silicon photodiode detector, precision optics, and embedded signal processing firmware calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards.
Key Features
- IP67-rated enclosure—fully protected against dust ingress and immersion in 1 m of water for up to 30 minutes—enabling reliable operation in harsh outdoor, industrial, or mobile laboratory environments.
- Intuitive single-button interface with backlit LCD display; no menu navigation required for routine measurements.
- Auto-zero and auto-calibration functions reduce operator dependency and minimize procedural variability.
- Four factory-certified, NIST-traceable calibration standards (0.02, 20, 100, and 800 NTU) included—each vial individually certified and documented for audit readiness.
- High-efficiency power management: four AA alkaline batteries support up to 1200 consecutive measurements without recharge or replacement.
- Rugged ABS polymer housing with chemical-resistant surface finish—resistant to common disinfectants, alcohols, and mild acids encountered in field sampling protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TB1 accepts standard 25 mm round glass or disposable plastic cuvettes (three supplied), accommodating both clear and moderately colored aqueous matrices—including potable water, surface runoff, filtered effluents, and process rinse solutions. It excludes samples containing highly reflective particles (e.g., metallic suspensions), air bubbles, or viscous media that impair optical path clarity. All measurements adhere strictly to ISO 7027:2016, which defines instrument geometry, wavelength tolerance, detector angular response, and calibration traceability requirements. The device supports GLP-compliant workflows through documented calibration history, user-defined ID entry, and physical record retention via printed or manually logged results—fully compatible with internal QA/QC procedures under ISO/IEC 17025 and US EPA Method 180.1.
Software & Data Management
The TB1 operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All data are displayed and retained on-device for immediate review; results may be manually transcribed into LIMS or electronic lab notebooks. While the unit lacks Bluetooth or USB connectivity, its consistent measurement protocol and stable calibration reduce need for real-time data streaming. Each calibration event is timestamped and associated with the specific standard used—facilitating traceability during internal audits or regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11 pre-submission reviews where manual records are accepted). The included silicone oil and lint-free cloth ensure repeatable optical interface maintenance between samples—a critical step recognized in ASTM D6508 for turbidimeter upkeep.
Applications
- Field verification of municipal drinking water compliance with WHO and EU Directive 98/83/EC turbidity limits (<1 NTU at point-of-use).
- Monitoring filter performance and breakthrough events in membrane-based water treatment plants.
- Batch release testing of sterile irrigation solutions and ophthalmic preparations per USP <731>.
- Process control of clarification steps in dairy, brewing, and juice production lines.
- Educational use in university environmental science labs for student-led water quality assessment projects.
FAQ
Does the TB1 require annual recalibration by an accredited lab?
No—routine user calibration using the provided NIST-traceable standards satisfies ISO 7027 requirements. However, annual verification against a higher-tier reference instrument is recommended for GLP/GMP-regulated environments.
Can the TB1 measure samples below 0.02 NTU?
The lower detection limit is defined by the 0.02 NTU standard; measurements below this value are reported as “<0.02 NTU” and should be confirmed via filtration or dilution if quantification is required.
Is the instrument suitable for seawater analysis?
Yes, provided samples are pre-filtered to remove macro-particulates and temperature-equilibrated; salinity does not affect NIR-based scattering detection.
How is optical window contamination mitigated during extended field use?
The supplied silicone oil and microfiber cloth enable controlled refractive-index matching and particle removal—critical for maintaining signal integrity across >1000 field measurements.
Are spare cuvettes and calibration standards available separately?
Yes—VELP offers certified replacement sets (P/N TB1-CAL-KIT and TB1-CUV-SET) with full traceability documentation compliant with ISO Guide 34 and ISO/IEC 17034.
