WQ770-B Portable Turbidimeter
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | WQ770-B |
| Price Range | USD 1,400–2,800 |
| Product Type | Portable |
| Measurement Range | 0–1000 NTU |
| Resolution | 12-bit |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C |
| Accuracy | ±1% FS |
Overview
The WQ770-B Portable Turbidimeter is an EPA-compliant, field-deployable optical instrument engineered for precise in-situ turbidity measurement in natural and industrial aqueous environments. It operates on the principle of 90° side-scatter detection—illuminating water samples with a pulsed 880 nm LED light source and quantifying scattered photons at a right angle to the incident beam. This methodology conforms strictly to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 180.1 for turbidity analysis, ensuring regulatory alignment for environmental monitoring, wastewater compliance, and process water quality control. The integrated submersible sensor features dual photodetectors: a primary detector for turbidity signal acquisition and a secondary reference detector that continuously compensates for drift induced by LED intensity variation, sample color interference, or optical window fouling—enhancing long-term stability and measurement reproducibility without manual recalibration.
Key Features
- True portable design with integrated handheld meter and detachable submersible sensor—optimized for rapid deployment in rivers, reservoirs, groundwater wells, municipal wastewater streams, and industrial effluent channels.
- Robust mechanical construction: anodized aluminum housing for the meter unit; sensor body fabricated from 316 stainless steel with sapphire optical windows and polyoxymethylene (POM) structural components for chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
- Marine-grade polyurethane-jacketed cable (standard length 7.6 m, extendable up to 30 m) rated for tensile strength and underwater durability—certified for continuous immersion and pressure tolerance up to 30 psi (~20 m water column).
- Low-power architecture powered by a single 9 V alkaline battery, enabling >100 hours of field operation; preheat time ≤3 seconds ensures immediate readiness upon power-on.
- High-fidelity analog-to-digital conversion with 12-bit resolution across dual-range operation (0–50 NTU and 0–1000 NTU), supporting both low-turbidity drinking water verification and high-turbidity stormwater or slurry applications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WQ770-B is validated for use with freshwater, seawater, treated wastewater, and process cooling water—provided suspended solids are non-abrasive and do not exceed sensor port clearance dimensions. Its optical design minimizes sensitivity to dissolved color and absorbance artifacts common in humic-rich or dyed effluents. Regulatory compliance includes adherence to EPA Method 180.1, ISO 7027:2016 (Nephelometric Principle), and ASTM D6416–22 (Standard Test Method for Turbidity of Water). The instrument meets IP68 ingress protection rating for the sensor head and supports GLP-compliant data logging when paired with optional PC software—enabling audit-ready traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where electronic records are mandated.
Software & Data Management
Data output is accessible via RS-232 serial interface (cable included) for direct connection to Windows-based configuration and reporting software. The bundled application enables real-time graphing, batch export to CSV/Excel, timestamped measurement history storage, and user-defined calibration log archiving. All calibration events—including factory baseline and field adjustments—are digitally recorded with operator ID, date/time stamp, and standard reference values used (e.g., Formazin or AMCO-AE standards). Firmware updates are performed over serial link, preserving calibration coefficients and user settings during version upgrades.
Applications
- Environmental field monitoring: routine turbidity profiling in surface waters, sediment transport studies, and post-storm runoff assessment.
- Municipal water treatment: intake screening, coagulation/flocculation optimization, filter performance validation, and distribution system integrity checks.
- Industrial process control: cooling tower water clarity verification, boiler feedwater qualification, and semiconductor rinse water monitoring.
- Regulatory reporting: generation of compliant datasets for NPDES permits, Clean Water Act reporting, and ISO 14001 environmental management systems.
- Academic and research use: laboratory method validation, sensor intercomparison studies, and long-term water quality trend analysis.
FAQ
What calibration standards are recommended for field verification?
Formazin suspension (primary standard) or AMCO-AE polymer standard (secondary stable alternative) at 0.1, 10, 100, and 800 NTU points are recommended per EPA guidance.
Is the sensor suitable for continuous submerged deployment?
Yes—the sensor is rated IP68 and pressure-tested to 30 psi; however, periodic visual inspection of the sapphire window and cable termination is advised for extended deployments (>72 h).
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Factory calibration remains valid for 6–12 months under normal field use; recalibration is triggered only if drift exceeds ±1% FS during routine verification or after physical impact or exposure to abrasive particulates.
Can the WQ770-B measure turbidity in colored or highly absorbing solutions?
The dual-detector compensation algorithm mitigates color-related bias, but extreme chromaticity (e.g., concentrated dye solutions) may still introduce residual error; such samples should be evaluated using paired spectrophotometric absorbance correction protocols.
Does the device support data export compatible with LIMS integration?
Yes—CSV-formatted output includes measurement value, timestamp, temperature (if equipped with optional thermistor), operator ID, and calibration status flag, facilitating automated ingestion into laboratory information management systems.
