Integrating sphere tests water quality

Jan. 17, 2000
In a drinking-water treatment plant, it is important to measure both particles and dissolved materials to ensure that the water meets quality standards.

In a drinking-water treatment plant, it is important to measure both particles and dissolved materials to ensure that the water meets quality standards. Many dissolved materials can be detected by their optical absorption; however, absorption measurement is made difficult by interference from scattering caused by particles. In addition, the cuvette windows of a standard measurement system are often fouled, which reduces instrument reliability.

Researchers at North West Water (Warrington, England) have developed a new method that overcomes both problems. In the technique, the water flows in an unconstrained stream through an integrating sphere. Within the sphere, optical absorption is measured independent of scattering, and this combination of window-free and scattering-independent absorption measurement offers a highly reliable industrial instrument.

About the Author

Bridget Marx | Contributing Editor, UK

Bridget Marx was Contributing Editor, UK for Laser Focus World.

Sponsored Recommendations

Demonstrating Flexible, Powerful 5-axis Laser Micromachining

Sept. 18, 2024
Five-axis scan heads offer fast and flexible solutions for generating precise holes, contoured slots and other geometries with fully defined cross sections. With a suitable system...

Enhance Your Experiments with Chroma's Spectra Viewer

Sept. 5, 2024
Visualize and compare fluorescence spectra with our interactive Spectra Viewer tool. Easily compare and optimize filters and fluorochromes for your experiments with this intuitive...

Optical Filter Orientation Guide

Sept. 5, 2024
Ensure optimal performance of your optical filters with our Orientation Guide. Learn the correct placement and handling techniques to maximize light transmission and filter efficiency...

Ensure Optimal Performance with Shortpass Filters

Sept. 5, 2024
Achieve precise wavelength blocking with our Shortpass Filters. Ideal for applications requiring effective light transmission and cutoff, these filters ensure optimal performance...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!