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TECHNICAL DATA
6
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OPTISYS TSS X050 SERIES
www.krohne.com
07/2018 - 4004781502 - MA OPTISYS TSSx050 R02 en
6.1 Measuring principle
Transmitted light absorption principle; pulsed NIR 880 nm; one emitter and one detector to
measure the absorption of light on suspended solids and particles. The light passes the
measured particles between the emitter and the detector. Depending on industry and application
the absorption measurement principle is used for the parameters extinction (optical density);
total suspended solids or turbidity.
TSS (Total Suspended Solids) is a key measurement for water, wastewater and certain industrial
processes. Typically, TSS is monitored through periodic grab samples and a filter test performed
by a skilled technician. TSS is the gravimetric dry-weight of particles trapped by a filter. TSS is
typically expressed in mg/l, g/l, ppm and %. Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) = (filter weight after
filtering
–
filter weight before filtering) / sample volume in litres. Quantitative online TSS
measurement is often done with absorption sensors. The TSS sensors also provide immediate
results for process control and reduce the need for the time-consuming suspended solids lab
analysis. Online sensors are best used after calibration or correlation to the gravimetric TSS
procedure.
Turbidity is an optical property of water based on the amount of light scattered or absorbed (>40
NTU) by colloidal and suspended particles compared against a formazine standard. As an
alternative to formazine, a polymer calibration standard is often used to calibrate the turbidity,
as used in the corresponding white light method according to EPA 180.1. The turbidity value
measured in FNU, FTU, NTU, EBC, FAU is the quantitative statement of this qualitative
phenomenon.
The Transmitted light absorption principle delivers total suspended solids or turbidity values and
does as such deliver proportional data for particle concentration. Therefor it is suitable for phase
separation (indication) as well as process control and similar applications.
The advantage of the using NIR as light source is that this sensor is not affected by colour of the
medium measured.