AWWA JAW34119

Instruments that simultaneously count and size individual particles can be used for analyzing raw-water particulates, optimizing chemical dosages, measuring particulates in filter effluent, determining filter efficiency in terms of percent removal of particles, and many other applications. A single particle counter will not, however, be universally applicable to all of these circumstances. The type of particle counter required will be determined by the types of water samples to be analyzed and the ultimate use of the data. Commercially available particle counters differ in terms of operational principles as well as complexity, particle size range capabilities, concentration limits, resolution, data-processing power, and physical installation requirements. Basic features of particle counters and a step-by-step approach for evaluating particle counter capabilities are discussed, along with installation considerations for water quality monitoring in discrete and on-line sampling configurations. Includes 15 references, tables, figures.