Automated Water Analyzers for Laboratories
Wet Chemistry: Precise High-Throughput Analysis, Streamlined
Traditional wet chemical methods of analysis are labor-intensive and time consuming plus, they require large quantities of reagents and generate large amounts of chemical waste. Modern technologies, such as discrete analyzers and continuous flow analyzers offer many financial and operational benefits for today's industrial and commercial lab operators:
- Lower cost/test compared to traditional methods
- Reduced waste with use of reusable cuvettes
- Faster startup, turnaround, & response times for increased process capability
- Increased throughput compared to manual and some other processes
- Standardized processes resulting in less errors
- Ease of use - no longer requires the user to be a chemist (labor savings)
- Consolidated technique, less expensive than other instrumental techniques
- More specific to the analytes of interest in complex matrices compared to other instrumental techniques
- Reduced chemical exposure for a safer working environment
- Space saving designs free up room in the lab
- Reduced power consumption for additional cost savings
The choice between a discrete analyzer and a continuous flow analyzer depends on the specific needs and requirements of the analytical application. Both types of analyzers have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision should be based on factors such as the type of analysis, sample throughput, and the level of automation desired.
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KPM's Wet Chemistry Solutions
Learn More About the TechnologyContinuous Flow vs Discrete Analysis
Automated analyzers generally require less space and offer high precision, increased efficiency, and repeatability to maximize throughput in your lab. Senior/principal scientists are not required to operate the instruments, which also saves you money. The choice between discrete and continuous flow analyzers depends on the specific requirements of the analytical application. Both types of analyzers have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision should be based on factors such as the type of analysis, sample throughput, and the level of automation desired. Here are some considerations for when to use each type:
KPM's Discrete Analyzers
- High level of automation for basic parameters
- Accommodate a wide range of methods
- True "walk-away" analytical instrument
- Fast, simple, & reliable operation
- Better for high sample variety
- Allow for batch processing
- Flexibility with ready to use reagents
- Lower running costs
KPM's Continuous Segmented Flow Analyzers
- Detect extremely low levels of analytes
- More effective with complex matrices
- Suitable for samples that require inline pre-treatment, e.g.:
- digestion, distillation, filtration, UV Preparation (e.g. TN, CN, Phenol, TP, etc.)
- Parameters that require specialized detection, e.g.:
- UV, fluorometry, flame photometer, etc.
- Handles extremely large sample load for only one parameter
- Suitable for routine, repetitive analyses of samples that require the same tests
The testing and monitoring of microbiological and chemical parameters in drinking water is heavily regulated around the world. Water must be monitored and tested regularly to ensure our health and safety. Drinking water comes from a variety of sources, including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. It is important to know where your drinking water comes from, how it’s been treated, and if it’s safe to drink. Common parameters tested in drinking water using KPM's automated water analyzers include:
Case Study
In this Select Science article, the experts at Lake County Health Department explore the importance of safe drinking water, reveal their current lab challenges, and introduce the small, yet powerful analytical tool that has now taken up permanent residence in their lab – the AMS Alliance SmartChem® automated discrete analyzer that is transforming how they analyze complex water samples to deliver quality water to all.
Whether municipal or industrial, the purpose of a wastewater treatment plant is cleaning the sewage water of hazardous chemicals and bacteria to make it suitable to be returned to a water body or to reusable water specs.
Different stages are defined where bacterial, mechanical, and chemical treatments are involved.
This means that different parameters need to be tested at different stages of the treatment.
| Parameter | Permissible Limit | Unit | SmartChem® | FUTURA | Reagents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | .02 | mg/L |  |
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| Cyanides (as CN-) | 0.07 | mg/L | |
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| Free Residual Chlorine | 0.2 - 1.50 | mg/L | |
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| Chlorides (like Cl-) | 250 | mg/L | |
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| Copper | 2 | mg/L | |
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| Total Chromium | 0.05 | mg/L | |
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| Total Hardness (like CaCo3) | 500 | mg/L | |
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| Phenols or Phenolic Compounds | 0.3 | mg/L | |
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| Iron | 0.3 | mg/L | |
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| Phosphates | 0.01 - 6.0 | mg/L | |
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| Fluorides (as F-) | 1.5 | mg/L | |
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| Manganese | 0.15 | mg/L | |
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| Nitrates (as N) | 10 | mg/L | |
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| Nitrites (as N) | 1 | mg/L | |
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| Ammonia (as N) | 0.5 | mg/L | |
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| pH | 6.50 - 8.50 | pH | |
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| Oxidability | 700 | mg/L | |
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| Sodium | 200 | mg/L | |
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| Silicates | 0.4 - 25 | mg/L | |
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| Total Dissolved Solids | 1000 | mg/L | |
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| Sulfates | 400 | mg/L | |
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| Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS | 0.5 | mg/L | |
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| Zinc | 5 | mg/L | |
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