Particle Counter – Particle Size Analyser
ParticleSense
The Particle Counter range from Pi is a world first. The first to allow multiple sensors on a single analyser. The CounterSense is a sophisticated online particle counter with the capability to size and count particles from 2-127 microns and to count from 2-750 microns. The FilterSense has the capability to size and count particles from 2-127 microns, and the ParticleSense is a standalone counter with the capability of counting and sizing particles from 2-125 microns.
Particle Counters Tailored To Your Requirements
The range of sensors are available with different controllers giving you the same great performance with different communication, display, and control options. With the Pi range of controllers, you get everything that you need – and nothing that you don’t, without sacrificing the quality of measurement. Each sensor comes with a ‘clean me’ alert and can be run with a constant head weir or a flow meter, to maintain a constant flow.
As particles in a water stream pass through a measurement cell they break a laser beam inside the particle counter. This break is measured by a detector opposite the laser beam and the number of breaks is equal to the number of particles and the size of signal (created as the particle passes through the beam) is proportional to the size of the particle. The Pi instruments are unique in the marketplace in that they allow:
- Simple user calibration
- Set up direct from the instrument (no software/PC required)
- Multiple sensor capability (can be combined with other sensors such as UV254, Turbidity, etc.)
- Control with PID functions based on particle counts
- Multipoint capability
- Counts and sizes water-borne particles down to 2 microns
- Optimise cryptosporidia and giardia removal
- Monitor filter performance
- Monitor membrane performance
- Optimise filtration
- Reports both particle counts and size distribution
- Sapphire optics for extended life
- User calibration for lower cost of ownership
Particle Monitoring to Prevent Cryptosporidia Outbreaks
The CounterSense can be coupled with turbidity and differential pressure sensors and offers on-board PID control of automatic backwash and can provide data logging and optionally remote access via the mobile phone network such that you can have your filtration expert in your plant wherever they are in the world. The CounterSense is possibly the most advanced online particle analyser in the world.
The FilterSense is designed for multi-point monitoring of filter banks, lowering the cost per point with up to 15 particle analyser sensors.
Other applications for Pi particle size counters include:
- Pre-RO monitoring
- Make up water monitoring
- Ultra-clean medical device washing monitoring
- Membrane filtration monitoring
Improvements in water treatment have greatly reduced the risk posed by possible Cryptosporidia outbreaks following well published outbreaks around the world in the 1990s and later. As part of these improvements most filters have been fitted with turbidity meters that are great at picking up coagulation failures. In some regions filter banks have also been fitted with Particle Counters as they have proven to be better at picking up the initial stages of filter breakthrough or ‘channelling’ (where the water meter finds a way through the filter media without being filtered).
Using Turbidity Meters AND Particle Counters on the outlet of a filter not only provides an indication when there are more small particles (turbidity) but also when the larger Cryptosporidia size particles are coming through (particle counter).
Improvements in technology now means that a filter bank can be fitted with particle counters for a similar price to turbidity.
Coagulation Failure vs Filter Breakthrough
In most Cryptosporidium outbreaks there has been a failure of both coagulation and filtration. If coagulation fails then un-coagulated particles can pass straight through a filter. A turbidity meter would pick this up and show the operator that there was something wrong.
If, however, the filter starts to pass large, Crypto sized particles, or to break down, or to ‘channel’ (a channel opens in the filter from top to bottom) it is unlikely that this will be picked up by a turbidity meter, but can clearly be seen with a particle counter.
Costs
In the past, to install a bank of 8 filters with a particle counter would have meant a capital cost of approximately £32,000 which has been a stumbling block for many. Now Pi has made a multipoint analyser providing the same functionality for approximately £18,000 taking away much of the price objection.
Particle Counter Vs Turbidity… Which One?
Turbidity Meters are more sensitive to smaller particles which are present if coagulation fails.
Particle Counters are more sensitive to filtration failures.
So which do you need? You need both.
Why not contact us and see what we may be able to do to help you reduce your risk of a Cryptosporidia outbreak.
CounterSense
- Counts particles 2-750 microns
- Counts and sizes 2-127 microns
- Up to 6 user programmable size ranges
- Multiple sensors – reduced cost
FilterSense
- Counts particles 2-750 microns
- Counts and sizes 2-127 microns
- Up to 3 user selectable size ranges (at time of purchase)
- Multiple sensors – reduced cost
ParticleSense
- Counts particles 2-750 microns
- Counts and sizes 2-125 microns
- Up to 8 user programmable size ranges
- Stand alone
Focus Ons are a series of short articles distributed by email providing technical information regarding instrumentation, process measurement in potable, waste, process and pool waters. If you would like to join the mailing list, please contact us.
You probably know that Particle Counters are really expensive, complex to run, give out too much information and have to be sent-off for re-calibration? NO LONGER! Particle Counter technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years! Did you know that…
…the price per point can often be even lower than turbidity?
…calibration of a particle counter can now be done easily on site and by the customers?
…a particle counter can now give a single ‘ppb’ output (as well as size and count information)?
CounterSense, FilterSense and ParticleSense
Working closely with Chemtrac Inc. one of the worlds leading particle counter sensor manufacturers, Pi has developed a stunning range of Particle Counters for the online measurement of particles in water.
Filter Optimisation
Nearly every filter used in portable water treatment has a turbidity meter monitoring the outlet. Turbidity is a great tool for measuring the cloudiness of the water but it is only telling you half the story!
Process optimisation using a Particle Counter
Filters are typically backwashed based on time and pressure differential.
Each time a filter is backwashed it involves significant cost, both financial and environmental. When filters start to break down they pass larger particles first and these are not seen by turbidity meters. Using a particle counter to control the backwashing of filter could lead to significant cost saving and better water leaving the plant.
Document | Type | Size |
---|---|---|
ParticleSense | Brochure | 571kB |
CounterSense | Brochure | 735kB |
FilterSense | Brochure | 724kB |
ppbSense | Brochure | 548kB |
ParticleSense Portable | Brochure | 560kB |
Laboratory Based and Portable Analysers | Technical Note | 608kB |
"We at Scottish Water have been using the excellent Pi LabSense 3 and portable UV254 instruments in the field for optimizing our Water Treatment processes for some years now. We find them easy to use and invaluable for detecting and resolving issues in a timely, efficient and effective manner. Two great pieces of kit!”
Paul Weir
Scottish Water - UK
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Michael Bailey
Wexford Co. Co. - Ireland
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Phill Tuxford
Detectronic - UK
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Mick Murphy
Wexford Co. Co. - Ireland
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David Kerr
Karis Technical Services Ltd. - UK
"We in ECM ECO Monitoring can only recommend Process Instruments products and services to all other potential clients. They have very complex portfolio of products for water quality monitoring in various types of industries, friendly attitude, very quick delivery time and prompt reaction to all our needs and inquires. Our clients especially appreciate the particle counters and sizers allowing identification of drinking water treatment problems. The Streaming Current Monitors are a great tool for optimisation of expensive chemicals.”
Branislav
ECM ECO Monitoring - Slovakia
"Simply the best turbidity available."
John Clark
Chemtrac - Atlanta, GA
"In 2019, we purchased 29 particle counters which were installed in our water plants. So far, their performance has been perfect."
Li Yongjun
Jinan Hongquan Water Company - China
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Jiao Tumei
Qingdao Guolin Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., - China
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Daniel "Buck" Owen
Ocoee Utility District - Ocoee TN
"We've been using these analyzers since 2008. They're easy to use and very stable. Calibration and maintenance is quick and simple."
Lloyd Gruginski
Chehalis WTP - Chehalis, WA
"The Pi products provide excellent value for money and represent the best municipal drinking water analyzers available."
John Clark
Chemtrac - Atlanta
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Clovis Tuchapski
Buckman - Latin America
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Ibrahim Kaplin
Thermomed - Turkey
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Chris Tedeschi
Link Automation - USA
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Ye Yancong
Xiamen Xishan Water Plant - China
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Izasa Scientific - Spain
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Equip Solutions - Illinois, USA
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Allpronix - South Africa