Turbidity Sensors and Transmitters

Turbidity Sensors and Transmitters

Turbidity sensors and transmitters provide continuous optical measurement of suspended particles in a liquid, often expressed as turbidity and/or related solids indicators. The category is positioned for reliable turbidity and total solids/suspended solids measurement across industries, supporting both quality assurance and process control where particle content directly impacts compliance, filtration performance, and downstream treatment effectiveness. Turbidity is also a rapid-response indicator for process disturbances such as breakthrough, poor settling, or sudden loading changes.

Measurement approaches in this category include optical methods such as backscatter (scattered light backward) and other optical techniques, paired with transmitters that manage signal processing, diagnostics, and outputs. Product families include Memosens and Liquiline offerings, supporting digital sensor handling and broad industrial communication compatibility. Depending on application needs, systems may be configured for low-range, high-sensitivity monitoring (e.g., finished water) or higher-range solids monitoring in wastewater and industrial processes.

Primary benefits include improved water quality stability and faster control action. Continuous turbidity measurement supports optimization of coagulation and filtration, early detection of filter breakthrough, and confirmation of clarifier or separator performance. In wastewater, turbidity and solids trending can help identify solids carryover, bulking events, or process upsets before they cascade into disinfection challenges or permit exceedances. Continuous monitoring also improves operational documentation and reduces uncertainty associated with intermittent sampling.

Typical applications include drinking-water raw and finished water monitoring, filtration effluent surveillance, and process-water quality assurance. In wastewater treatment, turbidity measurement is common on secondary effluent, tertiary filtration effluent, and reclaimed-water processes where consistent clarity is required. Industrial applications include monitoring of process streams where suspended solids affect product quality, equipment fouling, or discharge compliance, and where rapid detection of particulate changes reduces downtime and rework.

Selection and commissioning depend on expected particle characteristics and measurement range. Installation must address bubble interference, fouling, and flow stability—often through appropriate assemblies and cleaning strategies. Calibration and verification practices should align with applicable standards and internal quality protocols, especially where turbidity values are used for compliance. Transmitter capabilities and communications should match the control architecture to ensure turbidity becomes an effective alarm and control variable, not just a local indication.

Field Instruments & Controls, Inc. an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.