What are the differences between types of water analysers?

Before we answer this question we must first understand exactly what an analyser is and what they are used for in waste water and trade effluent monitoring! An analyser is a device or piece of hardware that essentially examines the data generated during the monitoring process.

There are four different types of analysers that are frequently used in the water industry and by companies involved in processing and manufacturing: online, offline, inline and atline analysers.

An online analyser is usually connected to the process that is being monitored so that the liquid being measured can be analysed in real time by using a sample taken automatically from the process at specified times.

An inline analyser is placed directly in a process vessel or stream of flowing liquid and used to conduct ongoing analysis.

The key benefit of online and inline analysers is that they both permit continuous process control.

If an offline or atline analyser is being utilised it will require an operative to take a manual sample of the liquid being monitored. That sample will then be sent off for analysis and not re-added to the process. Both of these methods do not allow direct process control since the material being measured can change during the time between sampling and the return of the results.

Our ORAKEL System, for example, incorporates a combination of online and inline analysers to measure different flow and quality characteristics and deliver a bespoke solution for wastewater and industrial water monitoring environments.

So, when you are looking for an analyser it is is first important to understand your processes so you can start looking at the most appropriate types of water analysers that will work within your process.