Online Colorimetric Analysers for Drinking Water Treatment
The 3S online colorimetric analyser supports repeatable, parameter-specific wet chemistry across raw-water intake, treatment stages and final-water monitoring. Each configuration is selected around the target parameter, concentration range and sample condition.
01
Treatment residuals and metals
Online measurement can help treatment teams follow selected residuals and metals between scheduled laboratory results. Relevant 3S configurations include aluminium, iron and manganese, subject to the approved method and sample matrix.
For a focused treatment and distribution discussion, explore Iron & Manganese Monitoring.
02
Free and total chlorine
The online free and total chlorine analyser uses a configured colorimetric method for suitable drinking-water applications. PMA reviews the required chlorine measurement, expected range and sampling point before configuration.
03
Nutrients and source-water changes
Ammonia and ammonium, nitrate and phosphate can be considered where the selected chemistry matches the source water, process objective and measuring range.
For a closer look at source, blending and treatment decisions, explore Nitrate Monitoring. For chloraminated supplies, explore Chloraminated Water Monitoring.
04
Choose the sampling point first
Raw water, clarified water, filter outlet and final water can present very different concentrations, colour and solids. The sampling location should be defined before the analyser method, range and sample-conditioning arrangement are confirmed.
05
Sample conditioning and filtration
Fine solids, natural colour and treatment chemicals can affect an optical wet-chemistry method. PMA reviews the sample and, where necessary, specifies an appropriate reservoir, fast loop or filtration arrangement for the measurement. See the practical guide to sample conditioning for online analysers.
06
Operational information between laboratory checks
Programmed online measurements can give operators more frequent information about process behaviour. They support operational decisions but do not replace accredited laboratory analysis, statutory sampling or site quality procedures where those remain required.
DRINKING-WATER APPLICATION REVIEW
Define the method around the treatment duty
Parameter, range, sampling point, background colour, suspended solids and required measurement frequency all influence the correct analyser configuration.
01.
Parameter and method
Select the chemistry for the required aluminium, chlorine, nutrient or metal measurement.
02.
Sampling location
State whether the sample is raw, treated, filtered or final water.
03.
Expected range
Normal, minimum and maximum concentrations determine method suitability.
04.
Sample condition
Background colour, temperature and suspended material should be reviewed.
05.
Measurement frequency
Required response and process purpose help define the analysis schedule.
06.
Quality checks
Define how online results will be reviewed alongside laboratory data.
A drinking-water analyser is application-specific
There is no single universal configuration for every treatment works. The analytical method, sampling point and site conditions should be agreed before specification.
Selected parameters
Aluminium, chlorine, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, iron and manganese can be reviewed.
Two sample streams
The general 3S-CL platform supports two measurable sample streams.
IP54
Designed for indoor installation; suitable protection is required outdoors.
Laboratory context
Online results should sit within the treatment works’ wider analytical programme.
Drinking-water parameters to review
Start with the treatment objective, then review the available 3S measurement pages and approved documentation.
| Parameter | Selected analytical chemistry |
| Measuring range | Method specific |
| Sample matrix | Colour and solids considered |
| Analysis time | Parameter dependent |
| Reagent use | Varies by parameter and frequency |
| Sample conditioning | Filtration where required |
| Installation | Indoor; suitable protection outdoors |
| Outputs | According to ordered configuration |
| Verification | Confirm current parameter datasheet |
Browse all online water analyser parameters or ask PMA to review the intended sampling point.
Where online colorimetry can support treatment teams
A correctly configured analyser can add repeatable measurements at selected stages of the treatment process.
Raw and source water
Follow selected parameters where the method and conditioning arrangement suit changing source-water conditions.
Treatment stages
Place measurements around coagulation, filtration or dosing processes when the analytical objective is clearly defined.
Final water
Use online information as part of operational monitoring alongside the site’s required sampling and laboratory programme.
Online analysis supports the wider drinking-water quality programme
The analyser provides routine process information. It does not replace accredited laboratory work or regulatory sampling where these are required.
Discuss a drinking-water monitoring application
Share the parameter, sampling point, normal and maximum concentration, sample condition and required measurement frequency with PMA, then arrange a technical discussion.