Water Treatment

Measuring zeta potential to aid water clarification

For the water industry product quality is non-negotiable and demonstrating consistent compliance is essential. However, many facilities lack the capability to respond quickly and efficiently to fluctuations in raw water quality. Maintaining stable operation at all times, even in the event of significant process change. Reducing chemical dosage levels and sludge production reduces water treatment costs.

Malvern Panalytical offers fit for purpose, robust, fully automated systems for monitoring charge neutralization processes. These measure zeta potential, a parameter that directly quantifies the tendency of suspended particles to coagulate and sediment. This technology enables predictive control of the water clarification processes that precede all other water treatment steps. In this way, zeta potential measurements set a firm foundation for quality control while at the same time supporting the optimization of chemical flocculant addition.

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Zeta Potential Technology

Zeta potential measurement technology can be used in the laboratory for the off-line study and optimization of flocculation/coagulation processes. Advantages relative to traditional techniques include:

  • Speed of measurement
  • Ease of use
  • Reproducibility - not subject to operator-to-operator variability

Furthermore, zeta potential measurement can be implemented online, offering the opportunity for regular monitoring with no manual input, and for automated control. The demonstrated benefits of continuous measurement with an online system are:

  • Improved process stability
  • The ability to respond rapidly and proactively to changes in raw water and plant conditions
  • A reduction in chemical coagulant costs – 15-20% reported by users
  • Clear and precise information to guide operator decision making and/or a data stream via OPC, Modbus TCP/IP or 4-20 mA for automated plant control

Our Solutions

Zetasizer Lab

The world’s most widely-used systems for nanoparticle, colloid and protein size and charge measurements
Zetasizer Lab