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Turbidity Sensor User Manual

Order Code: TRB-BTA

Turbidity is a measure of water’s lack of clarity and is an important indicator of water quality. Water with high turbidity is cloudy, while water with low turbidity is clear. The cloudiness is produced by light reflecting off particles in the water; therefore, the more particles in the water, the higher the turbidity.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Turbidity Sensor
  • Turbidity Accessories Kit (includes one empty cuvette and one cuvette containing 100 NTU standard)

Compatible Software

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportPartial support 1
LabQuest 3Full support 2Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 2Full support 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. Data can be collected using the sensor’s default calibration only.
  2. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1IncompatibleFull support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  4. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

Quick Start

  1. Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
  2. Connect the interface to your device.
    • If using USB, connect to the USB port on your computer.
    • If using Bluetooth® wireless technology, click your interface type and then select your device.
  3. Prepare for data collection:
    • Vernier Graphical Analysis®: Launch the app, if necessary, and click Sensor Data Collection.
    • LabQuest® App: Choose New from the File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.

Need Additional Information?

Visit the following link:

www.vernier.com/start-lq-sensor

Using the Product

Collecting Data

  1. Warm up the sensor by connecting it to the software for at least five minutes prior to use.
  2. Gently invert the sample water to mix in any particles that may have settled to the bottom. Important: Do not shake the sample. Shaking will introduce tiny air bubbles that will affect turbidity.
  3. Empty the distilled water from the cuvette and rinse it with sample water. Fill the cuvette to the top of the line with sample water.
  4. Screw the lid on the cuvette. Wipe the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue.
  5. Hold the cuvette by the lid and place it into the Turbidity Sensor. Make sure the marks are aligned. Close the lid.
  6. Monitor the turbidity value. Note: Particles in the water will settle over time and show a slow downward drift in turbidity readings; therefore, take your readings soon after placing the cuvette in the sensor.

Videos

Calibrating the Sensor

For many experiments, calibrating the Turbidity Sensor is not required. However, periodic calibration will provide the most accurate results. To calibrate:

  1. Warm up the sensor by connecting it to the software for at least five minutes prior to use.
  2. Enter the calibration routine for your data-collection program.
  3. First Calibration Point: Obtain the cuvette containing the Turbidity Standard (100 NTU) and gently invert it four times to mix in any particles that may have settled to the bottom. Important: Do not shake the standard. Shaking will introduce tiny air bubbles that will affect turbidity readings.
  4. Wipe the outside of the cuvette with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue.
  5. Holding the standard by the lid, place it in the Turbidity Sensor. Align the mark on the cuvette with the mark on the Turbidity Sensor. Important: These marks must be aligned whenever a reading is taken.
  6. Close the lid.
  7. Enter 100 as the value in NTU.
  8. Remove the standard.
  9. Second Calibration point: Prepare a blank by rinsing the empty cuvette with distilled water, then filling it to the top of the line with distilled water. Important: The bottom of the meniscus should be at the top of the line for every measurement throughout this test. This volume level is critical to obtain correct turbidity values.
  10. Screw the lid on the cuvette. Wipe the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue.
  11. Holding the cuvette by the lid, place it into the slot of the Turbidity Sensor. Makec sure that the marks are aligned. Close the lid.
  12. Enter 0 as the value in NTU. You are now ready to collect turbidity data.
  13. Store the calibration by following the directions under the Storage tab (LabQuest only).
  14. You are now ready to collect turbidity data.

Specific instructions for each software platform can be found here:.

Specifications

Range:

0 to 200 NTU

Resolution:

0.25 NTU

Accuracy:

±2 NTU for readings under 25 NTU

±5 of readings above 25 NTU

LED wavelength:

890 nm

Care and Maintenance

When you have finished using the Turbidity Sensor, simply rinse the sample cuvette with distilled water. It is important to take good care of your cuvette and the Turbidity Standard. Their integrity is essential for accurate turbidity measurements.

Do not wrap the cable tightly around the sensor for storage. Repeatedly doing so can irreparably damage the wires and is not covered under warranty.

How the Sensor Works

Infrared light is directed at a cuvette containing the sample water. This light is scattered in all directions off the particles in the water. A detector, consisting of a photodiode, is placed at a 90° angle to the light source. The amount of light being scattered directly into the detector is measured in volts and translated into turbidity units. This style of turbidity sensor is called a nephelometer. A standard is used to calibrate the Turbidity Sensor in units of NTU, Nephelometric Turbidity Units.

 Top View of Turbidity Sensor’s Internal Mechanism

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1388

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Turbidity Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Accessories/Replacements

Item Order Code

Turbidity Bottles

TRB-BOT
Turbidity Accessories Replacement Kit

TRB-ACC

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/trb-bta/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Disposal

When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.

The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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