Particle Analysis in Environmental Applications

Measuring particles in drinking and waste water is a fundamental requirement during research into new technologies, to measure changes to existing processes and for on-going optimization of treatment systems.

MFI is used to measure particles in samples from anywhere in the treatment train including source waters, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, filtration and distribution. MFI is also used by environmental scientists to research and develop new processes such as UV disinfection and membrane filtration.

MFI measures particle sizes from 0.75 to 300µm and particle concentrations up to 800,000 particles/ml..

For environmental scientists, the advantages of MFI are its range of operation, especially for high concentration samples, and the additional insights provided by particle images and morphology.

Application Notes:

• Detecting Algal Blooms Using MFI 
• MFI for Particle Removal Characterization 
• MFI for UV Disinfection Studies
• Characterize Membrane Integrity 
• Evaluate drinking water treatment efficacy
• Monitor particles during Coagulation/Flocculation
• Optimize biomass formations within waste water treatment sludge

Reference Materials: 

• The Role of Suspended Solids During Advanced Disinfection of Municipal Wastewater, Dario, F., Gehr, R., Lorenzo, L., Michele, N., 2007, Advanced Water Treatment by UV Technologies: From R&D to Reactor Design and Validation, Ecomondo 2007, www.ecomondo.ita.
• Impact of Flocculated Particles on Low Pressure UV Inactivation of E. Coli in Drinking Water, Liu, G., R.M. Slawson, P.M. Huck, 2007, Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology: Aqua, 56(3): 153-162.
• Minimizing Operational Interruption During Filter Bed Surveillance.  S. Booth, P. Carlson, S. Kawamura.  AWWA Research Foundation and AWWA, 2006. 
• A Closer Look at Filter Effluent Particles Using Image-Based Particle Analysis.  E. Phillipi, G. Harrington, B. Lau, S. Russell, D. Thomas.  Water Quality Technology Conference, Nov 2005.
• Application of Automatic Micro-Flow Imaging™ to Pathogen Detection and Ennumeration.  D. Thomas, J. Clancy, R. McCuin, T. Matias.  Ontario Water Works Association Conference, May 2005.
• Use of Microscopic Fluid Imaging for Identification and Quantification of Organisms in Water.  J. Clancy, R. McCuin.  Water Quality Technology Conference, Nov 2005.
• Dynamic Particle Analysis: A New Technology For Optimizing Particle Removal In A Water Treatment Plant.  I. Douglas, D. Thomas, J. Guthmann, S. Russell, S. Springthorpe.  Water Quality Technology Conference, Nov. 2004.
• Water Treatment Plant Particle Characterization Using Digital Imaging Technology.  P. Moore, D. Thomas.  Canadian Water Works Association Annual Conference, Apr 2004.
• Particle Characterization Using Dynamic Digital Image Analysis.  P. Moore, D. Thomas.  Water Quality Technology Conference, Nov 2003.
• Dynamic Digital Image Analysis: Emerging Technology for Particle Characterization.  G. Rabinski, D. Thomas.  International Water Association, Sept. 2003.

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