Suspended Solids Density Meter Online Brochure

The Suspended Solids Density Meter from Markland Specialty Engineering helps municipal and industrial plants by providing real-time knowledge of primary, secondary, return-activated and backwash sludge/silt concentrations in pipes, tanks, re-circulation loops and clarifiers, and automates sludge removal. It uses the inherently safe attenuation of non-radioactive ultrasound, and requires no permits or approvals.

This instrument provides operators with continuous percentage suspended solids readings and enables calculation of mass flow rate – vital information that helps operators optimize the RAS process, and determine adjustments to polymer dosing for preferred feed density.  By allowing users to program underflow pumps to automatically shut off before sludge becomes too thin, it enhances filter press/centrifuge/digester performance. Also, by observing changes in density, operators may gain early awareness of breaks in filtration material. These efficiencies improve the outflow available for reuse.

A sensor on the meter (available as an inline pipe spool-piece or throw-in style probe) transmits and receives the ultrasound waves. It sends out a pulse of sound, receiving a strong echo and reading zero when the solution is clear. When solid particles are present in the liquid, they absorb or deflect the sonic energy, the echo is reduced in amplitude, and the meter starts to read the slurry/sludge density. Readings are not affected by the colour of particulates or fluid.

The inline pipe spool-piece sensor is non-intrusive. The throw-in style probe may also be used as a single point interface level detector, allowing operators to program de-sludge pumps to turn on when the rising sludge blanket comes in contact with it. 

Equipped with a continuous awareness of sludge, silt and slurry densities, at critical points in the industrial/municipal process, plants are better able to make adjustments and program control systems to improve effectiveness and efficiency.