The PCE-WQA 50 turbidity meter is a professional portable instrument designed for measuring water turbidity in laboratory applications, quality control, environmental monitoring, water management, aquaculture, industrial processes and field inspections. It consists of a handheld unit with colour display and front keypad, connected by a 3 m cable to an external cylindrical sensor made of SUS316L stainless steel. This configuration allows the operator to take practical measurements even in hard-to-reach points, tanks, reservoirs, channels, water samples and control lines.

Turbidity is an essential parameter for evaluating the presence of suspended particles in a liquid. A high value may indicate sediment, suspended solids, contamination, process residues, filtration inefficiency or changes in water quality. The PCE-WQA 50 allows this parameter to be checked quickly and in a documentable way, making it useful both for occasional checks and for more structured monitoring activities.

The measuring principle is based on infrared scattered light technology. This solution detects turbidity by evaluating the light scattered by suspended particles in the sample. The use of infrared light enables reliable measurement largely independent of sample colour, an important feature when working with natural waters, process waters or samples that may show slight colouring.

The measuring range is 0.1 to 1000 NTU, with 0.01 NTU resolution. This range makes the instrument suitable both for checking relatively clear water and for testing samples with more marked turbidity. The specified accuracy is ±5% of measured value or ±0.3 NTU, whichever is greater. This specification must be considered when interpreting data, especially when comparing very low values or when the result is used for reports, process control or environmental checks.

The external sensor is made of SUS316L stainless steel, a material suitable for many technical and environmental applications thanks to its good corrosion resistance. The sensor body measures 145 x 24 mm and is connected to the main unit by a 3 m cable. This length allows the sensor to be immersed or positioned at the measuring point while keeping the display and controls in the operator’s hand or in a more convenient and safe position.

The sensor has IP68 protection and is therefore designed for use in humid, wet and immersion applications according to the specified operating conditions. The handheld unit has IP67 protection, protecting it against dust and temporary immersion. This combination makes the turbidity meter suitable for field work, water systems, outdoor checks, humid technical environments and applications where the operator may work near water, tanks or sampling points.

The 3.5 inch colour LCD display provides clear reading of measured values. Adjustable backlighting allows visibility to be adapted to working conditions, both indoors and in strong ambient light. The user interface with symbol-guided menu facilitates instrument use and reduces the risk of errors during measurement, saving and data consultation operations.

The internal 8 GB memory allows more than 100,000 measurement values to be stored. This capacity is very useful for monitoring campaigns, periodic checks, multi-point inspections, maintenance reports, environmental analysis and quality documentation. Data can be exported via USB in CSV format, making subsequent processing with spreadsheets, reporting systems or analysis software simple.

The integrated USB interface is used both for charging the lithium-ion battery and for data exchange. The scope of delivery includes a Micro-USB charging cable and 5 V DC / 2 A power supply. Power is supplied by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, 4 x 3.7 V AA, 1000 mAh, a practical solution for mobile use and measurement activities away from mains power. Adjustable automatic switch-off from 1 to 60 minutes helps save energy during field use.

The specified operating conditions are 0 ... 45 °C and 10 ... 90% relative humidity. Storage conditions are -15 ... 50 °C and 10 ... 90% relative humidity. These limits must be respected to maintain instrument reliability and protect the electronics. After use in humid or wet environments, it is advisable to dry the handheld unit, clean the sensor and place the instrument in the carrying case only when surfaces are dry.

The handheld unit dimensions are 205 x 100 x 40 mm, with a weight of 420 g. The ergonomic design, non-slip rubber grip and removable wrist strap improve handling during mobile use. These features are important for technicians working on plants, along channels, near tanks, in mobile laboratories or in environments where humidity and frequent handling can reduce grip safety.

To obtain reliable measurements, the sensor must be used correctly. The measuring point must be representative of the sample or process, avoiding stagnant areas, air bubbles, deposited sediments, excessive turbulence or direct contact with the walls and bottom of the container. Before measurement, the sensor must be clean, free from residues and correctly immersed. After each use, it is advisable to rinse it with clean water and dry it, especially when working with water containing solids, salts, organic substances or process residues.

In environmental applications, the turbidity meter can be used to check surface waters, basins, channels, treated discharges, monitoring waters and samples collected in the field. In industrial applications, it is useful for checking process water, filtration efficiency, washing processes, recirculation, technical water and quality control points. In aquaculture, it can support control of water clarity and identification of changes that may affect farming conditions.

Password-protected access with different user authorization levels protects device settings from unauthorized changes. This function is important when the instrument is used by several operators, in institutions, companies, laboratories or departments where measurement settings must remain consistent and the risk of accidental parameter changes must be reduced.

The scope of delivery includes 1 PCE-WQA 50 turbidity meter, 1 turbidity sensor with 3 m cable, 1 Micro-USB charging cable, 1 5 V DC / 2 A power supply, 4 lithium batteries 3.7 V 1000 mAh, 1 carrying case and operating instructions available in English and Italian translation. The equipment is designed for mobile use and allows the instrument to be transported, protected during movement and organized together with sensor, power supply and accessories.

The PCE-WQA 50 turbidity meter is therefore a portable, robust and documentable solution for professional turbidity measurement. The combination of 0.1 ... 1000 NTU range, 0.01 NTU resolution, infrared scattered light technology, IP68 SUS316L stainless steel sensor, IP67 handheld unit, 3.5 inch colour display, 8 GB memory, CSV export and rechargeable power supply makes it suitable for technicians, laboratories, water systems, environmental monitoring and industrial checks requiring reliable and easily manageable data.