Nephelometer
Dateafter 1975
Object number00055900
NameNephelometer
MediumMetal, Plastic
DimensionsEstimated acquisition size: 232 × 340 × 330 mm, 10 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Defence Science and Technology Group
DescriptionNephelometer produced by YEO-KAL.
Two LCD display screens display the turbidity measurements and depth.HistoryA nephelometer uses the principle of nephelometry to assess a substance’s level of solubility in a solution. A nephelometer detects suspended particulate matter in a liquid or gas by measuring the amount of light scattered by these particulates at right angles to a light source/beam. This is done via combination of light source and photodetector. It is calibrated to a known particulate (such as silt) and uses k-factors (environmental factors) to compensate and illustrate variations in particulate matter.
Another application is water quality assessment. One nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) is the value that corresponds to standard regulations for drinking water. Whereas 100 NTU could represent pre-treated water with high particulate/turbidity. Nephelometers are often used to assess high turbidity (low water clarity) areas like raw water and recycle streams, but are also used for pollution and climate monitoring. Turbidity is also impacted by cavitation (air bubbles).SignificanceNephelometers are used to understand ocean optical processes by measuring the physical, biological and chemical ocean composition, including particulate matter.
