Portable Suspended Solids Meter for Sewage Treatment Malaysia
Portable Suspended Solids Meter for Sewage Treatment Malaysia
Suspended-solids measurement helps sewage-treatment operators evaluate changing water conditions and compare performance across different treatment stages.
A portable meter provides fast operational results without requiring every process check to wait for laboratory analysis.
The Qiwei SS-500B Portable Suspended Solids Meter measures from 0 to 500 mg/L and can support routine screening of suitable sewage and treated-water samples.
What Are Suspended Solids in Sewage?
Suspended solids are insoluble particles carried within the water.
They may include:
Organic matter
Biological solids
Fine sediment
Wastewater particles
Treatment-process solids
Material entering through drainage
Solids carried from earlier treatment stages
The concentration is normally reported in milligrams per litre (mg/L).
Why Monitor Suspended Solids?
Regular monitoring helps operators:
Compare influent and treated water
Evaluate sedimentation
Check clarifier performance
Monitor filtration
Identify sludge carryover
Detect changing incoming loads
Investigate abnormal effluent
Build treatment-performance records
A sudden increase may indicate process disturbance, excessive flow, poor settling or equipment problems.
Suggested Sampling Points
Portable testing may be performed at:
Raw sewage inlet
After screening
Primary-settlement outlet
Biological-treatment stage
Secondary-clarifier outlet
Filter inlet
Filter outlet
Final treatment point
The exact sampling programme should follow the facility’s operating and reporting requirements.
Influent Monitoring
Incoming sewage conditions may change because of:
Peak flow
Rainfall
Industrial discharge
Drainage inflow
Cleaning activities
Changes in user demand
Pumping cycles
Recording influent suspended solids helps operators interpret later treatment results.
Sedimentation Monitoring
Compare samples before and after primary or secondary settling.
Poor removal may be associated with:
Short retention time
Hydraulic surges
Uneven flow
Light particles
Poor floc formation
Excessive sludge accumulation
Sludge-removal problems
Disturbance inside the tank
One unusual result should be confirmed before treatment settings are changed.
Clarifier Troubleshooting
An increasing clarifier-outlet result may indicate:
Sludge carryover
Rising sludge blanket
Poor settling
Process upset
Excessive flow
Mechanical problems
Uneven distribution
Measure the inlet and outlet during similar operating conditions and record visual observations.
Filtration Monitoring
A filter should reduce suspended particles according to its design and application.
Compare readings:
Before filtration
After filtration
Before maintenance
After maintenance
Before backwashing
After backwashing
An increasing outlet reading may indicate filter breakthrough, damaged media, bypass or incorrect operation.
Qiwei SS-500B Main Specifications
Measurement parameter: Suspended solids
Measurement range: 0–500 mg/L
Displayed resolution: 1 mg/L
Power supply: AC adaptor or five AA batteries
Sample bottles included: Two
Operation: Portable field or indoor use
Battery operation allows one meter to be moved between different treatment stages.
How to Collect and Measure the Sample
For consistent results:
Use a fixed sampling point.
Collect a representative sample.
Avoid surface foam and settled bottom material.
Mix the sample gently.
Avoid creating excessive air bubbles.
Transfer it promptly into a clean measuring bottle.
Clean and dry the outside of the bottle.
Measure before heavy particles settle.
Record the result immediately.
Use similar timing and handling for every comparison.
Why Might Readings Be Unstable?
Possible causes include:
Rapid particle settling
Floating biological material
Air bubbles
Dirty or scratched bottles
Different sampling depths
Different measurement timing
Strong sample colour
Concentration outside the meter range
Calibration or verification issues
Repeat the measurement using one well-mixed sample before concluding that the meter is faulty.
Suspended Solids vs Turbidity
Both parameters may be useful in sewage treatment.
Suspended solids are normally reported in mg/L.
Turbidity is normally reported in NTU or FNU.
There is no universal conversion between them because particle size, shape, colour and density affect each measurement differently.
A facility may monitor both parameters for a broader view of treatment performance.
Operational Removal Comparison
Operators may calculate an operational reduction using:
Removal (%) = [(Inlet SS − Outlet SS) ÷ Inlet SS] × 100
Example:
Inlet: 250 mg/L
Outlet: 50 mg/L
Calculated reduction: 80%
This comparison is meaningful only when both samples are representative and measured consistently.
It should not replace any required regulatory calculation or laboratory method.
Portable Screening and Laboratory Testing
The SS-500B is useful for:
Routine process checks
Rapid troubleshooting
Comparing treatment stages
Trend monitoring
Selecting samples for laboratory analysis
Formal reporting may require a recognised analytical method and an accredited laboratory result.
Confirm the required method with the facility’s consultant, laboratory or relevant authority.
Create a Monitoring Record
Record:
Date and time
Sampling point
Suspended-solids result
Turbidity, when available
pH
Flow condition
Treatment stage
Sludge condition
Filter status
Weather or rainfall
Operator comments
Corrective action
Long-term records help identify gradual deterioration and recurring treatment problems.
Is the SS-500B Suitable?
The SS-500B may be suitable when:
The expected concentration is within 0–500 mg/L
Portable operation is required
Results are needed in mg/L
The main purpose is operational screening
Several treatment stages must be compared
Battery operation is useful
Customers should provide their expected range and intended use when requesting a recommendation.
Contact MTM Precision
For the Qiwei SS-500B Portable Suspended Solids Meter, sewage-treatment instruments, technical consultation or quotation, contact:
MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd.
Professional Test & Measurement Solutions Partner in Malaysia
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Showroom & Service Centre
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.
Malaysia Coverage:
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
15 Sep 2026
