LaMotte SMART Spectro Spectrophotometer - Manual (Page 10)

10 SMART Spectro Operator’s Manual 2.11
Sampler (LaMotte Code 1060) will serve as a sub-surface or in-depth sampler.
This weighted device is lowered to the sampling depth and allowed to rest at
this depth for a few minutes. The water percolates into the sample chamber
displacing the air which bubbles to the surface. When the bubbles cease to rise,
the device has fl ushed itself approximately fi ve times and it may be raised to
the surface for examination. The inner chamber of the sampling device is lifted
out and portions of the water sample are carefully dispensed for subsequent
chemical analysis.
A Snap-Plunger Water Sampler (LaMotte Code 1077) is another “in-depth”
sampling device which is designed to collect large samples which can be used
for a multitude of tests. Basically, this collection apparatus is a hollow cylinder
with a spring loaded plunger attached to each end. The device is cocked
above the surface of the water and lowered to the desired depth. A weighted
messenger is sent down the calibrated line to trip the closing mechanism
and the plungers seal the sample from mixing with intermediate layers as it is
brought to the surface. A special drain outlet is provided to draw off samples for
chemical analysis.
Sampling of Closed System
To obtain representative samples from confi ned water systems, such as
pipe lines, tanks, vats, fi lters, water softeners, evaporators and condensers,
different considerations are required because of chemical changes which occur
between the inlet and outlet water. One must have a basic understanding of the
type of chemical changes which occur for the type of equipment used. Also,
consideration should be given to the rate of passage and retaining time for the
process water.
Temperature changes play an important part in deciding exactly what test
should be performed. Process water should be allowed to come to room
temperature, 20–25°C, before conducting any tests.
When drawing off samples from an outlet pipe such as a tap, allow sample to
run for several minutes, rinsing the container several times before taking the fi nal
sample. Avoid splashing and introduction of any contaminating material.
 FILTRATION
When testing natural waters that contain signifi cant turbidity due to suspended
solids and algae, fi ltration is an option. Reagent systems, whether EPA,
Standard Methods, LaMotte or any others, will generally only determine
dissolved constituents. Both EPA and Standard Methods suggest fi ltration
through a 0.45 micron fi lter membrane, to remove turbidity, for the determination
of dissolved constituents.** To test for total constituents, organically bound and
suspended or colloidal materials, a rigorous high temperature acid digestion is
necessary.
**LaMotte offers a fi ltering apparatus: syringe assembly (Code 1050) and
membrane fi lters, 0.45 micron, (Code 1103).