Product details
Inline Optical Turbidity Sensor — ISO 7027 Compliant
The InstroDirect IDTB-IL-316 Inline Optical Turbidity Sensor – Stainless, ISO 7027 is a 316 stainless-steel inline turbidity sensor using the ISO 7027 nephelometric method (90° scattered infrared light, 860 nm LED source). The robust cylindrical body mounts through a standard process boss and the integrated optics provide drift-free readings across the 0–4000 NTU range.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement parameters | Turbidity, temperature |
| Measurement method | 90° infrared scattering method (ISO 7027) |
| Range | Turbidity: 0 – 4000 NTU; Temperature: 0 – 60 °C |
| Accuracy | ≤ ±2% |
| Repeatability | ≤ 1% |
| Resolution | 0.01 NTU |
| Response time | ≤ 5 s |
| Drift | ≤ ±3% F.S. |
| Temperature range | 0 – 60 °C |
| Protection level | IP68 |
| Communication | RS485 Modbus RTU |
| Power supply / Consumption | 12 / 24 VDC, < 0.3 W |
| Material | Titanium alloy, stainless steel, POM |
| Size | 127 mm × Φ 28 mm |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
Typical Australian Applications
- Drinking water treatment plant filter monitoring (NHMRC compliance)
- WWTP final effluent turbidity for EPA discharge reporting
- River, dam, and stormwater environmental monitoring
- Industrial process water clarification
- Aquaculture pond water quality
- Beverage pre-treatment and RO pre-filter monitoring
- Mining process water and tailings dam monitoring
Why Integrators Choose the IDTB-IL-316
- ISO 7027 method — the reference standard for regulatory water turbidity compliance
- Sapphire optical window resists abrasion and biofouling
- Auto-ranging covers both drinking water (<1 NTU) and effluent (>100 NTU) on a single probe
- 316 stainless body handles chloride and weak-acid process chemistries
- RS485 Modbus drops directly into AB, Siemens, Schneider PLCs — no proprietary protocol
Installation & Calibration
Install through a 3/4″ NPT pipe boss with the optical window fully submerged and at least 50 mm clear of the pipe wall. Avoid direct sunlight on the optical window in open-tank installations. Calibrate with formazin standards (20 NTU and 800 NTU) every 3–6 months. Wipe the sapphire window with a soft cloth during routine service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NTU, FNU, and FTU?
For ISO 7027 instruments (this probe) the unit is FNU, but NTU is often used interchangeably for reported values up to ~40 NTU. At very low turbidity (<1 NTU) the instrument method affects the reading — this probe uses the ISO 7027 scattered-light method which is the regulatory reference for drinking water.
Is this suitable for potable water treatment compliance?
Yes. ISO 7027 is the required method for AU drinking water turbidity compliance. Pair with the InstroDirect Free Chlorine Monitoring Panel for a complete potable water compliance station.
How often does the optical window need cleaning?
In clean potable water, every 3–6 months. In effluent, weekly visual check and monthly cleaning. For continuous high-fouling service, ask about the IDTB-SS-W self-cleaning variant.
Australian Technical Support, Calibration & Consumables
- Brisbane-based phone & email technical support from field engineers with 20+ years automation experience
- On-site calibration service across QLD, NSW, VIC with calibration certificate
- Trade pricing for integrators, councils, water utilities, pool & spa contractors
Request a Trade Quote
Panel builders, system integrators, council water departments, water utilities, and food & beverage engineers get volume trade pricing. Submit a quote request and we’ll respond within one business day with stock, pricing, and lead time.
Why InstroDirect vs Endress+Hauser or HACH in Australia
InstroDirect supplies the same grade of water-quality sensor that Australian councils, WWTP integrators, pharma plants, and food & beverage operators specify from Endress+Hauser and HACH — at a significantly lower landed cost and without vendor lock-in.
| Factor | InstroDirect | Endress+Hauser / HACH |
|---|---|---|
| Digital protocol | Open RS485 Modbus RTU — integrates with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Beckhoff, or any SCADA | Proprietary (E+H Memosens / HACH SC digital) — locked to the vendor’s transmitter |
| Technical support | Australian field engineers with 20+ years automation experience | Remote support via offshore ticket queues |
| On-site calibration | InstroDirect technicians available across QLD, NSW, VIC with formal calibration certificate | Third-party authorised service network, longer turnaround |
| Price | Parallel-import model — no distributor margin stack, typically 30–50% below equivalent brand pricing | Premium brand pricing with tiered distributor markup |
| Replacement parts | Standard consumables ordered on demand from InstroDirect | Proprietary cartridges and cells, tied to the brand |
Moving away from Memosens or SC digital protocols frees you to mix and match sensors with any Modbus-capable transmitter or PLC. InstroDirect probes drop straight into an existing control system without a new proprietary transmitter.
