nephelômetros

A nephelometer is an instrument used to measure the concentration of suspended particulate matter in a liquid or gas. It works by measuring the amount of light scattered by these particles. When a beam of light passes through a sample containing suspended particles, the particles scatter the light in various directions. A nephelometer detects and quantifies this scattered light, typically at a 90-degree angle to the incident beam. The intensity of the scattered light is proportional to the concentration and size of the suspended particles.

The principle behind nephelometry is based on the Tyndall effect, where light is scattered by particles in a colloid or fine suspension. By measuring the intensity of this scattered light, a nephelometer can determine the turbidity or cloudiness of the sample, which is directly related to the concentration of suspended solids. Different types of nephelometers exist, varying in their light sources, detectors, and optical configurations. Some are designed for continuous monitoring, while others are used for laboratory analysis.

Applications of nephelometers are widespread across various fields. In environmental monitoring, they are used to measure water quality, assessing the levels of suspended solids in rivers, lakes, and wastewater. In industrial processes, nephelometers monitor the clarity of liquids and gases, ensuring product quality and process efficiency. They are also employed in medical diagnostics, for example, in analyzing the turbidity of cerebrospinal fluid or urine. In scientific research, nephelometers help study aerosol properties, cloud formation, and the behavior of colloidal systems.