Portable automatic water samplers are used for wastewater, stormwater, environmental monitoring, industrial discharge monitoring, research, and other applications where representative water samples need to be collected automatically.
The following frequently asked questions explain how automatic water samplers work, the differences between sampling methods, the benefits of refrigerated and heated samplers, and important considerations when selecting a portable automatic water sampler.
A portable automatic water sampler is a programmable instrument that automatically collects water or wastewater samples without requiring an operator to be present for every sample.
Depending on the sampler and application, samples can be collected according to time intervals, flow, water level, rainfall, or other triggering conditions.
Portable automatic samplers are commonly used for wastewater monitoring, stormwater monitoring, industrial discharge monitoring, environmental studies, flow surveys, and other temporary or remote sampling applications.
An automatic water sampler uses a pump and intake tubing to draw a measured amount of liquid from a sampling point and deposit it into a sample container.
The operator programs when or under what conditions samples should be collected. For example, sampling may be based on time, flow, water level, rainfall, or another triggering condition.
The Spectra 2800 Series uses a peristaltic pump and supports time-, flow-, level-, and rain-gauge-based sampling.
Automatic water samplers can be used for municipal and industrial wastewater monitoring, stormwater monitoring, environmental studies, rivers and streams, industrial discharge monitoring, construction-site runoff, agricultural runoff, flow surveys, compliance monitoring, and water-quality research.
They are particularly useful when samples must be collected over an extended period or when the sampling location cannot be continuously staffed.
Automatic sampling allows samples to be collected according to a programmed schedule or triggering condition without requiring an operator to be present.
This can improve consistency, reduce labor and travel requirements, and allow sampling during nights, weekends, storms, and other periods when manual sampling may be difficult.
Automatic samplers are especially useful for composite sampling because multiple samples can be collected over an extended period.
A grab sample is a single sample collected at a specific location and point in time. It provides a snapshot of conditions when the sample was collected.
A composite sample combines multiple individual samples, or aliquots, collected over a specified period or under specified flow conditions.
The appropriate sampling method depends on the monitoring objective, analytical method, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Yes. Composite sampling is one of the primary applications for many automatic water samplers.
A sampler can collect multiple programmed aliquots into a composite container over a specified sampling period. Depending on the application, samples may be collected at fixed time intervals or in proportion to flow.
The Spectra 2800 Series is designed as a composite collection system and uses a 7,500 mL sample bottle.
Time-based sampling collects samples according to predetermined time intervals.
For example, a sampler might be programmed to collect a sample every 15 minutes, every 30 minutes, or every hour during a monitoring period.
Time-based sampling is useful when samples need to be collected consistently over a specified period regardless of changes in flow.
Flow-based sampling uses flow information to determine when samples are collected.
Instead of collecting a sample strictly according to the clock, the sampler can be triggered after a specified quantity of water or wastewater has passed the monitoring point.
Flow-proportional sampling can provide a sample that better represents changing flow conditions where flow varies significantly during the sampling period.
Yes. Compatible automatic water samplers can receive signals from flow-monitoring equipment and use those signals to initiate sample collection.
This allows sampling to be coordinated with actual flow rather than relying only on fixed time intervals.
The Spectra 2800 Series supports flow-based sampling in addition to time-, level-, and rain-gauge-based sampling. Compatibility with a specific flow meter or output signal should be confirmed before installation.
Yes. Automatic water samplers are widely used in municipal and industrial wastewater applications.
Typical uses include influent and effluent monitoring, industrial discharge monitoring, treatment-process studies, sewer-system monitoring, flow surveys, and compliance-related sampling.
The correct sampling procedure depends on the compounds being analyzed and applicable regulatory or laboratory requirements.
Yes. Automatic samplers are particularly useful for stormwater monitoring because runoff events can occur outside normal working hours and conditions can change rapidly during a storm.
A properly configured system can initiate sampling based on rainfall, water level, flow, time, or another external trigger.
Automatic water samplers are commonly used in wastewater and discharge-monitoring programs, including applications associated with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
However, the sampling equipment alone does not make a sample compliant.
Sampling procedures, preservation, holding times, sample type, analytical methods, documentation, and other requirements must meet the applicable permit and regulatory requirements.
Many water and wastewater samples must be maintained within specified temperature conditions after collection to help preserve sample integrity.
A refrigerated automatic water sampler can begin controlling sample temperature immediately after samples are collected instead of relying solely on ice.
Refrigeration is particularly useful at remote sites, during hot weather, overnight, and on weekends. Applicable preservation and temperature requirements should always be followed.
Learn more about the benefits of a refrigerated portable automatic water sampler.
Cold weather can expose the sampler, intake system, pump tubing, and collected samples to subfreezing temperatures.
A heated automatic water sampler can help protect critical components and maintain controlled conditions when ambient temperatures fall below freezing.
Heated and refrigerated systems are particularly useful for year-round installations in climates experiencing both hot summers and freezing winters.
Learn more about the benefits of a heated portable automatic water sampler.
Some automatic water samplers are specifically designed for cold-weather operation.
The Spectra 2800 Series All-Weather Portable Automatic Water Sampler has a published ambient operating range of approximately -25°F (-31.6°C) to 122°F (50°C).
Its automated heating and cooling system monitors environmental conditions, while a separate pump and electronics compartment heater helps maintain operating temperature and helps prevent internal pump tubing from freezing.
A heated and refrigerated automatic water sampler combines temperature-control systems within the sampler enclosure.
During hot conditions, refrigeration provides cooling for the sample storage area. During cold conditions, heating provides cold-weather protection.
The Spectra 2800 Series automatically monitors environmental temperature and controls its heating and cooling systems as required. It also incorporates heating for the pump and electronics compartment.
Maximum suction lift depends on the sampler, pump, tubing, flow rate, and installation conditions.
The Spectra 2800 Series has published suction-height specifications of approximately 9.85 ft (3.0 m) at 0.75 GPM (3.4 L/min) and 19.68 ft (6.0 m) at 0.48 GPM (2.2 L/min).
Both vertical lift and tubing distance should be considered when planning an installation.
The allowable distance depends on the sampler, elevation difference, tubing configuration, desired flow rate, and application.
The Spectra 2800 Series has a published horizontal suction-head specification of up to 164 ft (50 m).
Actual installations should be evaluated for vertical lift, tubing length, tubing routing, sample characteristics, and application requirements.
Some portable automatic water samplers offer multiple power options for locations where conventional AC electrical service is unavailable.
The Spectra 2800 Series supports 120 VAC with an adapter as well as 12/24 VDC operation.
It can also be powered directly from a 12-volt battery or an optional solar-panel system.
Power requirements and expected operating duration should be evaluated for the specific installation, particularly when heating or refrigeration will be operating for extended periods.
Important considerations include whether the application requires time-based or flow-proportional sampling, refrigeration, cold-weather heating, remote power, rainfall or level triggering, data logging, sample-volume accuracy, suction lift, intake distance, and year-round outdoor operation.
Environmental conditions are particularly important. For year-round applications, a heated and refrigerated all-weather sampler can address limitations associated with conventional portable samplers.
Vortex Technologies can help evaluate the sampling location, environmental conditions, sampling method, power availability, and other application requirements.
The Spectra 2800 Series is a heated and refrigerated portable automatic water sampler designed for year-round water and wastewater sampling applications.
The sampler supports time-, flow-, level-, and rain-gauge-based sampling and incorporates automatic heating and refrigeration for operation across a wide range of environmental conditions.
Its peristaltic sampling system can be used for composite sample collection, while AC, DC, battery, and optional solar-power capabilities provide flexibility for permanent and remote monitoring locations.
View the Spectra 2800 Series Heated & Refrigerated Portable Automatic Water Sampler »
Vortex Technologies specializes in calibration and 3rd party certification for public water filtration plants. We also are a leading supplier of Surge Suppression technology, Transit-Time Flow Meters, EMI\RFI filters, Power Conditioners and Current Loop Isolators designed to meet the needs of today's sophisticated process control industries requirements.