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Technology commonly found in lab spectrophotometers, can allow the best accuracy and sensitivity. Xenon light sources have lon- ger lifetimes reducing maintenance requirements, but they do not have the performance of the deuterium light sources. For applications that only require the 254-nm wavelength such as UV disinfection applications or for monitoring of various organic compounds, a mercury lamp can be used reducing the cost of the analyzer while providing ample performance for the application. Choosing the right spectrophotometric analyzer with the right light source and wavelength range for the particular application is important to making an informed decision to ensure best performance at the lowest price point. Water Quality Range And Importance Of Path Length Different applications for spectrum analyzers can have very different levels of water quality. Therefore, it is important to select a spectrum analyzer that is designed for the cor- rect water quality range. In spectrum analysis the range is primarily determined by the path length of the analyzer. Many analyzers simply are not capable of offering various path lengths to ensure optimal performance across various water quality ranges. Choosing an analyzer with the right path length for the application at hand can ensure the best performance and value. Bypass Or Probe For Municipal Water Making the right choice between a submersible probe-style spectrum analyzer and a bypass spectrum analyzer makes a big difference to both performance and cost. Probe- style instruments are best suited to wastewater applications with higher levels of suspended solids, whereas bypass-style instruments are better suited to drinking water and wastewater effluent. Even so, probe-style instru- ments are often installed in drink- ing water applications resulting in increased capital costs and unnecessary maintenance head- aches. Bypass systems allow sig- nificant cost savings for drinking water especially for the applica- tions that require multiple sam- ple points to be monitored. A single bypass analyzer can be used to monitor multiple sample streams, whereas a probe-style instrument can only sample the water in which it is immersed. Additionally, bypass systems offer the ease of maintenance associ- ated with cabinet analyzers reducing recurring costs. Some probe style analyzers do provide optional bypass conversion kits that clamp a housing around the sensor portion of the probe. Tubing is then run to and from the housing attachment in an attempt to turn the probe-style instrument into a bypass-style instrument and leads to added expense. For drinking water applications, the bypass spectrum analyzer is the clear choice. Summary In summary, the latest generation of spectrophotometric instrumentation, including UV254 analyzers, can be used to provide affordable and reliable alternatives to other more traditional and costly instrumentation, optimize our treatment processes to reduce chemical costs and provide energy sav- ings, and minimize fines for non-compliance with regula- tions. By evaluating these new monitoring solutions on the market, water and wastewater treatment plants can greatly improve the control of their plants. Jodi Glover is the CEO/cofounder of Real Tech Inc., which has developed a patented product line of real-time UV/VIS spectrophotometric instrumentation. Glover has more than a decade of water industry and business experience and has a passion to help improve global water quality. Glover can be reached at (905) 665-6888 or jodi@realtech.ca You control the pace of progress. Mobile, fixed network, hybrid – with Itron's advanced data collection solutions you define the ideal system for your utility. You decide what technologies work where and when to deploy them. You possess absolute flexibility, now and far into the future. wateronline.com ■ Water Online The Magazine, Cleanwater Edition 15