Automatic Water Samplers

Automatic Water Samplers

Automatic water samplers collect time‑paced, flow‑paced, or event‑triggered samples without constant manual intervention. Systems typically include a programmable controller, intake line, pump or vacuum mechanism, distribution arm, and sample containers configured for composite or discrete sampling. Options such as refrigeration, ice bath cooling, bottle level sensing, and tamper resistance are used to preserve sample integrity and maintain chain‑of‑custody requirements.

The key advantage is representative sampling across variable conditions. Composite sampling smooths short‑term fluctuations and yields an average concentration suitable for load calculations, while discrete sampling captures excursions tied to process upsets, storm events, or batch discharges. Automated triggering from flowmeters, level switches, rainfall sensors, or analyzer alarms improves the likelihood that the sample corresponds to the actual compliance or troubleshooting condition.

Common applications include wastewater influent/effluent monitoring, industrial pretreatment programs, combined sewer overflow studies, and receiving water investigations. In industrial operations, samplers support batch release verification, product changeover checks, and targeted sampling around high‑risk operations such as CIP dumps, filter backwash, or chemical cleaning cycles. They are also used for laboratory confirmation of online sensor readings and for third‑party reporting.

Proper installation focuses on intake representativeness and reliability. The suction line should be short, protected from solids accumulation, and positioned to avoid surface films or settled sludge unless specifically required by the sampling plan. Materials compatibility matters for aggressive streams, and purge/flush cycles reduce carryover between grabs. For cold climates, freeze protection and heated enclosures can be critical for year‑round performance.

From an operations perspective, sampler value is maximized by disciplined maintenance: tubing inspection, strainer cleaning, pump checks, and calibration of volume delivery. Clear configuration management - sampling frequency, pacing inputs, bottle assignment, and preservation temperature - prevents data disputes. When integrated with flow measurement and event logging, automatic samplers create defensible datasets for compliance, optimization, and incident response.

Forberg Smith, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.