Automatic Water Samplers

Automatic Water Samplers

Automatic water samplers collect representative liquid samples from process and environmental points according to a defined program. They can capture grab samples, time-paced composites, or flow-proportional composites, preserving a defensible chain of custody and repeatable sample volumes. Designs range from compact portable units to fixed installations with dedicated suction lines, distribution arms, and bottle sets.

The main advantage is improved representativeness compared with manual sampling, especially where concentrations vary with load, storm events, batch cycles, or intermittent discharges. Composite sampling reduces the risk of “missed excursions,” while event-triggered sampling documents short-duration upsets that otherwise escape routine checks. This supports compliance reporting, process troubleshooting, and optimization based on statistically meaningful data.

Sampler configurations typically include programmable controllers, multiple bottle formats, optional refrigeration, and intake options suited to open channels, sumps, or pressurized lines. Flow pacing can be driven by pulse inputs from flowmeters or calculated totals from supervisory systems, aligning collected volume with actual discharge. Backflow prevention, purge cycles, and intake strainers are commonly applied to reduce cross-contamination and plugging.

Operationally, reliability depends on intake hydraulics, lift height, line length, and solids content, all of which influence transport time and sample integrity. Diagnostics such as door alarms, temperature status, power condition monitoring, and bottle-full detection improve confidence in unattended operation. Maintenance planning centers on tubing wear, pump performance, cleaning, and verification of pacing accuracy.

Typical applications include wastewater influent/effluent monitoring, industrial pretreatment verification, stormwater compliance sampling, river and reservoir studies, and performance tracking for treatment upgrades. Automatic samplers also support investigative campaigns - capturing samples before/after key unit operations to isolate the source of contaminants or variability. When coordinated with online analyzers and flow measurement, they provide a complete picture from continuous signals to lab-confirmed results.

Instrumentation and Controls., an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.