On-Line Zeta Potential Monitoring for Smarter Water Treatment
Zeta potential has been utilized in water treatment to control coagulant charge neutralization for several decades. However, it is less well known that zeta potential also plays a role in optimizing water treatment process performance. Maintaining an ideal zeta potential improves clarification/sedimentation, filtration, and dewatering. However, in many cases, this requires monitoring and control of zeta potential in more than one location. This can be achieved with a single zeta potential optimization system incorporating dual monitoring and control.
Advances in electrophoretic light scattering technology, automated and on-line zeta potential analysis capabilities, and automated chemical dosing have brought much needed improvements to water treatment efficiency and performance. For multi-media and polymeric UF membrane filters, maintaining a slightly negative charge is ideal. Ceramic membrane filters can vary from slightly negative to slightly positive. PFAS removal strategies such as GAC and Ion Exchange will benefit from enhanced coagulation by maximizing soluble organic removal and allowing extended carbon and ion exchange run time. Maintaining optimum zeta potential, pre-filtration, can result in a significant increase in conventional filter run time and reduced membrane fouling.
The principle and implementation of zeta potential measurement via continuously monitored phase analysis light scattering (cmPALS) is introduced. The application of zeta potential measurement with respect to jar testing and online monitoring and control are also discussed, and case studies are reviewed.
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of zeta potential in water treatment optimization: Learn how maintaining ideal zeta potential values enhances clarification, filtration, dewatering, and membrane performance across various treatment systems.
- Explore the implementation of online zeta potential monitoring and control: Discover how continuously monitored phase analysis light scattering (cmPALS) enables real-time process adjustments and improved coagulant dosing strategies.
- Review practical case studies and applications: Gain insights into how zeta potential measurement supports jar testing, PFAS removal, and extended filter or membrane run times through optimized charge management.
Who Should Attend:
- Water Treatment Plant Manager
- Process Engineer (Water/Wastewater)
- Water Quality Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Lab Manager / Analytical Chemist (Water Utility)
- Membrane Filtration Specialist
- R&D Scientist (Water Treatment Chemicals)
- Operations Superintendent (Municipal Water)
Presenter: Brian Rodenhausen (Principal Application Scientist, Anton Paar USA)
Dr. Brian Rodenhausen is the Principal Application Scientist in the Particle and Porous Materials Characterization group at Anton Paar USA. He has over a decade of experience teaching users the theory and practice of analytical instruments, as well as advising them on the design of experiments and interpretation of results. His research background focused on label-free characterization of asorbate layers at the solid-liquid interface. He received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and did post-doctoral work at UNL and the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research in Dresden, Germany.
Presenter: Gregg McLeod (President, MarMac Water)
Presenter: Alexandra Taylor (Contributing Editor, C&EN Media Group)
