Physico-Chemical Parameters

Parameter

Total dry matter (DM) content of a sample (= negative of moisure content)

Method

Sample is dried at 105°C, the remaining mass divided by the initial mass is the dry matter content.

Application

Determines solids-to-water ratio in your sample.

Parameter

Volatile matter (VM) content of a sample

Method

Sample is put in an oven at 550°C after drying, the lost mass (evaporation +
conversion to gasses) divided by the mass of dry matter is the volatile matter content.

Application

Indicative of the organic fraction in a sample

Parameter

The non-dissolved dry matter in a liquid sample (TSS)

Method

Sample is centrifuged or filtered, the remaining solids are dried and determined for dry matter.

Application

In water treatment:
- Indicative of degree of pollution for influent/effluent samples
- Indicative of active biosludge in process samples
For dewatering:
- Indicative of dewatering efficiency

Parameter

The non-dissolved organic matter in a liquid sample (VSS)

Method

Sample is put in an oven at 550°C after TSS determination, the lost mass (evaporation + conversion to gasses) divided by the initial filtered/centrifuged dried mass is the VSS.

Application

Indicative of the organic fraction in the suspended solids of a liquid sample.