The Milwaukee MW12 photometer is compact and easy to use, has a modern design, and measures phosphate (0.00 to 2.50 mg/L). Phosphates are present in natural waters, and do not pose any threats to humans at concentrations typically found in the environment. However, excessive contamination of water courses from agricultural fertilizer run-off or wastewater/effluent discharge can promote excessive algae or plant growth.
The main advantage of the MW12 is the small size, and the real simplicity when doing measurements on the spot. Within a few minutes, you can get the required result on the LCD, and the instrument directly displays the concentration of the specific component in ppm. The meter automatically turns off after 2 minutes in order to save the battery.
The MW12 works exactly the same way as the other Milwaukee photometers: When specific reagents are added, the water sample takes on a degree of coloration that is proportional to the concentration of the parameter being measured. The photometer measure this coloration. When a light beam passes through the coloured sample, energy with a specific wavelength is absorbed by the test substance. The photometer determines the coloration of the sample by measuring the transmission or absorption of light of this wavelength. The photometer then uses a microprocessor to calculate the concentration and displays the result.
The field of application is wide, including agriculture, drinking water analyses, aquariums, swimming pools, or fish farms. As a result of this versatility and the affordable price, it is undoubtedly worth using the MW12.