In beverage production, even a tiny trace of suspended sediment settling at the bottom of a finished bottle can force a factory to recall an entire batch. Such an incident results in disposal costs amounting to billions of dong and severely damages the brand’s market reputation.
This issue stems from seasonal fluctuations in raw water quality, allowing microscopic colloidal silt particles to bypass the pre-filtration system. If monitoring methods lack sensitivity or are compromised by color interference, these microscopic particles can pass directly into the filling line.
Consequently, standardizing the water treatment process in strict accordance with QCVN 01-1:2018/BYT and TCVN 12828:2019 is imperative. This article analyzes the ISO 7027-compliant turbidity monitoring solutions and purified water analysis systems distributed by Duc Duong.
1. Risk of soft drink product recall
1.1 Mechanism of micro-sediment formation in the finished product
Silica colloidal particles and micro-silt (sized < 1 µm) that pass through coarse filtration remain suspended in the feed water. During storage, these particles interact with the syrup and flavoring additives to form sediment deposits at the bottom of the bottle.
According to TCVN 12828:2019, finished soft drink products must be free from mechanical impurities or abnormal turbidity. Failure to control turbidity during the initial feed-water treatment stage creates a risk of non-compliance with quality standards.
1.2 P&L Losses and Risk of FSSC 22000 Certification Revocation
A product recall incident directly impacts the factory’s P&L. The enterprise must bear the full costs of recall logistics, product disposal, and contractual penalties imposed by distribution networks.
Concurrently, a lack of feed-water monitoring data leaves the factory unable to provide adequate explanations during audits. This risk can lead to the revocation of international food safety certifications such as FSSC 22000, BRCGS, or FDA compliance.
2. Suspended Solids Monitoring per ISO 7027 Standards
2.1 Eliminating Color Interference with the Hanna HI88713 Turbidimeter
Conventional white-light turbidimeters are prone to errors caused by the natural color of raw water or the color of additive extracts. To eliminate optical interference, Duc Duong distributes the Hanna HI88713 turbidimeter, which complies with the ISO 7027 standard.
The Hanna turbidimeter series utilizes an infrared LED light source with an 860 nm wavelength. This technology adheres to the ISO 7027 standard, enabling precise measurement across a turbidity range of 0.001 NTU to 4000 NTU without interference from sample color.
A turbidity meter is an indispensable device in the water supply treatment process
| Optical Criteria | White Light Source (Tungsten) Turbidimeter | Hanna HI88713 ISO 7027 Turbidimeter |
| Light source | Tungsten lamp (400 – 600 nm) | Infrared LED (860 nm) |
| Impact of sample color | Significant interference; causes NTU reading errors | 100% elimination of color interference |
| Turbidity measurement range | Limited to medium range | Ultra-wide range (0.001 NTU – 4000 NTU) |
| WTP control application | Basic raw water measurement | Monitoring of ultra-fine suspended particles |
2.2 Flexible, automatic measurement mode switching compliant with GLP standards
The automatic measurement mode recognition feature (Ratio/Non-Ratio) allows technicians to flexibly handle samples ranging from high-turbidity raw water to blended purified water. Measurement is rapid, minimizing operational errors.
The device stores 200 GLP-compliant data records, including timestamps and calibration points. This digitized data enables laboratories to standardize validation records in strict accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
3. Standardization of ultrapure water for laboratory QC
3.1 Eliminating analytical background interference with the EVO UP DIO UT system
Microbiological testing and heavy metal analysis in beverages require sample preparation water of absolute purity. Standard single- or double-distilled water often retains residual metal ions and microorganisms, which can skew HPLC or AAS analysis results.
Duc Duong supplies the EVO UP DIO UT ultrapure water purification system—an officially distributed unit fully integrated with Mirae ST Korea’s EVO UP data systems.
The four-stage purified water treatment system produces water with a resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm at 25°C and a TOC level of < 5 ppb. These specifications perfectly meet the Type 1 water standard according to TCVN 4851:1989 (ISO 3696:1987).
3.2 Optimizing laboratory operating costs
Choosing the EVO UP DIO UT system eliminates the massive electricity costs associated with boiling water in traditional water stills. An integrated touchscreen allows technicians to monitor TOC levels and resistivity in real-time.
Proactive alerts regarding filter replacement timing ensure continuous system operation. This solution helps optimize annual OPEX for QA/QC departments.
Does your company need advice on planning a WTP feed-water monitoring system and a QC lab infrastructure that meets FSSC 22000 standards, along with a complimentary IQ/OQ/PQ validation package? Click the “Contact Us” form for Duc Duong Company to receive immediate support from our team of application engineers.
4. Controlling pH and physicochemical drift
4.1 Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) with the Hanna HI98191 pH/ORP/ISE Meter
Fluctuations in sample water temperature throughout the day alter measured potential, leading to drift in pH and alkalinity readings. This issue directly impacts the syrup blending and product flavor adjustment stages.
Duc Duong distributes the Hanna HI98191 pH/ORP/ISE/Temperature meter. The sensor features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) and an IP67-rated waterproof housing, ensuring stable pH readings within the WTP environment.
4.2 Multi-parameter feed-water analysis with the Hanna HI83399 Photometer
During the feed-water disinfection stage, accurately determining free and total chlorine residuals ensures microbiological safety without leaving a strong odor in the final product. For comprehensive control, the laboratory requires a next-generation multiparameter photometer—distributed by Duc Duong and featuring Hanna Vietnam’s HI83399 data integration—capable of measuring pH and various water quality parameters.
This digital photometer measures over 40 physicochemical parameters (such as Fe, Mn, Cl2, SO4²⁻, and PO4³⁻). By optimizing the feed water treatment system, WTP managers can easily ensure precise chemical dosing.
5. A solution to eliminate the fear of RO membrane clogging
5.1 Early warning of colloidal deposits threatening RO membranes
A major concern for WTP managers is the passage of colloidal particles through pre-filtration, which can clog or rupture RO membranes and halt the entire production line. Monitoring turbidity trends (NTU) allows for the early detection of rising levels of suspended micro-particles.
Using a high-precision turbidity meter enables operators to proactively perform backwashing or replace pre-filter cartridges at the optimal time. This solution protects RO membranes and doubles their service life.
5.2 Commitment to spare parts availability and 24-hour onsite technical support
To alleviate concerns regarding equipment failure and the lack of replacement parts—which could disrupt testing—Duc Duong maintains a stock of genuine components in Ho Chi Minh City. We always have calibration standards (NTU, pH, Chlorine), EVO filter membranes, and replacement electrodes readily available.
Our team of experienced application engineers is committed to providing onsite technical support within 24 hours. This commitment ensures the continuous operation of the plant’s water quality monitoring system.
6. ROI analysis and FSSC 22000 documentation
6.1 ROI analysis for beverage plants
When presenting the project for an inlet water monitoring system to the Board of Directors, the Return on Investment (ROI) serves as the most compelling argument. The investment cost for the monitoring equipment is significantly lower than the financial loss incurred from a single product recall (which can amount to billions of VND).
The plant achieves an immediate ROI by completely eliminating the risk of product recalls. Additionally, the business saves hundreds of millions of VND in periodic RO membrane replacement costs for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
6.2 Standardization of documentation for international audits (FSSC 22000 / FDA)
Duc Duong provides a complete set of Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) documentation with the equipment. The documentation includes ISO 7027 light source calibration certification and standardized calibration certificates.
Transparent GLP-compliant data records are readily available for presentation to international auditing bodies. This standardization enables the plant to easily pass rigorous audits for FSSC 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, and FDA compliance.
Conclusion
In summary, standardizing feedwater treatment and implementing continuous turbidity monitoring is a key solution for beverage plants to eliminate the risk of product recalls caused by suspended particulates. This integrated solution suite—featuring the Hanna HI88713 ISO 7027 Turbidity Meter, EVO UP DIO UT Ultrapure Water System, HI98191 pH/ISE Meter, and HI83399 Photometer—enables 100% digitization of turbidity measurements down to the 0.001 NTU range, eliminates analytical background interference, and ensures absolute precision through Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC). The system completely resolves concerns regarding RO membrane fouling, safeguards continuous production lines, and ensures compliance for FSSC 22000, HACCP, and FDA audits. Duc Duong is proud to be a trusted partner providing comprehensive feedwater control solutions.
For consultation on designing feedwater monitoring systems and to receive a quote for genuine equipment, please contact and register with Duc Duong Scientific & Technical Company. We look forward to serving you.
DUC DUONG SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL COMPANY
Address: 1014/67 Tan Ky Tan Quy, Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan, HCMC
Tel: (028) 3762 8042 – 3762 8043 – 3750 8514 – 3750 8793
Fax: 028 37628043
Email: ducduong@ducduongco.com
Website: ducduongco.com
Zalo OA: DUC DUONG SCI
FAQ
1. Why is the Hanna HI88713 ISO 7027-compliant turbidity meter unaffected by water sample color?
The HI88713 utilizes an 860 nm infrared LED light source in accordance with the ISO 7027 standard. At this wavelength, the natural color of raw water or additives does not absorb infrared light, allowing the scattering sensor to accurately measure the turbidity caused by suspended particles.
2. What does the 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity reading on the EVO UP DIO UT system signify for a QC laboratory?
A resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm at 25°C confirms the complete removal of dissolved ions, meeting the Type 1 Ultrapure Water standard (TCVN 4851). This water eliminates background interference when preparing samples for microbiological and heavy metal analysis using HPLC or AAS equipment.
3. How does monitoring NTU turbidity help protect the RO membranes in a Water Treatment Plant (WTP)?
Monitoring NTU levels in the ultra-fine range allows WTP managers to detect early signs of colloidal silt or sediment bypassing the pre-filtration columns before reaching the RO membranes. This enables operators to proactively perform backwashing, preventing colloidal buildup that could clog or rupture the RO membranes.
4. How does the Hanna HI98191 pH/ORP/ISE meter handle temperature-induced calibration drift?
The Hanna HI98191 features a microprocessor-based sensor with built-in Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC). As the water sample temperature changes, the meter automatically calculates and compensates for potential differences, ensuring absolute stability in pH and toxic ion concentration measurements.
5. What documentation support does Duc Duong Company provide for the factory’s FSSC 22000 audit?
Duc Duong provides a comprehensive documentation package—including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ)—along with ISO 7027 light source certification and equipment calibration certificates, ensuring readiness for rigorous audits by FSSC 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, and the FDA.
