Water Sources and Quality Water Quality Monitoring Discrete sampling methods include periodic membrane filter tests and water sample analyses. Membrane Filter Test: flowing the water through a membrane filter, measuring rate and time, and analyzing the material trapped on the filter pad. This technique will yield such information as suspended solids and oil concentrations, nature of the suspended solids, and the plugging rate. Tests should be performed regularly to detect any changes in water quality. Particle size and distribution compared with pore-throat sizes. A rough rule is that plugging usually will not occur if the particle diameter is less than one-third of the pore-throat size as defined by the effective hydraulic diameter. Instruments such as Coulter counters can give particle-size-distribution data on discrete samples. Solid concentrations can be measured in some waters by turbidity-measuring devices on a continuous basis. These instruments operate on the principle of light-scattering by the particles in the water and hence depend on the water transmitting the light effectively. Systems that have considerable oil or other materials entrained in .the water can severely affect the operation of these devices. . Chapter 4-A Slide 13 Surface Facilities for Water Flooding and Salt Water Disposal