A Monte Carlo model was used to study the scattering error of an absorption
meter with a divergent light beam and a limited acceptance angle of the re
ceiver. Reflections at both ends of the tube were taken into account. Calcu
lations of the effect of varying optical properties of water as well as the
receiver geometry were performed. A weighting function showing the scatter
ing error quantitatively as a function of angle was introduced. Some cases
of practical interest are discussed.