When Northumbrian Water identified the need to design two towable trailers equipped with analytical equipment for continuous measurement, they approached Pollution & Process Monitoring (PPM) to complete the bespoke build.

The trailer monitoring project is referred to as SWAT (Site Wastewater Analysis Trailer) by Northumbrian Water. The project was managed by Loren Jennings, project sponsor was Laura Evans and Technical Support was provided by Mark Gibson (Operational Technology Engineer). Mark was responsible for the instrument selection and liaised with PPM to define the overall design, from the initial concept to the final outcome.

However, it’s no easy task to complete a bespoke monitoring station and even more challenging to pre-mount the instrumentation within a towable trailer environment. The usual considerations of sample delivery, sample pre-treatment, sample distribution, automatic compressed air cleaning, reagent bunding are also coupled with making the trailer a suitable environment, to house the analytical instrumentation.

The roof of the trailer had to be insulated, the walls adapted to take the weight of the instrumentation and bench top space integrated to allow Scientists to perform analytical measurements. Base units were also installed to provide ample storage during transit. Lighting and heating integrated to make the environment suitable for the specialist instrumentation.

The two trailers were similar but slightly different. One was designed to capture data at the inlet to the treatment works measuring raw sewage. The other trailer was designed to measure after the treatment process, on the final effluent.

Both trailers were equipped with instrumentation to analytically measure Ammonia, Iron, Total Phosphate and Alkalinity. Probe measurement of pH, COD and temperature were also integrated into both trailers. Additionally, the inlet trailer was configured for Redox and Conductivity measurement whilst the outlet trailer was configured for Turbidity. The design also accommodated retrofitting of additional probe parameters in each of the trailers as spare access points have been provided.

The signals from all the instruments were wired back during the initial fabrication of the analytical trailers, to a common signals box so that they could be simply connected into an NWG approved telemetry outstation for remote data capture.

Since the probe technology would need to be routinely removed for maintenance, consideration had to be given to how to do this with the minimum of effort. Sample isolation was necessary so the other parameters could also continue to be measured.

Sample acquisition was a critical aspect of the design. None of the instruments can perform reliably without receiving a continuous supply of sample. The sample has a propensity to foul and rag, so is often a challenge. The sample pump requirement may be slightly different on each and every site, so a common approach would be required.

PPM worked with NWL to test and approve a suitable funnel/strainer arrangement which would facilitate reliable availability of process sample to the pumping arrangement. The design included regular compressed air back purging to automatically clean transfer lines. The pumping system was contained within the trailer making commissioning a simplified process. Mains power (240 VAC) needs to be connected. The strainer arrangement and drainpipe installed in an appropriate place for a representative sample to be taken with the drain routed to a suitable drain point, the instruments powered and analysis may begin.

The ability to deploy the trailers quickly and obtain real time data will prove to be of great assistance for site profiling. It will save time and provide a more detailed picture of process events, to optimise treated water quality and augment environmental improvement.

The mobile trailers, which will be deployed on treatment sites across the region wherever and whenever necessary, will be named after past employees, as part of the company's legacy project.

Laura Evans (Project Sponsor) recently commented "We’ve spent the last year working collaboratively with supplier Pollution & Process Monitoring Ltd to design and develop the SWAT trailer to help us improve that process and I’m so proud that we’ve now got a real-life, working product”. "The trailers will provide a vast amount of information that we've never had before, sending information about the wastewater quality 24/7 and removing the need to take samples that only tell you about the wastewater at that moment in time.

This will give us much better insight into the wastewater flows entering and leaving our works and will help to make us more efficient, both in terms of making sure we're using the right amount of chemicals to treat the water, as well as proactively identifying any potential issues. "We're passionate about protecting the environment and more importantly, using the SWAT trailer means we're able to better monitor and improve the quality of the final treated product from our works, before it's returned to the environment”.

Mark Gibson (Operational Technology Engineer) commented “PPM have proven to be an excellent collaborative partner. PPM have been considerate and flexible, incorporating specific NWL design and instrument specification requirements. PPM have produced a high-quality product one which leaves us best placed to make on-line measurements on very demanding applications”.

Site attendance will take place in the Autumn to help commission the trailers and provide training on the operation and maintenance of various aspects of the installation.

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Environmental Monitoring at Manchester International Airport

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has placed a number of significant purchase orders for the supply of water quality instrumentation. The most recent, is a bespoke analyser kiosk to provide continuous surface water quality measurement at the new Terminal Two Apron.

These most recent purchase orders reaffirms MAG’s commitment to continuous environmental monitoring and further strengthens the close working relationship with Pollution & Process Monitoring Ltd (PPM), who manufacture their analysers in the United Kingdom.

Mark Stewart (Water Services Advisor)
comments: “PPM has a proven track record at Manchester Airport over the last 15 years. The reliability of their Protoc TOC technology and the quality of their service support, were key considerations. I am delighted that the Airport took note of these factors when placing the latest order since the Protoc technology and the quality of PPM’s customer service is integral to our environmental compliance. In addition we are standardising our instrumentation across the site reducing our operational maintenance cost”.

Protoc 300 TOC Analysers Measuring Surface Water Quality

Whilst alternative instrumentation has been considered and previously used at the Airport, the Protoc technology has reliably outperformed over an extended period of time.  Additionally, since the Protoc TOC analyser technology measures continuously with a fast response rather than intermittently, the instruments are ideal for real-time valve control.

Pollution & Process Monitoring also has a wealth of experience in providing the complete system rather than just the analytical instrument. Mark has therefore commended PPM on their ability to deliver and engineer complete monitoring system which include sample delivery and preparation systems designed for the application. Mark also acknowledges “the ability of PPM to attend site to perform routine maintenance and schedule analyser reagents delivery, has also improved operational performance and minimised operator intervention”.

Ethylene Glycol Detection in Surface Water

The purpose of the water quality instrumentation is to provide continuous measurement and control of the surface water runoff lagoons adjacent to the runways. During the coldest winter months, planes, aprons and runways need to be sprayed with antifreeze agents to keep the Airport operational. Surface water containing Aircraft de-icing fluid (PE Glycol) and pavement anti–icer (Potassium Acetate) is diverted to sewer to protect the local environment. The Protoc TOC monitors continuously measure water quality and ultimately controls the diversion process. The original installation comprised four Protoc TOC analysers which were supplied October 1999 through Crown House Engineering during construction of Runway 2. A further analyser was then added to protect Sugar Brook another tributary to the river Bollin adjacent to Runway 2.

A later order included the supply of five new Protoc 300 TOC analyers which also have the Environment Agency’s Mcerts certification. Two analysers replaced the original instruments on runway 2. These instruments measure the discharge of clean surface water into to the river Bollin, after passing through a series of balancing ponds, and when require activate diversion. two further analysers were installed on the final discharge point from a 72,000 m3 reservoir combined with flow measurement offering information on the ‘Total Loading’. Additionally, a further instrument was installed on runway 1, catchment ‘D’ Badger Brook tributary to Cotterill Clough Brook SSSI close to the Airports Visitors Centre. These instruments were installed onto pre-formed PVC panels at the new locations to simplify site installation. The extent of the continuous monitoring has now been increased which will provide an even more proactive approach to environmental compliance monitoring and site discharge control.

Phase 1 investment ensured that Manchester Airport Group continued to be responsible in their environmental approach and manage the site’s surface water discharge according to measured water quality. The most recent installation of Protoc TOC analysers has taken place during late 2024 at Manchester International Airport.

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Protoc TOC analysers at Heineken continue to optimise effluent quality and reduce operational costs

Six Protoc TOC analysers currently monitor key effluent streams:

The Heineken - John Smith’s Brewery located in Tadcaster, currently use six Protoc TOC analysers to monitor key effluent streams and proactively manage their site effluent. The Brewery has used the Protoc TOC analysers technology for more than 16 years, from making the initial installations back in 2004. Some of the older instruments have now recently been replaced with the latest Protoc technology since these instruments are an integral part of the Company’s environmental compliance program. The site has used these instruments to gain a better understanding of each production area and reduce the load entering the on-site treatment facility. Improved measurement and control, has improved effluent quality and reduced operational costs.

The selection process

In September 2004, John Smith’s Brewery located in Tadcaster, decided to investigate how they could monitor their effluent quality and identify product loss. They approached Pollution & Process Monitoring Ltd (PPM) to discuss their requirements and design a suitable monitoring solution.

To simplify the delivery of the project, the Project Manager at John Smith’s, wanted a complete turnkey package from a single supplier. This would include a number of reliable on-line analytical instruments some pre-installed onto back-panels and others within walk-in GRP kiosks, complete with lighting, heating, sample delivery, sample preparation and preformed sample pipe-work. Additionally, consideration was given to whether the same Company, could provide the on-going service support.

The Project Manager identified that PPM specialised in providing complete turnkey packages and had a team of highly trained instrument engineers, providing after sales service.

Analyser reliability was also a critical consideration. The project manager contacted a number of producers in the Food and Beverage sector which already had the Protoc analyser technology installed, to establish that the instrumentation was suitable for the brewing industry and that these instruments were properly supported.

After receiving positive feedback, John Smiths asked PPM to attend site, make recommendations and prepare a monitoring proposal.

A site survey was conducted by PPM

After conducting a comprehensive site survey, to evaluate the possible monitoring locations across the site drainage system, PPM identified seven key locations:-

• BeerDestruction
• Brewhouse
• Filtration
• Kegging
• Canning
• Bottling
• Fermentation

With such extensive monitoring in place, it was concluded John Smiths would be able to pinpoint any issues from specific production areas and ultimately improve effluent quality. The original installation of the Protoc analyser technology including pre-fabrication, was finally completed in March 2005.

The Protoc technology plays an important role in the site’s operation and environmental compliance

Future expansion of the Brewery was also being planned however the local Yorkshire Water treatment plant was not capable of handling any further load from the proposed expansion. Consequently, John Smith's decided to build an on-site effluent treatment plant, after which the Protoc analyser technology then played a key role in controlling the load entering the treatment facility and ultimately ensuring compliance to the imposed discharge consent.

Since making the initial instrument installations, it is acknowledged that a large reduction in effluent load has been achieved reducing the demands on the effluent treatment plant - with a significant reduction in associated energy use and operation costs. The Protoc TOC monitors play an important part in the Brewery's operation, any potential anomalies such as a leaking valve from the Brewhouse are quickly identified by the instruments. Hence, the analysers provide a comprehensive picture of effluent quality from key production areas which is summarised in a weekly report, circulated to all key personnel.

PPM currently complete the routine servicing although initially this work was performed by site operations which gave them good insight into the operational performance of the Protoc technology. Positive commentary was received from them about the instrument’s automatic functionality: "The auto zero and calibration feature ensures the monitors are self-checking, giving confidence in the results we are seeing. This is an important feature."

A further Protoc analyser was subsequently located in the Brewery yard, to monitor the surface water discharge to a local water course, to ensure rainwater collected in this area was free of contamination.

The Brewery is now part of the Heineken Group and more recently, the Company has upgraded some of the original installations after 15 years of continuous operation. The most recent investments have included relocation of one system into a fully engineered outdoor kiosk, providing improved access and weather protection. An additional monitoring station was also added to a brand new fermentation line which was commissioned in 2020.

Currently, the Protoc technology operate 24-7 in six locations which include the Bottling, Canning, Beer Destruction and Brewhouse production areas.

The continued use of the Protoc analyser technology over the sixteen year period, is testament to the proven reliability of measurement and the service support which PPM provides to the end user.

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International Airport Surface Water Runoff

International airports create vast amounts of surface water runoff, generated from the extensive areas of concrete pavement, aprons and runways, all of which need to be kept free from icing during the winter months.  To keep the airport operational, antifreeze agents such as polyethylene glycol and potassium acetate, are sprayed on these surfaces during the coldest winter months and on the aircraft parked on the stands. The contaminated surface water runoff enters the drainage system where the first flush (after heavy rainfall or a storm event) may be diverted to on-site lagoons, providing balancing and treatment.

Water quality instrumentation including the Protoc TOC analyser is extensively installed to continuously monitor and control the surface water, within the site drainage system. Output signals from the instruments may be used to divert good quality surface water to a local water source and collect data for reporting purposes. Other hydrocarbons may include Kerosene, oils and fire-fighting products which may also ingress into the drainage system. Depending upon the potential contaminant, alternative measurement techniques may include non-contact oil film detection or oil in water analysis, using UV fluorescence.

Industrial Suface Water Runoff

Large engineering companies, distribution centres and manufacturing sites may have large areas of hard-standing with associated surface water runoff. Surface water quality discharging to local water sources, needs to be carefully monitored to prevent pollution entering the local environment. A site audit is often necessary to identity the potential risks and the chemical components that could cause surface water contamination. Vehicles transiting across the site and potential chemical spillages typically pose the main risks.

The measurement of pH to identify the ingress of acids and bases is commonly installed at the point of discharge, to provide continuous water quality measurement. Oil film detection would be another key measurement parameter especially for sites where high vehicular movement or engineering activities result in oil related pollution. Dissolved organics from hydrocarbon release or product loss (especially at food, drink and chemical production sites) using Total Organic Carbon measurement, is also extensively installed.

Key Water Quality Parameters

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
• Oil Film Detection
• Turbidity
• pH & Conductivity

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International Airports

Significant volumes of surface water runoff are generated from the extensive areas of concrete pavement, aprons and runways at International Airports. These pavements and the aircraft parked on the stands, are sprayed with antifreeze agents such as polyethylene glycol and potassium acetate during the coldest winter months.

The Protoc TOC analyser is extensively installed to continuously monitor and control the surface water discharge. Other hydrocarbons may include Kerosene, oils and fire-fighting products which may also ingress into the drainage system. Depending upon the potential contaminant, alternative measurement techniques may include non-contact oil film detection or oil in water analysis, using UV fluorescence.

Car Manufacture & Engineering Sites

Vehicle manufacturing sites often occupy large areas of land with significant pavement areas, allowing for vehicular movement and product storage. As a consequence, surface water is at risk from hydrocarbon contamination such as fuel and oil ingress, which can then affect water quality. Numerous sites have installed continuous water quality measurement instrumentation including the OFD oil film detector, to provide real time detection of chemical spillage or hydrocarbon release to neighbouring lakes and rivers.

Industrial Waste to Energy Sites

Continuous vehicular movement across pavements carrying waste product for recycling or energy production, carries the risk of contamination of surface water which may be discharged to the local environment. Our Protoc TOC, Proam ammonia and pH instrumentation has been deployed to provide continuous water quality measurement, to identify pollution events in real time so correction action can be taken.

Food & Beverage Manufacturing Sites

Product release across the site may affect surface water quality. Real time measurement has been implemented at large breweries and drink production sites to continuously measure surface water quality and identify product spillage, that may have entered into the drainage system. The Protoc TOC analyser provides an ideal measurement technique for the detection or organic contamination which would include alcohol, sugar and food-based contamination.

Key Water Quality Parameters

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
• Oil Film Detection
• Ammonia
• Turbidity
• pH & Conductivity

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UK Legislation

Industrial and municipal waste-water (sewage) treatment plants have had to respond to progressive UK environmental legislation which has culminated in the Waste Water Treatment Directive. Since successive legislation becomes more and more stringent, the need to implement self- monitoring using on-line instrumentation, has become increasingly important to ensure treated effluent is compliant with imposed discharge consents.

Sewage Discharge

Many industrial sites need to treat their effluent to comply with a range of consent parameters that may include pH, suspended solids, ammonia, COD and BOD. Trade discharges to sewer are typically regulated using COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and final effluent discharge to the river is typically regulated using BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand). Since both tests are determined in the laboratory on a discrete sample, it has often been necessary for industry to deploy continuous on-line measurement, to proactively manage their discharge and treatment processes. Since a correlation between the Total Organic Carbon content and the associated oxygen demand can often be established, the Protoc TOC analyser technology providing continuous water analysis has been extensively installed to monitor trade discharge and final effluent quality.

Municipal Sewage Discharge

Final effluent monitoring typically comprises ammonia and suspended solids (turbidity) although other water analysis such as BOD may also be performed on discrete samples. Ammonia is a critical water quality parameter since it is toxic to aquatic life and also indicates the extent of treatment. Rising ammonia concentrations indicates inefficient nitrification possibly due to poor aeration, insufficient liquor concentrations, nitrification inhibition due to toxicity, temperature or excessive hydraulic load. Continuous measurement data is therefore crucially important to confirm the treatment facility is operating efficiently.

Recently, the consent limits for discharge have been lowered for sites discharging to sensitive catchments. Consents of 1.0 to 3.0mg/L NH3-N are now more common place requiring analytical measurement technology. The Proam ammonia monitor which provides automatic calibration against two known calibration standards provides a greater confidence in the quality of measurement, especially for sites treating effluent to such low concentrations. More recently, phosphate consents have also been imposed resulting in additional treatment and process control requirements.

Key Water Quality Parameters

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
• Ammonia
• pH & Temperature
• Turbidity

Boiler System Protection

Protecting boiler systems from corrosion and recovering treated process water for reuse, makes financial sense and has a positive environmental impact.

Steam is usually generated to produce electrical power at power stations, at combined heat & power (CHP) co-generation plants or to supply heat for process systems. Significant latent heat energy is contained within the steam and condensate, so optimising recovery is important.

Condensate Return

Condensate return and water reuse are essential practices in steam systems for improving efficiency and sustainability.

Condensate is the water formed when steam cools and condenses. Instead of discarding this water, it can be returned to the boiler. This practice has many benefits, most importantly there are associated energy savings since condensate is very hot. Reusing the condensate therefore reduces the energy needed to heat new water.

Additionally, this conserves water consumption especially as the condensate is effectively treated deionised water. Fresh make-up water would require additional chemical treatment and associated cost.

However, contamination of the condensate must be avoided to protect boiler systems from corrosion. Progressively, industry has installed continuous monitoring systems on the condensate return, to identify harmful cross contamination.

Key Water Quality Parameters

• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
• Conductivity & Temperature
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
• Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

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Continuous Water Quality Measurement

Reliable process monitoring and control is an important aspect of food and drink manufacturing. Continuous water quality measurement may be performed throughout the production process; to manage associated waste streams and to maintain compliance of trade and surface water discharge, across the manufacturing site.

Production Water Quality

Water received from a local water authority or abstracted from a river / site borehole often needs to be monitored to ensure it meets stringent water quality standards and has not been contaminated. The Protoc Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyser has been installed at multiple drink manufacturers to continuously monitor towns water for organic loading which can taint the taste of make-up water. In addition to the Protoc TOC analyser, the Proam ammonia monitor has also been installed at Distilleries abstracting river water, to ensure water quality has not been affected by ingress of pollutants such as sewage.

Cleaning In Place (CIP)

The integration of pH and conductivity instrumentation to monitor and control the “Cleaning In Place” process and recover wash-water containing acids and alkalis, is well established in the food and beverage sector. The use of pH meters to accurately control dosing of acid and bases is also advantageous.

Product Loss Monitoring

The integration of continuous monitoring in production areas can be used to identify product loss in real time. Instrumentation to monitor drains within bottling plants, after fermenters and post CIP has been used to identify when product loss has occurred. Events can be alarmed in real-time by instruments such as the Protoc Total Organic Carbon analyser, so corrective action can be immediately taken.

Water received from a local water authority or abstracted from a river / site borehole often needs to be monitored to ensure it meets stringent water quality standards and has not been contaminated. The Protoc Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyser has been installed at multiple drink manufacturers to continuously monitor towns water for organic loading which can taint the taste of make-up water. In addition to the Protoc TOC analyser, the Proam ammonia monitor has also been installed at Distilleries abstracting river water, to ensure water quality has not been affected by ingress of pollutants such as sewage.

Industrial Trade Discharge

Waste-water generated from production often needs to be monitored to ensure compliance to a number of imposed consents which may include flow, pH, suspended solids, ammonia, COD and BOD. The number and required parameter selection is determined by the type of manufacturing process and the risks associated with waste product carry-over. Progressively, industry is looking to minimise their waste and reduce their associated effluent costs by continuously monitoring and treating, prior to trade discharge.

The Protoc TOC analyser continuously reports the Total Organic Carbon concentration which provides a good indication of the Chemical Oxygen Demand allowing for real-time monitoring and control of waste streams. The Protoc instrument has been installed for a number of leading Brewing companies, Drinks manufacturers, Poultry and Food manufactures to control the treatment process and demonstrate trade discharge compliance.

The measurement of pH may also be installed to ensure pH regulation is correctly performed and discharge compliance is maintained.

Where treated effluent is discharged to a local water course Ammonia, Suspended Solids (Turbidity) and BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) may be monitored and controlled in real-time, using on-line water quality instrumentation supplied by PPM.

Surface Water Monitoring

Hard standing areas across the site often generate significant surface water which is typically discharged to a local water course. Finished product, waste and fuel ingress in to the site drainage system can affect surface water quality. Continuous water quality measurement may be used to identify pollution events and linked to control systems, to avert discharge of poor surface water quality. Instrument such as the Protoc Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyser can be used to identify ingress of organic contamination within the water drainage system and control abatement systems.

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Efficiency

Improved waste management through automation can deliver more efficient waste treatment, reduced energy and chemical consumption and improved effluent quality. The cost of treatment and trade discharge can thus be significantly reduced.

Industrial Inlet Control

Progressively more and more companies are installing instruments to monitor raw effluent and limit the load reaching a balancing tank. Diverting peak loads can dramatically reduce the strength of effluent needing primary treatment, resulting in a more homogeneous waste that is simpler to treat. Consequently, discharge consents are more easily maintained. The Protoc TOC can monitor in real time and divert peak organic loads. Parameters such as Turbidity can indicate the Suspended Solids and pH are also frequently used for continuous measurement and control of waste water.

Activated Sludge Monitoring

Biological treatment is extensively used to treat sewage and industrial effluent, principally to remove ammonia and reduce organic loading. Controlling aerobic and anaerobic digestion using Dissolved Oxygen and Suspended Solids is extensively installed to optimise treatment and regulate aeration - saving money. More recently, the determination of ammonia within the activated sludge has also been shown to be beneficial. Feed forward ammonia control and feed back ammonia control may be implemented to regulate the aeration process more effectively to save energy and maintain a more consistent effluent quality.

Click here for more information on ammonia probe technology [PDF 262KB]

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Crude and Settled Sewage Measurement

Shock loading and Toxicity may affect aerobic and anaerobic systems. Significant variation and high industrial effluent load often significantly impacts the performance of biological treatment systems to treat waste water resulting in potential breaches of ammonia and BOD consents. The installation of the Protoc TOC analyser reporting the Total Organic Carbon load entering the treatment works and the Proam ammonia monitor can be used to provide forward control and protect the treatment process.

Other Parameters

Progressively Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphate are being introduced by the Environment Agency as consent parameters for specific sensitive catchments. As a consequence, treatment may need to be upgraded to remove these nutrients and on-line monitors installed, to efficiently control this treatment process. The combination of separate ammonia and nitrate measurements may be very effective to provide additional information on the nitrogen balance in the biological treatment system as apposed to performing a true Total Nitrogen measurement.

Energy reduction within biological treatment

One of the biggest costs for waste-water treatment is energy consumption; the cost of which is likely to escalate with increased demand. Ineffective process control may not only be costly but environmentally impacts though the inefficient use of an un-renewable resource. Furthermore, poor process control in one area may also impinge on neighbouring processes ultimately affecting effluent water quality.

Aerobic digestion is one of the principle methods of waste-water treatment, used to remove harmful ammonia through the process of nitrification. Surface or diffused aeration is widely deployed and traditionally, the concentration of dissolved oxygen (required by the nitrifying bacteria) has been monitored using DO meters. Concentrations have traditionally been maintained within a specified concentration range typically 1.8 to 2.2mg/L. Water Companies have recently investigated alternative control philosophy, to optimise the treatment process and save on energy costs. The realisation that the aeration can be controlled dependant upon the ammonia load entering the aeration ditch rather than simply maintaining a relatively high DO concentration, has prompted Scientist to further automate using additional on-line instrumentation.

The measurement of the ammonia/ammonium concentrations entering the treatment basin has often proved extremely successful to provide forward control of aeration processes. The integration of an additional measurement after treatment may optimise treatment using feed-back control. The conventional DO meters may then be used to provide a minimum DO set point, often at half the concentration traditionally set. The resultant energy cost saving is estimated to be typically 25%, which is significant even a medium sized plant. PPM can offer two alternative monitoring approaches using either direct probe or analyser technology.

Direct probe measurement technology

The IQ Sensor Net system uses a digital interfacing platform and the connection of robust submersible sensors for the direct measurement of ammonium concentrations. The WTW ammolytplus probe technology is simple to install, simple to maintain and is installed directly into the treatment basin. Operators are required to perform a matrix calibration, using a photometer (typically monthly) to validate performance. The WTW ammolytplus sensor is automatically cleaned using compressed air and digitally transmits data to the controller thus allowing for significant sensor to instrument separations. Additional parameters such as DO, MLSS, pH, conductivity and nitrate may also be incorporated.

Proam analyser measurement

PPM manufactures the Proam ammonia analyser which has also been used to monitor the concentration of ammonia in liquors within the treatment basin. Since the analyser automatically calibrates against two known standards, all measurements are validated by the instrumentation giving additional confidence in reported result of ammonia concentration. The analyser technique requires sample preparation of the liquor to remove the suspended solids component before analysis. The sample preparation may be installed directly into the basin or alternatively can receive a pumped sample dependent upon application. PPM manufactures secondary enclosures suitable for floor or hand rail mounting to contain the measurement system.

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Coagulation control

The Protoc TOC analyser has also been installed at the inlet to provide continuous measurement of organic load entering a treatment facility. The ability to predict load and control the addition of coagulant is preferential to regulating chemical dosing on flow alone. Similarly, the measurement of phosphate may also be used where chemical dosing is required for P-removal to improve water quality.

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