Aquamonitrix FAQs

Aquamonitrix FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Browse the topics below to find answers to Aquamonitrix FAQs. If your question isn’t covered, contact us directly and we’ll provide the answer.

General

What are maximum and minimum nitrate and nitrite levels that can be measured?

Analytical Range**

- Nitrate*: 0.6 - 500 mg/L as NO3- (0.14 to 113 mg/L as N)
- Nitrite*: 0.05 - 100 mg/L NO2- (0.01 to 23 mg/L as N)

* In saline water environments (up to 35 ppt), the lower limits of detection are 0.5 mg/L nitrite  as NO2-  (0.15 mg/L as N) and 1.0 mg/L nitrate as NO3-  (0.23 mg/L as N)

**We can supply custom ranges within these broad limits by adjusting the sample loop to suit your analytical needs

Over what temperature range can Aquamonitrix® operate? 

The system can operate over a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C.

Can the system operate on its side or lying down? 

The defined operating orientation is vertically upright, as per the image below:

How frequently can a sample be analysed?

The system can analyser a sample every 15 minutes, which is equivalent to a maximum of 96 samples per day.

Can we alter the sampling frequency during night-time periods relative to day-time?

The sampler can be programmed to vary the sample frequencies. This needs to be done by a service engineer.

Are there any checks that must be performed by the operator during the deployment period?

Yes. A general visual inspection of the unit should be carried out to ensure the inlet filter line and tube are free from blockages. The inlet tube and filter could be rinsed on a regular basis to extend their lifetime.

 

Sample Matrix

Can the analyser handle darkly coloured effluent or samples with a high suspended solids content? 

Yes, but we need to capture this information in the customer questionnaire prior to provision of the analyser.  We have developed a sample settling systems for deployment in wastewater treatment aeration tanks and biological reactors.

Is the analyser suitable for handling seawater?

Yes. Aquamonitrix can perform in marine and saline water (up to 35 ppt).

 

Sampling

What is the maximum head the analyser can lift? 

Up to 3 meters.

What precautions should I take to avoid the in-take tube getting blocked? 

The sample intake line should be positioned in a manner so the intake is suspended in the middle of the water sample. Regular cleaning of the inlet tubing and filter will prolong the life of the sample tubing and keep it free from blockages.

 

Calibration

Is the Aquamonitrix® analyser calibrated when it arrives?

The unit will be calibrated in the factory prior to despatch to site.  The service engineer will confirm this calibration on site during installation.

How often do I need to re-calibrate the analyser?

The analyser holds its calibration for the deployment period. In trials, calibration has remained stable over deployments of six months.

Where can I get purchase standards to re-calibrate the analyser?

Standards for re-calibration are available from https://aquamonitrix.com/consumables

 

Servicing

How often does the system need to be serviced?

We recommend four services per year.

Who can service the unit? 

Personnel who have received suitable training by Aquamonitrix ltd. This could be internal team, one of our service partners or an agnostics service provider. Service is straightforward and we provide training by video.

 

Communication via SCADA

Can the unit be connected to a SCADA System? 

Yes. It can also be connected to Datamonitrix, as below.

 

Communication via Datamonitrix

Can several users access the Datamonitrix data management portal?

Yes - you can add/remove team members and assign access levels.

Can I have more than one analyser on the portal? 

Yes

Can the analyser be connected to a SCADA system as well? 

Yes, system can be connected to a SCADA system in parallel.

Can the system alert me if it records a high reading? 

Yes – Datamonitrix can be used to set defaults and configure alarms.

Can the system increase the frequency of testing if it detects a high reading?

Yes, but the analyser would need to be manually adjusted via the IoT interface.

Can data be output in a format and structure needed by an organisation's database?

Yes. The digital output from the analyser is suitable as an input to the customer's choice of environmental data management system.

 

Power Supply

How long will the battery last?

The battery is a backup feature. Its purpose is to allow the unit to ride through any short duration brown/black outs in the customer’s power supply. If the unit is in the process of a run when the power loss occurs, the sample will complete. From a fully charged state, the battery should hold for several days.

Is it safe to leave the Aquamonitrix® analyser outside in the rain? 

The unit is IP65 rated, so leaving it out in the rain shouldn’t have any negative impact. The only caveat would be that care should be taken with opening the unit to prevent exposing it to the elements.

Where can I buy a replacement power lead
What is the power supply? AC or DC?

15 - 25 V dc input power, 50W max. rated power

Can the instrument be run with a battery/solar panel?

Yes we have developed a solar/battery powered unit for portable and remote monitoring.

 

Eluent/Regent

How often does the reagent need to be refilled?

The duration before a reagent-re-fill is required depends on the sampling frequency. The analyser holds a maximum of 2 litres of eluent internally, and each sample consumes 3.3 ml. With a frequency of 6 samples per day, the reagent will last for 100 days – or over 3 months.

Where more frequent analysis is required, we offer the alternative of an external eluent container - capable of holding up to 10 litres of eluent.

Is the eluent hazardous?

No. The eluent is a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution.  This is low cost and non-hazardous.

Where can I purchase more eluent?

From https://aquamonitrix.com/consumables

What is the eluent shelf-life? 

6 months