pureFLO monitrix– Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring

Sample Delivery System for Activated Sludge

Aquamonitrix has developed pureFLO, which involves an integrated flow cell and depth filter, as a sample preparation solution for use with the NOx-monitrix® analyser.

The system provides a means of extracting and preparing a filtered sample from an aeration tank (activated sludge) within a wastewater treatment plant, as part of secondary biological treatment.

A sample is extracted from the matrix by pump which fills an Integrated Flow Cell adjacent to the analyser. This ensures sample presence is checked immediately prior to starting the analysis cycle, hence ensuring sample stability.

The solution can be delivered in two configurations:

(a) with the flow cell contained within an outer enclosure which is also used to house the analyser, thereby providing a means to physically protect and thermally control the complete solution (more suited to outdoor locations);

or (b) with the flow cell mounted to a separate backing plate and grouped with the analyser power distribution (more suited to indoor locations).

SAMPLING

A Depth Filter Cartridge mounted to one end of a rigid pipe is submerged within the matrix at the sampling point. A peristaltic pump grouped to the Integrated Flow Cell pumps the filtered sample to fill the flow cell to overflow. The presence of a sample within the flow cell is checked prior to the start of the analyser cycle using sensor controls to prevent any risk of pulling air into the analyser system. Once the sample has been extracted from the flow cell, a motorised drain valve opens to allow the flow cell to drain out in preparation for a subsequent sampling cycle. The fill volume of the flow cell is 175ml; having the flow cell positioned in close proximity to the analyser ensures that the volume of sample that needs to be prepared can be minimised. The batch filling-emptying cycle of the flow cell is provided for by the analyser, a fully integrated solution.

SERVICE

Prior to delivery of our pureFLO analyser, we require the end-user to complete a site suitability form for the analyser. This facilitates an assessment of the suitability of the sample location in advance of deployment where targeted recommendations can be provided. A correctly installed pureFLO analyser will ensure the service requirement is optimal.

The service itself can range in terms of the level of intervention and skill required. pureFLO has been designed with servicing in mind, and to keep the majority of service activity at a low skill level, enabling both end users and service agents alike to have light touch points with the sampler to ensure its continued operation.

As the pureFLO analyser comes supplied with a NOx-monitrix analyser it is important to cross-reference the section on servicing within the NOx-monitrix page. The service requirement for pureFLO depends upon the condition of the sample matrix (activated sludge) and the duty cycle (required sample frequency) of the analyser. We have a recommended service guideline based on the duty cycle and the sample matrix. Our service guidelines have been built upon experience operating the pureFLO analyser and analysers in various applications worldwide.

Climate control is an integral part of the pureFLO analyser/analysers’ operation. We include a 150W heater with pureFLO to protect the analyser in colder conditions.

BENEFITS

The pureFLO system is robust, simple to use and maintain. As the internal components of the pureFLO analyser are widely used within other common-day industrial applications they are readily available, extremely reliable and competitively priced.

The associated operational costs are low; the filter cartridge itself is a low-cost disposable item and designed for quick replacement.

Flow Cell functions such as pump and value operations are controlled directly by the analyser, i.e. a fully integrated solution (no need for additional PLC/controller)

All controls are managed via the provided AQUAtest software, no additional software required.

Grouping the flow cell and its associated functions with the analyser allows for thermal control of the full solution within the outer enclosure. The thermal option includes insulation of the enclosure as well as heating and thermostat controls. The enclosure features integrated inlet and outlet filtered vents to allow for adequate airflow, and comes with external wall-mount fixing lugs for mounting provision.

The system can be provided with a Dual-stream sampling option.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Operating temperature range: 7 – 40°C

Sample temperature range: 2 – 50°C

Operating humidity range: 10 – 90% RH, non-condensing

Storage temperature range: -20 – 60°C

Storage humidity range: 10 – 90% RH, non-condensing

IP rating: IP65 (IEC 60529)

SPECIFICATIONS

*These specifications are specific to the analyser in the outer enclosure*

Electrical Power: 210-250Vac / 110-130Vac single phase, 210W max., 50/60 Hz

External Size: 847mm (H) x 636mm (W) x 300mm (D)

Operating Temperature range: 0 to 40°C

Operating Humidity range: 10 – 90% RH, non-condensing

Sample Temperature range:2 to 50°C

Storage Temperature range: -20 to 60°C

Storage Humidity range: 10 – 90% RH, non-condensing

IP rating: IP65 (IEC 60529)

Max. Suction Lift of Pump: 9 metres

Wetted Materials: PVC, stainless steel, nylon, PU, PP, thermoplastic elastomer

Net Weight: 40kg approx.(with analyser installed)

Pump Flow Rate: up to 488 ml/min max.

Flow Cell fill volume: 175 ml

Minimum sampling interval: 15 mins

Outlet drain Hose: 1/2” PU tubing

Filter/Strainer: Depth Filter Cartridge 50µm (or optional coarse strainer)

Enclosure Mounting: SS wall-mount fixing lugs (4x M8-size mounting holes, hole spacing 882mm H x 530mm W)

Enclosure type: FRP material, grey, hinged lockable door, vented

Depth Filter Mounting: SS Handrail Mount Bracket provided, for up to Ø3” size rail

Length of PVC rigid pipe: 2.4m (can be cut to length)

Max. length of sample line: 8m

Controls and Software: Controls integrated to NOxmonitrix analyser (AQUAtest s/w utility for settings/config)

Flow Cell pump and valve: 24Vdc powered

WARRANTY

One Year