Interested in Instrumentation?
Get Instrumentation articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Sign up now.
Instrumentation + Get AlertsAmmonia analyzer
The ChemScan mini LowAm ammonia analyzer from ASA Analytics is designed for rapid and automatic batch analysis of ammonia in effluent. The low-cost units are built for accurate and reliable operation in harsh environments. Requiring minimal maintenance with quarterly reagent changes, the analyzer helps reduce aeration energy costs and provides verification, resulting in a healthy, stable process. 800/665-7133; www.asaanalytics.com.
Ultrasonic meters
E-Series of ultrasonic meters from Badger Meter for water and wastewater metering use ultrasonic transit time technology to calculate flow rate and total consumption. There are no moving parts; the internal battery powers the meter for up to 20 years. Lead-free compliant with NSF/ANSI standards, the housing is available in sizes from 5/8 to 2 inches. Electronics are contained in a weatherproof, UV-resistant housing. 800/876-3837; www.badgermeter.com.
Heavy-duty pressure transducers
PT-400 heavy-duty pressure transducers from Automation Products Group are ATEX and IECEx certified and rated for use in hazardous locations. With all stainless steel welded construction, they withstand shock, vibration and high pressure spikes through temperatures from -40 to 180 degrees F and pressures up to 20,000 psi. 888/525-7300; www.apgsensors.com.
Multi-Channel Controller
The MultiCELL Type 8619 multi-channel controller from Burkert Fluid Control Systems can be used for monitoring functions as a flow indicator, to measure the ORP value or percentage retention value. It can also be used for control tasks, such as regulation of the pH value and the dosing of chemicals and ratio control. It is adapted at the factory to the particular application and customer specifications. The standard version includes the user interface, the mainboard and AC adapter, two analog and digital outputs and two digital inputs. Six slots are available for connecting additional boards. The large, configurable graphic display with backlighting can display up to four readings simultaneously. 800/325-1405; www.burkert-usa.com.
Pressure transmitter
The MBS 3000 compact series pressure transmitter from Danfoss Industrial Automation is designed for severe environments. It is available with an integrated pulse snubber for protection for use in systems with harsh influences like cavitation, liquid hammer or pressure peaks. It can be digitally adjusted to match the controller reading. Simple programming allows readings to be displayed in various units, such as psi, bar or kPA. The unit can be pivoted for easy viewing. 410/931-8250; www.danfoss.us/ia.
Telemetry control unit
The Telemetry Control Unit from Data Flow Systems combines automated pump control functions with advanced SCADA communications. It is designed to automate the operations of simplex, duplex and triplex pump stations and is available for fixed- and variable-speed applications. The unit accepts input from floats, bubblers and pressure transducers. The operator interface presents the menu, setpoint adjustment, fault resets and status indication. HOA switches are fail-safe and remain functional even with loss of power. The unit is SCADA-ready with open Modbus RTU and ASCII protocols and is available with integrated radio, network interface or telephone auto-dialer. 321/259-5009; www.dataflowsys.com.
Scientific fluorimeter
The HF Scientific Fluorimeter for heavy metals testing from Cole-Parmer enables technicians to conduct on-site analysis of toxic metal contaminants without waiting for results from a laboratory. The device tests for lead, mercury, copper and uranium in less than one minute and meets U.S. EPA standards. The IP54-rated instrument includes disposable, color-coded sensors designated for a specific metal for sample analysis. Sample data is captured with site name and time-and-date stamp, and is downloadable via USB cable. 800/323-4340; www.coleparmer.com.
Mass flowmeter
The Tantalum straight-tube Coriolis mass flowmeter, a version of the Optimass 7300 from KROHNE, measures corrosive fluids that require glass-lined piping or process vessels. The meter tunes itself, independent of external forces and fluid density. 800/356-9464; www.us.krohne.com.
Data logger
The IL-Mini data logging and alarming instrument from Logic Beach is a low-cost, weatherproof, stand-alone, battery-powered logger that measures and records to internal or removable memory from most sensors and transmitters, including temperatures, flows, duty cycles, electrical power, energy and pressure. It has analog and digital inputs and outputs that are fully programmable. 619/698-3300; www.logicbeach.com.
Wireless gas detection
The stand-alone Smart Wireless Site Sentinel battery-powered gas detection system from Detcon is for fixed, semi-fixed and transportable use. The system monitors for toxic and combustible gases and can be customized. Each system can handle 32 detectors consisting of any combination of wired or wireless devices. Fault diagnostics are available locally or through a link to other members of the network. Power options include disposable batteries, rechargeable battery packs with solar options, and line power. 713/559-9200; www.detcon.com.
Multichannel transmitter
Endress+Hauser's Liquiline CM44x multichannel, multi-parameter transmitter uses a single sensor array to measure a user-defined combination of ammonium, nitrate, pH, potassium or chloride, resulting in energy savings. The transmitter accurately monitors DO to ensure maintenance of the minimum levels for compliance, and it reliably measures total solids. 888/363-7377; www.us.endress.com.
Pump protection flow switch
The FlexSwitch FLT Pump Protection Flow Switch from FCI – Fluid Components International, keeps pumps running long and reliably with low maintenance over an expanded lifetime. It reliably monitors the flow and temperature of liquids, gases, slurries, lubricants, coolants and more, making it well-suited for wet/dry detection where unexpected reductions in flow rates may leave pumps vulnerable to overheating. 800/854-1993; www.fluidcomponents.com.
Workforce automation
FlexOps from FlexSystems is a mobile workforce automation package designed for plant operations inspections that addresses the blind spots of SCADA by standardizing manual procedures. It utilizes touch-screen guided PDA based inspections, eradicating transcription errors and secondary data capturing, validating data at the point of entry and providing customization throughout the system. Added benefits include ensuring all inspections are correctly carried out, as data inputs are validated and consequently imported into the plant's operations system. This paperless system allows for all reports to be integrated into operations, compliance, historian, maintenance and LIMS software systems. 303/684-8303; www.flexops.net.
Automated mini-controller
The CECC mini-controller with IO-Link master and CoDeSys V3 from Festo Corp. reduces installation time and simplifies programming for small- to mid-size treatment systems. Able to handle electric and pneumatic automation tasks, the four-channel device can be integrated into higher-level systems. 800/993-3786; www.festo.com.
Density meter
The DM3 inline continuous-density meter from SCIAM Worldwide calculates density by measuring direct mass over a known volume within a flow tube. By directly calculating density, rather than inferring or estimating, the technology improves accuracy, value and the environmental viability of sensor and mass flow systems. It measures abrasive media with a gum-rubber-lined flow tube. Custom options are available for high-pressure and extreme-temperature applications. It's insensitive to plant vibrations, noise, vacuum and temperature. 407/529-9391; www.sciamworldwide.com.
Water transport controller
The APP 800 automated water transport controller from Flygt – a Xylem Brand has dedicated pump I/Os engineered for control of water and wastewater transport systems. It delivers advanced functionality for pump operators and broad process functionality for control over plant operations. It is modular and scalable, allowing flexibility to add or modify modules for expansion. With an embedded web server, operators can check pump status from any location to monitor, identify trends, handle alarms, and diagnose and resolve faults. 704/409-9700; www.flygtus.com.
Autonomous level logger
The DCX-25 PVDF battery-powered level logger from Keller America records water depth (pressure) and temperature over long periods. The housing is made of polyvinylidene fluoride, and the sensing diaphragm is available in Hastelloy C-276 or titanium 6AL-4V. For installation, the logger is secured by a suspension cable and immersed in the media and must be recovered for data read-out. It opens easily, allowing access to the replaceable battery and the interface connector for configuration and data download. Users can configure it to record at fixed time intervals using fixed or event-based start times, in user-selectable measurement units. 877/253-5537; www.kelleramerica.com.
Thermal mass flowmeter
The QuadraTherm 640i/780i thermal mass flowmeter from Sierra Instruments measures gas mass flow with accuracy of ± 0.5 percent above 50 percent of the full scale. Its sensor and iTherm algorithm set introduces four sensors — three precision platinum temperature sensors and one no-drift DrySense mass velocity sensor. The sensor isolates forced convection by calculating and then eliminating unwanted heat-transfer components, providing a true flow rate reading. 800/866-0200; www.sierrainstruments.com.
Sludge Blanket Level Detector
The handheld Sludge Gun from Markland Specialty Engineering finds interface levels of settled tailings in lagoons, ponds and tanks. Compact and weatherproof, the detector is convenient for use from boats/catwalks. It detects sludge densities ranging from light flocs to thick blankets, with the high-power version ideal for murky lagoons. As the probe is lowered, an audible tone varies in volume and pitch, depending upon the concentration of solids. The sludge blanket level and overlying unsettled cloudy layer are located by observing the depth markers on the cable. No calibration is necessary. 855/873-7791; www.sludgecontrols.com.
Wireless condition monitoring
The VIBCONNECT RF wireless condition monitoring from LUDECA monitors machine vibration, bearing condition and temperature. The system also detects damage caused by cavitation and allows monitoring of plant equipment over a large area without cabling. The system's bridge acts as the central receiver that processes the data from the sensor unit and transmits it through the operator's network for visualization and archiving. Irregularities or faults found in the machine components are directly recorded and forwarded to the relevant control center. 305/591-8935; www.ludeca.com.
Level controller
The LMS II pre-programmed level controller from Metropolitan Industries has a color touch-screen interface that allows users to alter pump options, transducer options and more, providing access to basic SCADA features cost-effectively. It is a menu-configurable, constant-speed, pump-down level controller, allowing control of one to three pumps. Seal fails and thermal inputs are standard. 815/886-9200; www.metropolitanind.com.
Photo ionization detector
The OLCT 200 photo ionization detector from Oldham measures sub-ppm concentrations of hydrocarbons or VOCs. It is impervious to poisons or damage from high
gas concentrations and can be used in inert atmospheres. The detector has wireless connectivity, making it suitable for confined-space entry. 800/338-3287; www.oldhamgas.com.
Pump station manager
The MultiSmart pump station manager from Multitrode offers out-of-the-box functionality for fast and easy deployment. It provides preventive control and maintenance, calculates pump efficiency, and decreases pump station electrical consumption by using the most efficient pump. Remote control programming reduces maintenance, troubleshooting and site visits. It includes PID controls for booster pumps and built-in local SCADA without HMI hardware and software. 561/994-8090; www.multitrode.com.
Analog signal converter
ADC Series analog-to-digital signal converters from NK Technologies accept analog signals from up to eight loop or separately powered current, voltage, temperature or other parameter sensors, converting them to a digital signal that interfaces with Modbus RTU protocol using a single network address. The series can be factory set for 120 or 240 VAC power supplies. 800/959-4014; www.nktechnologies.com.
Monitoring and reporting
The AlarmAgent.com wireless, web-based remote monitoring and reporting system from RACO Manufacturing and Engineering provides centralized access to multiple WRTUs at once. Municipalities can manage, switch between and move all the WRTUs within their system at the same time from a single login. It offers customizable notification settings with options to notify the call list once without requiring an acknowledgement, and to blast an alert to everyone on the contact list at the same time. 800/722-6999; www.racoman.com.
Current data logger
The OM-CP-PROCESS101A DC current data logger from Omega Engineering has a 10-year battery life, 4 Hz reading rate, multiple start/stop function, high-speed download, 1 million-reading storage capacity, memory wrap, battery life indicator, optional password protection, and programmable high and low alarms. The unit is available in 20mA and 160mA input ranges. 800/826-6342; www.omega.com.
Valve actuator
IQ3 electric valve actuators from Rotork provide advanced functionality and asset management. They offer a large, wide-angle screen for user-friendly displays and real-time asset management data. A secure Bluetooth hand-setting tool enables convenient setup, configuration and commissioning. Removable thrust bases across the entire range allow actuators to be safely removed from the valve without altering valve position. 585/247-2304; www.iqactuator.com.
SCADA system
The Advantage SCADA system from Total Systems Resources allows users of chart recorders to add SCADA features such as historical logging, report generation, alarm notification dial-out, maintenance scheduling, event recording, and remote terminal access. The suite of configurable tags allows creation of complex process control algorithms including PID. 888/583-3001; www.tsr-advantage.com.
Water quality tester
The spectro::lyser water tester from s::can Measuring Systems measures the entire absorption spectrum in raw and treated water monitoring. It detects multiple organic substances and uses spectrometry to measure in-situ or by flow cell. Global and local calibrations are stored on the instrument. The device also can identify several groups of organics and detect individual substances. 888/694-2088; www.s-can.us.
Flow metering
The flow metering system from Primary Flow Signal is a customizable, insertable Venturi meter engineered for measuring low or irregular pressure and dirty, wet gas environments. It measures any gas, including digester gas. It is available in standard and special configurations for any line size and for site-specific conditions. It maintains accuracy of ± 0.25 percent or better based on hydraulic calibration, handles temperatures to 350 degrees F, and has a tap clean-out rod for the high- and low-pressure sensing points that allows removal of particles from the meter. 877/737-3569; www.primaryflowsignal.com.
Mobile mapping system
VTS from Trihedral Engineering Limited allows users to interact with remote monitoring sites as they would use online mapping tools. Users can pan and zoom across all sites with a click, toss or scroll, add dynamic maps to any graphic display and use built-in map pages. They can also click map pins to see detailed process and alarm information about each site, download map tiles directly from online map providers such as MapQuest, pre-load tiles for offline applications, or load custom tiles created using third-party graphics programs. It supports maps on devices such as Android, iPhone and iPad. 800/463-2783; www.trihedral.com.
Lift station control panel
The 331 lift station control panel from SJE-Rhombus is designed to "fit and click" the appropriate overload module into the starter for standard duplex applications. The panel has a lockable stainless steel or fiberglass wall-mount enclosure, single-point power connection, IEC HP rated motor starter with adjustable overload module, a tri-voltage step-down control transformer, and pump run and seal-leak lights. Pump short-circuit disconnect and overload reset controls are accessible through the inner door. 888/342-5753; www.ecosmartpanel.com.
Nitrate Analyzer
The NITRATAX sc UV nitrate analyzer from Hach Company uses ultraviolet (UV) absorption technology for accurate in-nitrate analysis. By continuously measuring the UV light absorbed by nitrates, the instrument eliminates the need for reagents, sample conditioning and frequent calibrations. With few moving parts, it is simple to operate and maintain. Just plug it into any Hach digital sensor and it's ready to use to monitor influent, effluent and aeration basin water. 800/227-4224; www.hach.com/wastewater.
Process Control Monitor
The IQ SensorNet 2020 XT process control monitor from YSI Inc. is designed to continuously measure water quality parameters in wastewater treatment facilities. Highly scalable, the device provides plug-and-play connections with up to 20 sensors at any time. Technicians also get quality network visibility and management, early detection of network failures, improved compliance with regulatory targets, and cost savings (energy, pump/blower maintenance, labor). 800/897-4151; www.ysi.com/iq.
Data management platform
The data management platform from FlowWorks lets operators view data from sewer and water meters, rain gauges, groundwater sensors and pump stations alongside their GIS data to create a single view of all information without changing screens, changing terminals, or searching through old files. The platform accepts data from all manufacturers' instruments. It also collects data directly from SCADA, USGS and NOAA environmental stations and GIS platforms. 206/859-6999; www.flowworks.com.
Batch process controller
The Model 1020-B batch process controller from Scaletron Industries automates batch-out processing, eliminating visual monitoring of dosing and dispensing. For filling or emptying containers placed on the scale, the controller provides accurate readings to five digits and enables integration with other up- or downstream processes. It allows simple operation using a six-button panel with indicator lights. 800/257-5911; www.scaletronscales.com.
Chlorine dioxide sensor
CLD500 sensors from Sensorex Corp. use amperometric measurement technology to monitor chlorine dioxide in disinfection. An integral two-wire loop-powered transmitter with 4-20mA output delivers readings to process control systems such as PLC or DCS. 714/895-4344; www.sensorex.com.
Self-check gas detector
The self-check toxic gas detector from Sensor Electronics continually checks its electrochemical cell to give constant protection, flashing an alarm if it fails. It monitors more than 70 toxic gases, including chlorine, ammonia, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, plus arsine, phosphine, titanium tetrachloride and hydrogen sulfide. Detectors can team with transmitters to show toxic gas levels on digital read-out panels. LEDs glow green/amber/red if gas concentrations increase. 800/285-3651; www.sensorelectronics.com.
Chlorine analyzer
The AMI Codes II chlorine analyzer from SWAN Analytical USA continuously measures chlorine levels in wastewater. It uses a long-life LED light source and is designed to minimize electronic drift, reducing calibration frequency. It uses reagent level monitoring, alerting the operator when the reagents are low. A cleaning module is available to reduce manual cleaning of the flow chamber and photometer. 847/ 229-1290; www.swan-analytical-usa.com.
Vibration analyzer
The RION Vibration Analyzer VA-12 from Scantek monitors vibration levels per ISO 10816-1. It offers real-time frequency analysis up to 20 kHz with 3,200 fast Fourier transform spectral lines, allowing technicians to identify and attribute vibration to bearing wear, rotational unbalance, shaft misalignment or cavitation. Using a trigger function, it can detect and identify resonance frequencies in casing or piping. 410/290-7726; www.scantekinc.com.
Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter
The PTFM 1.0 portable transit time flowmeter from Greyline Instruments is designed to accurately measure clean liquids like water, oils and chemicals. Set-up through the handheld meter is fast with a user-friendly five-key menu system. The clamp-on transducers mount on plastic or metal pipes, and ultrasonic signals are injected through the pipe between the two sensors. It works on full pipes with diameters from 1/2 to 48 inches, and features a large backlit display, totalizer, 4-20mA output and a data logger with USB output. It operates for 24 hours on internal rechargeable batteries, and comes with a rugged, watertight carry case. 888/473-9546; www.greyline.com.
Control panel
The WS Series control panel from SEEwater Inc. is an advanced simplex and duplex system designed for wastewater and sewage pump applications. It comes standard with NEMA 4X enclosure, pump run, pump fault, high liquid alarm and auxiliary contacts for accessing building management systems. Custom options are available upon request. It is ARRA-certified and has a three-year warranty. 888/733-9283; www.seewaterinc.com.