PROCESS ANALYTICS

Industrial Wastewater Treatment

In Germany, industrial wastewater treatment is subject to the strict provisions of the Waste Water Ordinance (Abwasserverordnung). In the worst case, improper, inadequate treatment can lead to the shutdown of the entire treatment plant until the deficiencies are remedied.

Treating industrial wastewater involves more than complying with environmental regulations: Facilities with high water consumption lower their expenditure on raw materials by treating and re-using their wastewater.

In the case of organic wastewater treatment in particular, pH values, redox potential, and dissolved oxygen must be accurately measured in order to ensure the optimal metabolism of the bacteria used in the purification process.

Water and Wastewater

Food and Beverages

pH, ORP, and Oxygen Measurement for Environmentally Compatible Wastewater Treatment

Contaminants Determine the Purification Method

Industrial wastewater is different from the process water of private households in that it is contaminated with substances that decompose with difficulty. Depending on the industry, they could be heavy metals, grease, oil, alkaline substances, or as in the case of paper or soap production, for example, even organic substances that involve increased effort to neutralize or separate.

Alongside mechanical filtration methods, they are purified with thermal processes and the support of microorganisms.

pH Measurements to Protect Plants and Bacteria

Depending on the degree of contamination, wastewater with organic content undergoes various purification processes, including flocculation and precipitation. In flocculation, the goal is to have the dissolved contaminants clot and form flakes that can be filtered, while precipitation has the goal of restructuring the contaminants into heavier compounds that drift down to the bottom. If the wastewater cannot be classified as harmless after these treatments, bacteria convert the remaining contaminants into combustible or recyclable biomass in aeration tanks.

The process water or cleaning water from food and beverage production facilities or fermentation processes has highly variable pH values depending on the application. Since low pH values can lead to damage to plant parts as well as killing bacteria, acquiring the pH values in the supply lines is a timely countermeasure. The pH values can either be neutralized with chemical additives or if necessary, the wastewater feed into clarification tanks can be interrupted.

Thanks to its design for extreme pH values, the Memosens SE554 sensor is ideal for monitoring wastewater in the food industry. It is made from Alpha Glas in order to ensure fast, stable sensor reaction. The polymer electrolytes make direct contact through an open junction, which reliably prevents problems caused by clogging and blockages in highly contaminated media.

Smooth Underwater ORP and Oxygen Measurement for Ventilation Control

Redox potential is an important parameter for the efficient ventilation of the aeration tank: In conjunction with other process variables, it provides key information about the ratio of oxygen content to bacteria activity. As a sum parameter, ORP does not indicate absolute quantities of substances. Instead, its continuous measurement permits the observation of changes in concentration over time. Comparing concentration trends to other values yields a basis for controlling tank ventilation, with which maximum efficiency of aerobic or anaerobic metabolism phases can be achieved. Experience has shown the most meaningful measuring results come from the upper 25 percent of the water in the tank.

Because the measuring electrodes must be immersed for this, the Memosens SE565 sensor for ORP measurement has proven its worth. Thanks to their inductive transmission of supply voltage and digitized measured values, all Memosens sensors can be used under water problem-free. And SE565 is also suitable for use in aggressive or highly contaminated media, and media containing sulfides or proteins. To ensure that the aerobic microorganisms have an adequate supply of oxygen, absolute measurements of dissolved oxygen concentrations are also necessary. With SE715, an inexpensive Memosens sensor is available for the simultaneous measurement of dissolved oxygen and temperature. It was specially designed for aeration and ventilation control in wastewater treatment plants. Alongside long-term stability and quick sensor reaction, its most outstanding feature is low flow dependence.

Safe Measurements with Custom Fittings

As an advantage in open tanks, the sensors can be integrated into the process using immersion fittings. In the ARD75 immersion fitting, up to three 12 mm sensors (pH/ORP, conductivity, and oxygen) can be mounted together. Fast sensor replacement with sensors pre-calibrated in the laboratory and the integrated rinsing function for cleaning the sensors support their suitability for use in wastewater treatment plants.

Return on Investment

Thanks to inductive, waterproof Memosens plug-in connections, the sensors can be immersed directly at the desired measuring point in order to measure pH values, redox potential, and dissolved oxygen without any additional equipment.
Eliminating the need for conventional process connections significantly reduces costs and the time required for sensor replacement.
The high quality of measurements below the surface and the reliability of Memosens sensors with long-term stability improve process quality.

Associated Products

SE554 pH Sensor | Memosens | 225 mm | Ex | For very high ionic strength media

Product number:

SE554X/2-NMSN

SE565 ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For hygienic processes and sterile applications

Product number:

SE565X/1-NMSN

SE715 Oxygen Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | For water and wastewater treatment

Product number:

SE715/1-MS

ARD75 Immersion Fitting | Modular | PP-H or PVDF | Up to three sensors

Product number:

ARD75

Associated Industries and Applications

Water and Wastewater

Complete, easy-to-operate measuring solutions for the treatment of process water and wastewater – from a single source.

Food and Beverages

Reliable measurements – from the raw material to the end product – under stringent requirements for SIP/CIP, temperature, and safety.

Flue Gas Scrubbing in Sludge Incineration

Toxic sludge that must be treated for phosphorus recovery is produced in biological wastewater treatment plants.

Monitoring Brewing Processes

The taste and quality of beer are highly dependent on the quality of the water used for brewing it. It is determined by pH and conductivity measurements.

Monitoring Raw Water Inlet

Quality control of the raw water used in the treatment of drinking water is key.

Monitoring Sugar Production

Sugar production places extreme requirements on pH sensors. As early as the beet washing phase, it is important to monitor the pH value since the lime is metered on the basis of the pH measurement.

Quality Control for Raw Milk Delivery

High quality requirements are placed on raw milk, and online monitoring of truck unloading procedure at the dairy prevents inferior quality (sour milk) from spoiling the entire stock of the storage tank.

Latest Blog Post

Feb 2024

Process Analytics

Uniclean700, Launch

Uniclean 700 Series - Modular control system for automated sensor cleaning

With the Uniclean 700 series, Knick is introducing a modular control system, that can be installed very quickly and cost-effectively as a flexible entry-level solution for automated sensor cleaning.

Dec 2023

Company

|

Interface Technology

|

Process Analytics

Knick Austria - direct customer contact in Austria from 2024

Reorganization of sales in Austria and new contacts in the field of process analytics and interface technology

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA111

Robust WA111 Retractable Fitting Made of Plastic for Highly Corrosive Operating Conditions

The plastic WA111 retractable fitting is a robust and cost-effective solution for corrosive processes and environments. It is equipped with a secure lock function and multiple nozzles for thorough sensor cleaning.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA155

Successful joint project : Knick developed the special Ceramat WA 155 retractable fitting for optical probes from SOPAT

In cooperation with SOPAT, Knick developed a special Ceramat fitting for optical probes for automatic cleaning in fouling processes.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Phamacy, pH

pH and conductivity measurement in vaccine production

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturer relies on Knick's transmitters for modular production plants for Covid-19 vaccines.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, SE625

Sturdy 2-Electrodes Conductivity Sensor SE625 with Coaxial Electrodes made of Titanium

The SE625 ensures reliable and accurate determination of the conductivity of ultrapure water in the semiconductor industry.

Jan 2023

Process Analytics

ARD75

Sensor Adapter with Lock Function Enables Safe and Thorough Cleaning

Sensor adapter with locking gate for safety and thorough cleaning of sensors in the immersion fitting ARD75 without the need

Nov 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Module

Up to six Sensors on one Transmitter Protos II 4400 via Modul MSU4400-180

Users can now connect up to six Memosens sensors simultaneously.

Aug 2022

Process Analytics

Achema, Exhibition

ACHEMA 2022 - Knick at the world forum for the process industry

In August 2022, the international process industry met at the ACHEMA. Knick presented the cCare system and industrial applications in a new concept.

Jun 2022

Process Analytics

pH, Sensor, SE555, ORP

Combined pH- and ORP-Sensor SE555X/*-AMSN

Combined pH and ORP measurement in one sensor SE555 saves place and equipment costs for demanding requirements in the chemical industry, the food sector and for hygienic applications.

Apr 2022

Process Analytics

MemoTrans

Ultra Compact Transmitter for Memosens Sensors

The new ultra compact MemoTrans MT201 transmitter plugs directly onto the Memosens sensor in the fitting and communicates via 4-20 mA HART protocol.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Stratos Multi, Software, ProgaLog

Conveniently configure transmitters offline on a PC - ProgaLog 4000

Conveniently configure all flexibly configurable Stratos Multi and Protos II 4400 transmitters offline, save settings, duplicate for further transmitters, and create documentation for audits.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter

New Stratos Multi E461N transmitter with Profinet

The interface enables continuous communication of process variables and predictive maintenance from the field level to all common process control systems.

Jan 2022

Process Analytics

Memosens

Memosens 2.0: Evolution of digital data transfer

As one of the two initiators of Memosens, Knick is constantly developing the technology.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, Ex, SE656, SE655

SE655X Digital and SE656X Digital - Digital Conductivity Sensors with Ex Certification

The SE655X digital and SE656X digital conductivity sensors with Memosens protocol are now also available with Ex certification.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Exhibition, Switzerland, Ilmac

ILMAC 2021 in Basel - Trade Show Review by Knick Schweiz AG

Knick Schweiz AG exhibited at ILMAC in Basel and gives a brief review of what it's like to have finally met customers at the show again.

Oct 2021

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter, Ex

Stratos Multi E401X- Multiparameter Transmitter for Hazardous Locations

The new Multiparameter Transmitter Stratos Multi E401X can now also be used in hazardous locations, installed in Ex Zone 2.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Transmitters, Stratos Multi

Stratos Multi E471 with EtherNet/IP for process optimization

EtherNet/IP communication protocol allows the transmitter to be easily integrated into Industrial Ethernet networks as PCS.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Launch, Conductivity, Sensor, SE656

New SE656N digital conductivity sensor

New toroidal Digital Conductivity Sensor with a large measuring range and consisting of PFA for using in aggressive media

Mar 2021

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Profinet

Transmitter for the process industry with PROFINET module

The PROFINET industrial Ethernet standard is becoming an increasingly important aspect of process engineering in the “Industry 4.0” environment.

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, ARD170

High-quality immersion fitting for mobile applications

ARD 170 enables measurements even in deep water

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Fitting, ARD50, ARD75

Modular immersion fitting as an electrically conductive variant

Knick is expanding its portfolio of fittings for liquid analysis with additional electrically conductive (EL) variants.

Apr 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Transmitters, Stratos Multi

New multiparameter transmitter Stratos Multi

Knick is launching the the next generation in its Stratos analyzer product line.

Feb 2018

Process Analytics

Fitting, Sensor

How to get the sensor into the process

Sensors as the direct interface to the process must be exactly matched to the chemistry of the measured medium and to the prevailing pressure and temperature conditions.

Apr 2017

Process Analytics

MemoRail Modbus

Powerful compact analyzer boosts performance while reducing costs

It has long been common practice when taking pH/ORP, conductivity, and oxygen measurements that a fixed analyzer be mounted near the sensor. The analyzer serves several purposes.