Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient analyzers and sensors measure key species that define eutrophication risk, biological treatment performance, and regulatory compliance - commonly ammonium/ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and total phosphorus. These instruments provide both compliance-grade results at critical monitoring points and fast trend data for process control.

Technology selection is application-driven. In-situ sensors are used where rapid trend response is required, including ion-selective electrodes (ISE) for nitrate and ammonium and optical UV methods for nitrate. For high-precision control points and reporting, colorimetric analyzers apply reagents to form measurable color reactions that are read photometrically; certain analytes require digestion steps to convert nutrients into measurable forms before detection.

Continuous nutrient monitoring supports tighter aeration control, more stable denitrification performance, and optimized precipitant dosing. It also reduces the risk of permit exceedances at discharge points and helps minimize discharge fees by preventing sustained nutrient breakthroughs. Standardized analytical methods improve comparability with lab results, while sample conditioning features improve representativeness and reliability in real wastewater matrices.

Applications center on municipal and industrial wastewater biological treatment - monitoring influent dynamics, aeration basin performance, anoxic zone control, and final effluent compliance. Nutrient monitoring also supports drinking water, mineral water, and process water quality objectives where nitrate or nitrite control is critical, including raw-water monitoring for food production.

Implementation details include balancing response time versus analytical precision, managing reagent logistics for colorimetric systems, and selecting sample conditioning appropriate to solids loading. Modular analyzer platforms can also incorporate additional digital sensors to provide broader process context without multiplying field hardware.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.