Versatile colorimetric analyser monitors phosphates or total phosphates for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment applications

Designed with an advanced modular sensing element, the versatile CA-6 Colorimetric Analyser Series from Electro-Chemical Devices (ECD) gives users the option of choosing to measure either phosphates or total phosphates and other parameters over a wide range depending on their process requirements.

The measurement of phosphates and total phosphates is useful in a variety of  industrial and municipal wastewater treatment applications.  Phosphates and total phosphates are commonly measured before the release of treated wastewater effluent from power and chemical plants where they occur in boiler feed water and cooling water systems.  In addition, they are measured in municipal drinking water and sewage treatment plants.

While phosphorus is naturally present in the environment and used in the fertilization of agricultural crops, it is a danger to the sensitive aquatic plants found in surface waters such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, etc.  Phosphate pollution is a serious concern, and it is monitored by governmental authorities around the globe to protect plant life, animals and humans from the effects of over-exposure.

The CA-6 Colorimetric Analyser Series for phosphates and total phosphates from ECD helps wastewater treatment engineers to measure these parameters accurately and reliably.   The CA-6 Series Analyser is an on-line sequential sampling type of analyser.  It automatically samples, analyses and then processes results. The colorimetric method of water analysis relies on an LED light source and a heated colorimetric cell designed for measuring trace amounts of an analyte in the water, which is equivalent to the phosphate levels present.

The CA-6 Analyser measures phosphates and total phosphates over a wide range depending on the user’s application process requirements and the chosen sensor configuration type and size.  The CA-6’s phosphate and total phosphate measurement ranges vary from trace ug/L levels to 2000 mg/L (0.01 to 2000 ppm) using the internal distribution mode.  Accuracy of measurement is ±5 ppb or 5 percent, whichever is greater.

            The CA-6 Analysers are easy to start up and use.  They come factory pre-calibrated right out of the box from ECD.  Technicians simply connect the sample, waste and reagent lines and then power up the device.  Wall-mounting hardware is standard, but an optional benchtop configuration also is available.  The standard model is recommended for indoor use and rated NEMA IP54 for dust and water ingress.  The operating temperature range of the CA-6 Analyser is 41 to 113°F (5 to 45°C). 

The CA-6 Colorimetric Analyser is equipped with an easy-to-read graphic touchscreen interface showing measured values and status information. It provides users with easy access to highly intuitive menus and functions in multiple languages. There is an integrated data logger onboard with USB download capability for history tracking, documentation and regulatory compliance purposes.

The CA-6 is designed with two compartments that separate critical electronics from the wet process.  It includes all of the components required for the flowing, mixing and reaction stages of the sample and reagents. Numerous analysis configurations can be programmed, depending on accessories and of the number of micro pumps mounted in the liquids compartment.

The top section contains the electronics enclosure. It includes the main power supply, the controller PCB assembly and the touch screen interface.  Outputs provided with the CA-6 Analyzer include two 4-20 mA outputs for measured data, and it also includes a Modbus compatible RS485 RTU.  Four programmable SPDT relays are available to provide multiple alarm capabilities.

Highly cost-effective, the CA-6 Analyser for phosphates and total phosphates features an adjustable cycle time to minimize reagent usage and to lower maintenance requirements. Automatic validation, cleaning and calibration are standard features, which significantly reduce downtime and operator intervention while ensuring the most accurate results are obtained.