Optical dissolved oxygen sensors

The United Nations predicts that by 2030 the world will face a global water deficit of 40 per cent. Fortunately, wastewater can be treated and reused, helping to address water scarcity. ABB sensors that measure dissolved oxygen levels in the wastewater treatment process are helping to make water more available.

Dissolved oxygen is a critical ingredient in the efficient treatment of waste in water processing plants. As part of the process, dissolved oxygen is added to bacteria in aeration basins so it can decompose the organic waste material. 

The dissolved oxygen levels must be continuously and accurately measured throughout the process – from the aeration stage to the point of final discharge. Too little dissolved oxygen slows bacterial growth, making the wastewater treatment process ineffective. Applying too much dissolved oxygen impacts the aeration process, which can significantly increase energy costs. Water discharged with excessively low or excessively high levels of dissolved oxygen, can harm aquatic life.

ABB’s optical dissolved oxygen sensors provide continuous readings of the dissolved oxygen levels, enabling plant operators to adjust the aeration process as needed to remain within the recommended level of between 1.5 and 2 ppm (parts per million), and to optimize the energy usage. 

ABB’s unique ADS420 sensor operates with the latest optical technology using a light-based measurement technique that compares the measurement of the wavelength of the light reflected by blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With this innovative technology the sensor responds instantaneously to process condition changes.

Key facts:

• Ensures safe and reliable wastewater treatment
• Responds to process condition changes instantaneously
• Lowers energy costs of wastewater treatment plants

Discover more about ABB’s Optical dissolved oxygen sensor ADS420:

• Optical dissolved oxygen sensor ADS420

More fascinating facts you may not know