Burkert releases Online Analysis System for online water monitoring

Burkert‘s Online Analysis System Type 8905 has been designed for waterworks, providing continuous monitoring of treated and untreated waters and storage of the most important measurement parameters before the water enters the supply network. In the event of disturbances and/or exceedances, the system will be able to respond, based on its programming, for example, by interfering with the treatment process or by sending messages to the personnel in charge. With its multiple capabilities, the online analysis system supports any operator of water treatment equipment, optimizing settings and controls for various process steps and contributing to the safe and efficient production of water.

Miniaturization and modularization – two key words for this product. The former could be tackled thanks to the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. MEMS are miniaturized components that combine logic elements or micro-mechanical structures in a single microchip. Miniaturization can go down to the nano level.

Sensor chips are integrated in analysis cubes. The basic version comprises five measuring parameters laid out as separate analysis cubes: pH; reduction potential (ORP); conductivity; free chlorine; and turbidity. Each cube fits into a housing measuring 7x7x4 cm. The modules have hot-swap capabilities (i.e. they can be plugged in and removed during operation). As soon as a new sensor is plugged into a free slot of the fluidic backplane, it logs into the system and makes its features available to all other modules present in the system. The sensor knows its own setting data that will be required for operating menus, configurations and its specific functionalities.

Users in the field can operate the system and/or individual modules using a 7-in. touch display. It also contains all the electronic modules required for control and for connecting to the various technical processes. In addition, it is possible to connect a PC to the system, via USB cable, which provides even more functionalities for programming and configuration.

Burkert will continue to develop more analysis cubes for the online analysis system Type 8905, covering more measuring parameters. Thanks to its modular design, the electronic control capabilities of the system can be extended as needed, adding more functionality or communication capabilities. The fluid backplane is the interface where all analysis cubes are connected to the water flow in parallel. That means all fluid elements continue to operate without interruption, even when individual analysis cubes are exchanged. Burkert’s engineers all share the vision of looking at things from surprising new angles in order to come up with new, inspiring answers.