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Content archived on 2024-05-07

A miniaturised industrial chemical sensing system

Objective



The objective of the MicroChem project is to develop a new chemical sensing system for monitoring and process control of waste water, recipients and drinking water. The proposed sensing system will be based on a micro analysis system with a rugged and reliable design and it will perform multiple analyses of small ions at concentration levels typically ranging from 10 ppb to 10 ppm for drinking water applications and 100 ppb to 100 ppm for waste water applications. The sensing system will be based on existing products for measuring phosphate, ammonia and nitrate in waste water. These sensors are sophisticated systems fabricated from a high number of fine mechanics and fluid mechanics parts. Recent developments in Micro System Technology (MST), in particular micro fluidics and micro optics, present obvious possibilities for substantial improvements. The new sensing system, based on Micro System Technology, will be designed for measuring applications at remote sites and in harsh environments.

The basic requirements for the new sensor system are:
- Measurements of the concentration of small ions relevant for water quality, primarily nitrate, orthophosphate, and ammonia, but potentially also other pollutants like metal ions;
- In situ measurements in waste water treatment plants, in the sewage system, and factory outlets;
- Measurements on drinking water in lakes and other recipients, in pumping wells, and in drinking water facilities;
- The research effort of the MicroChem project will provide new knowledge on micro system durability and reliability, which will be of general importance to future MST developments.

A major step forward in the process of bringing promising research achievements on MST into the real world demanding applications will be taken and substantial improvement are expected when compared with existing products:
- A substantial reduction in the price and a cost-of-ownership which will open up new markets;
- Reduced consumption of analyte chemicals (less than 1 I/year);
- Faster response time and improved dynamic range of the sensor;
- Measurement of more that one ion in one system;
- Simplified maintenance with longer service intervals.

It is expected that the global market for chemical sensors for waste water and drinking water will be dominated by rapid technological development leading to improved performance and decreased prices, which in turn will lead to many new application areas and a high growth rate in the number of sensors traded. The rapid growth in the number of sensors together with decreased prices will balance to a moderate growth in total turn over. The European market size is 62 MECU. The World market is expected to grow to about 200 MECU in year 2002. Products based on technology developed within the MicroChem project could reach a global market share between 10 and 30% depending on the particular market segment and geography BE97-5134.

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

DANFOSS A/S
EU contribution
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Address
81,Nordborgvej 81 E14-S11
6430 NORDBORG
Denmark

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Total cost

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Participants (5)

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