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Continuous monitoring of chemical parameters using single-use sensor systems (CONSENSUS)

Leistungen

The objective of the project was to demonstrate a system with a capability of making more than 1000 measurements of 6 different industrially and environmentally relevant chemical parameters employing single-use sensors. Current methods of on-line measurement of chemical parameters for process control and environmental monitoring suffer from high cost of ownership due to the need for frequent calibration and maintenance. Consequently, the monitoring of critical parameters is often omitted, endangering both public health and the environment and increasing the cost of manufactured goods. Single-use sensors require no calibration and are intrinsically low maintenance, but are not used for quasi-continuous monitoring due to the cost of the labour involved. It was therefore proposed that a generic format and an instrument for the development of a plurality of single-use chemical sensors be developed with significantly lower cost of ownership than present systems. Performance specifications were defined for on-line single use chemical sensors. Electrochemical routes were obtained for CD4, Fe, and LAS, whilst for ammonia and pH, colourimetric responses were obtained. Electrode structures and appropriate reagents were screen printed onto defined areas of the tape such that each area becomes an individual sensing unit. A function model of a sample flow cell was realised with a small volume (approx. 100mL) and liquid manifold for sample delivery and drainage. The Instrument connected to the flow cell controlled the digital outputs and inputs and acted as a voltammetric analyser for the measurement of the analytes including data processing for result calculation. The whole system was integrated in an IP65 enclosure and was provided with power supply and USB serial interface. For dissolved oxygen, microelectrode arrays were used to develop a simple membrane-less stand-alone sensor. Stability of more than one week of continuous measurement of dissolved Oxygen in activated sludge has been demonstrated in a sewage water treatment plant. CONSENSUS has demonstrated the application of chemical sensors to provide real life analytical solutions. Applications include the measurement of water quality/ pollutants and the control analysis of chemical processes. The technology can be applied to a wider range of applications e.g. biomedical diagnostics and environmental pollution. Although further development leading to validated field trials is required, it is intended that appropriate members of the CONSENSUS Consortium will exploit this technology.

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