Monitoring IWW Effluents With FP 360 sc Oil-In-Water Sensor

The Hach Lange FP 360 sc probe is a valuable tool for water analysis, specifically in monitoring oil contamination in wastewater. By installing the probe in an inspection chamber after an oil/water separator, it is able to detect low levels of oil with minimal interference from other components in the wastewater. The probe readings are calibrated using grab sample analysis, allowing for continuous monitoring of oil concentrations in the wastewater stream.

Water authorities have set a threshold value of 20 ppm total oil in water, and typical readings were found to be below 4 ppm. The concentration of oil in water is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L), calculated based on the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) multiplied by a factor of 34. The maximum permissible value for oil concentration is 20 mg/L, with an alarm set at 15 mg/L.

Initially, the measuring window had to be manually cleaned every 3-5 days to prevent fouling. However, an air blast cleaning system was added, automating the cleaning process and eliminating the need for additional manual cleaning for the next 10 weeks of operation.

The authors of the study found that the FP 360 sc probe provided significant improvements over the traditional grab sample analysis method. With real-time readings and the ability to detect multiple oils, the probe offers continuous and accurate monitoring of oil-in-water concentration in industrial wastewater. Additionally, the automated cleaning system minimizes maintenance requirements, making it a highly efficient and effective tool in water analysis.