Why is a monitoring system for pH, redox and dissolved oxygen crucial in wastewater treatment plants?

Precise monitoring of key parameters is essential for effective wastewater treatment processes. Our experience shows that the four key parameters are the foundation of successful treatment:

• pH levels for maintaining optimal chemical reactions,
• Redox potential for oxidation and reduction processes,
• Dissolved oxygen for supporting biological processes,

These parameters work together to create ideal conditions for wastewater treatment. Adequate pH levels increase the efficiency of biological processes, while adequate dissolved oxygen levels support aerobic bacteria in the efficient decomposition of organic matter. Immediate monitoring of these parameters is valuable in wastewater treatment plants, as it helps to quickly detect deviations that could harm treatment efficiency. The system makes automatic adjustments to maintain optimal conditions and provides valuable data for process optimisation and regulatory compliance reporting. Continuous tracking of the redox potential is important as it affects the distribution of pollutants and overall treatment efficiency.

How to remotely monitor processes at a wastewater treatment plant? Customer challenges

THM presented us with an interesting challenge to upgrade their laboratory wastewater treatment plant. The environmental engineering students needed a state-of-the-art monitoring system that would provide them with hands-on experience.

The main challenge was to implement an advanced monitoring system in a compact laboratory environment. The facility needed the following functions:

• Simultaneous monitoring and control of multiple parameters,
• Digital processes for accurate real-time tracking,
• Cloud-based systems for remote access,
• Data sharing functions to support learning,
• Automated management of multiple parameters.

The project became complex because we needed to create a system capable of automatically collecting, analysing and managing multiple parameters in a laboratory environment. The existing infrastructure did not have the digital tools necessary to remotely monitor and analyse data in real time.

Our team understood that students needed to combine academic theory with practical application. The client needed a state-of-the-art system that would simulate real-world wastewater treatment processes and support student learning. This created a complex challenge requiring a system sophisticated enough to accurately monitor wastewater quality, yet simple for users to operate.

How to measure and remotely monitor pH, redox, oxygen and conductivity in wastewater treatment plants? Our solution

Our solution for a laboratory wastewater treatment plant is based on advanced measurement technologies and automation systems that integrate monitoring, analysis and remote process management. At the heart of the system is the multi-channel liquid analyser and PID controller AQUIS touch S (202581), which manages data from connected digital sensors: the pH/Redox tecLine HD probe (201021/26) and the digiLine O-DO oxygen probe (202614).

The system is supported by the PLC controller/transmitter variTRON 300 (705090), which processes data in real time and manages automation processes such as dosing and parameter correction. In addition, with the JUMO Device App PCA 3000/PCC remote access application (709701) and the digiLine module (203590), users can monitor and modify process settings from anywhere.

Data is managed via the JUMO Cloud software (701810), which enables data storage, trend analysis, report generation and automatic notification of deviations from set values. The entire system was implemented with full on-site service support (982010), ensuring that the system was up and running quickly and adapted to educational and research needs.

The solution stands out for its measurement precision, flexibility and remote management capabilities, making it an ideal tool for learning and simulating real water treatment processes.

The system automates processes, maintaining optimal parameter levels through automatic dosing and adjustments. Students gain valuable practical experience working with real wastewater treatment processes, while the system ensures consistent process quality.

What are the benefits of real-time tracking of measurement processes at a wastewater treatment plant? Benefits for the customer

Our solution has brought benefits beyond simple parameter monitoring. The upgraded system has turned the laboratory into a modern learning environment that reflects real industrial processes.

The upgraded laboratory provides:

• Modern automation to simulate real industrial processes,
• Continuous monitoring and measurement of parameters for reliable test data,
• Easy access to data to support student collaboration,
• Cloud-based sharing functions to facilitate remote research.

Students have gained access to industrial equipment, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Remote data access and sharing capabilities have enhanced both individual learning and collaborative research projects. This project provides a scalable and replicable model that can be used by other technical universities.

About the author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.

Comments

We encourage you to leave your comments via the form below. They will be posted online once they have been approved through our review process.