Aqua Diagnostic has invented a revolutionary green technology COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) analyser capable of real-time accurate and sensitive (sub-ppm) COD analysis.
The PeCODTM technology represents a major step forward in COD analysis, on multiple levels. Green; no hazardous or toxic chemicals are required, only an electrolyte solution, unlike the standard dichromate method. Fast; analysis times can be determined in minutes not hours, thus providing the economic benefit of real-time process control and environmental monitoring. Versatile; a broad spectrum of matrix streams including seawater can be easily analysed. Sensitive analysis to sub- ppm levels. Accurate analysis of a wide range of organic species including many traditionally `recalcitrant` species such as primary alcohols and carboxy acids which are frequently underestimated by traditional COD analysis techniques. BOD can be directly correlated to the PeCODTM COD results.
PeCODTM COD analysers are available in three different models purpose designed for laboratory use, field portable analysis, and online COD monitoring. All systems incorporate the same core COD analysis module to ensure identical performance between models.
The simplicity and speed of the technique is what allows it to be fully automated in a self-contained online system. The system comes pre-configured in a single weatherproof stainless steel enclosure that houses the sampling, analysis, and telemetry modules, as well as electrolyte solution reservoirs. It can be configured to monitor multiple sample streams. This has significant benefits to any industry involved in wastewater treatment, or using coolant water or water feedstock to a manufacturing process.
In wastewater treatment plants the secondary influent can be monitored in real-time, providing the plant with early warning of any changes in COD, and through PLC control increase aeration to deal with this. This saves on energy (most plants run at higher aeration levels than they need `just in case`) and avoids costly process excursions.
In BNR plants (biological nutrient removal) methanol or acetic acid is used as a food source for the biological process. Measuring the COD of the influent allows more accurate dosing of the food source, increases the efficiency of the process and reduces expensive over-dosing. Because the PeCODTM technique is both fast and accurate, it can be used to do an immediate COD measurement on waste that is brought in by road tankers. This ensures that the client is being charged appropriately, as well as avoiding treatment plant issues from unexpected high COD loads.
For industries using seawater in cooling towers, the PeCODTM technique is the first to be able to directly and accurately monitor the coolant stream despite the high chloride concentration up to 35,000 mg/L. Outflow can be monitored to ensure compliance with environmental requirements, and also warn of product loss into the coolant stream (e.g. sugar refineries)
The PeCODTM technology is based on a patented photoelectrochemical process. The core of the technology is the ability of the UV activated TiO, (titanium dioxide) nano-particulate photocatalyst to create a high oxidation potential. This ensures complete oxidation of all oxidisable organic species. The direct capture and measurement of the resultant photocurrent means that a direct measurement of the oxidation is being made.
Aqua Diagnostic is an Australian company, currently establishing a global network of authorised representatives to service the global market.
