Sensors & Transducers


Accurate turbidity and suspended solids measurement

August 2016 Sensors & Transducers

ABB has launched the latest in its range of Aztec digital sensors for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment applications. Featuring EZLink technology, the new ATS430 turbidity and TSS sensor provides ultra-stable and accurate measurement of turbidity and total suspended solids up to 4000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) or 100 000 mg/l. Unlike conventional turbidity and TSS sensors, the ATS430 requires no servicing throughout its operational life, enabling it to offer low cost of ownership.

The sensor is suitable for use across a range of industries subject to regulatory effluent discharge consents, including municipal potable and wastewater treatment plants, pulp and paper, food and beverage, oil and gas, marine and mining.

Simple and easy to use

A major benefit of the ATS430 is its simplicity. The MCERTS-approved sensor comes pre-calibrated, making it ready to use as soon as it is taken out of the box. Set-up is straight-forward, with ABB’s EZLink technology enabling quick connection to an AWT440 digital universal transmitter, which automatically recognises and configures the sensor. With no need for wiring or complicated configuration, EZLink eliminates the time and cost associated with installation, including the requirement for a specialised engineer to get it up and running.

The unit also incorporates a fully-sealed design, which means there are no o-rings, seals or gaskets to replace, making it a truly service-free device. The sensor is highly resistant to fouling, with a choice of polished stainless steel or corrosion-resistant titanium sensor bodies.

An added measure against high fouling environments is the inclusion of an optional automatic wiper on the sensor face, which helps to clean the scratch-resistant sapphire optical windows. If a wiper system is fitted, the ATS430 monitors usage and alerts the user when replacement is due.

Quick calibration procedure

Downtime is further minimised by the provision of a sensor verification and calibration kit, which eliminates the need for the use of chemical standards that can be costly, hazardous and difficult to prepare. The kit comes with everything needed to calibrate and verify the sensor, including a range of different calibration discs that have been calibrated against primary turbidity standards at the factory. As the kit can be used across different ATS430 sensors and each calibration disk can be reused, it is extremely cost effective.

A key feature is the innovative Adaptive TSS Calibration function, that provides a simpler, faster way of obtaining reliable TSS process calibrations and avoids sudden shifts caused by non-representative sampling or incorrect laboratory results.

Easy to install and versatile

The compact 40 mm diameter size makes it ideal for a range of installation options. Using the integral thread, the sensor can be easily mounted to a pole system for open tank and channel installations, chain mount system or directly into a pipe or flow cell. This flexibility is further enhanced by the wide measuring range, together with its robust design, which is able to withstand temperatures up to 60°C and pressures up to 10 bar. The option of a titanium sensor body also enables the ATS430 to be used in aggressive media and corrosive environments such as salt water.

Up to four sensors can be connected to a single AWT440 universal transmitter, or can be mixed with other devices from the Aztec 400 range. Available in two or four channel options and with a choice of communication protocols, the transmitter enables monitoring at multiple points without the need for purchasing and installing separate transmitters.



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