Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient Analyzers & Sensors

Nutrient analyzers and sensors provide continuous measurement of key nutrient species that drive biological performance and regulatory outcomes in water and wastewater treatment. This category includes products for high-precision analysis of ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and total phosphorus - parameters that directly influence aeration demand, carbon dosing strategies, and chemical precipitation performance. Continuous nutrient visibility turns what is often a lab-delayed picture into a real-time control signal.

Technology options typically include reagent-based colorimetric analyzers, ion-selective measurement for certain species, and optical techniques where applicable. The portfolio can incorporate sample preparation modules to deliver stable, conditioned sample streams to the analyzer, improving repeatability in variable water matrices. Product families and architectures are aligned with broader liquid analysis ecosystems (e.g., Liquiline/Liquiline System and Memosens families), supporting standardized integration and maintenance practices across multiple parameters.

Operational benefits are strongest where nutrient removal must be optimized against energy and chemical costs. Real-time ammonium and nitrate data can stabilize nitrification/denitrification control, reduce aeration overrun, and improve effluent consistency during diurnal loading swings. Phosphate and total phosphorus measurement supports more precise coagulant dosing and faster detection of biological phosphorus removal instability. Trending nutrient results also improves event detection and root-cause analysis for permit exceedances.

Applications include biological nutrient removal basins, secondary effluent monitoring, and tertiary treatment where nutrient polishing is required. Upstream monitoring supports feed-forward control when influent loads shift quickly, while effluent monitoring supports compliance documentation and early alarms. Industrial wastewater programs use nutrient measurement to protect biological systems from shock loads and to validate pretreatment performance. Environmental monitoring programs also use nutrient instrumentation to understand nutrient dynamics in receiving waters and reuse systems.

Selection depends heavily on matrix complexity and operational constraints. Key factors include required detection limits, sample conditioning needs (filtration, dilution, and flow stability), reagent management logistics for wet-chemistry systems, and maintenance access. Integration requirements commonly include analog outputs and industrial digital protocols for SCADA/PLC control, alarm handling, and historian trending to support performance optimization over seasonal and load-driven variability.

Field Instruments & Controls, Inc. an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.