Online Alkalinity Monitor, AlkaSense® Installed on one of Rio de Janeiro’s Biggest Drinking Water Plants

Pi’s Central and South America salesperson Dan Nearney recently received an enquiry for AlkaSense®, Pi’s online alkalinity monitor, from a large drinking water site serving Rio de Janeiro.  

Working with Nivetec Instrumentation and Control, Pi’s distributor in Brazil, Dan engaged in many meetings to configure the AlkaSense® to the needs of this plant based on the issues the end user was experiencing with their existing alkalinity monitor, the reasons for upgrading to the AlkaSense®, as well as general site conditions.

The AlkaSense® from Pi is the only titrating online total alkalinity monitor that does not use pH as the primary measurement. Generally, pH sensors are unreliable and expensive to own as they:

• Need frequent cleaning
• Need frequent calibration
• Need regular replacement

AlkaSense® has none of these issues as it employs the groundbreaking use of an online conductivity sensor as its primary measurement.

The end user placed an order for two AlkaSense® systems and the required titrant, para-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). Once delivered, one of the systems was installed at Nivetec for training purposes. Dan and Pi’s service engineer Wes delivered an extensive online training session to all the site staff explaining how to setup, maintain, and monitor the system whilst answering any questions operators raised.

Two samples of water with differing alkalinity were tested through the AlkaSense® and standard laboratory tests to ensure the AlkaSense® was providing accurate readings. The data obtained is shown above. The difference in readings of two different samples between the AlkaSense® and laboratory tests was 1mg/l, assuring the end user that the system was working as it should.

This customer now has two AlkaSense® systems, accurately monitoring the alkalinity of the raw water at one of the largest drinking water plants in Rio de Janeiro. The end user discovered AlkaSense® through one of Pi’s ‘mailshots’, which are emails sent by Pi to new and existing customers, specifically targeted at their role and interest within the water industry. To join Pi’s mailing list and receive emails specific to you, please click here.