Automatic Cleaning pH Monitoring System for Effluent Treatment

Pi recently supplied a tailored pH monitoring system to Greencore Foods in Warrington, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of convenience foods. The project was carried out in collaboration with Aqua Operations, who manage key aspects of the site’s effluent treatment plant.

The site had been experiencing persistent challenges with accurately monitoring pH at the inlet to their dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. Existing pH sensors were prone to fouling, which required frequent manual cleaning and maintenance. This not only increased operator workload but also introduced a risk of inconsistent pH measurement, potentially impacting downstream treatment efficiency and overall process stability.

In July 2025, Aqua Operations reached out to Pi for support. By that afternoon, a member of Pi’s technical team was on site to assess the situation, consult with Aqua Operations, and discuss the requirements of the application.

Following the consultation, Pi supplied a pH monitoring system featuring a robust automatic cleaning system designed to overcome fouling challenges and minimise manual intervention. The system was installed with direct insertion into the serpentine inlet pipe works, enabling continuous and accurate pH measurement even under demanding effluent conditions. By incorporating automatic sensor cleaning, the equipment ensures measurement accuracy and reduces the need for manual maintenance, freeing up valuable operator time.

The system was commissioned by Pi on 14 August 2025, bringing the new pH sensor technology fully online. Since installation, this system has provided stable and reliable pH measurement, resolving the fouling issues that had previously affected process control, and improving operational efficiency.

If you’re facing similar challenges with pH monitoring or sensor fouling in your water or wastewater treatment process, Pi’s advanced pH sensors and automatic cleaning systems can help improve accuracy, reduce manual maintenance, and enhance process reliability. Contact our team today to discuss your application.