In-line monitoring of distribution system now possible with Dascore Six-CENSE™

According to the AWWA, during the past five years, distribution systems have been responsible for 45% of outbreaks of waterborne disease (AWWA Journal, September 2001). Additionally, with heightened concerns over security of the water supply, new techniques for monitoring are of the highest priority. Current technology of offline monitoring or manually sampling is time-consuming and provides only non-continuous information. Dascore’s Six-CENSE™ now allows utility managers to continuously monitor six critical water quality parameters and gain a sense of security directly in their distribution system

Parameters Monitored

The Dascore Six-CENSE™ measures the following parameters:

  • Free Chlorine and Monochloramine
    (0 to 5 mg/L) and (0 to 20 mg/L)
  • Dissolved Oxygen
    (0 to 200%)
  • pH
    (2 to 12)
  • Conductivity
    (0.1 to 10 mS/cm)
  • Redox/ORP
    (-1.4 to 1.4 Volts)
  • Temperature
    (0 to 50°C)

Sensing Technology

The Six-CENSE™ utilizes a 37 mm stainless steel probe designed for direct pipe insertion through a 1½” or 2” valve or corporation stop. Continuous operating pressures of up to 230 PSI are allowed. A revolutionary one inch square ceramic chip forms the foundation for the technology used to measure the six parameters. The Six-CENSE™ is based on standard electrochemical methodology which eliminates the requirements for reagents in the measurement of chlorine, glass for the measurement of pH and membranes for the measurement of dissolved oxygen. Only single point on-site calibration is required. The ceramic chip has a typical service life of six months under normal conditions.

Interface

SCADA and PLC systems currently in use are easily connected to the industry standard 4-20 mA signals available from the Six-CENSE™. A Lonworks® network variable interface is also available. Lonworks® is becoming the standard sensor network for the water industry. Power is supplied to the unit via a safe, low-voltage power supply.

Application Examples

Results from installations throughout the U.S. show the Six-CENSE™ unit’s capability to operate under a wide range of water conditions (low conductivity, high pH, low temperature). Utilities have installed the units directly in their distribution system with data from the Six-CENSE™ integrated into existing SCADA systems for display and logging purposes.

By selecting strategic sites within their distribution system, managers, directors of water quality and security officials can immediately detect changes that may require intervention, isolation or notification. Examples of strategic sites include: injection wells, storage tanks and reservoirs, pumping stations, supplemental chlorination sites, pressure zones, close proximity to sensitive end-users, and final effluent. Six-CENSE™ units can accomplish two goals simultaneously; monitoring of primary water quality to detect changes due to water treatment and/or infrastructure related problems, and changes induced by external sources (bioterrorism, vandalism, accidental contamination).

For more information visit or contact Matt Huffine at (866) 321-3804 or .