A Superior Method of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Pure Water Systems at Power Plants

Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Pure Water Systems at Power Plants

Approximately half of all unexpected shutdowns in power plants happen because of water cycle chemistry difficulties, which result in expensive repairs and unrecoverable lowered operating income. Dissolved oxygen, or DO, is one of the most critical metrics to monitor to increase the efficiency of power plant water systems. DO induces corrosion in iron and copper-containing components. These particles' transport and deposits may potentially hasten deterioration and destroy vital industrial equipment. 

DO is monitored at numerous points across a water system. DO is traditionally detected using polarographic sensors, which employ a gas permeable membrane to separate the sample from the electrochemical cell within. Polarographic sensors may need monthly electrolyte and membrane changes depending on the working conditions. Because of the required polarization, the sensor cannot generate valuable results for many hours after service. They are also affected by dissolved hydrogen and are sensitive to sample flow rate. 

The Mettler Toledo Thornton online pure water optical DO sensor, unlike typical DO sensors, does not need polarization. It analyzes data quickly and accurately by using optical technologies. It responds to measurements six times quicker than polarographic sensors. Because the optical DO sensor does not require an electrolyte or a membrane, it is not sensitive to flow and is not vulnerable to particle and dissolved hydrogen interference. There is no internal body to repair, and servicing is only necessary once a year to quickly change the one-piece Optocap sensing element, decreasing operating costs and downtime for facilities. 

The Mettler Toledo Thornton pure water optical DO sensor measures dissolved oxygen content in power plant pure water systems quickly, accurately, and with low maintenance.

Process Technology, Inc.
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