ZAPS Technologies have developed the LiquID instrument, a real-time, broad-spectrum water quality analyser with applications in water and wastewater.
Case study – Collaborative trial: ZAPS LiquID on-line sampling and analysis
Client/Location: 4 UK water utilities,nMeols WWTP
Project Duration: January 2014 – October 2014
Overview ZAPS Technologies have developed the LiquID instrument, a real-time, broad-spectrum water quality analyser with applications in water and wastewater. The LiquID is an entirely optical device and its unique feature is the simultaneous use of absorbance and fluorescence techniques, claiming to be more accurate (and able to monitor a much larger number of parameters using just one device) compared with other optical, ion selective and electro-chemical methods. Proprietary analytical algorithms
convert the absorbance and fluorescence signals into parameter readings at roughly two-minute intervals. Data generated from the LiquID machines is accessible through a web user interface. The LiquID machines are self-cleaning and self-calibrating, requiring minimal field maintenance. There are a number of advantages to the ZAPS technology including: a very short response time, on-line application and one instrument for multiple parameters including BOD, COD, TSS, Ammonia, Nitrates. Collaborative Trial
Further to registered interest in the ZAPS LiquID instrument at a TAG meeting in 2012, a collaborative project to test the suitability and applicability of the system in Europe was designed. The trial of the ZAPS LiquID was undertaken at Meols wastewater treatment works (WWTW), operated by United Utilities (UU). The instrument was transported from the United States of America (US) in January 2014 and installed on site on the 27th January 2014.
The instrument was rotated through three locations on the WWTW, as this will enable Isle to determine the optimal location (where is the most suitable place for the technology where it can provide the maximum benefit). The three locations were:
• Final effluent (pre-UV): 27th January 2014 – 15th April 2014
• Primary effluent: 15th April 2014 – 27th June 2014
• Screened raw wastewater: 27th June 2014 – 21st July 2014
The instrument measured cBOD, COD, NH4, NO3 + NO2, SS, UVT and E. coli.
At each location, initial commissioning samples were taken, analysed by United Utilities scientific services and the results provided to ZAPS. This was to allow them to remotely adjust the algorithms within the software so the readings were calibrated to the actual water quality at each individual location.
