NOx-100 Nitrogen Oxides Sensor

Overview

The NOx-100 is an advanced sensor specifically designed for measuring total nitrogen oxides (NOx) in water. NOx is an important parameter for monitoring nitrogen pollution, assessing wastewater treatment efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This sensor is essential for environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment plants, and industrial facilities tracking nitrogen discharge.

Key Features

• Total NOx Measurement: Measures combined nitrogen oxide species in water
• Wide Range: Measures from 0.1 to 1,000 mg/L (ppm)
• Digital Output: RS485 Modbus RTU for seamless integration with SCADA and IoT systems
• Fast Response: Results within 60 seconds
• Automatic Temperature Compensation: Integrated PT1000 sensor for accurate readings
• Direct Connection: Connect directly to computer or PLC without additional instrumentation
• High Protection: IP68 waterproof rating ensures reliable operation

Applications

• Environmental water quality monitoring
• Wastewater treatment plant effluent monitoring
• Industrial discharge compliance
• Agricultural runoff assessment
• Groundwater pollution tracking
• Surface water monitoring
• Regulatory compliance reporting
• Nitrogen removal process optimization
• Denitrification process control
• Industrial process water monitoring

Technical Specifications

The NOx-100 delivers precise total nitrogen oxides measurements from 0.1 to 1,000 mg/L with automatic temperature compensation via the integrated PT1000 sensor. The sensor detects various nitrogen oxide species present in water, providing comprehensive NOx monitoring for environmental and regulatory purposes.

Understanding Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides in water represent various oxidized nitrogen compounds that contribute to total nitrogen pollution:

Common NOx Species

• Nitrite (NO2⁻): Intermediate nitrogen oxidation state
• Nitrate (NO3⁻): Fully oxidized nitrogen form
• Nitric oxide (NO): Dissolved nitrogen oxide gas
• Other oxidized nitrogen compounds

Environmental Significance

• Eutrophication: Excess nitrogen causes algal blooms
• Drinking Water: High levels pose health risks
• Ecosystem Impact: Alters aquatic ecosystem balance
• Oxygen Depletion: Contributes to hypoxic zones

Regulatory Importance

NOx monitoring is crucial for compliance with:

• EPA Discharge Limits: Total nitrogen restrictions
• Water Quality Standards: Protecting receiving waters
• Industrial Permits: Meeting facility discharge requirements
• Environmental Reporting: Documenting pollution reduction

Applications in Treatment

The NOx-100 helps optimize:

• Nitrification/Denitrification: Monitoring biological nitrogen removal
• Chemical Treatment: Controlling nitrogen reduction processes
• Process Efficiency: Maximizing nitrogen removal rates
• Cost Control: Optimizing chemical and energy usage

Typical NOx Levels

• Pristine waters: < 1 mg/L
• Agricultural areas: 5-50 mg/L
• Urban runoff: 10-100 mg/L
• Industrial effluent: 50-1,000 mg/L
• Wastewater treatment influent: 20-100 mg/L
• Treatment plant effluent limits: Typically < 10 mg/L

Connectivity and Integration

The NOx-100 supports dual output for integration into wastewater and environmental monitoring systems:

RS485 Modbus RTU:

• Connect to Agrinovo Omni Genesis or Exodus controllers for cloud-based NOx monitoring
• Multi-drop bus networking (up to 32 sensors per bus)
• Standard Modbus registers for total NOx concentration and temperature
• Compatible with SCADA, PLC, and wastewater treatment plant automation

RS485 Modbus RTU Output:

• Direct connection to process controllers for denitrification optimization
• Scalable output range mapped to measurement range
• Ideal for aeration control based on total nitrogen load

IoT Integration:

• Pair with Omni Genesis/Exodus for automated compliance monitoring
• Set alerts for discharge limit exceedances
• Historical data logging for regulatory reporting and trend analysis
• Integrate with blower and chemical dosing controls for nitrogen removal optimization

Installation and Maintenance

Positioning: Install in a representative flow area - for wastewater effluent monitoring, install after final treatment and before discharge. For environmental monitoring, install in well-mixed zones away from point sources to capture representative conditions.

Calibration: Two-point calibration using certified NOx standard solutions. For wastewater applications, calibrate at 5 mg/L and 50 mg/L. For environmental monitoring, use lower range standards. Recalibrate every 2-4 weeks depending on fouling conditions.

Maintenance: Clean the sensor monthly in high-organic environments. Rinse with deionized water and inspect for biofilm buildup. In wastewater applications, more frequent cleaning may be necessary during high-load periods.

Complementary Monitoring

For comprehensive nitrogen assessment, the NOx-100 can be used alongside:

• NH4-100: Ammonium monitoring
• NH3-100: Ammonia gas monitoring
• NO3-100: Specific nitrate measurement
• NO2-100: Specific nitrite measurement