Monitoring MnO₄ without sensor contamination

Continuous water quality monitoring of permanganate in treated water presents sensor contamination issues. When permanganate reacts with organics or other reducing materials in solution, manganese dioxide (MnO₂) is formed and readily plates out on sensing electrode surfaces. The resulting deposits degrade the measurement and can be difficult to clean. The Q46/83 eliminates this problem by employing a measurement method in which the sensor never comes into contact with the sample. In operation, water containing permanganate is mixed with pH buffer and potassium iodide solutions. Permanganate oxidizes the iodide to iodine (I₂), and the resulting I₂ is stripped out of solution and measured using an I₂ gas sensor. This “gas phase” measurement technique eliminates MnO₂ sensor fouling, resulting in a system capable of providing long term reliability. 

The Q46H/83 Permanganate water quality monitor consists of two main components, an electronic display unit and a chemistry module. The chemistry module contains sample and reagent pumps, sample handling systems, and the gas sensor that provides the final measurement. An inlet overflow assembly attached to the bottom of the chemistry module is where the inlet sample line and drain line are connected. Sample inlet flows of 250-100 ml./min. are recommended to keep system response time to a minimum. Reagent bottle holders are supplied so that reagents can be wall mounted below the chemistry system.

Features & specification

• Gas Phase Sensing
• Standard Method
• Analog Output Options
• Chemistry Module Power Options
• Three Control Relays
• Digital Communications Options
• Large, Back-lit LCD display

Applications

The Q46/83 Permanganate Monitor is available for a wide range of applications including:

• Reduction of organics in raw water
• Control of zebra mussel problems at raw water intake structures
• Continuous monitoring of low permanganate concentrations
• Chemical feed problems that result in either too little or too much residual can be quickly identified and corrected