ABB today announced the launch of two major innovations for continuous water analysis (CWA): the AeroStar™ family of dissolved oxygen sensors and the AWT424 transmitter. Together, these innovations set a new standard for precision, reliability, operational efficiency, and digital connectivity in water monitoring. The combined offering delivers a fully integrated, digital solution that helps customers operate more efficiently, sustainably, and safely.
AWT424 connected to AeroStar Ultra. Image Credit: ABB
Ultra-Precise Water Quality Measurement with AeroStar™
Compared to traditional electrochemical sensors that can require frequent sensor replacement, calibration and maintenance, AeroStar ensures stable, ultra-accurate water quality measurement with minimal maintenance in increasingly complex industrial environments, reducing unplanned downtime and cost.
Engineered for applications in the power, process steam, semiconductor, and food & beverage industries, where even trace levels of dissolved oxygen can compromise performance or cause corrosion, the new AeroStar ULTRA measures down to 4 parts per billion, while AeroStar ULTRA TRACE delivers measurement capability below one part per billion (ppb). The advanced luminescence quenching optical design offers stability and precision, with a fast response time and extended sensor cap life of up to two years - reducing maintenance by as much as 70 percent compared to traditional electrochemical devices.
"The new AeroStar sensors deliver ultra-low dissolved oxygen measurement with unmatched precision and reliability," said David Martins, Technical Product Manager, Continuous Water Analysis with ABB's Measurement & Analytics division. "Their robust design and digital connectivity make them the ideal solution for corrosion control in steam water systems and ultra-pure water applications, ensuring users can maintain process confidence while significantly reducing maintenance requirements."
The AeroStar sensors connect seamlessly via ABB’s EZLink™ digital platform with the new AWT424 transmitter and offer predictive maintenance alerts through the EZLink Connect App. Constructed in stainless steel with a hygienic surface finish, the sensors are also suitable for food and beverage applications.
Simplifying Water Measurement with AWT424
The next-generation AWT424 transmitter forms the backbone of ABB's continuous water analysis platform. Designed to simplify and unify water measurement, it allows operators to connect and control up to four sensors simultaneously, offering a complete view of water quality, including parameters like pH/ORP, conductivity, turbidity, chlorine, and dissolved oxygen.
With its modular design, the AWT424 enables operators to easily add and change sensors and communication modules, minimizing spare parts inventory. A full-color TFT display, and Bluetooth™ connectivity make real-time data accessible through ABB's EZLink Connect App – empowering technicians with remote visibility, configuration, and support. In addition, the AWT424 adds MODBUS TCP communications further simplifying its integration into plant control systems, helping to reduce maintenance, improve uptime, and protect critical assets.
"The AWT424 meets our customers' needs for simultaneously measuring a wide variety of water parameters in a single device that is easy to configure, use and maintain," said Martin Binney, Global Product Manager, CWA Transmitters at ABB's Measurement & Analytics division. "The new solution is integral to offering a holistic view of water quality that is essential for process control in complex industrial operations."