GreenPrima PR OCON2000 Online Water Colorimeter

Overview

The GreenPrima PR OCON2000 Online Water Colorimeter is a laboratory-grade and field-deployable optical instrument engineered for continuous, reagent-free measurement of color in aqueous matrices according to the Pt-Co (Platinum-Cobalt) scale. It operates on the principle of UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy—specifically measuring absorbance across the visible spectrum (typically 400–700 nm) to quantify yellowish tint intensity correlated with dissolved organic matter, humic substances, industrial dyes, or oxidation byproducts. Unlike subjective visual comparison methods, the PR OCON2000 delivers objective, traceable, and metrologically sound color values compliant with ISO 7887:2011 (Water quality — Examination of colour), ASTM D1209 (Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids), and APHA Standard Methods 2120B. Its design targets long-term stability in demanding environments including municipal wastewater treatment plants, pulp & paper effluent streams, textile dye-house discharge monitoring, potable water distribution networks, and coastal seawater observation stations.

Key Features

• Reagent-free operation: Eliminates chemical consumption, hazardous waste generation, and associated disposal compliance burdens.
• Ultra-low maintenance architecture: LED light source rated for >10 years lifetime; no consumables, no moving parts in optical path, and self-cleaning fluidic circuitry.
• Multi-mode operational flexibility: Supports manual spot-checking, programmable interval sampling (e.g., every 5/15/60 min), and fully autonomous 24/7 online monitoring.
• Robust cross-interference mitigation: Patented flow cell geometry and quartz optical windows minimize turbidity-induced scattering artifacts; validated performance in suspended solids up to 1000 mg/L without signal drift.
• Sub-5-second measurement cycle: Full spectral acquisition, internal zero-reference correction, and Pt-Co conversion completed within <5 s—enabling real-time process feedback control.
• Fully automated system intelligence: Integrated routines for auto-zero, auto-calibration (using factory-certified reference standards), auto-clean (pressurized flush sequence), fault diagnostics, and graceful recovery from power interruption or flow loss.
• IP65-rated stainless steel (1.4435 / SS316L) enclosure: Certified for Zone 1/Zone 2 hazardous areas per ATEX 2014/34/EU directive; suitable for outdoor wall-mount installation in humid, saline, or chemically aggressive atmospheres.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PR OCON2000 accommodates liquid samples across a broad physicochemical range: municipal secondary effluent, chlorinated drinking water, anaerobic digester supernatant, bleached kraft mill process water, dyehouse rinse baths, and estuarine surface water. Sample contact materials—quartz cuvette, polypropylene manifold, FPM fluoroelastomer seals, 316L stainless steel fittings, and borosilicate glass components—are selected for chemical inertness, low extractables, and resistance to biofouling. All wetted-path materials comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR 177.2470 for indirect food contact. The instrument meets EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Data integrity features—including time-stamped audit trails, user-access logging, and non-volatile memory retention—support GLP and GMP-aligned deployment under ISO/IEC 17025 and EPA Method 1512 validation frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller runs a deterministic real-time OS with an 8.5″ TFT capacitive touchscreen (800 × 480 px, LED backlight) providing local visualization of live Pt-Co values, trend graphs (7-day history), calibration logs, maintenance alerts, and diagnostic status. Internal 8 GB SD card stores ≥12 months of second-resolution data (timestamp, raw absorbance spectra, Pt-Co result, temperature, flow status). Data export is supported via USB mass storage or Modbus RTU over RS485 (slave mode configurable as master for SCADA integration). Analog 4–20 mA output is galvanically isolated (<0.5% FS accuracy) and assignable to primary color value or auxiliary parameters (e.g., temperature deviation alarm). Firmware supports remote OTA updates and configuration backup/restore via encrypted USB key.

Applications

• Municipal wastewater: Real-time color tracking pre- and post-tertiary treatment to verify removal efficiency of humic compounds and synthetic dyes.
• Pulp & paper industry: In-line monitoring of bleach plant effluent and whitewater circuits to optimize chlorine dioxide dosing and minimize AOX formation.
• Textile manufacturing: Effluent compliance verification against ZDHC MRSL v3.1 and STeP by OEKO-TEX® color discharge limits.
• Drinking water utilities: Early detection of algal metabolite breakthrough (e.g., geosmin, MIB) and disinfection byproduct precursors in raw and finished water.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Monitoring of purified water (PW) and water-for-injection (WFI) systems per USP and EP 2.2.59 for color deviation excursions.
• Environmental research: Long-term color profiling in rivers, lakes, and coastal zones as a proxy for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loading and climate-driven runoff patterns.

FAQ

What color scales does the PR OCON2000 support?
The instrument reports results exclusively in Pt-Co units (also known as Hazen or APHA units) per ISO 7887 and ASTM D1209. Custom calibration for Gardner or Saybolt scales is not supported.
Can it measure colored samples with high turbidity?
Yes—the flow cell’s dual-beam compensation and optimized pathlength (10 mm standard) mitigate scattering effects up to 1000 NTU; for >1000 NTU, optional inline filtration or ultrasonic deagglomeration modules are recommended.
Is remote calibration possible without physical access?
No. Calibration requires insertion of NIST-traceable liquid standards into the sample inlet; however, scheduled calibration reminders and electronic log archiving are fully automated.
Does it comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
While the device itself is not Part 11-certified out-of-the-box, its audit trail, electronic signature readiness (via external authentication gateway), and data immutability features enable qualification under Part 11 when deployed within a validated enterprise system.
What is the minimum required sample flow rate for stable readings?
Stable operation is achieved at ≥0.3 L/min; below this threshold, the system triggers a low-flow alarm and suspends measurement until flow resumes above 0.5 L/min.