HACH CYQ-310H Automated Water Sampling System

Overview

The HACH CYQ-310H Automated Water Sampling System is an online, programmable proportional composite sampler engineered for continuous, regulatory-compliant sampling at wastewater discharge points and environmental monitoring stations. It operates on the principle of flow-proportional sampling—acquiring discrete or composite water samples in direct proportion to real-time flow rate data received from external flow meters (e.g., electromagnetic or ultrasonic flow sensors). This ensures representative sample composition over time, critical for accurate downstream analysis of key parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD_Cr), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). The system integrates seamlessly into existing water quality monitoring networks by supporting Modbus RTU protocol over RS-485, enabling bidirectional communication with data acquisition systems (DAS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms, and analyzers. Its architecture adheres to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) standards HJ 353–2019 (Technical Specifications for Installation and Acceptance of Online Monitoring Systems for Pollutant Sources) and HJ 355–2019 (Technical Specifications for Operation and Maintenance of Online Monitoring Systems), ensuring alignment with national regulatory reporting requirements.

Key Features

• Proportional composite sampling capability with programmable intervals and volume thresholds, supporting both instantaneous and time-weighted composite modes.
• Dual-path pre-treatment architecture: ultrasonic homogenization module for suspended solids stabilization in samples destined for COD_Cr, TP, and TN analyzers; high-efficiency particulate filtration (≤5 µm pore size) for NH₃-N analysis to prevent sensor fouling and preserve speciation integrity.
• “Sampling–Retention Separation” design: physically independent sampling unit (CYQ-310H) and refrigerated retention unit (e.g., 24-bottle cold storage sampler compliant with HJ/T 372–2007), connected via standardized digital interface for automated超标 (exceedance-triggered) sample archiving.
• Non-obstructive filtration system with large-bore PVC tubing (ID ≥12 mm) and full-port electric ball valves (DN25), minimizing clogging risk and reducing maintenance frequency in high-suspended-solid environments.
• Modular “water–electricity separation” mechanical layout: hydraulic and electrical compartments are isolated, facilitating rapid field servicing, component replacement, and IEC 60529 IP54-rated enclosure accessibility.
• 10-inch industrial-grade capacitive touchscreen with intuitive HMI interface, supporting multi-language operation (English default), real-time status visualization, alarm logging, and local configuration without external PC dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CYQ-310H is validated for use with municipal wastewater effluents, industrial process discharges (e.g., textile, pharmaceutical, food processing), and surface water influent streams where turbidity ≤500 NTU and total suspended solids (TSS) ≤500 mg/L. It accepts input signals from analog (4–20 mA) or pulse-output flow meters and synchronizes sampling events accordingly. While designed to meet Chinese MEE standards HJ 353–2019 and HJ 355–2019, its communication stack (Modbus RTU) enables interoperability with international SCADA infrastructures. For GLP/GMP-aligned deployments, audit trails—including sample timestamp, volume dispensed, pre-treatment mode activated, and retention trigger status—are stored locally with time-stamped logs exportable via USB. Though not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or US EPA Method 1664, its operational repeatability (±1.5% volume accuracy under calibrated conditions) supports routine QA/QC protocols required in accredited environmental labs.

Software & Data Management

Firmware v3.2+ includes embedded data logging with 32 MB non-volatile memory, retaining ≥12 months of sampling records (timestamp, volume, flow correlation flag, error codes). All events—including power loss recovery, valve actuation cycles, and communication handshake status—are time-stamped with millisecond resolution. Remote configuration and firmware updates are supported via secure serial tunneling (SSH over RS-232 or optional Ethernet gateway). The system generates CSV-formatted diagnostic reports compatible with LIMS integration. Audit trail functionality complies with basic electronic record requirements per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with external time-server synchronization and user-access controls enabled.

Applications

• Continuous source emission monitoring at municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outfalls.
• Regulatory compliance sampling for industrial facilities subject to discharge permits (e.g., pulp & paper, electroplating, petrochemical).
• Integration with multiparameter online analyzers (e.g., HACH DR3900-based COD/NH₃-N platforms) requiring conditioned feed streams.
• Automated sample archiving during exceedance events for forensic analysis and regulatory dispute resolution.
• Supporting QA/QC workflows in environmental testing laboratories performing method validation per HJ 91.1–2019.

FAQ

Does the CYQ-310H support variable flow-rate proportional sampling?

Yes—it accepts real-time pulse or 4–20 mA flow signals and dynamically adjusts sampling frequency and volume to maintain strict proportionality across flow ranges from 0.1 to 500 m³/h.
Can it operate unattended for extended periods?

Yes—the system features built-in power failure recovery, auto-retry logic for communication timeouts, and low-power sleep mode between sampling events, enabling >30 days of autonomous operation with standard 12 VDC backup battery support.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?

Volumetric delivery is factory-calibrated using gravimetric methods traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China); users may perform field verification using certified volumetric flasks per HJ 353–2019 Annex D.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Ultrasonic transducers require quarterly cleaning; filter cartridges should be replaced every 3 months or after 2,000 sampling cycles; valve seals are rated for ≥100,000 actuations and inspected annually.
Is remote diagnostics available?

Yes—via optional HACH Connect-enabled gateway (sold separately), enabling cloud-based health monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and over-the-air firmware updates.