WTW PB-S Series Fixed Sampler

Overview

The WTW PB-S Series Fixed Sampler is an industrial-grade, weatherproof automatic water sampling system engineered for long-term deployment at permanent monitoring stations—including wastewater treatment plants, surface water intakes, stormwater overflows, and industrial discharge points. Based on vacuum-assisted aspiration with gravimetrically calibrated peristaltic or diaphragm pump modules (depending on model configuration), the PB-S series delivers precise, reproducible sample acquisition under both scheduled and event-driven protocols. Its stainless steel enclosure (IP65 rated) ensures structural integrity and corrosion resistance in harsh outdoor environments, while integrated thermal management—either refrigeration (to +4 °C) or heating (to +30 °C)—maintains sample integrity for microbiological, nutrient, or organic contaminant analysis in accordance with EN ISO 5667-10 and US EPA guidance.

Key Features

• Robust stainless steel housing with IP65 ingress protection, certified for continuous outdoor operation across -20 °C to +50 °C ambient conditions
• Vacuum-controlled single-sample aspiration with ±1.5% volumetric accuracy across configurable ranges (e.g., 100 mL to 2 L per aliquot)
• Dual-mode sampling logic: programmable time-interval cycles (e.g., hourly, daily) and real-time event triggers via analog/digital inputs (e.g., level sensor activation, pH excursion, flow threshold)
• Onboard thermal conditioning: Peltier-based cooling module (standard on PB-S/R12 and PB-S/R24) maintains samples at 4 °C; optional heating kit available for low-temperature environments
• Modular bottle rack design supporting up to 12 (PB-S/R12) or 24 (PB-S/R24) standard 1-L or 2-L HDPE/Glass containers with leak-proof sealing
• Intuitive local interface with backlit LCD display and tactile keypad—no PC required for basic setup, calibration, or manual sampling initiation
• Internal data logging with timestamped event records (sampling start/end, trigger source, temperature, battery voltage) retained for ≥12 months

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PB-S series accommodates a broad range of aqueous matrices: raw sewage, treated effluent, river and lake water, groundwater, and industrial process streams. Bottle materials (HDPE, PET, borosilicate glass) are selected per analyte requirements—e.g., trace metals (acid-washed polyethylene), VOCs (glass with PTFE-lined caps), or BOD (BOD-specific bottles). All models comply with EN ISO 5667-10 (water quality — sampling — Part 10: Guidance on sampling of wastewater), ASTM D3370 (Standard Practices for Sampling Water), and support audit-ready documentation for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Optional integration with SCADA systems enables remote alarm notification and protocol synchronization via Modbus RTU or TCP/IP.

Software & Data Management

Configuration, diagnostics, and historical review are managed via WTW’s proprietary SamControl software (Windows-based, USB or RS232 connection). The software supports full parameter export (CSV), automated report generation (PDF), and firmware updates. Audit trails include user login history, method changes, and calibration logs—all compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with appropriate electronic signature settings. Raw sampling metadata (including GPS-tagged location if paired with external GNSS module) is embedded in each exported dataset, facilitating chain-of-custody documentation and regulatory submission workflows.

Applications

• Compliance monitoring at municipal wastewater discharge points per EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive or US Clean Water Act NPDES permits
• Event-driven sampling during combined sewer overflow (CSO) episodes to quantify pollutant loadings
• Long-term trend analysis of nutrients (N/P), suspended solids, and emerging contaminants in watershed studies
• Source tracking in industrial parks where multiple outfalls require synchronized, time-stamped sampling
• Calibration verification of online analyzers (e.g., COD, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻ sensors) through parallel grab sampling
• Supporting ISO 14001 environmental management systems with documented, repeatable sampling evidence

FAQ

What is the maximum number of discrete samples the PB-S/R24 can collect in one cycle?
Up to 24 individual samples, each independently aspirated into pre-labeled containers with programmable volume and timing.
Does the PB-S series support remote monitoring via cellular or Ethernet networks?
Yes—via optional communication modules (e.g., LTE-M or Ethernet gateway), enabling real-time status reporting, remote reprogramming, and alarm forwarding to SCADA or cloud platforms.
Can the system be powered by solar energy?
Yes—the PB-S series accepts 12–24 V DC input; it is routinely deployed with solar-charged battery banks in off-grid locations, with runtime exceeding 30 days on full charge (dependent on sampling frequency and thermal load).
Is validation documentation provided for GMP or regulated environmental testing?
WTW supplies IQ/OQ documentation templates, factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, and a detailed user qualification guide aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and EPA QA/G-5 requirements.
How often does the vacuum pump require maintenance?
Under typical usage (≤200 samples/week), the maintenance interval is 12 months; WTW recommends annual inspection of tubing, valves, and seal integrity—with consumables kits available under part number 901234-001.