Six novel dissolved oxygen meters, one for each of the huge generators at Drax Power Station, have been supplied by Camlab (Cambridge), exclusive UK distributor for Swan Analytical Instruments
Close monitoring of dissolved oxygen in the de-ionised water used to cool the generators is necessary to protect against corrosion of the cooling systems in a power station that supplies 7% of the UK's electricity demand.
The specially engineered version of the Swan Oxysafe dissolved oxygen meter has been developed between Drax Power Station and Swan Systems Engineering (Uster, Switzerland) to solve Drax's monitoring requirements.
The custom-built unit incorporates a redesigned flow cell with an in-line pressure regulator to maintain constant pressure in the system and prevent bubble formation.
Conventional dissolved oxygen meters are unable to handle the dissolved oxygen range required, from trace (ppb) levels, to saturated (ppm) concentrations, partly due to the formation of bubbles in the measuring cell.
Reliability at high concentrations and low concentrations is an essential requirement for the monitoring technology.
David Miller, Camlab's head of business for the environment and water markets said: "Our ability to offer customised solutions, backed up by trial instruments, means that we can offer this market a unique service.
"The new system will also have applications in CHP (combined heat and power) plants, the water utilities and for process water analysis.
"We anticipate developments for other on-line analyses".
Camlab is one of the UK's leading scientific suppliers, with 50 years' experience in the laboratory market place.
Already UK market leader in Water Testing, the company is ideally positioned for catalogue and geographical expansion, organically and by acquisition.
Complementing the many leading brand names to be found in Camlab's catalogues are its own branded products, Camlab Chemicals, Camlab Water instruments and reagents and a range of innovative own-manufactured laboratory plastics.
Unusually for a laboratory supplier, Camlab has its own manufacturer-trained in house service organisation.
