Other Technology

Water Quality Measurement

INDEX

  1. 01Infrared Optics and Water Quality Sensing
  2. 02Value of Optical Water Quality Sensors
  3. 03Optex’s Unique Strengths and Applications

Infrared Optics and Water Quality Sensing

Optex’s work in optical water quality measurement began with water quality surveys of Lake Biwa and has since expanded into a broader range of applications. Optical water quality sensors use different wavelength bands, including near-infrared to infrared as well as ultraviolet (UV) depending on the application, to detect changes in conditions such as turbidity, transparency, suspended matter, and color in water. The key to optical water quality sensors is designing them to reliably measure subtle differences such as light scattering caused by fine particles responsible for turbidity, light absorption by dissolved substances, and changes in transmitted light intensity.

Value of Optical Water Quality Sensors

Optex water quality sensors are optimized for the unique challenges of aquatic environments, based on optical structures and noise-processing technologies developed in the field of optical sensing.
Stable Operation in Water
Stable operation through an optimal combination of optical design and proprietary algorithms
Continuous Monitoring
Real-time monitoring of water quality at facilities, in water and wastewater systems, and in natural environments
Reduced Maintenance Workload
Reduced installation and maintenance workload through wiper cleaning systems and a compact design
This technology contributes to labor savings and stable operation in a wide variety of applications, including industrial wastewater, water and wastewater systems, and land-based aquaculture.

Optex’s Unique Strengths and Applications

Diverse Lineup of Water Quality Sensors

Optex’s strengths include high-precision sensing algorithms developed across a variety of fields and the long-term reliability it has cultivated as an electronics manufacturer. The sensors’ compact design also provides greater flexibility in installation locations while reducing the burden of installation and maintenance.

Development of a Proprietary Data Management Service

Data acquired by the sensors can be managed through the WATER it Data Management Service, enabling remote access to the latest data and identification of abnormal measurement values. This greatly reduces the on-site workload.

Collaboration with Other Companies

One representative example of joint development is the Lumitester Smart, developed jointly with Kikkoman Biochemifa Company using its bioluminescence technology to visualize ATP contamination with light. Optex contributed field-oriented design expertise extending to the UI, enclosure, and operability, and the product received the Commissioner of Japan Patent Office Award at the 2024 National Commendation for Invention.

Expert Interview

  • Yoshiharu Okumura

    DepartmentNext Social Solution Business Div. Engineering & Development Dept

    The Key to Infrared Water Quality Sensing

    Optical measurement in water is subject to significant environmental noise from factors such as air bubbles, deposits, and fluctuations in turbidity, so sensor performance alone is not sufficient to ensure stable measurements.
    In its water quality measurement solutions, Optex applies technologies cultivated over its long history in infrared sensors, including optimization of optical structures, temperature compensation, noise-reduction algorithms, and long-term durability design. Another major strength is the ability to create designs that make full use of existing on-site assets, such as universal converters that allow installed water quality sensors to remain in use. Optex’s technology is also consistent throughout, extending from infrared sensing to water quality measurement and on to digital transformation (DX).

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TECHNOLOGIES

  • OPTEX
  • R&D
  • Water Quality and Hygiene Applications