Thick-film multisensor for determining water quality parameters

A measurement system for water quality determination, based on thick-film technology multisensor, is described. Diverse parameters as pH, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), conductivity and turbidity, are sensed by this element. It is shown that this sensor can be used in the development of more full transducers. In this way, other sensors are being developed for, organic contamination, dissolved oxygen and diverse ions. In order to bring this multisensor into being the hybrid thick-film technology has been used which gives the system the essential characteristics of miniaturization, precision and low cost. The system also has a capturing block with signal conditioning and uses computer data processing. This allows the multisensor to be the base for a future electronic tongue project in which the information gathered will be dealt with qualitatively. The system described has been developed for residual water treatment in purifier plants, water quality control in rivers, ponds and irrigation waters.