Microfluidic Sensors for In-line Water Monitoring Applications

This U.S. Army sponsored SBIR project addresses the development of new, in-line sensors interfaced (via wireless communication protocols) with ruggedized, PDA-sized data logging devices that are able to provide tactical water purification operators (92W) with a real-time diagnostic tool for verifying treatment process operation, removal of contaminants and performance optimization. Key results from Phase I studies demonstrated sensor accuracies of 0.3% to 5.5% and sensor precision of 0.5% to 6.1%, respectively, for monitoring 5 distinct water quality parameters. Phase II Technical Objectives focus on extending the capabilities of these devices for also monitoring the performance of critical water treatment processes (i.e., microfiltration, coagulation, anti-scalant effectiveness and granular activated carbon saturation). Once deployed, Syntrotek’s in-line sensors will enable health, safety and security improvements to U.S. soldiers by replacing periodic sampling of potable water treatment systems with continuous monitoring of multiple water quality parameters over a broad range of monitoring locations (i.e., before/after treatment components, storage tanks, distribution lines, etc.); thereby, greatly reducing exposure risks from hazardous water contaminants.