Pressure-resistant waterproof UV-C sensor with integrated amplifier: UVC-SE

The water pressure-proof UVC-SE is a robust measuring head for the precise measurement of UVC irradiance from low-pressure mercury and amalgam lamps in water and wastewater disinfection systems. It shows whether a plant still delivers the required disinfection dose as the lamps age. A long-term stable photodiode with a large active area of 1 cm² keeps noise low and is more sensitive below 260 nm than comparable SiC sensors; the sensor withstands pressures up to 10 bar and is calibrated traceably to the PTB.

For standard-compliant verification in drinking water plants the DVGW reference radiometer is available.

A long-term, stable high-sensitivity photodiode with a large active area is used. This provides low noise and improved sensitivity, below 260 nm, compared to SiC sensors. Superior corrosion resistance and long-term stability is also achieved through the use of appropriate materials. No aging is determined over a period of one year. The sensors are calibrated with traceability to the PTB, the German national test authority.

The amplifier is integrated into the sensor housing: the electronics amplify the photodiode signal directly at the point of measurement and output it as a low-noise standard signal to the PLC or the panel meter RM-32. A separate sensor amplifier and the interference-prone line between photodiode and amplifier are not required – an advantage in particular in systems with frequency converters and long cable runs. Operating voltage and output signal can be selected to match the measurement task or PLC interfaces. For small control tasks, the sensor can be connected to RM-32, which shows the current irradiance on a 3.5-digit digital display and switches two relay contacts with adjustable warning and alarm signals.