Monitoring dissolved oxygen in water systems and trace contaminants in gas streams has traditionally required multiple instruments and frequent maintenance. New analysis technologies aim to reduce that complexity by consolidating measurements and extending service intervals. Recent water and gas monitoring releases focus on parts-per-billion accuracy, continuous operation, and built-in digital connectivity, helping industrial operators improve reliability, reduce downtime, and maintain compliance with fewer devices to manage. ABB has rolled out the AeroStar™ dissolved oxygen sensor family with the AWT424 transmitter for continuous water analysis, alongside the Sensi+ NG analyzer for natural gas and biogas monitoring.
ABB has released the AWT424 (left) and Sensi+ NG(right) for critical water and gas monitoring. Images used courtesy of ABB
Ultra-Low Oxygen Measurement For Water Analysis
The AeroStar ULTRA and ULTRA TRACE sensors have been designed specifically for applications where even parts-per-billion levels of dissolved oxygen can compromise performance. Within industries such as power generation, process steam, semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and various other companies, oxygen control systems are used to limit corrosion and maintain product quality. The ULTRA model can detect oxygen down to as low as 4 ppb (parts-per-billion), while the ULTRA TRACE extends detection below 1 ppb.
AeroStar ULTRA is an optical dissolved oxygen sensor designed for parts-per-billion measurement in corrosion-sensitive and ultra-pure water applications. Image used courtesy of ABB
Rather than relying on electrochemical methods that require frequent replacement and recalibration, the AeroStar sensors use an optical measurement principle based on luminescence quenching. This approach delivers stable readings with fast response times and extends sensor service life to as much as two years. The result is fewer maintenance interventions and reduced risk of unplanned downtime.
These sensors integrate with ABB’s EZLink digital platform and connect directly to the AWT424 multi-input transmitter. Acting as a centralized hub, the AWT424 can manage up to four sensors simultaneously, providing visibility into parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH/ORP, conductivity, turbidity, and chlorine. A modular design allows operators to add or swap sensors and communication modules as requirements change, while Bluetooth access and MODBUS TCP communication simplify configuration, remote visibility, and control system integration.
Gas Analysis That Consolidates Critical Measurements in One Analyzer
For natural gas and biogas operators, gas quality is something that has to be checked constantly, not just at startup. Small amounts of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, moisture, or carbon dioxide can create long-term issues for pipelines and downstream equipment, and keeping track of each one often means installing and maintaining several different analyzers. Sensi+ NG brings those measurements together in a single device, allowing operators to monitor the key contaminants at the same time instead of managing multiple standalone instruments.
The system is powered by ABB’s OA-ICOS laser-based measurement technology, enabling fast, real-time readings with minimal long-term drift and low susceptibility to cross-interference. By adding oxygen measurement to its existing contaminant detection capabilities, Sensi+ NG supports earlier detection of process upsets and helps prevent unnecessary shutdowns or false alarms.
ABB designed the analyzer for continuous, long-term operation without the need for consumables or frequent calibration, which can reduce the overall routine maintenance and make the system easier to support over time, especially at remote biogas sites and pipeline installations where access is limited. By consolidating measurements into a single, stable platform, Sensi+ NG helps operators keep gas quality consistent without adding operational overhead.
From ultra-pure water systems to gas pipelines, industrial operators are being asked to keep closer watch on critical parameters while relying on fewer instruments and less hands-on maintenance. ABB’s recent water and gas analysis launches follow that direction, bringing multiple measurements into single platforms with longer service intervals and built-in connectivity that make day-to-day monitoring easier to manage and more consistent over time.