ABB Introduces Optical Analyzer for Real-Time Water Monitoring

Water and wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control increasingly require fast and reliable real-time water quality monitoring, leading ABB to present its optical-based UviTec platform at WATER KOREA 2026, held from March 18 to 20.

The UviTec platform is based on spectrophotometric and fluorescence measurement technologies, enabling laboratory-grade analysis directly in process environments. This allows operators to detect multiple water quality parameters and chemical compounds in real time, reducing reliance on delayed laboratory testing.

Real-time measurement replaces delayed laboratory analysis
Traditional water quality analysis often involves laboratory testing that can take several days to deliver results. In contrast, the UviTec platform provides immediate measurements, enabling faster operational decisions.

For example, the system can measure organic matter concentration in water within approximately 5 seconds, compared to around five days required for conventional laboratory analysis. This reduction in response time supports improved process safety, faster corrective actions, and more efficient plant operation.

Such capabilities are particularly relevant in municipal water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, and industrial water processes, where rapid detection of parameter changes is critical for maintaining compliance and operational stability.




Portable and continuous monitoring solutions
At WATER KOREA 2026, ABB is showcasing multiple UviTec solutions designed for both field and continuous monitoring applications. These include portable field meters for on-site measurement of organic matter, as well as systems capable of estimating biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) through optical methods.

These portable instruments enable operators to perform rapid diagnostics directly in the field, reducing the need for sample transport and enabling immediate corrective actions.

In addition to portable devices, ABB is presenting continuous water quality monitoring solutions, including transmitters capable of integrating multiple sensors within a single platform. This allows centralized monitoring of different parameters across complex treatment processes.

Integrated measurement and control for process optimization
Among the systems presented, ABB’s multi-parameter transmitters support connection of up to four sensors within a single device, enabling integrated monitoring of water quality conditions. This is particularly useful in complex industrial or municipal installations, where multiple variables must be tracked simultaneously for effective process control.

By consolidating measurement and control functions, such systems reduce installation complexity and improve data consistency across operations.




Complementary flow, level, and pressure measurement solutions
In addition to water quality analysis, ABB is presenting a broader portfolio of instrumentation for water management, including flow, level, and pressure measurement technologies.

Electromagnetic flowmeters enable real-time monitoring of water distribution networks, maintaining measurement accuracy even at low flow velocities below 0.1 m/s, which supports early leak detection.

Laser-based level transmitters are also used in applications such as wastewater pump stations, lift stations, sludge processing, and chemical storage tanks, providing stable level measurement across varying environmental conditions.

Position within water quality monitoring technologies
Optical measurement methods such as spectrophotometry and fluorescence offer advantages over conventional sampling-based techniques by enabling continuous, in-situ monitoring. Compared to laboratory analysis, these methods reduce response time and allow operators to respond more quickly to process deviations.

By combining real-time optical analysis with integrated measurement and control systems, the UviTec platform supports more efficient and data-driven operation across the water cycle, from treatment to distribution.

Edited by Industrial Journalist, Natania Lyngdoh — Adapted by AI.

www.abb.com