Automatic Cleaning pH Monitoring System Enhances Effluent Treatment Performance

Process Instruments (Pi) recently delivered a customized automatic cleaning pH monitoring system to Greencore Foods in Warrington, one of the United Kingdom’s leading manufacturers of convenience foods. The project was completed in collaboration with Aqua Operations, which manages key aspects of the facility’s effluent treatment plant.

The site had been facing ongoing challenges with accurately monitoring pH levels at the inlet to its dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. Existing pH sensors frequently became fouled, requiring regular manual cleaning and maintenance. This not only increased operator workload but also led to inconsistent pH readings that could negatively affect downstream treatment efficiency and overall process stability.

In July 2025, Aqua Operations reached out to Pi for support. By that same afternoon, a member of Pi’s technical team was on site to evaluate the issue, consult with Aqua Operations, and determine the specific requirements for an optimized pH monitoring solution.

Following the consultation, Pi supplied an advanced pH monitoring system equipped with a robust automatic cleaning feature designed to overcome fouling challenges and minimize manual intervention. The system was installed for direct insertion into the serpentine inlet pipework, providing continuous, accurate pH measurement even under demanding effluent treatment conditions.

By integrating automatic sensor cleaning, the system maintains consistent measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing the need for manual maintenance. This improvement saves operators time and enhances the reliability of process control.

The new system was fully commissioned by Pi in August, 2025, bringing the latest pH monitoring technology online. Since installation, the automatic cleaning pH sensor has delivered stable and reliable measurements, eliminating the fouling problems that previously disrupted operations. The result is improved process efficiency, greater data confidence, and reduced maintenance demands across the effluent treatment process.

If your facility is experiencing similar challenges with pH monitoring or sensor fouling in your water or wastewater treatment process, Pi’s advanced pH sensors and automatic cleaning systems can help. These solutions improve accuracy, reduce manual maintenance, and enhance overall process reliability.

Contact the Pi team today to discuss your application and discover how our automatic cleaning pH monitoring systems can improve your water treatment performance.