New Optical DO Sensors Increase Field Accuracy

A luminescence-based dissolved oxygen sensor from YSI offers researchers and water quality technicians a powerful tool for making long-term oxygen measurements in severe fouling and low-oxygen environments. A rugged design and large measurement range (0 to 50 mg/L) are key features for deployed, spot sampling, flow cell, and groundwater measurements.

The optical sensing system of the YSI ROX (Reliable Oxygen) sensor is based on the luminescence lifetime method. This offers the most stable, repeatable, and sensitive method for dissolved oxygen calculation, thus reducing sensor drift and prolonging deployment times.

YSI Regional Manager Ian Thompson comments “Our employee-owners work alongside customers in the field and understand first-hand what works well. The insight we have gained has been transferred into the design of the new ROX sensor.”

Widest Detection Range Available

The YSI ROX has the widest detection range of any optical DO sensor available: 0 to 50 mg/l or 0-500% saturation. This matches all data from the proven YSI 6-series Rapid Pulse™ polarographic sensor.

ROX’s optical measurement method does not require stirring. Additionally, the ROX membrane differs from the traditional electrochemical sensor membrane, requiring fewer steps for installation and less maintenance. ROX membranes will last for one year and are made of a durable material that is unlikely to be damaged in the field.

For harsh fouling environments, ROX features an integrated wiper that prevents the impacts of biofouling and a corrosion-resistant titanium wiper shaft.

To make full use of the optical sensor technology, YSI is updating its multiparameter instruments, called sondes, with additional optical ports. A typical YSI 6-Series sonde, after a simple upgrade, can measure optical dissolved oxygen, blue-green algae (also new), turbidity, chlorophyll, temperature, depth, conductivity, and pH.

Comprehensive data points from YSI instruments, including dissolved oxygen, give researchers and managers valuable insight into the health of the aquatic environment in question.

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