Proteus Meter Installation

The Challenge

At SEM, we understand that crafting precious spirits is a complex process and often gives rise to various challenges. With increasing water discharge regulations, it is important to ensure that every stage of the process provides efficient treatment of co-products produced by the distilling industry. 

Often monitoring discharge levels can be a laborious task which requires regular human interaction to maintain continual readings of effluent which are later analysed in a laboratory setting. Not only can this be time consuming but can also lead to human error when taking readings. Luckily SEM has an innovative solution that is accurate and cost-effective.

The Solution

SEM’s Proteus Multi-Meter is the world’s first scientifically proven real-time sensor for measuring BOD that can be utilised for a wide range of applications. A multi-probe that measures your choice of parameter, all in one package, that can deliver data in the toughest field conditions. It is designed for its ease of use, reliable data and economical operation.

It is an award-winning multi-parameter, real-time sensor platform (portable or permanent) that accurately and reliably measures BOD, COD and faecal coliforms for permanent and temporary applications. The Proteus Meter works in conjunction with a telemetry feed to provide live data, stored on the cloud, to provide accurate data that can be easily accessed at any point in time. 

The Result

SEM were contacted by Glen Moray Distillery to install a Proteus Multi Meter, complete with live telemetry on-site for a two-week trial period to monitor their effluent post wastewater treatment plant. The Proteus meter was put in place to measure a range of contaminants including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, temperature, conductivity and ammonium (NH4). 

SEM’s team of industry specialists discussed the optimal location to deploy the Proteus Meter to allow for the technology to be fully submerged in the effluent – this was found to be at the outlet of their Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) unit. The Proteus Meter was lowered into the outlet of the DAF system and secured in place.

The telemetry feed was positioned South facing to allow for ample sunlight to reach the solar panels which charge the equipment, resulting in no need for an independent power supply.

By adding the Proteus Meter to the operation, the distillery was able to measure real time live data on multiple parameters. Storage of the data on cloud also allowed for easier access and tracking. The Proteus technology effectively reduces the requirement for manual monitoring, as well as providing a cost-effective solution to data analysis. 

Samples were obtained to evaluate the BOD, COD and NH3 values from the Proteus Meter against laboratory analysis. It can be seen that there is an excellent correlation and R2 value between the values.