For BOD/COD/TOC/OIW, the correlation must be developed and verified using representative laboratory data.
ABB Continuous Water Analysis
Specialist analysers · UviTec / Aztec
When the parameter is not pH or conductivity, the first question is which analytical principle suits the sample matrix: wet chemistry, ISE, UV/VIS, fluorescence or multi-wavelength correlation.
UviTec™ + Aztec / Navigator
Optical, wet chemistry and ISE
ABB combines traditional wet chemistry analysers with the new UviTec UV/VIS/fluorescence platform acquired from Real Tech. This extends the portfolio to BOD/COD, TOC/DOC, UV254, nitrate/nitrite, spectrum analysis and site-specific applications such as oil-in-water.
When to use it / when to consider alternatives
Practical guidance
A good fit when
- UviTec for fast response, reagent-free optical measurement and process trends
- Aztec for specific colorimetric/ISE measurements with automatic calibration
- Spectrum for multiple parameters and contaminant fingerprinting
- Oil-in-water when reliable site-specific calibration is available for the sample matrix
Consider carefully when
- using an optical correlation for compliance reporting without validation
- ignoring interferents and changes in the sample matrix
- installing a probe without cleaning in a high-fouling application
- selecting the optical path length without considering range and absorbance
Best practice
Installation and maintenance
Shorter for highly absorbing or dirty samples; longer for high-purity samples and low concentrations.
Probes and bypass sensors require a cleaning method suited to the actual fouling conditions.
Bypass, immersion and flow-cell arrangements affect bubbles, solids and sample representativeness.
A good Liquid Ai model depends on the quality of the reference data.
For contaminant or event detection, a robust threshold or fingerprint may be more useful than an absolute concentration.
SWAS/SCS integration
For high-pressure or high-temperature sampling points, we can integrate sample conditioning, cooling, pressure reduction, flow control and the analyser on the same panel.
Explore integrationBest to know
Useful technical details
UviTec BOD/COD
Multi-wavelength UV LED measurement provides results in seconds without reagents; correlation with the sample matrix is required for optimum accuracy.
UviTec UV254
Rapid measurement of organics and UV transmittance; useful for UV disinfection, coagulation and source water monitoring.
Spectrum / Liquid Ai
Can address BOD, COD, TOC, DOC, nitrate/nitrite, colour, pesticides, polymers, OIW, diesel, BTEX and custom alarms.
Aztec wet chemistry
Remains preferable for parameters where a specific chemical method provides greater selectivity than optical measurement.
Aluminium
Ammonia
BOD / COD
Colour
Fluoride
Hydrazine
Iron
Manganese
Nitrate
Nitrite
Permanganate
TOC / DOC
UV254 / UVT
Spectrum
Oil-in-Water
Diesel / BTEX
Models and installed base
Models we support
AW631AAM631AW632AW633AW634AW635AW636AW637AFM631AHM500AV450AV455UviTec sensors/probes/controllers
ABB documentation
ABB datasheets and manuals
Download the documents for your model. Shared manuals, protocols and versions are identified in each document card.
UviTec BOD/COD · AUV101 / AUV402 / AUV504
Separate documents for the AUV101 field meter, AUV402 immersion probe and AUV504 bypass sensor. The AUV400 manual covers probes, not bypass sensors.
UviTec UV254 · AUV104 / AUV204
The field meter and online analyser have separate manuals.
UviTec UV254 · AUV411 / AUV501
Separate datasheets for the immersion probe and bypass sensor; the AUV400 manual covers the probes.
UviTec Spectrum · AUV412 / AUV601 / AUV602
Immersion probe and Spectrum sensors with different light sources. Select the datasheet for your variant.
UviTec Controller · AUV301
Controller for the UviTec system.
UviTec Controller Pro · AUV302
Dedicated manual for the Controller Pro version.
AW631 · Aztec aluminium
AW632 · Aztec colorimetric ammonia
AW633 · Aztec iron
AW634 · Aztec low-range manganese
AW635 · Aztec manganese
AW636 · Aztec phosphate
AW637 · Aztec colour
AAM631 · Aztec ammonia ISE
Ion-selective technology; separate from the colorimetric AW632.
AFM631 · Aztec fluoride ISE
AHM500 / AHM550 · Navigator hydrazine
Documentation for the Navigator 500 system with the AHM550 wet section.
AV450 / AV455 · UV nitrate
Single- or dual-input UV nitrate monitors listed on the ABB product page.
Request a quotation
Specialist analysers · UviTec / Aztec
Technical FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does UviTec really measure BOD/COD in real time?
UviTec uses multi-wavelength UV/VIS and correlation models to provide real-time indicators. It does not automatically replace the laboratory or compliance method: site-specific calibration is essential.
How does it measure oil-in-water?
The UviTec Spectrum platform can be configured for site-specific parameters including oil-in-water, diesel, BTEX and other hydrocarbons, using UV/VIS/fluorescence and Liquid Ai models.
When should I choose Aztec wet chemistry instead of UviTec?
Aztec suits applications requiring a specific chemical method with reagents and automatic calibration; UviTec suits fast, reagent-free measurement of optical or correlated parameters.
Is UV254 the same as TOC?
No. UV254 measures the absorbance of aromatic organic compounds and may correlate with organic loading. TOC is a different quantity, and the correlation depends on the matrix.
Can I measure a non-standard contaminant?
The Spectrum platform and Liquid Ai support custom models and alarms, but this requires a matrix study and reliable reference data.