Water treatment plants—municipal, industrial, or desalination—play a critical role in preserving public health and environmental sustainability. These facilities face constant risk from hydrocarbon contamination, whether from industrial discharge, tanker spills, or upstream leaks. Continuous monitoring is essential to prevent damage, ensure compliance, and maintain operational efficiency. LDI’s Remote Optical Watcher (ROW) offers a robust, real-time, non-contact solution that protects both infrastructure and water quality.
Why Real-Time Oil Detection Is Crucial
Even minor oil contaminants can cause:
Damage to membranes and biological treatment systems
Clogging of filters and reduced processing efficiency
Regulatory violations and costly cleanups
Risks to public safety and environmental health
Early detection enables rapid intervention, reducing risks and preserving water system functionality.
ROW’s Advanced Oil Detection Capabilities
1. Non-Contact UV Fluorescence
ROW uses pulsed UV LEDs to detect ultra-thin oil films (≤ 1 µm) from up to 10 m above water. Its IP68-rated housing ensures durability and accuracy without requiring water contact—ideal for water treatment environments.
2. 24/7 Monitoring with Instant Alerts
Installed at intake, discharge, or retention points, ROW provides round-the-clock surveillance and real-time notifications via relay, 4–20 mA, or Modbus—integrating easily with SCADA or LMS systems .
3. Low-Power Operation
With power consumption below 2 W and solar/battery compatibility, ROW is optimal for off-grid or remote installations.
4. Rugged, Maintenance-Free Design
Available in aluminium, 316L stainless steel, and ATEX-rated enclosures, ROW withstands rugged conditions and features LEDs with a 5‑year lifespan, minimizing maintenance needs and eliminating factory returns .
Real-World Installations
La Mochita Municipal Plant, Chile
ROW was deployed to protect treatment infrastructure from hydrocarbon intrusion. The system’s ability to detect even minute spills helped prevent filtration damage and reduced downtime in the local water treatment process
Abu Dhabi Desalination Plant
In a busy shipping area, ROW sensors mounted on solar-powered buoys preemptively detect oil before it reaches intake systems. This proactive solution shields both water intake and marine ecosystems.
TOTAL Refinery, Antwerp
Using ATEX-rated ROW detectors, this facility monitors wastewater sump pits, ensuring discharged water remains compliant. The instant alerts allow operators to respond quickly and prevent environmental incidents.
Technical Highlights
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Detection Sensitivity | ≤ 1 µm oil film |
| Detection Range | Up to 10 m |
| Power Consumption | < 2 W (solar-compatible) |
| Housing Options | Aluminium, 316L stainless steel, ATEX EXD |
| Telemetry | Relay, 4–20 mA, RS-485; SCADA/LMS compatible |
Take Action: Secure Your Facility Today
Protecting water treatment infrastructure from oil contamination is more important than ever. With ROW, you get a proven, cost-effective monitoring solution that ensures compliance, safeguards infrastructure, and upholds environmental standards.
Want to discuss how ROW can integrate into your water treatment system? Visit the ROW product page or Contact us today!