Colloide is a specialist process engineering company that has been designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for the water industry for more than 20 years.
A major product line for the company is a range of standardised chemical dosing kiosks, many of which are deployed across the UK and Ireland as part of major water utility frameworks.
Flow sensors play an essential role in these kiosks, where they are used to ensure that the correct volume of dosing chemical is safely and consistently delivered into each process stream. Choosing the best sensors for this critical application was no easy task as they are continually exposed to aggressive chemicals that include ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid. Colloide engineers found, however, that SI5100 flow monitors from ifm electronic were an excellent match for their requirements.
Capable of monitoring the flow of both liquids and gases in pipes, these robust sensors have a single digital output and feature fast, easy setting of switching points via integral pushbuttons. The decisive factor for Colloide’s engineers was, however, that all wetted parts are manufactured from titanium, which resists the corrosive effects of the aggressive chemicals used in the dosing kiosks.
“SI5100 sensors from ifm have proved to be an excellent choice,” said Ian Campbell of Colloide. “They provide repeatable, stable outputs while their built-in diagnostics and high level of configurability give operators assurance of real-time system integrity and facilitate proactive maintenance. Even in the harsh conditions they’re exposed to in our equipment, the ifm sensors are completely reliable. They’re exactly the right product for our demanding applications.”
For connections to the SI5100 flow monitors, Colloide is using standard cables from ifm’s extensive range. Because these cables are pre-terminated, they significantly reduce installation time. They also feature chemical-resistant sheaths and a high IP rating, making them ideal for use in process plant applications.
The trusted partnership between Colloide and ifm demonstrates the value of strong supplier collaboration. By integrating advanced technology within rapidly deployed and proven engineering systems, both companies are delivering high-integrity, efficient, and sustainable solutions for critical water treatment applications.
