
What Is a Real-Time Oil-in-Water Monitor, and Why enviroFlu Is the Smartest Choice
Real-time oil-in-water monitors are essential tools for detecting harmful hydrocarbon contamination in water systems, eliminating the need for time-consuming laboratory tests or sample preparation. Using advanced UV fluorescence, these sensors instantly identify the presence of oil, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) compounds in a wide range of applications, including drinking water, cooling loops, refinery discharge, and airport runoff.
The enviroFlu stands out as one of the most sensitive and low-maintenance oil-in-water sensors on the market. It delivers accurate, reagent-free results within seconds, even at trace levels. With nano-coated optics to reduce fouling and an IP68-rated housing, it’s designed for harsh industrial environments where reliability and precision matter most. If you need fast, continuous oil detection, enviroFlu is your answer.
The enviroFlu is a high-performance UV fluorescence sensor engineered explicitly for the real-time monitoring of oil in water, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and BTX compounds. Designed for both fixed and mobile use, the enviroFlu delivers exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability in harsh industrial and environmental conditions.
Unlike conventional infrared-based methods, the enviroFlu uses UV fluorescence to detect even the slightest traces of PAHs and petroleum hydrocarbons in water. This makes it ideal for critical applications where early detection of contamination is vital. With no sample preparation, no delay, and no reagents required, the enviroFlu provides a fast, maintenance-light solution that operates with industry-leading accuracy.
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The enviroFlu sensor operates using high-sensitivity UV fluorescence to detect even trace concentrations of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene), and total oil-in-water content. With excitation in the UV-A range and a rugged optical window protected by nano-coating, the sensor ensures long-term stability and resistance to fouling — even in harsh industrial environments. Multiple factory-set calibration curves enable rapid configuration across a wide range of applications, including cooling water circuits, flue gas scrubbing, desalination plants, and airport runoff systems.
UV fluorescence for high sensitivity to PAHs, oil-in-water, and BTX
Real-time, reagent-free measurement with no sample preparation
Nano-coated optical window for reduced fouling and long-term stability
Fast response time (≤10 seconds)
Compact and rugged (IP68 rated)
Optional handheld use for mobile applications
Stainless steel or titanium housing options
Extended calibration intervals with optional DryCAL verification
Drinking water safety
Airport runoff and environmental discharge
Cooling and process water monitoring
Refineries and petrochemical facilities
Pipeline leak detection
Desalination plants and seawater intakes
Flue gas scrubbing and wastewater systems
Measurement Principle: UV fluorescence
Parameters: PAH, oil in water, BTX
Detection Limit: As low as 0.3 µg/L (PAH)
Response Time: ≤10 seconds
Output Options: RS-232, RS-485 (Modbus RTU), 4–20 mA, 0–5 V
Housing: Stainless steel or titanium
Protection: IP68
Protection: IP68
Power Supply: 12–24 VDC
Interface: Compatible with TriBox3, TriBox Mini, or external data loggers
Whether you’re managing a treatment plant, overseeing environmental compliance, or protecting critical cooling systems, monitoring for PAHs and hydrocarbons can be tricky. We’ve gathered some of the most common (and most challenging) questions scientists and engineers ask when evaluating real-world oil-in-water sensors—so you can see precisely how enviroFlu delivers clarity, consistency, and confidence in every reading.
The enviroFlu utilises selective UV fluorescence at targeted excitation and emission wavelengths, optimised specifically for PAH and BTX detection. Its narrow-band optical filters and low-noise photodiodes ensure spectral selectivity, even when background organics or turbidity levels vary significantly. Nanocoated optics and short response intervals help prevent measurement drift or fouling-related artefacts.
enviroFlu is designed for both stationary and flow-through installations. In low-flow environments, self-cleaning via optional wiper systems minimise window fouling, while short measurement intervals (as low as 1 second) enable near-instant detection. For optimal results in low-flow applications, pairing with periodic purge systems or mini-recirculation loops is advised to maintain sample homogeneity.
While enviroFlu is not a full-spectrum fluorometer, its spectral excitation and emission configuration are tuned for sensitivity to key PAH signatures commonly associated with crude oil, BTX compounds, and industrial hydrocarbons. Detection intensity may vary by compound, but consistent excitation settings enable repeatable and comparative measurements ideal for detecting concentration changes over time, even in complex matrices.
The sensor features IP68-rated titanium or stainless-steel housing, an antifouling optical window coating, and zero moving parts (excluding the optional wiper). There are no reagents, consumables, or light source degradation risks due to its long-life LED system. Combined with a typical maintenance cycle of
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