At WWEM 2024 one of the main issues highlighted is pivotal for ammonia ISE technology in Section 82 applications: the reliability of calibration protocols. The open acknowledgment by manufacturers about the inconsistencies in ammonia ISE performance—particularly drift and interference issues—emphasises the urgent need for precise calibration methods. Some manufacturers are presenting innovative developments to extend calibration timelines and these will go through extensive validation testing over the coming months. Many working directly with Ammonia sensors, especially in demanding sectors like wastewater, understand the practical need for consistent calibration to ensure accuracy and compliance.
The following strategies outlined, address these needs well. Multi-point calibration, quality standards, automated protocols, and sensor-specific adjustments each represent a pathway to improving the reliability of ammonia ISE measurements. These steps could indeed make a significant difference in compensating for common sources of drift—such as ionic interference
The Instran Ammonia Analyser stands out as a promising solution in this space. Its unique design addresses many of the limitations currently acknowledged by other ISE sensor manufacturers. By implementing reliable, automated known standard addition calibration protocols every measurement, the Instran unit is setting a new benchmark for ammonia measurement accuracy and stability, which is essential for rigorous regulatory compliance, as required by Section 82 and all other applications.
Adopting this type of technological step change could elevate the perception of ammonia ISE sensing technology, positioning it as a trusted choice not just for Section 82 but for a broader range of applications in water quality monitoring. This shift could ultimately drive the sector toward more standardised, efficient calibration practices across available technologies.
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