Hydramotion

Viscosity sensors for the waste and water industry

Water and wastewater treatment processes rely on precise polymer preparation, controlled dosing and stable sludge handling to maintain separation efficiency and plant throughput. Viscosity plays a central role at each stage as it is governed by polymer chain length and dilution ratio. This relationship directly influences floc formation, settling characteristics, pumping behaviour and dewatering performance. Accurate, continuous viscosity measurement is therefore fundamental to consistent treatment results.

Hydramotion viscometers are widely used throughout the industry for polymer preparation, make-down and final dosing applications. Commonly integrated with automatic dosing systems, inline viscosity measurement enables real-time optimisation of polymer concentration and feed rate, reducing chemical consumption while maintaining process stability.

From polymer preparation skids and dosing lines to sludge transfer systems and digestate streams, Hydramotion viscometers measure viscosity directly within the flowing medium. They respond immediately to changes in concentration, temperature and shear conditions, while maintaining durability in abrasive, solids-laden and chemically aggressive environments.

Viscometers are available for inline installation, open channel measurement or tank mounting. Solid 316 stainless steel construction, with no moving parts or consumables, ensures zero routine maintenance, low total cost of ownership and negligible operator involvement.

Solids and fouling tolerance Wastewater and sludge streams contain fibres, grit, biological solids and debris that can obstruct conventional instruments. The solid, all-welded sensor design contains no narrow gaps, capillaries or moving parts that can clog or bind. Smooth external surfaces minimise accumulation, ensuring stable viscosity measurement in high-solids and fibrous service.

Polymer dosing optimisation Polymer consumption represents a major operating cost in wastewater treatment. Continuous inline viscosity measurement enables real-time control of polymer make-down concentration and dosing rate. Integrated with plant PLC the viscometer supports closed-loop control to reduce chemical usage while maintaining flocculation efficiency and dewatering performance.

Low maintenance operation Treatment facilities operate continuously with limited maintenance resources. With solid 316 stainless steel construction, no moving parts and no consumables, the viscometer requires no routine servicing or recalibration. Permanent inline installation allows continuous operation in pipelines or tanks without removal from the process, minimising downtime and total cost of ownership.