Continuous UV absorption monitoring for precise determination of the organic load in raw-, process-, and wastewater
The AMI SAC254 is an innovative online monitor for continuous UV absorption measurement at 254 nm. Designed for measuring organic contamination, it delivers unmatched measurement accuracy and a broad measuring range using its patented dynamic measurement principle. UV absorption at 254 nm (SAC254) is a reliable surrogate parameter for assessing organic carbon, such as DOC and TOC, in raw-, potable-, process- and wastewater. Improve your water monitoring with real-time organic carbon trending and contamination detection.
Key Features
- Insensitive to fouling of optical components due to the patented dynamic measurement principle.
- Broad measuring range from 0 up to 300 m-1 due to flexible optical path length.
- Wide measuring path providing an exceptionally broad measuring range from 0 to 300 m-1.
- Continuous UV absorption measurement for real-time organic load monitoring.
- Cost-effective measurement of surrogate parameters such as TOC, DOC, BOD and COD.
- Grab sample function for manual measurement, verification and calibration.
SAC 254 Specifications
UV absorption measurement
| Measuring range | 0 to 300 m-1 / 0 to 100% UVT |
|---|---|
| Measured parameters | Absorbance, UVT, concentration |
| Wavelength | 254 nm |
| Measuring interval | 30 sec. to 3 min. |
| Precision | ± (1% + 0.01 m-1) |
Power supply
| Voltage | 100 – 240 VAC (±10%), 50/60 Hz / 10 – 36 VDC |
|---|
Sample conditions
| Flow rate | 2 to 12 L/h |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 5 to 30 °C (not higher than ambient temperature) |
| Inlet pressure | 0.5 to 10 bar (with flow controller option) |
| Outlet pressure | Pressure free |
AMI SAC254 FAQs
What does the AMI SAC254 measure in water?
The AMI SAC254 continuously measures ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 254 nm — also referred to as SAC254. Because many organic compounds in water absorb UV light at this wavelength, the AMI SAC254 acts as a real-time indicator of organic load. It reports absorbance (SAC254) and UV transmission (UVT), and can be used to correlate with organic parameters such as Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC).
What does SAC254/UVT actually tell me about water quality?
SAC254 (Spectral Absorption Coefficient at 254 nm) and UVT (Ultraviolet Transmission) together indicate the amount of UV-absorbing substances, mostly organic matter, in water.
- Higher UVT means water transmits more UV light and generally has lower organic content.
- Higher SAC254 signifies greater UV absorption, often due to organic material or coloured dissolved organic matter.
This helps operators track organic fluctuations, verify raw water quality, and support treatment decisions.
Why is continuous UV254 monitoring valuable in Australian water systems?
Real-time UV254/SAC254 data give instant insight into changes in organic load — often long before traditional laboratory tests return results. This is particularly useful for:
- Source water quality tracking (e.g. rivers, reservoirs)
- Coagulation and filtration process optimisation
- UV disinfection performance monitoring
- Early detection of contamination or treatment upset events
Continuous monitoring supports faster responses to changing conditions, which is vital for potable and wastewater utilities in Australia’s variable climate and catchment conditions.
How does the AMI SAC254 work?
The instrument shines UV light at 254 nm through a flowing water sample and measures how much light is absorbed. The patented dynamic optical system continuously fills and empties the measurement cell, helping preserve accuracy and reduce fouling effects that can compromise stable readings.
Where is the AMI SAC254 typically used?
This analyser is suited to a wide range of applications throughout Australia:
- Municipal potable water treatment (source and treated water)
- Wastewater and reuse monitoring
- Industrial process water quality control
- Power generation feed/boiler water systems
- Pharmaceutical and semiconductor water management
Anywhere real-time organic load insight and UV transmission data improve process control or compliance, the AMI SAC254 adds value.
Is the AMI SAC254 easy to maintain?
Yes. The dynamic measurement principle actively reduces fouling and optical drift, and the grab-sample function lets operators manually verify, recalibrate or troubleshoot instrument performance in situ without interrupting continuous monitoring.
Contact us to place an order.
Downloads
| Brochure | Product Flyer |
| Manual | Manual |
| Datasheet | Datasheet |



