PHIX COMPACT - TECHNOLOGICAL LANDSLIDE
pH analytical instruments have always been an important part of the MJK product range. By the end of the 90's, MJK introduced pHix Field, a microprocessor controlled pH instrument which was mostly a digital update of MJK 751 - originally launched in the early 80's.
Visiting hundreds of waste water plants across Europe, Jens Kruse and Ivan Griese realized how to help the end-users by rethinking the product in a way the business had never seen before. The classic pH instrument was a glass electrode, developed for use in labs - however, it couldn’t match the harsh environment in waste water plants.
MJK wanted to create a pH transmitter that was better, more intelligent and easier to use. At the same time, MJK received an inquiry from a loyal client who wished pH measurement would be “...as simple as level measurement, just throwing the instrument in the basin and connecting two wires…”
Kruse recalls the development, "It was far from easy. We had many iterations especially on the waterproof cabinet protecting the electrode and the build-in electronics. We designed low powered electronics, because we wanted to supply the device using the 2-wire system. We also invented a calibration system, a new pH electrode and a system that would monitor the electrode. The electrode itself was a very interesting part of creating the device. We designed the encapsulation and had molds made for the plastic body. We even had the self-cleaning glass made, which was important to the functionality of pHix Compact."
Ivan Griese elaborates, “Everything was new on pHix Compact. I think one of the most important things, was that we decided to deviate from the common standard for electrodes. Normally, the zero point would be pH 7,0. When the electrode is worn out - and electrodes do get worn out - they tend to show 7,0. But that doesn’t provide a clear signal for you to check your hardware… We changed the zero point to 4,6. That way, we clearly show the user that it’s time to change or calibrate the electrode.”
So many new steps were taken to create the pHix Compact. The instrument is still a great success world-wide.
