Flowquip were recently approached by Devon-based Plankton Analytics who produce high speed imaging and analysis instruments such as the Pi-10 which photographs plankton for deeper analysis.

Located on- board the CEFAS RV Endeavour fisheries research vessel the instruments operate 24 hours, 7 days a week for producing data for ecological surveys.

The Application: Plankton Analytics needed to ensure a consistent flow rate of pumped water in order for the Pi-10 to produce accurate images. The plankton which ranges in size 100 micron to 20mm in water is photographed, timestamped, GPS located and recorded to disk for further analysis.

The Pi-10 continuously images a 34 l/pm pumped water supply, to ensure the images have square pixels the consistent 34 l/min flow rate is crucial. Endress + Hauser’s Picomag provided an ideal solution due to its compact size which allowed it to fit seamlessly into the customer’s existing configuration. Additionally, its future-oriented, design and high shock and vibration resistance along with an IP65/67 rating, the Endress+Hauser Picomag provides complete protection in some of the harshest environments.

Phil Culverhouse at Plankton Analytics said “We chose Flowquip as their technical knowledge assisted our product development. The sales team always provide a fast response, thank you Flowquip”

Image courtesy of James Scott on board CEFAS RV Endeavour.