Royce Aqua 22 measurement parameters
Portable sludge blanket detector for wastewater treatment.
Measure sludge blanket depth from 0 to 10 metres with the Royce Aqua 22 portable sludge blanket detector, built for repeatable clarifier and settlement-tank checks.

What is a portable sludge blanket detector?
A portable sludge blanket detector helps wastewater operators locate the interface between clarified water and settled solids directly at the tank side. The resulting depth measurement supports routine checks in clarifiers, settlement tanks and other wastewater treatment processes.
In LEVEL mode, the operator identifies the sludge-water interface from a change in solids response. Hydrostatic sensing provides depth below the liquid surface from 0 to 10 metres for portable tank-side checks.
How the Aqua 22 detects and measures sludge blanket depth.
Lower the sensor while observing the solids-response percentage. A sudden change indicates entry into the interface layer; hydrostatic sensing provides depth below the liquid surface. Follow the manual to hold and record the reading.
01 / DEPTH MEASUREMENT
Identify the interface, then read its depth
Solids response indicates entry into the interface layer. Hydrostatic sensing measures depth below the liquid surface from 0 to 10 metres.
- Hold the interface reading and depth at the tank side
- Suitable for clarifier and settlement-tank checks
- 10 metre polyurethane sensor cable supplied as standard
02 / PROCESS USE
Use depth readings to support settling checks
A consistent sludge-depth routine helps teams compare interface position across tanks and over time. The Aqua 22 stores readings against nine locations with date and time stamping for traceable field records.
- Supports secondary clarifier and settlement-tank checks
- Depth is referenced to the liquid surface
- Portable format supports checks across multiple tanks
A REPEATABLE SLUDGE-DEPTH CHECK
From liquid surface to useful blanket-depth reading.
Use the same safe lowering point and operating method whenever possible so that changes in the depth reading reflect the process rather than the measurement routine.
01.
Prepare
Inspect the sensor and cable, select LEVEL mode and check the tank-specific LEVEL calibration and location settings before taking a reading.
02.
Position
Use a safe, representative lowering position. Return to the same point whenever possible so that changes reflect the blanket rather than the location.
03.
Lower
Lower the IP68 sensor steadily while observing the solids-response percentage. Keep the IP65 handheld analyser dry and above the tank.
04.
Read
A sudden change in solids-response percentage indicates entry into the interface layer. Follow the manual to hold the reading and record its depth below the liquid surface.
05.
Record
Store the result against one of nine internal locations. Date and time stamping helps operators compare checks and build a traceable field record.
06.
Rinse
After measurement, withdraw and rinse the wetted sensor in line with site procedures. Regular inspection and calibration support dependable field performance.
Why choose the Aqua 22 portable sludge blanket detector?
The Aqua 22 combines practical field operation with repeatable sludge blanket depth measurement, helping wastewater teams check multiple tanks with one portable instrument.
Depth and concentration in one system
Use LEVEL mode for interface analysis and depth readings, and TSS mode for MLSS or TSS concentration with one portable analyser.
Calibration stays with the sensor
Each smart serialised sensor stores its calibration data internally for straightforward interchange between compatible handheld meters.
Clear depth readings outdoors
The high-clarity LCD is designed for bright outdoor conditions, with or without polarised safety glasses.
Lightweight field format
The approximately 320 g handheld supports practical one-handed operation between tanks and sampling points.
UK application and service support
PMA provides Royce Aqua selection, application guidance, service and calibration support from the United Kingdom.
Where a portable sludge blanket detector is used.
Portable sludge blanket detectors are used where operators need immediate interface-position information beside the tank. The Royce Aqua 22 supports routine spot checks in primary and secondary settlement tanks, clarifiers, sequencing batch reactors, thickeners and sludge-holding processes across municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
| Application | How the depth reading is used |
|---|---|
| Secondary clarifiers | Locate the sludge-water interface during routine clarifier checks. |
| Final settlement tanks | Check blanket position and settling behaviour at a consistent lowering point. |
| Sludge holding tanks | Identify the interface from the change in solids response, then record its depth. |
| Municipal wastewater treatment | Carry out portable depth checks across multiple clarifiers and settlement tanks. |
| Industrial biological treatment | Support day-to-day monitoring where sludge blanket position affects process stability. |
Portable sludge blanket detector specifications.
Key Royce Aqua 22 specifications for portable sludge blanket detection and depth measurement.
| Specification | Royce Aqua 22 |
|---|---|
| Sludge blanket depth range | 0–10 m |
| Measurement principle | Solids response with hydrostatic depth sensing |
| Accuracy | Approximately ±5% |
| Repeatability | 1% |
| Handheld protection | IP65 |
| Sensor protection | IP68 |
| Handheld weight | Approximately 320 g |
| Standard cable | 10 m polyurethane |
| Data organisation | 9 locations with date/time stamping |
Specifications are based on the current PMA Royce Aqua 22 brochure and may be subject to product development. Confirm critical requirements with PMA before specification. For an overview of the complete portable measurement system, visit the Royce Aqua 22 product page.

