The Unexpected Industries That Benefit from Dissolved Oxygen Meters

In recent years, dissolved oxygen meters have been vital in ensuring the quality of water in a wide range of industries. However, there are also some rather unexpected industries that benefit from this technology. In this article, we take a closer look at five industries that you might not have realized rely on dissolved oxygen meters.

1. Wine-making

Winemaking is all about timing, and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels play a crucial role in this aspect. DO meters are used to measure the amount of oxygen dissolved in wine by analyzing the oxygen consumption rate over a specific period. This helps winemakers determine when the wine is at its optimal stage. Too much or too little dissolved oxygen can ruin the taste of the wine, so DO meters are essential tools in the winemaking industry.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is another industry that benefits from dissolved oxygen meters. Many medications, vaccines, and other biopharmaceuticals are manufactured in fermenters, which require precise monitoring of DO levels. DO meters help to ensure that adequate oxygen is present for the desired metabolic processes in the fermenter. This helps maintain product purity, yield, and quality, which is essential in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Aquaculture

Dissolved oxygen meters are extensively used in aquaculture for monitoring dissolved oxygen levels in fish tanks, ponds, and other aquatic habitats. Aquatic organisms require a certain amount of dissolved oxygen in the water to survive. A drop in oxygen levels can cause stress and even death in fish and other aquatic organisms. DO meters help aquaculture farmers monitor the DO levels and keep their aquatic animals healthy and thriving.

4. Food Packaging and Storage

Food packages are not just boxes or bags for holding food items. The packaging used in the food industry is carefully designed to preserve the freshness, flavor, and quality of the food. DO meters are used to monitor the oxygen levels in containers with food items to ensure that the food is not oxidized, which can cause spoilage or change its taste. DO meters also help in controlling the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to slow down the ripening process of fruits and vegetables.

5. Beer Brewing

Similar to winemaking, beer brewing requires precise timing and monitoring of oxygen levels. DO meters are used to measure the DO levels at various stages of the brewing process. High DO levels in the brewing process can cause oxidation, leading to undesirable flavors in the beer. On the other hand, low DO levels can cause yeast stress, making the beer taste off. DO meters thus ensure that the brewing process is optimal and the beer is of consistent quality.

In conclusion, the use of dissolved oxygen meters extends beyond what you might expect. These meters are used in various industries to ensure quality, consistency, and freshness of products. Whether it's monitoring the oxygen levels in wine barrels, fermentation tanks, or aquatic habitats, dissolved oxygen meters are essential in ensuring that the desired conditions are maintained for optimal results.