The ClearWater Lab-on-Chip series sensors use sensitive wet chemical analysis methods combined with cutting-edge microfluidic technology. This results in sensors that can be deployed for extended periods (up to 1-year), conducting high-quality laboratory-grade measurements. The range currently consists of sensors for phosphate, nitrate, silicate, dissolved iron and pH.

Originally developed at the National Oceanography Centre (where over 200 units were built for deployment around the world), the ClearWater Lab-on-Chip range uses patented flow cell technology to create miniaturized sensitive and robust submersible chemical sensors that can be deployed in all liquid water environments. Sample water is drawn in from the environment, passed through a filter, mixed with appropriate chemicals, and the resulting color changes are measured using LEDs and photodiodes. All chemical waste is stored onboard the user-swappable reagent canister. Onboard reference standards are analyzed frequently to correct for instrumental drift.

Our microfluidic technology consumes incredibly low sample volumes, meaning that reference standards can be measured as frequently as desired. It is possible for the user to take their own sub-sample of the onboard reference standard before and after deployment for their own quality-control records. The sensors feature a pressure compensated deep-sea housing that is rated to 6000 m, and can therefore be deployed on the surface, at the bottom of the ocean, or anywhere in between. Sensors can be deployed in marine, coastal, and freshwater environments.