Environmental, social and governance (ESG) mandates, sustainability worries, and the “very real impacts of climate change and water scarcity in South Africa”, have resulted in a noticeable increase in demand for online metal analysers for liquids, says Royce Water Systems (RWS) director Jacques Franken.

Given the realities around climate change and ongoing challenges relating to the provision, stewardship and use of water in South Africa, this increased interest is likely to persist, which is why it is particularly apt that RWS – a division of Action Instruments – will be showcasing SEIBOLD heavy metal analysers, as well as the WESS Global sludge level and density meters at Electra Mining Africa 2026 (EMA26).

“We’re thrilled for RWS to be joining EMA26, following the success of our parent company, Action Instruments, at the show in 2024. This marks an exciting milestone for us, as it will be RWS's first time exhibiting at Electra on our own. We’re really looking forward to showcasing our innovations and connecting with industry professionals at such a key event.”

Franken notes that water reuse and recycling are no longer just optional but are becoming a necessity. “As industries in water-stressed regions are required to treat and reuse their effluent, the need for real-time, high-quality data on contaminants like heavy metals becomes critical. Our solutions help companies protect both the environment and public health.”

Further, for sectors such as mining and refining, an event involving inefficient or ineffective process water treatment can translate to a loss of product, which can result in costs that exponentially outweigh the costs of RWS’s instrumentation solutions. Additionally, potential fines or legal implications could result from a failure to comply with environmental regulations.

“These instrumentation systems provide the data needed to optimise processes, prevent costly spills and minimise product loss, making them an essential tool for both operational efficiency and environmental management. The increased focus on finances has undoubtedly made these kinds of solutions a high priority for many clients,” says Franken.

He explains that SEIBOLD online analysers continuously measure heavy metals in water in challenging industrial environments. “SEIBOLD Wasser designs products and services for continuous quantitative analysis of heavy metals in water, including aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese and mercury, among others.”

Identifying these heavy metals is key to ensuring that water released into the environment is not toxic, or that drinking water is safe for consumption. Consequently, key applications include industrial wastewater and river water monitoring, as well as analysis of the water used in the manufacture of beverages and industrial processes. 

SEIBOLD heavy metal analysers are designed with both precision and sustainability in mind. They use colourimetric photometry combined with eco-friendly, non-toxic reagents to measure a range of heavy metals and other ions in water. “What sets these devices apart is their ability to provide real-time, continuous measurements online and, when you consider the performance-to-cost ratio, it’s excellent value for what the technology delivers.”

Meanwhile, in December 2018 RWS became a distributor for South Korean instrumentation solutions provider WESS Global. It was appointed as the sole agent for Southern Africa in January 2019. “At RWS, we’re very excited about the potential for WESS Ultrasonic Sludge Blanket level meters and clamp-on Sludge Density meters to make a meaningful difference in the African market. As industries across the continent focus more on efficient water treatment, waste management and sustainability, we believe these technologies can provide real, tangible solutions that align with these needs,” states Franken.

The Ultrasonic Sludge Blanket level meter is particularly well-suited for the African market, owing to its proven cost-effectiveness and reliability. “This meter is capable of delivering highly accurate measurements of sludge interfaces in various applications, from clarifiers to thickeners. By providing both light and heavy sludge layer measurements, the technology helps companies gain a deeper understanding of their operations, leading to improved efficiency and reduced waste.” One of the key advantages is the continuous flow of real-time data, which is crucial for industries in Africa which often face fluctuating process conditions. Moreover, the abnormal signal filter minimises the impact of irregular noise caused by moving structures, ensuring stable and reliable readings, and making it ideal for environments where downtime is costly and skilled technicians are rare.

The clamp-on Sludge Density meter, meanwhile, is designed to be a 'fit-and-forget' solution. “It’s incredibly easy to install, requires minimal space and is robust enough to handle demanding industrial environments. The fact that it can be mounted externally means there’s no need for process shutdowns or concerns about the corrosiveness of the media, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations—a huge benefit for industries like mining,” Franken avers.

Ultimately, RWS sees these products as part of a broader effort to support Africa’s industrial growth while promoting environmental sustainability. Franken states that these technologies offer long-term reliability, reduce operational costs and improve overall process efficiency; factors that are becoming increasingly important across the continent.

“I am over the moon about the upcoming EMA event; we are not just bringing products to the industry, we are bringing advanced, reliable and sustainable solutions that can really help companies optimise their operations and meet their environmental goals,” he concludes.