SUNA UV Nitrate Sensor
Satlantic is pleased to introduce the SUNA (Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer) to our line of leading edge water quality monitoring sensors. SUNA provides real time, chemical-free nitrate calculations in coastal and freshwater environments using Satlantic’s advanced UV absorption technology. The sensor is complemented by newly developed Windows and Mac based software for easy set up, integration and in-field calibrations. Both versions are now available for download in our software section (SUNACom). Based on the proven MBARI-ISUS nitrate sensor, the SUNA has been re-designed for lower cost and easy integration into existing water monitoring systems.
SUNA incorporates the proven MBARI-ISUS nitrate measurement technology, which is in extensive use worldwide. What are the differences between the MBARI-ISUS and SUNA?
SUNA is the latest advance in accurate and cost-effective nutrient monitoring. Features include:
- Real time nitrate calculation
- Full UV spectrum for maximum accuracy
- Easy to use SUNACom software package
- Simple software based in-field calibrations
- Proven MBARI-ISUS technology
- Corrosion proof titanium and acetal housing
SUNA is the logical choice for routine nitrate measurements in virtually any aquatic environment:
- Lakes and rivers
- Coastal estuaries
- Drinking water reservoirs
- Agricultural drainage systems
For extended deployment options, please ask about our external data logging instruments and third party integration experience.
View live data from the SUNA deployed in the Halifax Harbour, Canada. For more information, please check out this White Paper on the SUNA and ISUS nitrate sensors that was presented at MTS/ IEEE Oceans 2009 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Please see below for a short video which demonstrates typical setup and maintenance functions required to get the best data possible out of your SUNA sensor. If you have any questions, please contact us at Support@Satlantic.com.
PERFORMANCE
| Detection range | 0.007 to 28 mg/l-N (0.5 to 2000 µM) |
| Accuracy | ±0.028 mg/l (± 2 µM) or ± 10% of reading, whichever is greater ( sigma under laboratory conditions) |
| Long term drift: | 0.004 mg/l per hour of lamp time |
| Thermal Compensation: | 0 to 40 °C |
| Salinity Compensation | 0 to 50 psu |
OPTICAL
| Path length: | 1 cm |
| Wavelength range | 190 - 370 nm |
| Lamp type | Deuterium |
| Lamp lifetime: | 900 h |
ELECTRICAL
| Input voltage | 8 - 18 VDC |
| Power consumption | 7.5 W (0.625 A @ 12V) nominal |
| Sample rate | 0.5 Hz |
| Telemetry options | RS-232; baud rate user selectable - default 38,400 bps; Analog output 0 - 4.096 VDC and 4 - 20 mA; SDI-12 |
PHYSICAL
| Depth rating | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Length: | 533 mm (21 in) |
| Diameter | 57 mm (2.25 in) |
| Weight: | 2.5 kg (5.4 lb) in air 1.0 kg (2.3 lb) in water |
| Housing material | Titanium and Acetal |
| Operating temperature: | 0 to 40 °C |
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The Satlantic SUNA Nitrate sensor is complemented by SUNACom, a graphical software application available for Windows 7/XP/Vista and Mac OS X that makes SUNA set up, SUNA operation and in-field calibration updates easy and robust.
SUNACom software makes it easy to:
- Configure any SUNA setting and control SUNA operating mode.
- Update SUNA calibration with step-by-step calibration wizard, including PDF calibration reports, calibration file comparison utility, and calibration file upload.
- Graphically plot processed and/or raw SUNA data in real time or via file playback. View nitrate and ancillary time series and navigate sequenced absorbance plots and UV spectra.
- Re-process previously logged SUNA data files. Experiment with different processing parameters and calibration files to re-calculate nitrate values.
- Define custom meta-data fields to better organize logged SUNA data.
- Convert raw or processed SUNA data to calibrated comma separated values suitable for import to spreadsheets and database.
- Please see the release notes for a complete list of features and improvements in SUNACom 2.2.0 and refer to the SUNA User Manual for more information.
Download SUNACom 2.2.0
SUNACom 2.2 adds support for Mac OSX and introduces new features for data file conversion, custom log file headers, and auto-connect. For a complete list fo fixes and features in this release, please refer to the release notes.
SUNACom-2.2.0-b6-x86.exe for Windows XP/Vista/7 
SUNACom-2.2.0-6-macos-x86_64.pkg for Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Lion
How do I return my Satlantic instrument for service?
Before returning your Satlantic product to us for service please contact our support team either by calling us or by filling out the Support Contact Form on the left menu of this page. Many times, we can troubleshoot problems remotely and pre-empt the need to send your equipment back to us.
If we determine that you do, indeed, need to return your equipment we will assign you an RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number and provide you with shipping instructions.
Should I provide my ISUS or SUNA with a warmup time before recording data?
We recommend updating the ISUS or SUNA's reference spectrum portion of the calibration with the instrument in the same state it will be used in the field. To update the reference spectrum, you will have to run the calibration feature in ISUSCom or SUNACom using a pure water sample.
For best results, we recommend the following:
1. For profiling situations, when the instrument will be run for extended times, the reference spectrum should be updated after the sensor has been run for several minutes. This will allow the Nitrate reading to stabilize.
2. For moored applications, we recommend that the instrument only be run for a short duration to collect the pure water data during the calibration. Data collection in the filed should only have the instrument run for 20 seconds per acquisition.
What is the result of using the "Reprocess Nitrate Data" function under the SUNACom Tools Menu ?
The "Reprocess Nitrate Data" tool in SUNACom allows the user to select a calibration file and a raw file.
The resulting ASCII file contains a column for the original Nitrate concentration as calculated by the SUNA, using the calibration file onboard the sensor, and a column of recalculated Nitrate using the chosen calibration file.
- Pellerin, B.A, Saraceno, J, Shanley, J.B., Sebestyen, S.D., Aiken, G.R., Wollheim, W.M., Bergamaschi, B.A. (2011) Taking the pulse of snowmelt: in situ sensors reveal seasonal, event and diurnal patterns of nitrate and dissolved organic matter variability in an upland forest stream. Biogeochemistry doi:10.1007/s10533-011-9589-8 Read Now
- Sackmann, B.S. (2011) Deschutes River Continuous Nitrate Monitoring. Quality Assurance Project Plan: Deschutes River Continuous Nitrate Monitoring, PUblication Number: 11-03-030 Read Now
- Heffernan, J.B., Cohen, M.J. (2010) Direct and indirect coupling of primary production and diel nitrate dynamics in a subtropical spring-fed river. Limnol. Oceanogr., 55(2), 677 - 688.
- Johnson K. (2010) Simultaneous measurements of nitrate, oxygen, and carbon dioxide on oceanographic moorings: Observing the Redfield ratio in real time. Limnol. Oceanogr., 55(2), 615-627.
- MacIntyre, G., Plache. B, M.R. Lewis., Andrea, J, Feener, S, McLean, S.D. (2009) ISUS/SUNA Nitrate Measurements in Networked Ocean Observing Systems. White Paper Read Now
- Prestigiacomo, A.R. (2009) Nitrate and Bisulfide: Monitoring and Patterns in Onondaga Lake, New York, Following Implementation of Nitrification Treatment, Prestigiacom, A.R, Effler, S.W., Matthew, D.A., Coletti, L.J., Water Environment Research, 81(5)
- Johnson, K.S., Coletti. L.J. (2002) In situ ultraviolet spectrophotometry for high resolution and long-term monitoring of nitrate, bromide and bisulfide in the ocean. Deep Sea Research 49 1291-1305
Hydro-Wiper
The Hydro-Wiper is an external anti-fouling system designed specifically for use with the SUNA. The Hydro-Wiper keeps the SUNA sample windows clean for several months even in the most aggressive fouling environments, helping prevent costly site visits for manual cleaning and loss of data.
SUNA Anti-fouling guard
The SUNA anti-fouling guard is a semi-circular piece of perforated copper attached to a plastic armature that fits into the sample chamber. The anti-fouling guard passive fouling prevention through the release of copper ions that inhibit biological growth in the area. The anti-fouling guard provides a reliable and affordable approach to increase deployment time, decrease operating costs, and collect high quality data for mooring applications.
SUNA Flow cell
The SUNA flow cell is designed to adapt the SUNA for flow through operations on moorings with pumped flow, ship-board underway systems or for laboratory testing and calibration. The flow cell attaches to the SUNA sample chamber and tightly seals against the optical chamber windows. Nylon barbed fittings are provided to connected the flow cell to available pumped flow.
SBE 5P Pump
The pump module is a compact unit consisting of a centrifugal pump head and a long-life, brushless, DC, ball-bearing motor. The pump impeller and electric drive motor are coupled magnetically through the housing, providing high reliability by eliminating moving seals. The 5P has a 600-meter (1960 ft.) plastic housing.
Alkaline Battery Pack
Satlantic's reliable and user-friendly Alkaline Battery Packs are available in 102 Ah and 51 Ah capacities. The design of the internal battery compartment allows the user to easily change the D-Cell batteries with off-the-shelf replacements. The battery packs consist of an anodized aluminum pressure case, a D-cell battery compartment and a removable end-cap.
