VisiFerm RS485-ECS

The VisiFerm RS485-ECS optical dissolved oxygen sensor has integrated opto-electronics for full measuring device functionality and self-diagnostics. This DO probe is ideal for rigorous biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and food & beverage applications.

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  • Dissolved Oxygen Sensor VisiFerm RS485

VisiFerm RS485-ECS Details

VisiFerm RS485 is an optical dissolved oxygen sensor designed for reliable process monitoring in biopharmaceutical, chemical, food, beverage, and other industrial applications. Building on Hamilton's proven optical DO sensor technology, VisiFerm RS485 delivers accurate and stable dissolved oxygen measurements while simplifying installation, operation, and maintenance.

The sensor is delivered ready-to-use without the need for polarization, enabling rapid startup and immediate measurement availability. Compared to conventional amperometric dissolved oxygen sensors, VisiFerm RS485 offers flow-independent measurements, eliminates nA signal noise, and requires significantly less maintenance due to the absence of a mechanically sensitive membrane and corrosive electrolyte.

VisiFerm RS485 incorporates Hamilton's Arc intelligent sensor technology with an integrated transmitter, enabling direct digital communication and simplified system integration. The sensor communicates directly via Modbus, ECS, and 4–20 mA via the Arc Wi Pivot BT mA - 2, allowing seamless integration into process control systems without the need for external transmitters. Communication with the sensor and ArcAir software can be performed through Bluetooth wireless technology or a standard wired PC connection.

The optical measurement technology eliminates CO₂ fouling issues and delivers the lowest drift within Hamilton's dissolved oxygen portfolio. The replaceable ODO Cap simplifies maintenance and sensor servicing. With ODO Cap H3 or ODO Cap H4, VisiFerm RS485 requires up to 80% less calibration. Real-time self-diagnostics continuously monitor sensor and ODO Cap health to support reliable process operation, reduce maintenance efforts, and help prevent process downtime or batch losses. The latest generation additionally provides a 50% longer sensor lifetime compared to previous VisiFerm generations.

Combining reliable measurement performance, advanced diagnostics, and low-maintenance operation, VisiFerm RS485 provides a robust solution for long-term dissolved oxygen monitoring in demanding process environments.

Common applications Pharma & Biopharma, Bioprocess Downstream, Bioprocess Upstream, Water, Energy, & Environment, Water and Wastewater

Reliable, low-maintenance, contamination-free, and stable oxygen monitoring.

Instant startup and real-time oxygen monitoring in fast-paced industrial applications.

Rapid, reliable decision-making and process safety through direct PCS integration.

Low-Maintenance, Reliable Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

  • No mechanically sensitive membrane or corrosive electrolyte to replace.
  • Reduced maintenance frequency and extent compared to traditional amperometric sensors.
  • Self-diagnostics enhance reliability and minimize downtime.

Communication Flexibility

  • Directly connects to process control systems without the need for a transmitter.
  • Simple to upgrade from traditional polarographic dissolved oxygen monitoring.
  • Communicates via Modbus, ECS, and 4-20 mA.
  • Data flows between VisiFerm RS485 DO sensor and ArcAir software via Bluetooth wireless or wired connection to a PC or laptop.
Scientific Citations

  • We particularly appreciated the professional and personable approach.

    The training on pH sensors was highly beneficial for us. After a detailed introduction to the fundamentals of pH measurement, electrode measurement principles, and the topic of troubleshooting/prevention, we had sufficient time to ask our specific questions. This enabled us to apply what we learned immediately and integrate it directly into our laboratory routine. We particularly appreciated the professional and personable approach of Mrs. Näf-Rüdiger, who guided us through the informative and application-oriented training session.

    Romy Alisch
    Scientist, Novozymes Berlin GmbH, Germany

  • I could not be more pleased with my experience with Hamilton!

    My company has been using Hamilton probes for years and have always been happy with their performance! The team is always very helpful in trouble shooting issues and answering any questions that we may have about our probes. Overall, I could not be more pleased with my experience with Hamilton!

    Abigail Mann
    Bioprocessing Fermentation Associate at Heliae Development

  • The sensors allowed us to improve the end product.

    We have high quality standards and are convinced that Hamilton is able to meet them with its oxygen sensors. We use the oxygen sensors throughout the entire area of ​​beer production and bottling. The sensors allowed us to improve the end product. Hamilton's support is excellent at all times.

    Marco Punke
    Team leader for technology and QM/UM, Princely Fürstenbergische Brewery GmbH & Co. KG

VisiFerm RS485-ECS Specifications

Print
Process Connection PG13,5
Sensor Family VisiFerm RS485
Wetted Parts Stainless Steel 1.4435
EPDM (Ethylene propylene elastomer)
Electrical Connector VP8
Parameter DO (Optical)
Sensor Output Arc: Modbus, 4-20 mA (only via Arc Wi 2G Adapter), ECS
Measuring Range 4 ppb to 25 ppm (in liquid)
100 ppm to 600'000 ppm (in gas)
0.01 - 62.85 %-vol or 0.05 to 300 %-sat
0.1 to 625 mbar (pO2)
At 25°C and 1013 mbar total gas pressure
Electrolyte None
Accuracy at 25 °C 1 ± 0.05 %-vol; 21 ± 0.2 %-vol; 50 ± 0.5 %-vol
Drift at Room Temperature < 1 % per week
Oxygen Consumption None
Temperature Sensor NTC 22 kOhm
Configurable Values Dissolved oxygen (DO): mbar, %-sat, %-vol, μg/l ppb, mg/l ppm, ppm gas; Temperature: °C, °F, K
Surface Quality of Steel Ra < 0.4 µm (N5)
Analog Interface ECS
Digital Interface RS485 Modbus (max. 32 addresses)
Baud Rate 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 Bd
Operating Voltage 10 to 27 VDC max. 1.5 W
Serial Number Yes
Certificate Yes
ATEX Approval No
IECEx Approval No
Diameter 12 mm
Autoclavable Yes
Steam Sterilizable Yes, max. Temperature 140 °C
CIP Yes
Operating Temperature Range -20 to 140 °C; the sensor provides no DO reading above 85 °C
Pressure Range bar g -1 to 12 bar
Protection Rating IP68
Required Flow None
Compliance details See Material Specification document

Compatibility with Hamilton Devices

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VisiFerm RS485-ECS Resources

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

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Article

Arc Sensors - Signal Averaging

Certain applications may introduce conditions that create fluctuating or "noisy" measurements. The noisy measurement can make process control challenging. One way to improve signal stability is to adjust the moving average setting using ArcAir software.
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Article

Changing Caps on Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensors

Optical oxygen sensors such as the VisiFerm require periodic cap replacement to maintain proper measurement accuracy. This article discusses the procedure to do this.
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Article

Bilinear Analog Outputs with Arc Sensors

Bilinear analog (4 to 20mA) outputs are a feature in Arc sensors but are often not well understood. This article provides a brief description of these outputs along with some examples where they can be used.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

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FAQ

Will the Arc Wi 1G or 2G Adapter need a firmware update for compatibility with the VisiFerm RS485?

Yes, the Arc Wi 1G or 2G will need a firmware update to WI0MB007 or higher to communicate with the new sensor.
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FAQ

Do I need to use the H3/H4 caps to experience the full benefits of the VisiFerm RS485?

VisiFerm RS485 is compatible with the H0/H2/H3/H4 caps. The sensor electronics will provide a 50% longer lifespan with any of the ODO caps. The H3/H4 caps are required to decrease the number of VisiFerm RS485 calibrations by 80%.
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FAQ

Does atmospheric pressure impact my gas phase oxygen measurement?

Yes, atmospheric pressure directly impacts the partial pressure of oxygen in the measured air and is linearly proportional to the measured oxygen content.
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