Description of Organization
Onestep Technologies is a Canadian water technology company developing low-maintenance analytical solutions for distributed water systems. The company is developing a new approach to automated free chlorine monitoring that combines stabilized reagent chemistry, optical detection, fluid handling, and digital data output. The technology is intended for applications including drinking water distribution, decentralized treatment, reuse systems, mobile treatment, and other locations where conventional analyzers can be difficult to maintain.
Problem area
Current online free chlorine analyzers can require frequent maintenance because of reagent delivery, sample handling, calibration, optical components, and fluidic complexity. Onestep Technologies has developed the underlying chemistry and demonstrated the measurement principle using an existing analytical platform. The next engineering challenge is to integrate the measurement approach into a compact, automated prototype suitable for continuous or semi-continuous water monitoring.
Main objectives
Students will explore how to translate an established analytical method into a reliable, low-maintenance instrument architecture integrating fluidics, optics, electronics, control, and data acquisition.
Scope of work
The main objective is to design and develop an integrated prototype of an automated free chlorine analyzer based on an existing measurement chemistry.
Specific objectives include:
- Develop a compact sample and reagent handling architecture.
- Design an optical measurement module suitable for repeatable colorimetric measurements.
- Integrate pumps, valves, tubing, electronics, sensors, and control components.
- Develop basic firmware or control logic for automated measurement cycles.
- Generate digital measurement output and basic system diagnostics.
- Assemble and test a functional benchtop prototype.
- Evaluate repeatability, fluidic reliability, measurement stability, and comparison with reference measurements.
The project will focus primarily on engineering integration rather than development of the underlying reagent chemistry.
Deliverables
- Report
- Presentation
- New protocols/processes
- Functional integrated benchtop prototype and supporting engineering design documentation
Frequency
- Bi-weekly
Skills and training required
Relevant skills may include:
- Mechatronics and electromechanical system design
- Mechanical design and CAD
- Fluidics, pumps, valves, and tubing systems
- Optical sensing and basic photometric measurement
- Electronics and embedded systems
- Microcontroller programming and firmware development
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Rapid prototyping and 3D printing
- Laboratory testing and experimental design
- Engineering analysis and troubleshooting
- Experience in analytical instrumentation or water monitoring would be helpful but is not required
Resources required
The project will require access to standard engineering prototyping and laboratory resources, which may include:
- CAD and engineering design software
- 3D printing and basic machining facilities
- Electronics prototyping equipment
- Microcontrollers and data-acquisition hardware
- Pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, and other fluidic components
- LEDs, photodetectors, optical cells, and related optical components
- Standard laboratory glassware and testing equipment
- Water samples and chlorine reference standards
- Onestep Technologies can provide project-specific measurement chemistry, operating parameters, existing analytical results, reference data, and technical guidance. Where appropriate, selected prototype components or consumables may also be supplied by Onestep Technologies.
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes