At its core, Kemio uses patented, single‑use electrochemical sensors to detect disinfectants and heavy metals in water. These sensors measure minute changes in electrical current generated by controlled reactions at the sensor surface when in contact with a sample. By analysing these signals with high precision, Kemio determines the exact concentration of target analytes — reliably, repeatably, and in under a minute.

Unlike traditional analytical methods, Kemio removes complexity without compromising scientific rigour, enabling accurate water testing in environments where speed and simplicity are critical.

Sensor Design: Scalable, Robust, and Highly Selective

Kemio sensors are manufactured using screen‑printed carbon — a material chosen for its excellent electrochemical performance, chemical stability, and suitability for high‑volume production.

Each sensor integrates a sophisticated electrode system comprising:

• Two working electrodes
• A reference electrode
• A counter electrode

This configuration provides exceptional analytical control in a compact, disposable format. The sensor interface seamlessly connects to the Kemio instrument, ensuring consistent performance across tests.

Importantly, the platform is highly adaptable. Kemio Disinfection sensors currently measure parameters including chlorine, bromine, chlorine dioxide, chlorite, and peracetic acid (PAA), with further applications continuing to expand.

The Three‑Electrode Advantage

Kemio builds on a well‑established three‑electrode electrochemical system, refined for disposable sensor use:

• Working electrode: where the measurement reaction occurs under a controlled applied potential
• Reference electrode: maintains a stable baseline potential for accurate measurement
• Counter electrode: balances the system to ensure consistent current flow throughout the test

This architecture ensures high sensitivity and reproducibility across a wide range of operating conditions.

Smart Chemistry at the Sensor Surface

Each sensor is pre‑dosed with carefully selected reagents to deliver analyte specificity. For example, in measuring peracetic acid, reactions at the sensor surface generate electron flow that is directly proportional to concentration.

The sensors also incorporate a dried pH buffer, stabilising conditions at the reaction interface. This eliminates the need for additional reagents, simplifying workflows and reducing operator dependency — a key advantage in field and industrial applications.

Advanced Electrochemical Techniques

Kemio uses chronoamperometry to quantify disinfectants. A fixed potential is applied, and the resulting current is measured over time. Because the output signal is electrical rather than optical, results are unaffected by sample colour, turbidity, or other common interferences that limit traditional photometric methods.

For heavy metals, Kemio employs anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), enabling ultra‑trace detection. This technique deposits and then strips target metals from the electrode surface, producing a signal directly correlated to concentration. The result is highly sensitive detection at parts‑per‑billion levels within just 3–5 minutes.

British Innovation Recognised Globally

Palintest Ltd, the Gateshead‑based water testing specialist, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation — the UK’s highest business honour — in recognition of Kemio.

Designed, engineered, and patented entirely at the company’s Team Valley headquarters, Kemio is the culmination of decades of electrochemical expertise. Since the early 2000s, Palintest has been developing advanced measurement technologies in the North East, and Kemio represents a defining milestone in that journey.

Launched in 2019 following an intensive three‑year in‑house R&D programme, the platform is now deployed in more than 30 countries worldwide. Its applications span food production facilities across the UK, naval operations in Australia, and desalination plants in the Middle East — demonstrating both its versatility and global relevance.

Managing Director Georgina Perkins commented:

“Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise is a significant achievement for the entire Palintest team. It reflects the strength of our innovation capability and sends a clear message to customers worldwide — Kemio is a proven, high‑performance British technology we are proud to stand behind.”

Engineered in Gateshead, Trusted Worldwide

Kemio has been designed to eliminate the barriers associated with conventional water testing. It delivers accurate results in as little as 60 seconds, without the need for reagents, glassware, or specialist training.

Its impact is tangible:

• Supporting a UK water utility serving 3.8 million people
• Enabling public health monitoring of lead in Canadian schools
• Deployed during the COVID‑19 pandemic to track hospital wastewater in China

R&D Manager Kevin McDermott, who led the development programme, added:

“Kemio is a true North East success story — developed entirely in-house and now trusted globally in safety‑critical applications. It represents the collective expertise, innovation, and dedication of our engineering and scientific teams.”

A Platform Built for the Future of Water Quality

Kemio is more than a product — it is a platform designed to redefine how water quality is measured. By combining cutting‑edge electrochemistry with user‑centric design, it delivers fast, reliable insights wherever they are needed most.

As global demand for safe, sustainable water continues to grow, Kemio positions Palintest — and UK innovation — firmly at the forefront of the industry.