Long-term deployment of conductivity sensors in biologically active ocean regions normally results in poor conductivity data due to volumetric changes in cell geometry from biological fouling. Alternately, some success has been achieved using internal field electrode sensors with the ends protected using anti-foulant impregnated tubes. These conductivity sensors have had limited success due to the basic instability of the sensor to fouling, biological or mineral, of the electrodes. This problem is further hampered by the very small internal geometry, which has enhanced sensitivity to fouling with combined poor natural flushing characteristics. However, in some applications, pumps have been applied to correct sensor aspiration.
Pumps dramatically increase the power requirements, complexity, and cost of the system.
The NXIC sensor allows for the use of end tube leaching protection without the disadvantages of a conductivity sensor that does not flush freely or has an unstable calibration due to degradation of electrodes from fouling. The NXIC sensor has been fully developed and is now undergoing extensive laboratory and field-testing. An article detailing a series of coastal predictive skill experiments to be conducted at the Rutgers University Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory. The system monitors ocean currents, temperature, tides and waves. This data provides the local port authority with information to pass to ships navigating entrance to the port and to determine when it is safe for ships to enter or leave the port.