Minimizing Downtime through Predictive Maintenance, Backwashing Optimization, and Real-Time Quantitative Bacteria Monitoring Overview of the Ultrapure Water Process The ultrapure water (UPW) production process involves multiple treatment steps to achieve an exceptionally high level of water purity, and it plays a key role in various industries, including semiconductor, pharmaceutical, power plant, and secondary battery production. By applying TheWaveTalk’s ultra-small turbidity and bacteria sensors to this process, one can maximize both efficiency and reliability. By utilizing TheWaveTalk’s advanced sensors in the processes highlighted with yellow boxes—namely Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, and TOC (Total Organic Carbon) removal lines—the performance of the ultrapure water system can be further enhanced. The Challenge: Ensuring Stable Ultrapure Water Supply Amidst Climate Change Climate change significantly affects the availability and quality of water resources, posing a major threat to the stable supply of ultrapure water. Extreme weather events—such as droughts and floods—destabilize the feed water supply, while rising sea levels and pollutant infiltration degrade water quality, reducing the efficiency of ultrapure water production processes. As a result, industries heavily dependent on ultrapure water, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, power plants, and secondary batteries, face growing risks in maintaining stable production and product quality. In particular, these industries experience direct operational risks due to changes in water resource stability. The semiconductor industry requires stringent contamination control for its ultra-fine fabrication processes; the pharmaceutical industry relies on ensuring product quality through stable ultrapure water supplies; power plants depend on ultrapure water to maintain equipment efficiency; and the secondary battery industry needs ultrapure water to ensure optimal battery performance. However, the uncertainty in water resources caused by climate change threatens the stable production of these industries as a whole. Ultimately, the issue of securing ultrapure water is directly linked to the uncertainties in water resources driven by climate change, making new approaches and technological innovations essential to address this challenge. The Solution: Advanced Ultrapure Water Management with Turbidity and Bacteria Monitoring Sensors To overcome the challenges posed by climate change and water quality management, applying TheWaveTalk’s advanced sensor technology to the ultrapure water process can maximize efficiency and stability. This solution introduces groundbreaking improvements at critical stages of ultrapure water production, enhancing process performance and achieving cost-effectiveness. RO Process – Real-Time Integrity Testing and Predictive Maintenance By integrating ultra-small turbidity sensors into RO systems, the integrity of RO membranes can be monitored in real time. The sensors conduct automated tests based on precise data, enabling predictive maintenance. This approach prevents membrane performance degradation in advance, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces unnecessary maintenance costs. It provides a core technological foundation for ensuring a stable supply of ultrapure water. UF Process – Optimizing Backwashing Intervals In the UF process, ultra-small turbidity sensors measure the turbidity of water at both the inlet and outlet of each UF module in real time. The collected data is utilized to optimize backwashing intervals, thereby reducing unnecessary water and energy consumption and minimizing process downtime. As a result, overall operating costs decrease, while the efficiency of ultrapure water production increases. TOC Process – Real-Time Quantitative Bacteria Analysis By applying TheWaveTalk’s bacterial quantification sensor in the TOC line, it is possible to move away from conventional, inefficient culture-based methods and instead monitor bacterial levels in real time. This technology enables immediate detection and resolution of bacterial contamination issues, allowing for rapid and precise management of ultrapure water quality. It is a groundbreaking solution that overcomes the inefficiencies of traditional bacterial quantification, which previously required more than 24 hours. In practice, assuming a detection limit (LoD) of 100 cfu/ml with an accuracy of 77%, the measurement time is merely one minute. This essentially means that bacterial levels can be quantified almost in real time. Furthermore, if the goal is to achieve 95% accuracy at concentrations below 100 cfu/ml, results can be obtained within six hours. Compared to the conventional culture-based method, which takes at least 24 hours, this solution offers bacterial quantification in one-fourth or less of the time. Achieving Industrial Innovation and Sustainability in Ultrapure Water Management As climate change intensifies and uncertainties in water resources grow, ultrapure water is becoming an indispensable resource for industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, power plants, and secondary batteries. These industries, which depend on ultra-precise processes and high-quality production, now regard the establishment of an efficient and sustainable ultrapure water management system as a critical necessity rather than an option. TheWaveTalk’s ultra-small turbidity sensors and bacteria monitoring sensors significantly improve the overall efficiency of ultrapure water management processes. They offer an innovative solution that can reduce operating costs and enhance process reliability for various industries. Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance in RO and UF processes, and rapid bacterial detection in TOC processes help maximize productivity, minimize downtime, and reduce both energy and resource consumption. In conclusion, these technological innovations open up opportunities for ultrapure water-dependent industries to respond more effectively to climate change and water resource scarcity. This advancement transcends simple process improvements by setting new standards for achieving sustainable competitiveness in the global market and driving industrial innovation forward.  TheWaveTalk’s sensor technology establishes a new paradigm for ultrapure water management systems and plays a pivotal role in supporting the future-oriented growth of each industry.

Verification Results for Detecting the Presence of Bacteria Correlation test results between WaTalk measurements and bacterial count. For bacterial counts up to 2,000 cfu/ml, there is no difference in turbidity values below 0.06 NTU, but turbidity changes can be detected for higher bacterial counts. If the turbidity value of filtered clean water exceeds 0.06 NTU, both particulate contamination and bacterial contamination can be suspected, making it possible to use the monitoring device for water from melted ice.

01. Comparision test within the 0~5 NTU Range Testing after spiking with Formazin short test(1h30) 9 levels of calibration (Lowest value : 0.35 NTU, Highest value : 5.1 NTU) Comparison test results between The.Wave.Talk's module sensor and competitor's product divided into 9 concentration levels within the 0~5 NTU Range The measurement values for the same sample between the two products show a high correlation with R²=0.9992, with no difference in the measurement values 02. Comparision test at low concentration(<1 NTU) Blue line : The.Wave.Talk sensor / Gray line : Competitor's In-line turbidimeter / Orange dots : Competitor's Tabletop turbidimeter The comparison test results between the The.Wave.Talk sensor and two competitor products within the low concentration range of 0~1 NTU, divided into four levels. There is no difference in the measurement values between the The.Wave.Talk sensor and the competitor's Tabletop product. Even in the low concentration range (< 1 NTU), there is no difference between the TWT sensor and the competitor's products.

1) Detection of Mixed Infections Project Details:  Development of Culturing Microorganism's Purity Analysis Technology using Network-Based Deep Learning Algorithm (December 2, 2019 - December 1, 2021, Ministry of SMEs and Startups > Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs) 2) Candida Vaginitis Ongoing clinical research with Bundang Seoul National University Hospital(March 2022 - Present, patient clinical trial phase) Project Details:  Development of a rapid diagnostic method for Candida vaginitis using laser scattering signal amplification and analysis algorithms (Professor Ki-Dong Kim) 3) Antibiotic Susceptibility Test Ongoing clinical trial at J University Hospital.The existing signal amplification allows MIC determination within 200 minutes. By using image analysis, antibiotic susceptibility can be determined within 60 minutes, and the clinical trial is ongoing with J University Hospital.

Yonsei University's Department of Laboratory Medicine has conducted clinical research and published a paper (ASM Journal) The medical device equipment inspection for GMP certification and KFDA approval has been completed by KTL Project Details: Performance parpameters for the prediction of positive urine culture in two subsets(overall and trained-species set) according to the tow cutoff values for positive urine culture (June 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy > Korea Institute for the Advancement of Technology) 2022' Conference Presentation on Researcher Clinical Results for UTI Analysis Equipment (Bacometer) The study analyzed the same urine samples from a total of 263 patients using both the traditional culture method and the Bacometer. When the infection threshold was set at 5,000 cfu/ml, the Bacometer demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98.3%, outperforming FDA-approved products. Additionally, the Bacometer reduced the testing time to 30 minutes, a significant improvement compared to the 24 hours required by traditional culture methods. Table1. Performance parpameters for the prediction of positive urine culture in two subsets(overall and trained-species set) according to the tow cutoff values for positive urine culture Testing Set(no.) Cutoff (CFU/ml) Accuracy (%) Sensitivity (%) Specificity(%) Overall(263) 1,000 90.9 76.1 98.3 50,000 98.5 100.0 98.3 Trained species(195) 1,000 97.9 95.0 98.3 50,000 99.0 100.0 98.9

UK Government and Siemens’ 'Treatment to Tap' Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Project Recently, the UK Government and Siemens launched a groundbreaking 'Treatment to Tap' project aimed at real-time water quality monitoring from treatment plants to household taps. This project seeks to expand water quality monitoring, especially turbidity measurement, beyond treatment facilities to the entire water distribution network. As water scarcity becomes a growing reality, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply is more important than ever. This initiative marks a significant first step in broadening water quality monitoring beyond treatment facilities. But here’s the crucial question: If we can monitor water quality at treatment facilities, why aren’t we monitoring turbidity in real-time at household taps? Barriers to Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring at Home The answer is simple: until recently, we didn’t have the technology. Real-time turbidity measurement at the household level has long been hindered by the lack of small, affordable sensors that can operate without regular maintenance or recalibration. Without such cost-effective sensors, it has been nearly impossible to monitor water quality at household taps in real time. The Wave Talk’s Revolutionary Solution: 100x Cheaper, Maintenance-Free Turbidity Sensors The Wave Talk has addressed this problem head-on by developing an innovative turbidity sensor. Powered by deep learning algorithms and custom-designed semiconductors, this compact sensor is already being mass-produced for leading global appliance brands. What sets it apart is its ability to operate without maintenance for up to 10 years , eliminating the need for periodic cleaning and recalibration that has long plagued traditional turbidity sensors. Incredibly, research shows that approximately 25% of household water purifiers may actually degrade water quality by introducing contaminants during the filtration process. The Wave Talk’s sensor addresses this issue by providing real-time turbidity data, ensuring the water leaving the purifier is as clean as it should be. The Impact of Turbidity Monitoring on Water Purifiers, Drinking Fountains, and Faucets Water Purifiers Water purifiers equipped with real-time turbidity monitoring can instantly detect water contamination and accurately determine when filters need to be replaced. Traditional purifiers rely on fixed filter replacement schedules, but turbidity monitoring enables users to receive alerts based on the actual water condition. This ensures cleaner drinking water and makes maintenance more convenient for users. With smartphone app integration, users can receive real-time notifications, making water purifier management even easier. Public Drinking Fountains In Seoul, 70% of citizens avoid using public drinking fountains due to hygiene concerns. By integrating real-time turbidity monitoring, these fountains can display water cleanliness with LED indicators, where red lights signal when the water is unsafe. This transparency builds trust and encourages greater use of public water fountains, potentially transforming water consumption habits. Faucets Turbidity monitoring can also be applied directly to household faucets. Sensors attached to faucets can detect water quality in real-time and send alerts if turbidity levels rise. This is especially useful in addressing water contamination caused by aging pipes. When contamination is detected, the faucet can immediately stop the water flow and provide data to identify the issue. This helps ensure that the water used in homes is consistently safe and reliable. A New Era in Water Quality Monitoring At the heart of these transformations is The Wave Talk’s turbidity sensor. This sensor boasts cost efficiency, long-term reliability, and versatile applications. Designed to be easily integrated into systems ranging from home water purifiers to large public drinking fountains and faucets, it ensures operational efficiency with low power consumption while maintaining stable performance, unaffected by biofilm or other contaminants. The Wave Talk’s sensors are KOLAS certified and have been mass-produced and supplied to the world’s No.1 home appliance company for water purifiers, earning global recognition for their reliability and performance. Conclusion: The First Step Toward Safer and More Reliable Water Management Systems The Wave Talk’s turbidity monitoring solution sets a new standard for delivering safe and clean water through water purifiers, drinking fountains, and faucets. By adopting this technology, organizations can reduce operational costs while ensuring long-term water quality. Now is the time to embrace the future of water quality management and take the first step toward building safer, more reliable systems. What will your strategy be when water purifiers, drinking fountains, and smart meters equipped with turbidity sensors enter the market?  Contact us now to explore how we can help you stay ahead.

The Critical Role of Turbidity Monitoring Turbidity monitoring is essential in water quality management, serving as a key indicator of contamination risks such as bacteria, pathogens, and particulate matter. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends turbidity levels in drinking water not exceed 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). Yet many systems struggle to meet this standard, especially at the consumer level. In today’s digital water landscape, where data-driven decisions are crucial, accurate and accessible turbidity monitoring solutions have become increasingly important. Without real-time turbidity data , water quality management remains reactive rather than proactive, exposing consumers to potential risks. Flint, Michigan and the Need for Real-Time Data The Flint, Michigan water crisis of 2014, which exposed over 100,000 residents to lead contamination, highlights the severe consequences of inadequate water quality monitoring. Real-time turbidity data could have provided early warnings, potentially preventing the crisis. Similar issues persist globally, even in advanced economies, where consumer confidence in tap water remains fragile. The post-COVID era has further heightened public demand for transparency and trust in water quality, underscoring the need for real-time, data-driven solutions.   The Economic and Environmental Impact of Tap Water Distrust Distrust in tap water has fueled the bottled water market, which was valued at over $200 billion globally as of 2023, with U.S. sales exceeding $36 billion annually. This reliance on bottled water has significant environmental costs, as over 60 million plastic bottles are discarded daily in the U.S. alone, contributing to pollution. Producing bottled water is also highly resource-intensive. It requires up to 3 liters of water for every liter bottled and uses up to 2,000 times more energy than tap water. Economically, bottled water costs about $1.22 per gallon, compared to $0.004 per gallon for tap water, making it roughly 300 times more expensive. Moreover, incidents like microplastics found in European tap water continue to erode trust, stressing the urgent need for more transparent water quality management.   Smart Meters Without Turbidity Sensors: A Dated Technology In today’s rapidly evolving market, data-driven insights are essential. Just as smartphones replaced feature phones, water meters lacking turbidity monitoring will soon become obsolete. When the iPhone launched in 2007, it revolutionized the market. A similar transformation is set to redefine water metering. Consumers are likely to favor smart meters with turbidity monitoring, driving a shift in the $1.4 billion global smart water meter market. Utility companies that fail to adopt this technology risk falling behind as the market moves towards advanced, consumer-focused solutions.   Why Turbidity Sensors Are a Competitive Advantage For smart water meter companies, integrating turbidity monitoring offers a significant competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded market. By providing real-time water quality data directly to consumers, companies can differentiate their products, adding a layer of value that goes beyond traditional usage monitoring. This not only meets the growing consumer demand for transparency but also positions companies as leaders in the industry. Early adopters of turbidity-monitoring technology can capture a larger market share, enhance customer satisfaction, and build long-term brand loyalty by addressing the critical issue of water quality at the consumer level.   Addressing the Last Mile Problem: The.Wave.Talk ’s Solution A major challenge in water quality management is the "last mile problem": ensuring that water quality at the consumer's tap matches the quality at the treatment facility. Traditional turbidity sensors are expensive, typically priced between $3,000 and $10,000, and require specialized maintenance, including cleaning and recalibration every 3 to 6 months. The.Wave.Talk addresses these challenges with a deep learning-based semiconductor turbidity sensor that is compact, cost-effective, and maintenance-free for up to 10 years. These sensors are up to 100 times more affordable than traditional models while maintaining high accuracy, with a less than 3% error rate certified by the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS). This innovation makes real-time turbidity monitoring viable for every home, effectively solving the last mile problem and making water quality data accessible to consumers and utilities alike.   Expanding Market Applications and Future Growth The.Wave.Talk ’s sensors are already in mass production, with deployments underway for major global corporations. Beyond smart water meters, these sensors can also be used in home water purifiers, drinking fountains, and faucets, directly addressing the last mile problem. Additionally, in water treatment processes, they can measure turbidity in real-time at the output of each membrane vessel, enhancing precision and control across the entire system. This scalability is vital as the smart water meter market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for efficient water management solutions in response to climate change and urbanization pressures.   A Call to Action for Water Industry Leaders Now is the time for water professionals and utility leaders to embrace the future of turbidity monitoring. By adopting The.Wave.Talk ’s innovative sensors, utilities can not only meet evolving regulations but also lead the industry towards smarter, more transparent, and consumer-centered water management solutions. The challenge of ensuring safe and reliable drinking water is growing, but with advanced technologies, the water industry can meet this challenge head-on. Data-driven, environmentally responsible water management should become the standard, not the exception

We’re entering a new era of real-time bacteria detection in water! The Wave Talk has developed a groundbreaking method using dynamic speckle imaging at 1/1,000th of a second, providing results 288x faster than traditional culturing methods. It's not only faster but also more cost-effective. Want to know more? Check out the full video for details! #WaterSafety #Innovation #BacteriaDetection #TheWaveTalk #CleanWater #TechInnovation #Sustainability

In developed nations, trust in tap water is still a concern, despite significant investments in treatment systems. Our innovative laser and semiconductor-based sensor is designed to change that. With zero maintenance for 10 years, it's small enough to be built into smart water meters. Our sensor uses advanced light scattering technology to detect impurities and bacteria in real time, even at low concentrations. By integrating this into smart meters, companies can monitor water quality at the pipeline's end, ensuring safer, proactive water management. Watch the video to see how we're redefining water quality monitoring for the future.

This video is part of The Wave Talk’s in-house project, the Digitized Water Project (DWP). Using our advanced water measurement technology, the project aims to provide valuable insights to help society access cleaner water. Starting with this video, the DWP will span several series, during which we will develop prototype products and conduct various experiments to ensure cleaner water across different sectors. Staying true to The Wave Talk’s mission, we hope to make it possible for more people to drink and use clean, pure water. The turbidity of the water used prior to filtration in this experiment was 0.40 NTU. Please note that the results may vary depending on the quality of the water used.

Curious about the challenges of delivering safe drinking water to every home? Our latest white paper dives deep into the "Last Mile Problem" and how the world’s first deep learning sensor-on-a-chip  is revolutionizing water quality monitoring. Download the full white paper to explore how we're tackling these issues and ensuring safer water for all.

The results of comparing our product with a competitor's product after installation at a water treatment plant for approximately 13 months without any maintenance, including cleaning. The measurement values showed no difference from the competitor's product, and when the turbidity increased in the competitor's product, our product exhibited the same tendency to increase. The scale effect results below confirm that even after a year without cleaning or maintenance, the formation of internal scale did not affect the measurement results. This characteristic is due to our unique measurement method, which offsets the scale effect in turbidity measurements, allowing for long-term operation without maintenance.