The Minds and Research Behind RoboJar
“The solution to poor filtrate quality in treatment plants … is in controlling pretreatment chemistry.”
Tobiason and O’Melia, Journal AWWA Vol 80, Issue 12
Coagulant dosing control is the key to peak floc formation which predicts peak filter performance. RoboJar is the first simple benchtop device to provide key flocculation metrics, supporting smart dosing decisions.
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About Roger Jorden
Inventor of RoboJar
Roger studied water clarification while pursuing degrees in geology, hydrology, and Civil Engineering (PhD). Awarded a grant by the US Department of Public Health, he researched the role of polymers in treating drinking water in the early years of applying coagulation and flocculation science to municipal water treatment.
As a professor at the University of Colorado, and later as a private consulting engineer, Roger translated academic research into practical, easy-to-use tools. For two Colorado power plants’ $50M wastewater problem, he created a water reuse process and computer program that allowed frontline operators to optimize plant operations, which reduced wastewater output from 600 gallons/minute to 11 gallons/minute.
Improving results has always been Roger’s focus. Outside the lab, he analyzed river hydrology for fun while completing four trips in the Grand Canyon. Today, Roger is committed to creating innovative tools and building small business opportunities in Colorado.
Roger kayaking Crystal Rapids in the Grand Canyon
“If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it. When you can measure it…in numbers, you know something about it.”
Lord Kelvin 1889
Why RoboJar?
Innovation in Data analysis of Coagulation and Flocculation
Roger saw a need for innovation in data analysis of coagulation and flocculation. Even today, most routine tests are based on manual jar testing, a complicated process from the 1920s that used simulated conditions and lacked objective data. Newer analysis tools were too expensive and complex, without instant feedback for changing raw water conditions.
Straightforward Device for Frontline Operators
Roger conceived a straightforward device that frontline operators could use for real-time decisions on coagulation dosing. It had to use full process-water samples and offer actionable data through multiple measures of flocculation to give operations managers and plant supervisors the information they needed.
Safe Drinking Water to the Public
Roger’s invention fills the gap in collecting data from the key steps of coagulation and flocculation that predict filter performance. RoboJar delivers multiple floc metrics with a full process sample in about 30 minutes. Based in science and built on logic, RoboJar helps plants provide safe drinking water to the public.
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Our Team
Helping our customers unlock the intelligence of flocculation data.
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As the founder of RoboJar, Roger has translated his academic research into practical, easy-to-use tools.
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Cherlynne focuses on tools and technology that give frontline staff the real-time information to make decisions in changing conditions.
Cherlynne sees flocculation metrics as the keys to produce high-quality drinking water and optimize operations. Her ability to help customers quickly implement new technology comes from more than 20 years’ experience in capital equipment development and staff training in the public health, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. Cherlynne’s favorite form of water is snow on the ski slopes of Colorado and California.
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Sai applies his skills in biomedical and electrical engineering to the innovation of RoboJar.
Sai’s proud to use his experience in design, programming, CNC and CAD/CAM to improve the production of safe drinking water. As the lead Product Development Engineer, Sai refines and enhances the technology of measuring floc characteristics to make RoboJar an easy-to-use tool with visual data that supports operators and supervisors manage coagulant dosing and improve filtration. During his downtime, Sai enjoys cooking, catching up on favorite shows and tinkering with personal engineering projects.