In-Line (Insertion) Conductivity Electrodes
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
In-Line (Insertion) Conductivity Electrodes are devices used to measure the electrical conductivity of a liquid directly within a pipeline or vessel. These electrodes sense ions within the solution and return a measured voltage or potential difference to a corresponding meter, providing real-time data on the ionic content of the liquid.
Working Principle
In-Line Conductivity Electrodes operate by applying an AC voltage across two electrodes immersed in the liquid. The principle involves measuring the voltage drop across these electrodes, which is proportional to the ionic concentration in the solution. This method eliminates polarization errors and ensures accurate measurements. The electrodes can be easily cleaned in-line and are suitable for installation in smaller piping compared to inductive sensors. This makes them particularly useful for continuous monitoring and control of water quality and other process streams.
Applications
In-Line Conductivity Electrodes are used in a variety of specific applications: - Water Quality Monitoring: Used in public water systems, hospitals, and brewing applications to ensure water meets required standards. - Industrial Processes: Employed in the concentration measurement of acids, alkalis, and salt process streams. - Boiler Water Monitoring: Detecting ionic impurities in boiler water to prevent scaling and corrosion. - Pharmaceutical Industry: Monitoring the conductivity of water used in pharmaceutical processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Advantages over other Conductivity Electrodes
In-Line Conductivity Electrodes offer several advantages: - Real-Time Data: Provide immediate information on conductivity and temperature, allowing for quick adjustments and control. - Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Can be installed in smaller piping and allow for easier in-line cleaning compared to inductive sensors. - Cost-Effective: Generally simple and reasonably priced, avoiding errors due to sampling, handling, and transport. - Durability: Often constructed with rugged materials like titanium and stainless steel, ensuring long life and reliability.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, In-Line Conductivity Electrodes have some limitations: - Non-Specific Ion Measurement: They cannot distinguish between different types of ions in the solution, which may require additional methods for specific ion detection. - Conductive Liquids Only: Only suitable for measuring conductive liquids, and their accuracy diminishes with weakly conductive fluids like demineralized water. - Potential for Deposits: Deposits inside the measuring tube or on the electrodes can cause measurement errors, necessitating regular maintenance.
Considerations
When selecting and using In-Line Conductivity Electrodes, several factors should be considered: - Initial Costs: Generally, these electrodes are reasonably priced, but costs can vary based on materials and specific design features. - Operating Expenses: Operating costs are typically low, but regular maintenance is required to ensure accuracy and prevent deposits. - Durability: High-quality electrodes made from materials like titanium and stainless steel offer long-term durability. - Accuracy: While generally accurate, the presence of deposits and the type of liquid being measured can affect performance. - Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Regular cleaning and occasional replacement of electrodes are necessary to maintain optimal performance, which should be factored into the overall cost.
from Innovative Sensor Technology IST USA Division
The IST AG LFS1305 conductivity sensor offers a typical cell constant of 0.86 cm-1 and a conductivity measuring range from 100 μS/cm to 200 mS/cm within an operating temperature range of -30 °C to +100 °C. However, it easily withstands temperatures over 130 °C enabling processes like... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.86 cm-1
- Conductivity Range: 100 to 200000
- Maximum Length: 0.5079
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB464 conductivity cell is available with a bushing nut and union or can be retro-fitted into standard DN 25 bushings with 0.983 to 0.995 in. internal diameters. They are also available for installation into 4TB9515-0190 and 4TB9515-0223 flow cells or the Model TB18 Safe-T-Clean sensor valve. It... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.25
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Maximum Length: 10.04
from Innovative Sensor Technology IST USA Division
The IST AG LFS1505 conductivity sensor offers a typical cell constant of 0.68 cm-1 and a conductivity measuring range from 100 μS/cm to 200 mS/cm (extended range from 10 μS/cm to 200 mS/cm possible with cell-constant correction) within an operating temperature range of -30 °C to +100... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.68 cm-1
- Conductivity Range: 10 to 200000
- Maximum Length: 0.5866
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB47 conductivity cell can be directly inserted into, or removed from, lines and vessels without disturbing the process. Designed for service in systems exceeding pressure ranges of standard hot-tap sensors, these high pressure, hot-tap sensors also ensure worker safety. Closing a ball valve... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion); Hot Tap
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.5
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 200000
- Maximum Length: 18.3
from Innovative Sensor Technology IST USA Division
The IST AG LFS1710 conductivity sensor offers a typical cell constant of 0.44 cm-1 and a conductivity measuring range from 0.2 mS/cm to 200 mS/cm within an operating temperature range of -30 °C to +100 °C. However, it easily withstands temperatures over 130 °C enabling processes like... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.44 cm-1
- Conductivity Range: 200 to 10000
- Maximum Length: 0.6654
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB27 conductivity cell can be inserted or removed from process lines or vessels via a ball valve without disturbing the process. The TB27 sensor is designed for applications that exceed standard hot-tap sensor pressure ratings and for operator safety. An extraction housing isolates the operator... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion); Hot Tap
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 200
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.5
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB254 conductivity cell can be installed either in-line or used in submersible applications. In-line applications use 1 in. NPT receptacles where the sensor is either inserted and twisted 90 degrees or inserted and held in place by a cap nut. Easy, yet flexible, installation makes this sensor... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.1; 0
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 1999
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB26 conductivity cell is easily installed into process lines and vessels via the integral 3/4 in. NPT threads, submersed directly into lines and vessels via the 1/2 in. NPT backthreads, or inserted into a process line or vessel through a ball valve. A ball valve provides isolation between the... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion); Hot Tap
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 200
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.5
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB451 conductivity cell has an integral Tri-Clamp fitting and is designed for use in sanitary applications. ABB offers two styles of these sensors. The first is a flush-face style that meets the process at the Tri-Clamp fitting. The second has an extended face designed to meet the process at the... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.5
from ABB Measurement & Analytics
The TB25 conductivity cell with integral tri-clamp fitting is designed for for use in sanitary applications. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved silicone potting material around the body of the sensor seals the measurement electrode tip. The first style available has an extended face that... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 200
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 3.58
from HF scientific
Connect this Contacting Conductivity sensor to a PLC for seamless integration with industrial control systems. Use any computer to display data, calibrate and customize the measurement without an intermediate analyzer electronics box. A LD500 local display can be used if desired. Sensor heads are... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Response Time: 30
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Cell Constant (k): 0.1; 1; 5
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
The Model 400 is a screw-in type conductivity sensor available in three cell constants covering a broad range of conductivity. It has titanium electrodes and is available with both integral and quick-disconnect cable. SCREW-IN process connection. RUGGED CONSTRUCTION: titanium electrodes with 316... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0.1; 1; 10
- Conductivity Range: 500 to 200000
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 0.2500 to 1.25
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
Compact design and top performance. METTLER TOLEDO's extensive offering in conductivity is completed with the InPro 7100, a reliable and versatile conductivity sensor for easy integration into your process. The InPro 7100 is particularly adequate for applications in the chemical industry, food &... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 5
- Conductivity Range: 20 to 500000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.31 1/cm (nominal)
from Baumer Ltd.
The CombiLyz ® AFI4/AFI5 is an inductive conductivity transmitter for media analysis, differentiation and separation. It is designed to meet industrial and hygienic requirements in applications with medium to high range conductivity. CombiLyz ® consists of a conductivity sensor and a... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 1 to 1.5
- Conductivity Range: 500 to 1.00E6
- Response Time: 2 to 15
from optek-Danulat, Inc.
The CF60 conductivity sensor features a superior six-electrode, four-pole design. The patented arrangement of the four current electrodes around the two potential electrodes results in a reliable and precise measurement of a broad conductivity range from 1 µS/cm up to 850 mS/cm. This unique design... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Features: Built-in Temperature Sensor; Temperature Compensated; Designed for Sanitary Applications; Submersible or Water Resistant
- Conductivity Range: 1 to 850000
- Operating Temp: -10 to 135
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
Sensor for the measurement of the specific conductivity. Toroidal design with integrated temperature sensor. For applications in the chemical, food & dairy, refinery, pulp & paper, metal finishing and wastewater industries. For conductivity measurements and monitoring of chemical... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.38
- Conductivity Range: 0.2000 to 2000
- Maximum Length: 5
from HF scientific
Connect this Toroidal Conductivity sensor to a PLC for seamless integration with industrial control systems. Use any computer to display data, calibrate and customize the measurement without an intermediate analyzer electronics box. A LD500 local display can be used if desired. Sensor heads are... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Response Time: 30
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Operating Temp: 23 to 122
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
CONTACTING SENSOR DESIGNED TO MEET USP REQUIREMENTS for water for injection. PRE-CALIBRATED SENSORS with 0.01. 0.1, and 1.0/cm cell constants. ALL WETTED PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS are compliant with 21CFR177. ALL WETTED SURFACES have 0.4 micrometer Ra finish. AVAILABLE WITH VARIOPOL (VP) quick... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0.1; 1
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 20000
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 0.6200 to 0.7500
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
For accurate measurements of water purity. The 2-electrode sensor InPro 7000-VP is extremely accurate and can be used in pure and ultrapure water applications. The wide measuring range allows this cell to be used in all applications with conductivity ranging from ultrapure water up to diluted salt... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 1
- Conductivity Range: 0.0200 to 10000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.1 1/cm (nominal)
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
A state of the Art sensor for all WFI and Ultra Pure Water application. The NPT adaption allows a huge installation range in steel and PVDF tubes. Detailed certificates are delivered with the sensor. The durable connector allowes a disconnection and together with our traceable resistors sets you can... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 2 to 3
- Conductivity Range: 0.0550 to 1000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.1
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
SENSOR AND FLOW CELL combined in a single body. FAST RESPONSE to changes in conductivity and temperature. INITIAL CALIBRATION NOT REQUIRED. Pre-determined cell constant ensures out-of-the-box accuracy. CELL CONSTANTS: 0.01, 0.10/cm. The Model 404 sensor is intended for the determination of... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 2
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0.1
- Maximum Length: 5.51 to 6.29
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
Reliable, Accurate Corrosion Monitoring. The DCC1000e is a degassed cation conductivity system that provides ASTM D4519-compliant conductivity measurements for cycle chemistry monitoring. It ensures water purity with precise detection of corrosive contaminants. Faster Plant Start-up. Accelerate... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 3
- Conductivity Range: 0.0200 to 5000
- Features: Built-in Temperature Sensor
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
A state of the art sensor for all sanitary water application. With short fix cable for easy installation. The durable connector allowes a disconnection for USP transmitter validation. Cables with different lengths are available. [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 2 to 3
- Conductivity Range: 0.0550 to 1000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.1
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
RETRACTABLE SENSOR can be removed from process piping without shutting down and draining the line. RUGGED CONSTRUCTION: titanium electrodes with 316 stainless steel insertion tube and PEEK insulator. INITIAL CALIBRATION NOT REQUIRED. Pre-determined cell constant ensures out-of-the-box accuracy. CELL... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01; 0.1; 1
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 20000
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 0.6300
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
For medium and high conductivity measurements in hazardous areas. The InPro 7250HT electrodeless sensor made of PEEK is highly resistant to aggressive chemicals and suitable for applications in hazardous areas. The sensors wide temperature range from -20 to 180 °C (-4...356 °F) and its... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 0.5000
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Cell Constant (k): 2.175
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
Sensor for the measurement of the specific conductivity and specific resistivity in high purity water, e.g. in power plants and semiconductor manufacturing plants. Sensor with certificate: The cell constant is defined with a precision of 5 digits after the decimal point. The temperature correction... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 0.5000
- Conductivity Range: 0.0050 to 1000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
INSERTION-TYPE SENSOR screws into process piping. 316 STAINLESS STEEL AND PEEK CONSTRUCTION allow operation to 392oF (200oC). AVAILABLE WITH 0.2 AND 1.0/cm CELL CONSTANTS for moderate conductivity liquids. The Model 141 sensor is an insertion type contacting conductivity sensor having a... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 5
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 20000
- Cell Constant (k): 1; 0.2
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
For medium and high conductivity measurements. The InPro 7250ST electrodeless sensor made of PEEK is highly resistant to aggressive chemicals and may be used for most routine applications. Main fields of application are in the chemical industry (CPI) as well as monitoring industrial effluents. A... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 0.5000
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Cell Constant (k): 2.175
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
Sensor for the measurement of the specific conductivity and specific resistivity in high purity water applications in the pharmaceutical industry. With sanitary flange. Polished surface, no dead volume. Sensor with certificate: The cell constant is defined with a precision of 5 digits after the... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 0.5000
- Conductivity Range: 0.0100 to 100
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
NON-CONTACTING SENSOR resists corrosion and fouling. 2-INCH TRI-CLAMP ® process connection. 3A SANITARY OPTION available. USP CLASS VI OPTION available. The Model 225 non-contacting toroidal (inductive) conductivity sensor is intended for pharmaceutical and food and beverage applications where a... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Cell Constant (k): 2.7
- Conductivity Range: 15 to 2.00E6
- Maximum Diameter / Width: 1.58
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
For medium and high conductivity measurements in chemical applications. The InPro 7250PFA electrodeless sensor is highly resistant to aggressive chemicals and may be used for most routine applications. Main fields of application are in the chemical industry (CPI). A variety of available process... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 0.5000
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 2.00E6
- Cell Constant (k): 2.30
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
Two-electrode conductivity sensor for the continuous measurement in water/steam cycle applications with retractable wet-tap valve. Features. Conductivity sensor with stainless steel body, stainless steel electrode and built-in temperature probe for automatic temperature compensation. Recommended... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 1
- Conductivity Range: 0.0550 to 1000
- Cell Constant (k): .05
from Emerson Automation Solutions – Rosemount
RETRACTABLE DESIGN allows sensor to be removed from a pipe or vessel without shutting down the process. ALL INSTALLATION HARDWARE INCLUDED. 316 STAINLESS STEEL AND PEEK CONSTRUCTION allow operation to 392oF (200oC). AVAILABLE WITH 0.2 AND 1.0/cm CELL CONSTANTS. The Model 140 sensor is a retractable... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 5
- Conductivity Range: 0.0 to 20000
- Cell Constant (k): 1; 0.2
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
Highly repeatable accuracy due to patent pending calibration system. UniCond sensors contain electronics embedded in each sensor. This innovative technology allows a very wide measurement range: a single UniCond 2-E sensor covers a range from ultrapure to brackish water. METTLER TOLEDO ’s... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 1 to 3
- Conductivity Range: 0.0200 to 50000
- Cell Constant (k): 0.01 (optional feature); 0.1 (optional feature)
from SWAN Analytical USA, INC.
Sensor for the measurement of specific conductivity. Features. Four electrode design with integrated temperature sensor. Unaffected by fouling. No measuring errors due to polarization effects. Insertion depth only 30mm. Sensor with directly attached cable. For the use together with SWAN conductivity... [See More]
- Mounting Options: In-Line (Insertion)
- Electrode Accuracy: 1.5
- Conductivity Range: 0.1000 to 100
- Cell Constant (k): .4