Selecting A pH Sensor For An Industrial Environment

A pH sensor is one of the essential pieces of equipment that is often used when measuring the pH level of water. An alkaline and acidity sensor of this sort can measure the amounts of alkalinity and acidity present in water and other solutions. In the right hands, pH sensors are capable of ensuring the safety and quality of a product, in addition to the operations that take place within a wastewater treatment plant or manufacturing facility.

Types of pH Sensor

No matter what application you're utilizing a pH sensor for, it will help you maintain pH levels at the most appropriate level for the task at hand. It might be anything from powerful acids to caustics in this case. pH sensors are available in a variety of configurations, including the following:

Industrial pH Sensor

A combined sensor arrangement is used, but with more sturdy materials and a more substantial exterior casing. This sensor can withstand a lot of abuse and still function well for continuous monitoring. It is beneficial for screwing straight into a pipe.

Combination Sensor

The stone wheel of today's automobiles. Materials may get more resilient as time progresses, but fundamental science will remain the same. The combination sensor provides an electric signal from the differential between the two electrodes, which may then be transformed into a pH value by employing a reference electrode and a measuring electrode in conjunction with each other.

Micro pH Sensor

Micro pH sensors are used for tiny volume samples, such as those used in microfluidics research, and have the capability of being screwed into small closed circuits for continuous measurement. This sensor is also available in consumer and laboratory-grade versions, depending on the application.

Differential Sensor

It has three separate electrodes, one of which is a metal ground electrode composed of three distinct electrodes. These sensors are one-of-a-kind in that they are capable of preventing reference fouling.

Consumer-grade pH Sensor

A pencil-like structure serves as the foundation for the baseline combination sensor, which is designed to detect chemicals with a more neutral and moderate temperature—ideal for typical applications like pool monitoring, residential water sampling, and low-impact environmental sampling.

Selecting a pH sensor for Industrial Environment.

Choosing a pH sensor for use in challenging industrial settings necessitates careful consideration of several critical aspects. The consumption of hydrogen-sensitive ions on the glass membranes reduces the pH life at higher pH ranges. An electrolyte (usually potassium chloride in gel or liquid form) diffuses quicker with increasing temperature and flow rate. Furthermore, abrasion wears away the membrane's surface over time.

 

Many clients in the process sector choose for a pH sensor that is a mix of two or more sensors. Depending on the application, the device has either a measuring electrode — often made of glass or an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) — or a reference electrode, which is typically made of silver or silver chloride. This type of pH sensor is considered tough or robust in comparison to general-purpose pH sensors since it is capable of withstanding abrasive and alkaline conditions such as those present in FGD slurry. When exposed to sulfuric acid, abrasive chemicals, and high temperatures, general-purpose pH sensors may not last more than a day.This device can survive from a few weeks to many months in operation, depending on the kind of ruggedised pH sensor and the frequency of maintenance.

 

On the market, several techniques of reference protection allow electrolyte flow while preventing the input of contaminants from the process fluid that might clog the junction or foul the reference.The porous connectors at the tip regions may be made up of double or triple portions to delay contamination, leading to poisoning of the silver reference material. In robust pH sensors, the junction material is often made of solid PTFE, ceramic, or fibre polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

How will the pH Sensor be installed?

It is critical to comprehend the process through which the sensor will be installed. Industrial pH sensors are often installed in-line (through a flow cell or pipe tee) or submerged, with the first being the more frequent (tank or container). In some cases, alternative pH sensor types and accessories for your application may be available depending on the installation technique. When designing an in-line pH sensor, for example, a flat surface design may be the most appropriate choice since the flow over the sensor functions as a self-cleaning mechanism, thus extending the industrial pH probe's lifetime and reducing the need for replacement.

Conclusion

Selecting a pH sensor should be careful in an industrial setting since there will be several critical aspects when choosing the wrong one. The more demanding the application, the more necessary it is to consider the process operating conditions and pH sensor requirements. When hostile circumstances need frequent sensor replacement, this is especially critical. Longer sensor life, lower replacement and maintenance costs, and, ultimately, precise and consistent pH monitoring are all advantages of using the proper equipment.

 

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post