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Conductivity

Two Electrode and Four Electrode Sensor Designs

Conductivity sensors measure the specific conductance of liquid processes. The specific conductance is directly related to the presence of ionic species and their concentration. Barben Analytical offers a full range of two electrode and four electrode contacting conductivity sensors for a variety of industrial measurement applications.

Compatibility with All Major Vendor’s Electronics
  • Proven with major vendors of conductivity analyzers (Rosemount, ABB, E&H, Mettler Toledo, Knick)
  • Improve your measurement by replacing only the sensor
  • Wiring information available

Industrial Mounting Options
  • Mounting fittings for sample line installations
  • Submersible cleaners and scrubbers
  • Ball Valve “Hot Tap” retraction solutions
  • Variety of materials for corrosive applications

Two Electrode Design
  • Designed for pure water and Repeatability other low to medium conductivity applications.
  • Threaded in-line, submersible, and “Hot Tap” retractable product options.
  • Large range of cell constants to ensure the sensor range properly matches the application.


2 Electrode Tech  Pros:
  • Low to Medium Conductivity Solutions
  • Highest Accuracy & Repeatability
  • Industry standard
 
 Cons:
  • Susceptible to Coating/Scale
  • Requires clean liquid (i.e - pure water measurement)
  • No Diagnostic Capability
  • Direct Contact, Susceptible to Corrosion

Four Electrode Design
  • Ideal for medium to high conductivity applications.
  • A great low cost alternative to toroidal sensor technology.
  • Additional electrode pair compensates for particulate and scale build-up.
  • Threaded in-line, submersible, and “Hot Tap” retractable product options.
  • Sensor diagnostics (analyzer dependent)


4 Electrode Tech  Pros:
  • Low/Medium to High Conductivity Solutions
  • Compensation for Coating & Scale (Analyzer dependent)
  • Diagnostic for integrity & High Scaling
  • Smaller form factor and lower cost than competing Toroidal Sensor Technology
 
 Cons:
  • Not as Accurate or Repeatable as Two Electrode in Low Conductivities                    
  • Direct Contact, Susceptible to Corrosion

  • Sensor Ranges Table +


    Two Electrode Sensors

     Cell Constant

    		 Conductivity Range
    (MicroSiemen/CM2) 
     0.01  0 to 100 mS/cm2
     0.02  0 to 250 mS/cm2
     0.05  0 to 500 mS/cm2
     0.10  0 to 1,000 mS/cm2
     1.0  0 to 20,000 mS/cm2
     2.0  0 to 30,000 mS/cm2



    Four Electrode Sensors 

     Cell Constant

    		 Conductivity Range
    (MicroSiemen/CM2)
     SM/HM Electrodes  0 to 1,400 mS/cm2
     SH/TH/HH Electrodes  0 to 2,000,000 mS/cm2

  • Sensor Ranges Chart +


    Conductivity Chart



    The above chart provides expected ranges for each style of conductivity electrode. Actual measurement ranges are dependent on the conductivity transmitter used with the sensor. As a general rule of thumb, two electrode conductivity sensors are best used in clean, low conductivity applications where there is little chance of coating or scaling on the sensor. Typical applications include water purification, deionization, demineralizer monitoring, and USP pharmaceutical water quality. Four electrode sensors include a separate set of electrodes that can compensate when build-up occurs. These sensors work well in higher conductivity applications where chemicals are present or pipe scale and light particulate matter may create fouling concerns with traditional two electrode sensor technology. Use four electrode sensors in applications such as fouled condensate detection, chemical concentration measurements, and waste water.