Conductivity meters

What is a Conductivity Meter? A conductivity meter or conductivity meter fulfills the function of measuring the amount of electric current or conductance in a solution. For example, the conductivity meter is the instrument used in order to know the conductivity, (electrical charge)...

What is a Conductivity Meter?

A conductivity meter or conductivity meter fulfills the function of measuring the amount of electric current or conductance in a solution. For example, the conductivity meter is the instrument used in order to know the conductivity, (electrical charge) in a body of water of natural origin. It is for esa reason that a conductivity meter is also used in water treatment plants. Conductivity meters are very common in any water treatment or monitoring procedure, as well as in environmental laboratories.

What is conductivity?

When we talk about conductivity we refer to the electric current that we find in a solution and this is a value that basically depends on the ionic force of the liquid. The ionic force is directly proportional to the amount of ions that are present, depending on the concentration of the substance and in what form it, whether it is liquid or solid. Taking this into account we will know the oxidation state that these ions have. To make it clearer, each ion has a negative or positive charge, the cations are positive, and the anions are negative. In a naturally sourced or body of water, ions are what contribute to high conductivity. As a result of salts and minerals dissolved in water.

How does a conductivity meter or conductivity meter work?

The conductivity meter is equipped with a probe, usually this probe is handheld, for field measurements. After immersing the probe in the liquid to be measured, the meter applies voltage between two electrodes inside the probe. The meter reads the voltage drop of the solution, which is caused by the electrical resistance. The conductivity meter or conductivity meter converts the reading to milli or microhms or milli or microSiemens per centimeter. The value it indicates represents the total dissolved solids.

Meter and temperature

Usually the conductivity meter is not related in its temperature readings to the actual ambient temperature. This is due to the ionic force. But since the conductance depends on the actual temperature, many times the reading tends to be inaccurate. It is for esa reason, many conductivity meters also have a specific conductance measurement. When in the specific conductance mode, the meter reads the conductivity of the solution at 25 degrees Celsius, not at the actual temperature. This results in a more standardized reading.

Salinity and total dissolved solids

Salinity is the amount of salts dissolved in a solution. Conductivity meters or conductivity metersequipped with a salinity option internally convert the conductivity reading into a salinity reading. Freshwater bodies must have a much lower salinity concentration than ocean water, which is estimated to be between 20 and 30 parts per trillion. Total dissolved solids can be determined by multiplying the conductivity measured in microSiemens by a factor of 0.67.

Calibration

Calibration leads to a more accurate reading. Calibrating the meter is a very easy task, all you have to do is follow the instructions that the conductivity meter brings. Usually the steps are very simple and anyone can follow them without inconvenience.

Which Conductivity Meter to choose?

Those professionals or industries looking to acquire a conductivity meter,should conduct prior research before deciding on a particular one. Taking into account the physical place where the conductivity meter needs to be used is extremely important. Then, it is vital to determine the type or types of liquid materials that are going to be subjected to conductivity.

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