Conductivity Sensors & Transmitters

Conductivity Sensors & Transmitters

Conductivity sensors and transmitters measure a liquid’s ability to carry electrical current, providing a direct proxy for ionic content and a highly responsive indicator of concentration, contamination, phase transitions, and rinse completeness. The category spans conductive and inductive (toroidal) sensor technologies, along with transmitters and calibration tools that support measurements from ultrapure water to high-conductivity brines and aggressive chemistries.

The measurement is broadly valuable because it is fast, stable, and information-dense: it supports process control, product monitoring, water monitoring, and leakage detection with minimal delay. In hygienic processes, conductivity frequently anchors CIP verification and changeover control. In utilities, it is used to confirm demineralization performance and detect contamination. In chemical processes, it can indicate concentration drift, mixing efficiency, or endpoint behavior.

Technology selection is driven by range, fouling, and media properties. Conductive sensors are typically preferred for low conductivities in pure and ultrapure water. Toroidal/inductive sensors are applied where high conductivity and coating tendencies exist (e.g., acids, bases, brines, many food products). Four-electrode conductive designs extend accuracy where polarization effects and broad ranges challenge two-electrode probes, including phase separation scenarios.

Measurement integrity depends on cell constant control, temperature compensation, and calibration discipline. Factory determination and certification of cell constants, paired with traceable calibration solutions and standards, reduces uncertainty across installations and simplifies auditability. Transmitter selection influences integration (analog/digital outputs, multiparameter consolidation) and helps standardize operation where multiple liquid analysis parameters are managed together.

Typical applications include ultrapure water and WFI/HPW support systems, demineralizer outlet monitoring, CIP caustic/acid concentration and rinse endpoint control, mixing and blending validation, brine and chemical concentration tracking, product interface detection, heat exchanger leak detection, and wastewater treatment conductivity trending for industrial discharge characterization.

Miller Mechanical Specialties, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.