How do conductivity sensors work?

Conductivity sensors measure the conductivity of a solution, which is a measure of its ability to conduct an electrical current. Conductivity is an important property of solutions, and is often used to indicate the presence of ions in the solution. Conductivity sensors typically consist of two electrodes, which are placed in the solution being tested. An electrical current is passed through the solution, and the conductivity of the solution is determined by measuring the resistance between the two electrodes. The resistance of the solution is inversely proportional to its conductivity, so a solution with low resistance will have high conductivity, and vice versa. Conductivity sensors can be used in a wide range of applications, including water treatment and environmental monitoring.

In more detail, conductivity sensors work by passing an electrical current through a solution and measuring the resistance between two electrodes. The electrodes are typically made of a conductive material, such as silver or platinum, and are placed in the solution being tested. When an electrical current is applied to the electrodes, it flows through the solution and encounters resistance from the ions in the solution. The resistance of the solution is inversely proportional to its conductivity, so a solution with low resistance will have high conductivity, and a solution with high resistance will have low conductivity. Conductivity sensors typically include a meter or other measuring device that displays the conductivity of the solution in units of conductivity, such as siemens per meter (S/m) or microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm). Conductivity sensors can be used to measure the conductivity of a wide range of solutions, including water, industrial chemicals, and biological samples.

From an engineering perspective, conductivity sensors typically consist of three main components: the electrodes, the electrical circuit, and the meter or display. The electrodes are typically made of a conductive material, such as silver or platinum, and are placed in the solution being tested. The electrical circuit includes the electrical connections and the current-limiting resistor, which is used to control the amount of current flowing through the solution. The meter or display is used to measure and display the conductivity of the solution.

In more detail, the electrodes of a conductivity sensor are typically made of a conductive material, such as silver or platinum, and are placed in the solution being tested. The electrodes are typically shaped like rods or wires, and are separated by a fixed distance. When an electrical current is applied to the electrodes, it flows through the solution and encounters resistance from the ions in the solution. The resistance of the solution is inversely proportional to its conductivity, so a solution with low resistance will have high conductivity, and a solution with high resistance will have low conductivity. The electrical circuit of a conductivity sensor includes the electrical connections between the electrodes and the current-limiting resistor, which is used to control the amount of current flowing through the solution. The meter or display of a conductivity sensor is used to measure and display the conductivity of the solution in units of conductivity, such as siemens per meter (S/m) or microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm).

Learn more about analytical sensors

Please contact us to discuss your application