Straight Talk About ORP Replacement

ORP sensors, also known as oxidation-reduction potential sensors, are used to assess a solution’s ability to oxidize or reduce other compounds. They operate by measuring the voltage between a reference electrode and a second electrode in contact with the solution under test. The voltage is proportional to the ORP of the solution, and the ORP of the solution can be measured by measuring the voltage.

ORP sensors are extensively used in water treatment and chemical processing applications to detect disinfection efficiency, heavy metal presence, and other characteristics. They’re also used in the food industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other industries.

Recognize that many ORP sensors fail prematurely because the wrong type of ORP sensor was purchased. As an ORP sensor user, you should be aware of the various types of ORP sensors available.

Many of the ORP sensors given by manufacturers are subpar; they are just selling outmoded technology, which is the equivalent of selling a computer from the 1980s in today’s market. It’s past time for a change.

In industrial applications, commercial ORP sensors are used.

ORP sensors can fail for a variety of causes, including:

Wear and tear: ORP sensors, like all mechanical and electronic components, are subject to wear and tear from regular operation. This can lead the sensor to become damaged or less accurate over time. Factors like friction, corrosion, and mechanical stress can all contribute to wear and tear.
Age: All ORP sensors have a finite lifespan and must be replaced at some point. This is due to variables such as reference electrode degradation or deterioration of the sensor’s electrical conductors. As an ORP sensor ages, it may lose accuracy or cease to function entirely.
Corrosive Chemical Exposure: Strong acids and bases, for example, can harm or destroy ORP sensors. When exposed to certain chemicals, a sensor may need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals might cause corrosion or other damage to the sensor, resulting in decreased accuracy or failure.
Inadequate storage: If an ORP sensor is not correctly stored, it can be damaged or lose its accuracy. For example, if a sensor is left in a dry environment for an extended period of time, the sensor’s reference electrode may dry out, rendering the sensor worthless. The proper storage of an ORP sensor is critical to its accuracy and lifetime.
Calibration drift/reference poisoning: Even if an ORP sensor is not subjected to any of the above causes, it will need to be replaced at some point due to calibration drift. Calibration drift is the steady loss of an ORP sensor’s accuracy over time, even when it is not being utilized. This is due to changes in the reference electrode or other factors that can impact sensor accuracy. Calibration of an ORP sensor on a regular basis can assist in lessening the impacts of calibration drift and extending the sensor’s life.

Overall, ORP sensors must be replaced when they become damaged, lose accuracy, or approach the end of their useful life. Regular calibration and maintenance can help an ORP sensor last longer, but it will eventually need to be replaced to ensure correct ORP measurements.

Learn more about analytical sensors

Please contact us to discuss your application