Conductivity meter measures the amount of electric current or conductivity of a solution. Conductivity is useful in determining the overall health of a natural water. It is also a method for measuring changes in wastewater methods in water treatment plants. Conductivity meters are common in any water treatment or monitoring situation as well as in environmental laboratories.
Conductivity meter measures the amount of electric current or conductivity of a solution. Conductivity is useful in determining the overall health of a natural water. It is also a method for measuring changes in wastewater methods in water treatment plants. Conductivity meters are common in any water treatment or monitoring situation as well as in environmental laboratories.
Conductivity meter or conductivity meter is equipped with a probe, which is usually manual and mostly used for field or on-site measurements. After placing the electrode in the liquid to be measured, the meter applies voltage between the two electrodes inside the probe. The electrical resistance of the solution causes a voltage drop that is read by the meter. The meter converts this reading to milli or microsiemens or millisiemens per centimeter. This shows the total amount of dissolved solids. Total dissolved solids is the amount of solids that can pass through the glass fiber filter
The main purpose of the conductivity meter is the conductivity of the electric current in the solution, but this value depends on the ionic strength of the liquid. It also depends on which ions are present, in what concentration and in what form, for example in what state of oxidation or mobility the ions are in. Ions carry a negative or positive electrical charge: anions are negative and cations are positive. In natural waters, the ions that contribute to high conductivity come from dissolved minerals and salts.
Conductivity readings are usually uncorrelated with temperature. Since ionic strength and therefore conductivity is temperature dependent, readings may be inaccurate. Therefore, many conductivity meters also measure specific conductivity. When in specific conductivity mode, the meter reads the conductivity of the solution at 25°C, not the actual temperature. This results in a more standard reading.
Salinity is the amount of dissolved salts in a liquid. A conductivity meter equipped with a salinity option internally converts the conductivity reading to salinity. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, fresh water bodies should have much lower salinity concentrations than ocean water, estimated at 20 to 30 parts per trillion. Total dissolved solids can be determined by multiplying the conductivity measured in microsiemens by a factor of 0.67.
Calibration results in more accurate readings. To calibrate a conductivity meter, follow the instructions for that conductivity meter. Overall, the steps are easy and standard. Conductivity meters usually have a menu item that allows you to enter a calibration mode or setting next to it that you can adjust with a screwdriver or small tool. Place the electrode in a solution of known conductivity and temperature and set the conductivity meter to that conductivity. Sometimes several standards are required.
