Conductivity Controllers

Water is a good conductor of electricity and depending on its composition, it will allow specific amounts of current to pass through it. Measuring this conductivity is a crucial aspect just like temperature, pH, and so on. This is done with the help of conductivity controllers. Wastewater and effluent treatment as well as purification is a crucial sector where water conductivity needs to be measured. Usually, the conductivity of wastewater is low as it has many mixed solids, chemical compounds, oil, phenolic substances, and so on which reduce conductivity. It is also influenced by environmental parameters such as temperature.

Conductivity controllers play a significant role in many industrial processes, ensuring optimal conductivity levels in various solutions. These electronic devices are designed to monitor and regulate the conductivity of liquid by measuring its ability to conduct electrical current. They are immensely useful for water treatment, chemical processing, and food and beverage sectors.

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At Cannon Water Technology, we offer conductivity controllers for boilers, cooling towers, and more, in various configurations. While we have our own brand of conductivity controllers and accessories, we also source some models from reputed manufacturers such as Lakewood Instruments, HM Digital, and more. We also offer Walchem conductivity controllers which are electrodeless. We also offer essential accessories such as cables, sensors, ball valves, and more.

Importance of Conductivity Control in Industrial Processes

Our range of boiler conductivity controller units plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of processes. The following points substantiate their importance in industrial settings:

  • Process Efficiency: Conductivity controllers optimize industrial processes by ensuring consistent and precise ion measurement. This is especially important in sectors ranging from waste water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Equipment Protection: High conductivity in industrial processes results in corrosion and scaling, which in turn can lead to expensive equipment damage and downtime. By regularly monitoring and adjusting water conductivity using a boiler conductivity controller, users can improve the lifespan of their equipment and considerably minimize costly repairs and frequent replacements.
  • Product Quality: Maintaining the right levels of dissolved solids or ions in the process solution greatly impacts the quality of the end product. For instance, high conductivity can lead to product failure or decreased performance during the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: When it comes to water quality and process control, several sectors impose strict regulations and standards. Conductivity control is one of the vital requirements for meeting these regulatory guidelines. By meticulously maintaining conductivity levels within the specified range, industrial facilities can demonstrate compliance and avoid fines, penalties, and other legal actions.

How Do Conductivity Controllers Work?

As mentioned, conductivity controllers measure the capacity of water to allow the passage of electric current. This level of conductivity varies with the water composition and environmental parameters. These controllers have a sensor probe and a meter with a display. The probe has two electrodes through which voltage is applied on both sides of the probe. Any change in the voltage caused by the resistance to the current flowing through the water serves as the base for measuring conductivity. Likewise, they can be used to measure other parameters by changing the program.

Beneficial Features of Conductivity Controllers

We offer electronic conductivity controllers which have a microprocessor based controller system. These controllers have various timer functions, set time, relay, and all of this can be operated with just a few keys. They have an LCD display and LED lights for visual alerts and indications of operational statuses and so on. Here are some more beneficial features of these controllers.

  • As mentioned, these controllers are easy to operate, and can be easily programmed depending on the type and area of water.
  • Their sensors are powerful and yet low on maintenance. Even if you need any replacement, they are available with us for immediate shipping.
  • Most controller models in our inventory also display salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) in %, and so on apart from conductivity.
  • The sensors are designed to be resistant to moisture, corrosion, oils, coatings, contaminants, and environmental parameters.
  • The control range for most controllers is in between 0-20,000 uS, while temperatures are displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit depending on the option you choose in the settings.
  • The backlit LCD displays are comfortable to read.
  • Most of our conductivity controllers are UL, CL, and CE certified.
  • They come with a chemical and dual pump output, wherein the pumps can be controlled in either external trigger or On/Off modes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Conductivity Controller for Cooling Towers and Boilers

A few factors that should be kept in mind when selecting a conductivity controller for your application are as follows:

  • Accuracy and Range: Invest in a controller capable of measuring the conductivity levels within the desired range of your application. Look for controllers that offer a high level of accuracy and have a wide measurement range - both low and high conductivity levels - to accommodate your requirements.
  • Control Options: Check the control options in the chosen model. Some controllers may offer basic on/off control, while others may have advanced PID control capabilities. Consider your application requirements and choose the model that effectively regulates conductivity levels.
  • Communication and Integration: It is advisable to invest on a model that offers various communication protocols. This allows for seamless integration with other control systems or data-logging devices.
  • User Interface and Ease of Use: Look for controllers with user-friendly interfaces with intuitive menus, clear display screens, and easily accessible buttons for navigation.
  • Temperature Compensation: Check whether the model offers temperature compensation to compensate for temperature variations, as conductivity measurement range can be affected by variation in temperature.
  • Durability and Environmental Considerations: Ensure the boiler conductivity controller is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. Invest in a model with features such as ingress protection ratings, rugged enclosures, and corrosion-resistant materials.

Installation and Calibration of a Conductivity Controller

Installing and calibrating a conductivity controller is a necessary process that requires careful attention to detail. Keep the following things in mind during the process.

  • Understand the Product: Before starting the installation process, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the product, its features, and its requirements. Read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to clarify these.
  • Choose the Location: Ensure that your chosen location is easily accessible for maintenance and calibration purposes. Do not place the unit in an area prone to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. 
  • Proper Wiring and Connections: Check the wiring diagrams and instructions for proper electrical connections. Also, 
    - Check the power source matches the voltage requirements of the controller. 
    - Use appropriate wire sizes.
    - Connect the conductive sensors and output devices as specified.
  • Calibration Process: Start the calibration process with a known conductivity value. Most controllers can be calibrated using a single-point or multiple-point calibration process. 
  • Regular Maintenance: Plan a proper maintenance schedule to ensure accurate and reliable results. It is important to clean the sensors, inspect for damage, or verify the calibration regularly.

Applications of Conductivity Controllers

Here are the typical application areas of conductivity controllers:

  • Wastewater treatment
  • Effluent treatment in industrial units
  • Chemical
  • Oil & gas
  • Aquatic life research
  • Chemical processing and manufacturing
  • Food and beverage production
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Boiler and cooling water control
  • Industrial process control

If you are associated with any of these industrial sectors, and require a good quality conductivity controller or a multi-functional device for testing water samples, be assured of the best possible solution from our end. We ensure the application requirements and quality parameters are met. At Cannon Water Technology, we help you select the right model of conductivity controller based on your requirements, and can answer all the questions you may have regarding the same. In case of any further enquiries or requirement sharing, you can reach us via phone or email.

FAQs

  • What are the factors that can affect conductivity measurements?

•    Temperature variations
•    Ion concentration or solution composition
•    Presence of contaminants or impurities
•    Electrode fouling or degradation

  • Can the unit be used along with other boiler control systems?

Yes, conductivity controllers can be integrated with boiler control systems such as pH controllers, level switches, and temperature sensors to ensure efficient and safe process operation.

  • Are the conductivity controllers available in different conductivity ranges?

Yes, conductivity controllers are available with different measurement ranges to accommodate various conductivity levels.