Investigating the Cost Difference Between Online Conductivity Meters

Investigating the Cost Difference Between Online Conductivity Meters

As technology continues to advance in all industries, conductivity measurement in industrial processes is becoming increasingly important. Measuring the conductivity of solutions is crucial in pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processing industries as it helps achieve quality control and ensures the maintenance of correct concentrations. With the advancement in technology, online conductivity meters are becoming more popular because of their numerous advantages over traditional hand-held meters. However, there is still the question of how much it will cost to install and use these meters. This article will investigate the cost difference between online conductivity meters.

The Importance of Conductivity Measurement

Conductivity measurement is done to ensure that certain specifications are met. In the pharmaceutical industry, conductivity measurements are used to determine the concentration of ionic substances in the solution, which is crucial in the manufacturing of quality drugs. The food industry also relies heavily on conductivity measurements to ensure the proper processing of materials such as dairy products, juice, and soft drinks. This helps in maintaining product quality and also prevents potential harm to the consumer.

What are Online Conductivity Meters?

Online conductivity meters are used to measure conductivity continuously without the need for manual intervention. They combine a sensor and a transmitter to create a complete solution that constantly measures and records the conductivity of a process stream. The advantage of using online conductivity meters is the reduction in manual labor, and the ability to adjust processes in real-time.

Cost Difference Between Online Conductivity Meters

The answer to the question of what the cost difference between online conductivity meters depends on several factors. These factors include:

1. Brand

The brand of the online conductivity meter significantly affects the cost. Some popular brands include Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, and Mettler Toledo. These brands tend to be more expensive compared to other less popular brands.

2. Sensor Technology

The type of sensor technology used also affects the cost of the online conductivity meter. There are two main types of sensors: Contacting and Inductive. Contacting sensors make physical contact with the solution being measured while the inductive sensor measures the conductivity without contact. Inductive sensors are more expensive than their contacting counterparts.

3. Calibration

Calibration is necessary for any measuring device to maintain accuracy. Online conductivity meters are calibrated with one-point calibration or two-point calibration. Two-point calibration is more expensive, but it is more accurate than one-point calibration.

4. Additional Features

Online conductivity meters have additional features such as temperature measuring and the ability to measure pH. These additional features affect the cost of the meter, and they should only be included if necessary.

5. Installation and Maintenance Cost

Installation and maintenance cost of online conductivity meters varies based on the size of the manufacturing plant and the number of online conductivity meters to be installed. These costs include installation labor, cabling, and training.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost difference between online conductivity meters varies depending on the brand, the type of sensor technology, calibration, additional features, installation, and maintenance costs. However, the benefits of online conductivity meters are numerous and outweigh the cost difference. With accurate and continuous measurement, adjustments can be made in real-time to ensure that manufacturing processes are always within specification. Therefore, it's important to choose an online conductivity meter that meets the manufacturing needs while being mindful of the cost.