How Water Treatment Plants Use Conductivity Analysers for Water Quality ?
Water quality management is an important component of any water treatment process. One of the essential tools used in this process is the conductivity analyser, a device that measures the ability of water to conduct an electrical current. This ability is directly influenced by the presence of dissolved salts, minerals and other chemicals, making conductivity a valuable indicator of water purity and quality. Here, we share why water treatment relies heavily on conductivity analysers to ensure that the water meets the necessary standards for consumption or industrial use.
Understanding conductivity in water
Conductivity is a measure of how easily electricity can pass through a solution. Pure water, such as distilled or deionised water, has very low conductivity since it lacks dissolved ions that are needed for the flow of electricity. However, most water sources, such as lakes, rivers and groundwater, contain dissolved salts and minerals, which increase the water’s conductivity. By measuring conductivity, water treatment plants can get a clear picture of the concentration of dissolved substances and make informed decisions about the necessary treatment steps.
Role of conductivity analysers in water treatment
Plants for water treatment are designed to remove impurities and ensure that the treated water is safe for human consumption or industrial use. Conductivity analysers are used throughout various stages of water treatment to monitor and control the concentration of dissolved substances.
- Raw water assessment: Before treatment begins, the analysers are used to assess the quality of raw water entering the plant. Higher conductivity readings indicate higher levels of dissolved solids, such as salts, metals and other contaminants. Based on these readings, operators can determine the appropriate treatment methods, such as filtration, chemical treatments or reverse osmosis, to remove or reduce the contaminants.
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness: During the treatment process, these analysers are used to monitor the effectiveness of various treatment methods. For example, after passing water through a reverse osmosis system, a drop in conductivity indicates that dissolved solids have been successfully removed. This helps operators fine-tune treatment processes and ensures that they are functioning as intended.
- Final water quality check: At the end of the treatment process, analysing conductivity can help confirm the quality of the treated water. Low conductivity values typically signify that the water is free from most dissolved impurities and safe for its intended use, whether it is for drinking, industrial applications or irrigation.
Applications in different types of water treatment
Different types of water treatment use these analysers depending on the specific requirements of the water source and the intended use of the treated water.
- Municipal water treatment: In municipal plants, analysing conductivity is crucial to ensure that drinking water meets regulatory standards. High conductivity levels may indicate the presence of harmful substances, such as lead, arsenic or excessive salt, which must be removed before the water is safe for consumption.
- Industrial water treatment: Industries using considerable amounts of water, such as manufacturing facilities or power plants use conductivity analysers. The device helps these industries to ensure the production processes are free from impurities. Such impurities can damage equipment or compromise product quality.
- Wastewater treatment: Wastewater plants monitor conductivity to ensure that the treated water being discharged meets the environmental regulations. Significant conductivity is a sign of harmful chemicals remaining in the water. In these cases, further treatment is necessary.
Looking for conductivity analysers?
Explore our collection of conductivity/TDS sensors. We offer a range of products with various capabilities and measuring ranges. For instance, our Agasthya 2021 Series Conductivity Sensor Model BI1330-S-T-K0.01 can measure conductivity in the range of 0-200 µS. On the other hand, the Agasthya 2021 Series Conductivity Sensor Model BI1330-S-T-K1 has a measurement range between 0-20 mS. So, depending on the requirements, you can opt for the most suitable model.
Our TDS/conductivity sensors are used across different industries, such as groundwater treatment, pharmaceutical manufacture, chemical industry, effluent and more.
