The most versatile pH range that works the way you want it to work

pH sensors are so important for a variety of purposes but have been notoriously difficult to select in the past as it’s a minefield trying to find the correct device for each application. In our Q&A article, Julian Edwards, Continuous Water Analysis Sales Product Manager for ABB Measurement & Analytics in the UK, explains how ABB new range of digital pH sensors are going to make life easier.

Julian Edwards

Continuous Water Analysis Sales Product Manager - ABB Measurement & Analytics, UK

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Describe the Digital pH Sensor in 20 words or less

Julian: Simplified sensor selection process, maximised performance, plug and play measurement, remote calibration and advanced diagnostics – what’s not to love?

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Tell us more. What key benefits does it offer customers?

Julian: There are some key features that make the design of this new range of digital pH sensors a big development on previous pH sensor iterations. They have been designed from the ground up building on 70 years of ABB pH knowledge. 

It has customarily been a complex challenge to select the correct pH sensor for a given application. The wealth of choice available ensured accuracy, however it made selecting the correct sensor for the job particularly challenging.

Selecting the correct pH sensor glassware for the process is crucial to ensure a fast and accurate measurement. ABB unique application driven glassware formulations have been designed to provide the highest reliability and most accurate measurement in the harshest of processes. From high performance glassware to HF/Acid resistant glassware, the simplification of selection criteria has made this a much easier task.

The temperature of the process medium is an integral part of determining an accurate pH measurement as the temperature has a direct bearing on the pH reading. With the new design of the digital pH sensors is has been possible to position the temperature sensor in close proximity of the pH and reference electrodes (thermal hotspot) with response times now being 60% faster.  

The digital pH range ensures it is much easier to select the correct sensor for the job by grouping them by use. There are 5 colour coded choices of sensor available in the range which covers the demands of high purity applications to harsh environments.

The digital pH range are EZlink enabled making them plug and play with brilliant connectivity and immune from issues sometimes associated with high impedance cables used with analogue pH sensors. The Sensor integration is fast and easy with installation taking just a few minutes.

The other key benefit is their reliability with two new advanced diagnostics features that ensure that reliability.

 

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 "Selecting the correct pH sensor glassware for the process is crucial to ensure a fast and accurate measurement. ABB unique application driven glassware formulations have been designed to provide the highest reliability and most accurate measurement in the harshest of processes."

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How do they work?

Julian: Accurate temperature measurement is achieved by three critical sensing elements in one thermal zone (pictured below). The reference electrode, temperature sensor and pH electrode are in the same zone providing the fastest possible temperature response and highest accuracy. This goes a long way to improving the response times, but also the calibration accuracy and process control.

The enhanced reliability of these sensors can be credited to the state-of-the-art automation technology used in the glass production process. It delivers consistently high-quality glass that you can you trust in your sensor. The glass is produced to specification to suit the operating environment of each of the sensor design groups.

The sensor diagnostics have two key components that deliver reliable performance that you can trust. ABB’s Reference Electrode Monitoring (REM) technology, uses a dual reference design to provide an early warning notification of electrode poisoning. Secondly ABB’s patent pending Perpetual impedance diagnostics solution analyzes the resistance and impedance between the reference and measuring electrode enabling real time detection of broken glass or if the sensor is out of the sample indication reducing installation and maintenance costs.

In addition to these diagnostic features, the lifetime of the sensor is extended further using reference wire protections. These are designed to inhibit a poison attack whilst ion traps capture silver chloride ions increasing the sensor life by preventing them blocking the reference junction.

Where can it be used?

Julian: The new range of digital pH sensors enables simplified selection for an extensive range of applications which was once the unenviable task. The range includes the following sensors for differing applications.

100E for eco-efficient pH measurements: It is perfect for low poisoning applications where price is paramount,

100GP for complete confidence in general purpose applications: The sensor is highly accurate and suitable for a wide range of process applications including drinking water, municipal wastewater and cooling towers.

100 ULTRA for simplified measurement in low conductivity applications: With no electrolyte to top-up, the 100 ULTRA reduces the maintenance requirements typically associated with pure water applications. This instrument is ideal for measurements down to 2μS/cm thanks to its super-saturated electrolyte matrix.

500 PRO is a high performance industrial sensor for harsh applications: It gives the ultimate combination of performance, and durability for harsher industrial applications. It has patented features that provide the enhance poisoning resistance required in harsher conditions which will extend its operational lifetime without compromising performance.

And finally, there is the 700 ULTRA the ultimate rechargeable sensor for demanding ultra-pure water pH accuracy. The 700 ULTRA provides ultra-fast response times while maintaining measurement stability in the most demanding high purity applications.

How can I find out more?

Julian: If you have an application that you think could benefit from using a digital pH sensor, or if you want to find out more about whether it’s suitable for your installation, you can call us on 0870 600 6122 or send us an email at enquiries.mp.uk@gb.abb.com , reference ‘digital pH’. There’s also more about the Digital pH sensors on our website

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