Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to build an electric current in the presence of an electric field. Metals are good conductors and therefore exhibit a large conductivity. Insulators are bad conductors having a very small, close-to-zero conductivity. In liquids, particularly aqueous solutions, the conductivity is greatly affected by the amount of dissolved charged atoms or molecules (ions).

Conductivity measurements are widely used in industrial and environmental applications as a simple and inexpensive way to control the ionic content in a solution. In water purification systems, the conductivity is monitored at different stages of the process. Since the mobility of the dissolved ions is affected by temperature, these monitoring systems are required to either control the process temperature or to compensate readings according to the sample temperature.

Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG has combined thin- and thick-film technologies to develop ceramic-based conductivity sensors that include a resistive temperature sensor (Pt1000 IEC 60751 F0.3), thus allowing for accurate compensation at the point of measurement.  The conductivity sensor consists of two current electrodes and two measuring electrodes. This basic design can be adjusted to specific applications and requirements.

With many years of experience, IST AG also offers development of customer specific applications in terms of technology development and consultation. As part of the standard development process, IST AG offers support at the point of implementation - this way we ensure the best solution for specific applications.