Sensors & Transducers


Dual-membrane pH electrode for chlor-alkali processes

December 2012 Sensors & Transducers

Chlorine is an important building block in chemistry and is used in a large number of manufacturing procedures. Production of chlorine from the chlor-alkali process is through the electrolysis of brine (a saturated sodium chloride solution). Although three production processes exist: mercury cell, diaphragm cell and membrane cell, the latter process is nowadays preferred for environmental and energy consumption reasons.

For the purpose of yield on one side, and equipment integrity on the other, accurate pH control is of the utmost importance throughout the chlor-alkali membrane process. Elevated temperatures and the presence of oxidants typically make the measurement of pH problematic as they affect the performance of pH electrodes. Mettler Toledo’s InPro 4850i combination pH electrode incorporates a sodium-sensitive glass membrane that uses the sodium concentration of the chlor-alkali process brine as a reference. This reference system has no diaphragm and is therefore immune to chlorine and other oxidising agents, ensuring long sensor lifetime.

The InPro 4850i is a dual-membrane pH electrode that has been designed to provide long-term accurate measurement in chlor-alkali processes. The main difference in measuring technology between the InPro 4850i and conventional pH electrodes is the presence of a sodium-reference (pNa) system. The electrode features a sodium-sensitive glass membrane which is charged by the sodium ions in the brine.

The sodium concentration in the brine is used as a reference. The pNa reference system is hermetically sealed; there is no diaphragm, therefore no oxidants can enter the electrode and attack the reference system. The electrode also features a high-alkali resistant pH membrane glass for pH measurement. It is the amalgamation of pH measurement and pNa reference that makes the InPro 4850i highly suited to pH and ORP measurements in the chlor-alkali industry.

The InPro 4850i features Mettler Toledo’s intelligent sensor management (ISM) technology with digital signal conversion to avoid high impedance signal transition to the transmitter. ISM also offers sensor self-diagnostics, pre-calibration of sensors, as well as plug and measure start up to simplify installation and maintenance tasks. ISM improves sensor handling, enhances reliability and reduces sensor lifecycle costs.

For more information contact Darren Prinsloo, Microsep, +27 (0)11 553 2300, [email protected], www.microsep.co.za



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