Sensors for pH Measurement in the Laboratory and in Industrial Processes

Conductivity Sensors

Laboratory & Process Analytical Conductivity Sensors

A conductivity sensor measures the ability of a solution to conduct an electrical current. It is the presence of ions in a solution that allows the solution to be conductive: the greater the concentration of ions, the greater the conductivity. METTLER TOLEDO offers a broad portfolio of pH sensors for various industries, such as pharmaceutical, chemical, semiconductor, or pure water monitoring. Whether you need a conductivity sensor in the laboratory or for in-line use, we have suitable sensors that meet all your application requirements.

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FAQs

What is a conductivity sensor?

A conductivity sensor is a tool to measure the electrical conductivity of an electrolyte solution and is based on the material’s ability to conduct an electric current. It is used to measure conductivity in process, laboratory, or field applications.

Electrolytes in the sample dissolve to give ions that conduct electricity. The higher the ion concentration, the higher the conductivity. The measuring cell of the conductivity sensor consists of at least two electrically-conductive poles with the opposite charge to measure the conductance of a sample.

When should you perform a conductivity sensor calibration or a verification?

If the exact cell constant is unknown, then calibration must be performed. When the exact cell constant is known, then verification is sufficient. This is the case with sensors with a certified cell constant or sensors which have been previously calibrated.

Does temperature affect conductivity measurement?

Conductivity is strongly temperature dependent. As the temperature of a sample increases, the viscosity of the sample decreases, which leads to increased mobility of the ions. Therefore, the observed conductivity of the sample also increases even though the ion concentrations may remain constant. 

In good practices, every conductivity sensor result must be specified with a temperature or be temperature compensated, usually to the industry standard of 25 °C.

Why is temperature compensated in conductivity measurement?

There are several ways to compensate for temperature.

Conductivity in an aqueous solution is highly affected by temperature (~2 %/°C). That is why it is conventional to link every measurement to a reference temperature. 20 °C or 25 °C are the commonly used reference temperatures in the case of conductivity measurement.

Different temperature correction methods have been developed to suit different users:

  • Linear: for medium and highly conductive solutions
  • Non-linear: natural waters such as groundwater, surface water, drinking water, and wastewater
  • Pure water: ultrapure water, deionized water, distilled water
  • None: some standards such as USP <645> prohibit any temperature compensation


The impact of temperature on different ions, and even varying concentrations of the same ion can be challenging. Hence, a compensation factor, called temperature coefficient (α), must be determined for each type of sample. (This is also the case for the calibration standards. All METTLER TOLEDO meters can automatically account for this compensation using preset temperature tables.)

Can conductivity be measured in non-aqueous solutions?

Yes, it is possible. For example, organic substances also have dissociative properties, which allows the conductivity of organic compound solutions to be measured. Organic compounds like benzene, alcohols, and petroleum products generally have very low conductivity.