Process Description
The chemical industry manufactures over 10,000 products by mixing a variety of elements and water to produce a product that may be used to manufacture additional products or help in a final process in other industries such as food and beverage, metal and plastic manufacturing, or pool and spa maintenance.
Many process variables can affect the final product during the mixing process. The control of a specific and critical variable in the process is necessary to ensure the production of a product is repeatable. These variables can include flow, pH, ORP, pressure and conductivity.
Measurements in Chemical Injection:
• Flow: Careful monitoring of the influent water volume is critical when the output of the flow controller is feeding a pulse signal to a precision chemical doing pump.
• pH: Monitoring the pH of the mixture may be the best way to ensure that the proper amount of chemicals are being introduced. Adjustments to the pH can be made when required. Alternatively, ORP or conductivity may be used and is dependent upon the applications specifications.
• ORP: Some applications commonly use ORP to measure the proper concentration levels of the chemicals injected to insure that the proper dosing of chemicals are being introduced.
• Pressure: During chemical injection of a catalyst, the solution mixture may expand, causing a pressure increase. Monitoring pressure increases can indicate the improper mixture.
• Level: A pressure sensor (acting as a hydrostatic level sensor) may be used to monitor the level of the chemical tanks.
• Conductivity: Chemical concentration levels can be monitored using a conductivity sensor. This measurement helps maintain proper introduction of chemicals into the process. Alternatively, pH or ORP may be used depending upon the application. |
