Orp Measurement Basics For The Process Industry
The ability of a medium to oxidise or reduce another medium is measured by its “oxidation-reduction potential,” or ORP.
When an oxidizer takes an electron from another molecule, it is said to be oxidising, and when a reducer gives an electron to another molecule, it is said to be reducing. A single mV value, which can be positive or negative, can be monitored by an ORP sensor to identify whether oxidation or reduction is taking place. The mV value is positive when a medium is oxidising. The mV reading will be negative when it is displaying reduction. Additionally, an ORP measurement known as “Redox” is frequently used. Reduction and oxidation are combined to form the word redox.
Creating ORP Sensors
Both an ORP electrode and a reference electrode are parts of an ORP sensor. When considering the design of an ORP sensor, the transfer of electrons is crucial. Platinum, which is frequently used in ORP electrode fabrication, has low resistance. The electrode is able to exchange electrons with both oxidizers and reducers. Until a potential is formed, the electrode will continue to take or release electrons. After then, it produces millivolts. The reference electrode in an ORP sensor is commonly constructed of Ag/AgCl and submerged in a KCl reference substance, making it very similar to a pH reference electrode.
Using the ORP Measurement to Interpret
Chemical media that act as oxidizers or reducers come in a wide variety. Instead of receiving a precise indication of the chemical you are measuring when monitoring ORP, you instead receive a signal that an oxidizer or reducer is present. For instance, ORP sensors are frequently used in Pulp and Paper mills to regulate the injection of chlorine, which is employed as a disinfectant in the mill. A measurement of ORP is one that can only be inferred. However, when done appropriately and in conjunction with knowledge of the process medium being studied, ORP measurements can be a useful tool for detecting specific compounds in a processing environment.
Summary
In process applications across many sectors where managing chemical compositions is crucial, we deploy ORP sensors. You may control the process in an effective and efficient manner by grasping the fundamentals of ORP measures.
