Total Alkalinity Analyzer - AlkaSense®
Measuring total alkalinity online offers several advantages over periodic offline measurements, for example facilitating more consistent control of conditions in cooling towers to remain within the ideal range for the Langelier Saturation Index. It also ensures adequate alkalinity for coagulation during water treatment and maintains appropriate alkalinity levels in pool water.
Until recently, instruments for online total alkalinity measurement have been expensive and complex to operate and maintain. AlkaSense, through its innovative application of an online conductivity sensor for primary measurements, presents a more cost-effective and simpler maintenance solution.
In traditional setups, online total alkalinity analysers determine alkalinity by titrating a sample with an acid until it reaches a specific pH level. This method primarily relies on accurate pH measurements. However, maintaining pH sensors for precise readings involves frequent cleaning, calibration, and eventual replacement, which can lead to considerable operational costs and maintenance demands. The process underscores the challenges and expenses associated with pH-based online alkalinity analysers.
Conversely, the AlkaSense® technology from Pi shifts the focus away from pH measurements to conductivity for determining total alkalinity. This system works by titrating a sample with an acid (commonly PTSA – Paratoluenesulfonic Acid) until a noticeable change in conductivity occurs, indicating the complete neutralization of alkalinity in the sample. By accurately measuring the volume of acid used to reach this conductivity inflection point, AlkaSense® can reliably calculate the sample’s total alkalinity without the direct influence of the sample’s initial conductivity. This is a significant advantage because it negates the need for frequent sensor calibration – a substantial benefit since conductivity sensors, known for their durability and lack of consumable parts, do not require the same level of maintenance as pH sensors. Consequently, AlkaSense® presents a more reliable and potentially more cost-efficient solution for measuring total alkalinity in an array of applications.
Cost of Ownership
The AlkaSense® is designed to reduce the need for frequent maintenance, eliminating the requirement for sensor replacement, calibration, and manual cleaning due to its use of conductivity measurement and acid titration process. The ongoing costs associated primarily with the acid used and semi-annual maintenance contribute to a lower overall cost of ownership when compared to alternative alkalinity analysis technologies.
Key Benefits
- No calibration required
- Stable and reliable performance for consistent process control
- Compatible with all types of potable and process water
- Maintenance intervals of up to 6 months
- Employs a straightforward, robust conductivity measurement technique (does not rely on pH)
- Alkalinity measurement and control before and after coagulation in water treatment
- Determination and regulation of the Langelier Saturation Index in cooling towers
- Maintaining the water balance in swimming pools
The AlkaSense® is applicable in scenarios involving the need to measure or manage total alkalinity.
AlkaSense® is a sensor-based titration device designed to measure the total alkalinity of water. It is available as a solo device that connects to an analyzer/controller or as part of a comprehensive analyzer system featuring multiple sensors, including options for control and remote access capabilities. For samples with particulate matter, AlkaSense® can be equipped with an online, self-cleaning strainer to maintain accuracy and prevent clogging.
Focus Ons are concise articles delivered via email that offer technical insights into instrumentation and process measurement for a variety of water types, including potable, waste, process, and pool waters. To subscribe to these informational releases, contact us.
AlkaSense® is calibrated for use with a specific acid of a defined normality, commonly PTSA (paratoluenesulfonic acid). To maintain accuracy, it is recommended not to switch the titrant unless there is a significant change in the sample characteristics.
AlkaSense® is not designed to measure P alkalinity. It specializes in the measurement of M alkalinity only.
Yes, AlkaSense® is capable of measuring M alkalinity, which includes all forms of hydroxyl, carbonate, and bicarbonate alkalinity.
Document | Type | Size |
---|---|---|
AlkaSense® | Brochure | 670KB |
Sample Strainer | Technical Note | 1198KB |
CRIUS®4.0 | Brochure | 860KB |
CRONOS® | Brochure | 656KB |
"We at Scottish Water have been using the excellent Pi LabSense 3 and portable UV254 instruments in the field for optimizing our Water Treatment processes for some years now. We find them easy to use and invaluable for detecting and resolving issues in a timely, efficient and effective manner. Two great pieces of kit!”
Paul Weir
Scottish Water - UK
"I want to thank you and all at Process Instruments for all the assistance, information and handholding during the year. The help that was so freely given was very much appreciated. Can you please extend my appreciation to all at Pi and let me wish you all a happy, safe and wonderful Christmas and I look forward to working with you again in 2021."
Michael Bailey
Wexford Co. Co. - Ireland
"Excellent level of support and always so much more prompt than a lot of our suppliers."
Phill Tuxford
Detectronic - UK
"The plant can’t produce good quality water without the CoagSense."
Mick Murphy
Wexford Co. Co. - Ireland
"We've used the CRIUS® with chlorine, pH and conductivity sensors for several years and confirm quality, performance and reliability has been wholly satisfactory to date."
David Kerr
Karis Technical Services Ltd. - UK
"We in ECM ECO Monitoring can only recommend Process Instruments products and services to all other potential clients. They have very complex portfolio of products for water quality monitoring in various types of industries, friendly attitude, very quick delivery time and prompt reaction to all our needs and inquires. Our clients especially appreciate the particle counters and sizers allowing identification of drinking water treatment problems. The Streaming Current Monitors are a great tool for optimisation of expensive chemicals.”
Branislav
ECM ECO Monitoring - Slovakia
"Simply the best turbidity available."
John Clark
Chemtrac - Atlanta, GA
"In 2019, we purchased 29 particle counters which were installed in our water plants. So far, their performance has been perfect."
Li Yongjun
Jinan Hongquan Water Company - China
"We have installed hundreds of ozone analyzers from Pi over the years. They are just accurate, reliable and require low maintenance."
Jiao Tumei
Qingdao Guolin Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., - China
"Over the last few years we've purchased chlorine and turbidity analyzers from Chemtrac and with routine calibration the probes measure the chlorine and turbidity without any issue. We are very happy with this product and would highly recommend them."
Daniel "Buck" Owen
Ocoee Utility District - Ocoee TN
"We've been using these analyzers since 2008. They're easy to use and very stable. Calibration and maintenance is quick and simple."
Lloyd Gruginski
Chehalis WTP - Chehalis, WA
"The Pi products provide excellent value for money and represent the best municipal drinking water analyzers available."
John Clark
Chemtrac - Atlanta
“Servicing customers is much more than just solving problems or addressing complaints and Pi does that very competently with technical and quick efforts providing a good experience."
Clovis Tuchapski
Buckman - Latin America
"Pi's technical team has enabled us to be one step ahead of our competitors by adding value to our projects thanks to their fast and excellent support from the moment you first reach out.
Ibrahim Kaplin
Thermomed - Turkey
"Going from ORP control to amperometric chlorine sensor control has undoubtedly improved the pool water immensely!"
Chris Tedeschi
Link Automation - USA
"The Streaming Current Monitor from Pi is the best SCM I have ever used. The analyser responds quickly and has many powerful functions, which helps me save a lot of money."
Ye Yancong
Xiamen Xishan Water Plant - China
“Process Instruments has a broad range of high quality and user-friendly solutions for water-industry problems. The short lead times and great customer support make Pi a reliable partner.”
Péter Szabó
SC KATALIN NOHSE CHIMIST IMPORT SRL - Romania
"Process Instruments UK always have a high level of customer service. All our interactions with Pi have exceeded our expectations. It is always a pleasure working with you.”
Iñaki Seisdedos Rodríguez
Izasa Scientific - Spain
"The support from Pi and its partners is superb. They go above and beyond to ensure that, not only is their equipment perfect but that the process is working great too. Five Stars!"
Anthony Glitto
Equip Solutions - Illinois, USA
"Process Instruments UK always have a high level of customer service. All our interactions with Pi have exceeded our expectations. It is always a pleasure working with you.”
Rudi Tuffek
Allpronix - South Africa