Electrical Conductivity Measurement Instruments
Portable electrical conductivity meter with 0-1999 μS/cm range and 1 μS/cm resolution for water quality assessment and ionic content measurement in laboratory and field applications.
| Measuring range | 0-1999µS/cm |
| Product name | Electrical conductivity meter |
| Calibration | 1 point |
| Working condition | 5-55°C (41-131°F) |
| Automation Level | manual |
| Brand | ConductScience |
The ConductScience Electrical Conductivity Meter (Model CD-988) is a portable handheld instrument designed for precise measurement of electrical conductivity in aqueous solutions. With a measurement range of 0-1999 μS/cm and 1 μS/cm resolution, this meter provides quantitative assessment of ionic content in water samples across laboratory, field, and industrial applications.
The instrument features LCD digital display for clear readout, automatic shutoff after 10 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life, and operates on four 1.5V lithium batteries. The compact design (180×65×33mm, 130g) with included carrying case enables portable measurements in diverse environments from laboratory benches to field sampling locations.
How It Works
Electrical conductivity measurement is based on the principle that dissolved ionic compounds increase a solution's ability to conduct electrical current. The instrument applies a known alternating voltage between two electrodes immersed in the sample and measures the resulting current flow. Higher concentrations of dissolved salts, acids, or bases produce greater conductivity values.
The meter employs a two-electrode conductivity cell where current flows between the electrodes through the solution. The instrument's microprocessor calculates conductivity by applying Ohm's law (conductivity = current/voltage × cell constant) and automatically compensates for the electrode geometry through factory calibration. Temperature effects on conductivity are significant, with typical temperature coefficients of 2-3% per degree Celsius for most solutions.
The LCD display presents results in microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm), providing direct indication of the solution's ionic content. One-point calibration using a standard conductivity solution ensures measurement accuracy within ±2% of full scale.
Features & Benefits
Measuring range
- 0-1999µS/cm
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food Science
- Industrial Hygiene
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
Product name
- Electrical conductivity meter
Calibration
- 1 point
Working condition
- 5-55°C (41-131°F)
Automation Level
- manual
Brand
- ConductScience
Accuracy
- ±2%F·S
Power/Voltage
- 4Ã1.5V lithium batteries
Dimensions
- 180Ã65Ã33mm
Weight
- 130g
Weight
- 0.18 lbs
Dimensions
- L: 7.09 in
- W: 2.56 in
- H: 1.3 in
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement Range | 0-1999 μS/cm | Entry-level models often offer narrower ranges or multiple scales | Single-scale operation eliminates range selection errors and covers most water quality applications |
| Resolution | 1 μS/cm | Basic meters may have 10 μS/cm resolution | Higher resolution enables detection of smaller conductivity changes for quality control monitoring |
| Calibration | Single-point calibration | Some models require multi-point calibration procedures | Simplified calibration reduces setup time and potential for operator error in routine testing |
| Display | LCD digital display | Analog meters require visual interpolation of scale readings | Digital display eliminates reading errors and provides precise numerical values for data recording |
| Power Management | Automatic 10-minute shutoff | Manual power controls without auto-shutoff | Extends field deployment time by preventing accidental battery drain during sampling operations |
| Portability | 130g with carrying case | Benchtop models require AC power and dedicated workspace | Enables point-of-collection measurements without sample transport or laboratory access requirements |
This conductivity meter balances measurement precision with field portability, offering 1 μS/cm resolution across a practical 0-1999 μS/cm range. The combination of digital display, simplified calibration, and automatic power management makes it well-suited for routine water quality testing in both laboratory and field environments.
Practical Tips
Perform calibration at the beginning of each measurement session using a standard solution close to your expected sample range.
Why: Drift compensation ensures measurement accuracy and accounts for electrode aging effects.
Allow readings to stabilize for 30-60 seconds before recording values, especially with temperature differences between calibration and sample.
Why: Thermal equilibration prevents measurement errors from temperature-induced conductivity changes.
Clean electrode monthly with mild soap solution followed by distilled water rinse to remove accumulated deposits.
Why: Contaminated electrodes produce drift and reduced measurement accuracy over time.
Record sample temperature alongside conductivity measurements for post-measurement temperature correction if needed.
Why: Temperature coefficient corrections can improve data quality when comparing measurements across temperature ranges.
If readings appear unstable, check for air bubbles on electrode surfaces and ensure complete immersion in sample.
Why: Air bubbles and partial immersion create inconsistent electrical pathways that affect measurement stability.
Avoid using the meter in samples containing strong acids or bases without checking electrode compatibility.
Why: Aggressive chemicals can damage electrode materials and compromise measurement accuracy or safety.
Rinse electrode with a small portion of the sample before taking measurements to avoid dilution effects.
Why: Pre-equilibration eliminates contamination from previous samples or storage solutions.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- CD-988 Conductivity Meter (main unit)
- Conductivity electrode with cable
- Leather carrying case
- User manual and operating instructions
- Calibration standard solution (typical)
- Battery set (4×1.5V lithium batteries) (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Technical support is available for calibration procedures, troubleshooting, and application guidance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What calibration standards are recommended for this conductivity range?
Use NIST-traceable conductivity standards in the 100-1500 μS/cm range, such as 147 μS/cm or 1413 μS/cm KCl solutions. Single-point calibration at a value near your expected sample range provides optimal accuracy.
How does temperature affect conductivity measurements?
Conductivity typically increases 2-3% per degree Celsius. While this meter doesn't provide automatic temperature compensation, record sample temperature alongside conductivity values and apply correction factors if needed for precision work.
What is the electrode maintenance schedule?
Rinse electrode with distilled water after each use and store in the protective cap. For heavily used electrodes, perform weekly cleaning with mild detergent solution and monthly calibration verification.
Can this meter measure high-purity water conductivity?
The 1 μS/cm resolution limits precision in ultra-pure water applications. This meter is optimized for natural waters, process solutions, and moderate-purity applications above 5-10 μS/cm.
What sample volume is required for measurement?
The electrode requires sufficient sample depth for complete immersion, typically 2-3 cm depth in a container wide enough to avoid wall effects on the electrical field.
How long do batteries typically last?
With the automatic shutoff feature, four lithium batteries provide several months of typical laboratory use. Battery life indicator on startup helps plan replacement timing.
Is this meter suitable for continuous monitoring applications?
This is a handheld meter designed for grab sampling and periodic measurements. For continuous monitoring, consider dedicated inline conductivity analyzers with data logging capabilities.
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