Monitoring Water for Conductivity With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD’s proprietary technology allows for real-time monitoring of KPIs like conductivity (and 30+ other water testing parameters) while lowering up-front costs via an industry-preferred $0-CAPEX subscription model.  

As an intelligent water management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides real-time monitoring for conductivity and 30+ other water testing parameters (such as inorganic materials, heavy metals, nutrients, and environmental factors). Monitoring happens via an interoperable, modular system that uploads your data to the cloud for easy 24/7 access from anywhere. Customize your dashboard with your own unique selection of parameters, then get visualized real-time data to help you make meaningful water quality decisions on the fly.

Why Monitor Water for Conductivity with KETOS

While pure water has a low electrical conductivity, when various chemicals and salts dissolve into it, the level of conductivity will change. If the conductivity changes, for example, if sulfates build up in the water, scale can begin to build up, damaging boilers and other industrial infrastructure.

Monitoring conductivity is useful in that it can be a general measure of water quality. Each water source tends to have a relatively constant range of conductivity that can be used as a baseline for comparison with regular conductivity measurements. Once an organization has a baseline, changes might indicate that some form of contamination has entered the water resource.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand your water’s standard conductivity, where it needs to be, and if any fluctuations happen. Consistent water monitoring can ensure your organization can get a good read on conductivity at regular, pre-determined intervals.

What are the Issues with Conductivity in Water?

Issues with conductivity in water stem from its role as a key indicator of water quality, reflecting the presence of dissolved ions. While conductivity itself isn’t directly harmful, it signals potential concerns and poses challenges in various aspects of water management. Here’s an overview:

• Water Contamination Detection: High conductivity often signifies elevated levels of dissolved solids, indicating pollution from sources like industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, or natural geological processes. Monitoring conductivity helps identify contamination and assess overall water quality.
• Impact on Aquatic Life: Excessive conductivity can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by altering the osmotic balance and ion concentrations in water bodies. This disruption affects aquatic organisms’ health, leading to reduced biodiversity and compromised ecosystem resilience.
• Infrastructure Damage: High conductivity water accelerates corrosion of metal infrastructure such as pipelines and pumps, leading to leaks, service disruptions, and costly repairs. Corrosion-related issues are particularly prevalent in regions with high levels of dissolved salts.
• Treatment Challenges: Managing conductivity during water treatment can be challenging, especially in areas with elevated levels of dissolved ions. High conductivity can interfere with treatment processes, reducing efficiency and increasing operational costs.
• Drinking Water Quality: While conductivity itself isn’t harmful, it’s used as an indicator of water quality and correlates with the presence of dissolved solids. Excessive levels of dissolved solids can affect water taste, odor, and clarity, necessitating treatment to meet drinking water standards.
• Agricultural Impact: High conductivity water used for irrigation can lead to soil salinization, reducing soil fertility and crop productivity. Managing conductivity in irrigation water is crucial for sustaining agricultural practices and ensuring long-term soil health.

Causes of Conductivity in Water

Conductivity in water is a measure of its ability to conduct electricity, which is primarily influenced by the presence of dissolved ions. The higher the concentration of ions like sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, and sulfate, the greater the conductivity. Naturally, conductivity can increase as water flows over and through mineral-rich rocks, dissolving these ions into groundwater or surface water. This is common in regions with significant geological mineral deposits or saline soils.

Acceptable Levels of Conductivity in Water by Industry

Conductivity in water is a critical parameter in various industries as it reflects the water’s ability to conduct electrical current, which is directly influenced by the concentration of dissolved salts and minerals. Different industries have specific requirements for water conductivity to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to equipment or processes. For instance, the semiconductor industry requires extremely low conductivity levels to avoid impurities that could affect the manufacturing process, whereas the drinking water industry maintains higher acceptable levels to ensure safety and palatability. The acceptable conductivity levels vary widely across industries due to differing operational needs and regulatory standards. Monitoring and maintaining appropriate conductivity levels is essential for efficiency, safety, and compliance in industrial operations.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Conductivity

Instead of measuring conductivity with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Get started with conductivity, then choose from 30+ other water testing parameters to gain a 360-degree view of your water’s composition.