Dissolved Oxygen Overview
Trace levels of dissolved oxygen can be measured at parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per litre (µg/L) using a dissolved oxygen meter. Online measurement technology in this concentration range is usually different from that for parts per million (ppm) measurements,
One of the problems of dissolved oxygen is that it can cause pitting and damage to various components of boiler systems, such as condensate lines and economizers. Thus, one of the primary uses of a dissolved oxygen monitor is for boiler water for corrosion control.
Optimizing Dissolved Oxygen Measurement Device Sensitivity
When you’re installing a new membrane module on your dissolved oxygen analyzer, it usually takes the unit about 24-48 hours to reach peak accuracy and sensitivity. Keep in mind that this is in ideal, low-oxygen conditions
Dissolved oxygen sensors that have been in service for a period of time will respond much quicker than a newly-installed sensor.
When assembling a dissolved oxygen sensor, you should connect it to the analyzer with the power turned on since this causes the current created by the sensor to flow and consume oxygen from the air during the time it is exposed and avoid the formation of unwanted byproducts. If you cannot connect the sensor to the analyzer, short the positive lead and the negative lead, which provides the current with a different path. By not providing a pathway, you will slow the sensor response time when it is placed in service. Removing air bubbles during assembly will also help to speed-up the start-up time.
Choosing a Dissolved Oxygen Sensor
IC Controls offers various products to suit your needs, such as our 1816DO Thermo Orion Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer. This sensor provides fast response times with high accuracy (± 2% reading or 0.1 μg/L,) while measuring below 1 ppb , making it ideal for applications that require trace level detection continuously, such as surface waters, potable water supplies, groundwater aquifers, and waste treatment facilities where low concentrations need to be measured quickly.
Our 869 dissolved oxygen meter is also designed for ease of use and fast results, so you can quickly determine if your treatment process needs adjusting or if you should install additional deaeration equipment. With its small size, portability, rugged construction, built-in calibration checker, and automatic ranging functions, this sensor offers an ideal solution for field applications such as surveys, routine testing in lakes/ponds/lagoons/rivers, etc.
