Applications & Technical Articles
Maximizing Efficiency with Digital Water Analysis: The Role of the SensorFlex™ Platform in Mineral Processing and Metal Refining
As an instrumentation technician in a mineral processing facility or hydrometallurgical plant, you’re no stranger to challenging environments. From abrasive materials to corrosive chemicals, ensuring accurate water quality measurements is essential for optimizing processes, maintaining compliance, and preventing costly downtime. The SensorFlex™ Platform by IC Controls is a game-changing solution designed to make water analysis in these conditions more reliable and efficient.
Simplifying Complex Water Analysis
Mineral processing facilities in mines and hydrometallurgical plants often deal with process samples that are corrosive, prone to scale build-up, or require precise measurements. The SensorFlex Platform combines decades of IC Controls’ expertise with modern digital capabilities, ensuring robust performance even in extreme environments.
- Multi-Input Flexibility: Connect up to four probes, accommodating pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity measurements.
- Digital and Analog Compatibility: Easily integrate both digital and analog pH/ ORP probes using the optional digitizer.
- User-Friendly Interface: A large 7” touchscreen enables intuitive calibration, diagnostics, and real-time data monitoring.
- Lab-Calibrated Probes: Store calibration parameters onboard, allowing you to calibrate probes in controlled environments before field deployment.
Durable Probes for Tough Jobs
When working with harsh chemical processes, reliability is critical. SensorFlex probes are built with durability in mind:
- Digital pH/ORP Electrodes: Combine proven design with digital electronics for precision and easy calibration.
- Optical Dissolved Oxygen Probes: Ideal for ppm DO and ppb DO measurements, these probes require minimal maintenance and are quick to respond.
- Toroidal Conductivity Probes: Perfect for high ionic strength environments, with entirely plastic wetted components for enhanced durability.
Real-World Benefits for Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy
Implementing the SensorFlex platform can bring measurable benefits to your daily operations:
- Extended Maintenance Intervals: The platform’s advanced diagnostics and calibration tools flag probes for maintenance only when needed, reducing unnecessary downtime.
- Increased Operational Flexibility: Digitized probes offer greater adaptability for varying process requirements.
- Enhanced Process Efficiency: Accurate, real-time measurements ensure your facility operates at peak efficiency, minimizing waste and optimizing resource usage.
Built to Last in Extreme Conditions
The SensorFlex analyzer is rated for temperatures from 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F) and humidity levels of 10% to 95% (non-condensing), with an IP65-rated enclosure for protection against dust and water. This makes it an ideal choice for the demanding conditions of a mineral processing facility or hydrometallurgical plant. Sensors and probes are rated up to 130°C depending on the model.
Conclusion
For technicians striving to maintain precision and reliability in challenging mining environments, the SensorFlex™ Platform offers a reliable, easy-to-use, and durable solution. Its combination of digital innovation and proven probe technology ensures accurate water analysis, enabling you to focus on optimizing processes and driving operational success.
Ready to simplify your water analysis challenges? Click here to Request a Quote
Customer Reviews
“Back in 2018 I purchased and installed four IC Controls pH sensors and transmitters at a customer’s site. It was a challenging application on two large holding tanks handling 0 and 14 pH waste water. The probes have performed great with infrequent calibrations. Today, that Plant reached out to me and requested a replacement pH sensor and a spare.”
from the President
Industrial Process Solutions company
Using Model 210-P-1-10-20 pH analyzer and Model 643 pH sensor
California, USA
June 2025
“The new hot-tap pH probe and analyzer … has been performing excellently since we’ve installed it, and it has made pH monitoring on the tank so much easier.”
from an Instrument Technologist
Application: CO2 Scrubber and Stormwater pH
Using Model 210-P pH analyzer and Model 643 pH sensor
Saskatchewan, Canada
July 2023
“Customer is very happy with our products. This application has shown to be very reliable and perform wonderfully”
from our Distributor about their customer, measuring the effluent at their cogeneration plant to meet government regulations.
using the Model 210-P pH analyzer and Model 602 pH sensor
May 2015
Application Review
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