Industrial pH Sensor Targets Harsh Process Environments

ABB has introduced the 500 X pH/ORP sensor, designed for process environments where conventional sensors often fail due to contamination or chemical poisoning of reference electrodes. The new sensor targets industrial processes characterized by high temperatures, extreme pH conditions and aggressive chemical environments.

Customer evaluation trials indicate that the sensor can achieve operational lifetimes up to ten times longer than conventional pH/ORP sensors under severe process conditions.

Design to Resist Reference Poisoning
In many industrial processes, pH/ORP sensors experience rapid degradation due to reference poisoning, a phenomenon where contaminants penetrate the reference system and disrupt stable measurement. Fouling from process deposits can also impair sensor response.

The 500 X sensor incorporates a proprietary reference system and electrode design intended to mitigate these failure modes. The design aims to maintain measurement stability in applications with high pressure, elevated temperature and chemically aggressive media.

Such conditions are common in sectors including chemical processing, marine operations and heavy industrial manufacturing.

Digital Integration via EZLink Platform
The sensor connects directly to ABB transmitters through the EZLink digital platform, allowing automatic configuration and measurement functionality when installed.

Integration with the AWT424 transmitter enables access to diagnostic data, calibration information and device status through the EZLink Connect mobile application. Maintenance teams can review sensor information, perform diagnostics and receive software updates using a smartphone interface.

Digital connectivity allows operators to monitor sensor performance and identify maintenance requirements before measurement accuracy is affected.

Sensor Portfolio for Process Measurement
The 500 X sensor forms part of ABB’s broader pH/ORP measurement portfolio. Within the product range, the 500 series—comprising the 500 X and 500 PRO sensors—is designed for high-durability applications in harsh industrial environments.

The company’s 100 series sensors, including the 100E, 100GP and 100 ULTRA models, target general-purpose applications such as drinking water treatment, wastewater monitoring, irrigation systems, aquaculture and environmental measurement.

For applications requiring very high accuracy, the 700 ULTRA series provides rechargeable sensors designed for specialized measurement scenarios, including ultra-low conductivity environments.

By expanding its pH/ORP sensor lineup, ABB aims to address a range of industrial process measurement requirements, from routine monitoring to operation in aggressive chemical environments.