Leitfähigkeitszelle

A Leitfähigkeitszelle, also known as an electrolyte conductivity cell or conductivity cell, is a type of electrochemical cell designed to measure the electrical conductivity of a liquid electrolyte. It operates based on the principle that the conductivity of an electrolyte solution is directly proportional to the resistance it offers to the flow of electric current.

The cell consists of two parallel electrodes, typically made of inert materials such as platinum, gold, or glass-coated metal, which are immersed in the electrolyte solution. When a small alternating current (AC) is applied between the electrodes, the resulting potential difference is measured. This potential difference is inversely proportional to the conductivity of the solution, allowing for its quantification.

Leitfähigkeitszellen are commonly used in various applications, including quality control in chemical and pharmaceutical industries, environmental monitoring, and process control in chemical manufacturing. They provide real-time data on the ionic composition and purity of solutions, enabling precise adjustments to maintain desired properties.

A key advantage of conductivity measurements is their non-destructive nature, as they do not alter the sample being tested. However, factors such as temperature, electrode material, and solution composition can influence measurement accuracy. Calibration is often required to ensure reliable results, typically using standard solutions of known conductivity.

Modern conductivity cells may incorporate advanced features such as temperature compensation, automatic calibration routines, and data logging capabilities. They are often integrated into larger analytical systems to streamline monitoring and process optimization.