OK, OK, a toothbrush isn’t part of pH measurement (unless you’re using one to clean your sensors…not recommended!).

However, inductive charging technology introduced by Braun’s Oral-B electric toothbrush was a precursor to groundbreaking improvements in in-line pH/ORP, oxygen, and conductivity sensors.

If you’re not using inductive technology for dental hygiene, it’s possible you’re using it for other portable device charging. This charging method has now become a standard for modern technology. There are several remote controls, smartphones, and even smartwatches now using inductive charging.

It is actually a pretty simple technology. Induction chargers use an induction coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base.  A second induction coil in the portable device takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electric current to charge the battery.

What if you could transmit data, along with power, through an inductive connection?  Drumroll, please…You can!

Memosens technology – released in February 2009, uses a patented inductive connection that provides power to pH/ORP, oxygen, and conductivity sensors. Along with power, the technology allows for the transmission of both process information and sensor diagnostics to your analyzer/transmitter.

Why does this matter? Do you remember these “pain points” from my previous post?

• You have to do regular PM’s for calibration of your pH sensors because they frequently drift.
• You’re spending a lot of money replacing pH sensors.
• Every time you replace a sensor it’s an arduous process.

The Memosens inductive connection alleviates each of these pains.

• Frequent Drift: All other analog or digital sensor quick-disconnects use metal, conductive parts. These parts make the sensor susceptible to drift caused by moisture and/or corrosion on the contacts. Technicians are frequently sent into the field to calibrate sensors that are showing drift. This issue is commonly related to noise from the connection rather than the degradation of the sensor. These calibrations can prove effective in the moment but don’t resolve the true issue. It’s very likely that the technician doing a frequent (and likely unnecessary) calibration on analog and other digital sensors will never truly be able to fix the underlying problem.
  Solution: Memosens sensor connections are constructed using all molded plastic components. There are no metal parts. These sensor/cable connections are completely submersible. There will be ZERO drift caused by noise from the connection. This means fewer, less frequent, calibrations of Memosens sensors, saving technicians time and aggravation.
• Spending Too Much Money Replacing Sensors: Analog sensors with metal, conductive quick-disconnects can eventually fail due to corrosion. An industry-wide lack of trust in traditional analog sensors, whether due to poor repeatability or a lack of diagnostics, regularly leads to premature sensor replacements.
  Solution: Memosens connections cannot corrode and the diagnostics provided from the sensor allow for a clear understanding of sensor condition.  This advantage means it is likely you will replace fewer sensors.
• Replacing Sensors is a Painful Process: With some analog and digital sensors, you have to go to the transmitter, remove the wires from the terminal block, and pull the cable through your fitting, cable tray and/or conduit. This takes time and can be cumbersome.
  Solution: Memosens connections allow for a submersible quick disconnect at the sensor. There is no longer the need to go to the transmitter to remove wires and pull cable. Simply disconnect and replace. This means it is likely that field maintenance time will be drastically reduced.

They say brushing your teeth at least twice a day is good for you … so is using Memosens sensors!

This is the first in a series of 5 posts that are designed to best explain the features and benefits of Memosens:

1. How can a toothbrush make your pH measurement more reliable? – The Inductive Connection
2. It’s probably the cable! – Analog sensors and their inherent electrical issues
3. It’s 3 am and I’m out calibrating a pH sensor! – The portable meter and the benefits of off-line calibration
4. How accurate is my pH sensor?  You should be asking, how accurate is my calibration procedure? – Helpful hints for a more accurate calibration
5. How many pH sensors did we throw away last month? – The value of enhanced sensor diagnostics