Improve pH Measurement Reliability and Extend Sensor Life
Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) production is pH dependent. There are several stages during the production process that require a reliable pH measurement to ensure maximum yield and the highest possible quality.
There are two primary processes used in the production of Titanium Dioxide. The sulfate method uses sulfuric acid to help create an exothermic reaction yielding titanium dioxide from the raw material (ilmenite). The chloride method uses chlorine and calcined coke to react with the raw material (rutile) at high temperature in order to produce TiO₂. Both methods involve the use of hazardous chemicals, high temperatures, and heavy suspended solids. These process conditions create substantial measurement and maintenance issues for most pH sensors.
The Solution
The Ring pH electrode’s rugged Glasteel™ design accurately measures pH in applications where conventional sensors are unstable, drift, and experience short service life due to wear from erosion and corrosion or plugging from suspended solids. Operators install ring style sensors in-line between two flanges, directly in the product flow. The smooth enamel finish uses the flow to keep the surface of the sensor clean while resisting any potential product build-up that may occur. Working in conjunction with a pressurized liquid electrolyte delivery system, the Ring is resistant to fouling of the reference electrode.
The Glasteel™ manufacturing process fuses a ceramic material with stainless steel to produce a high strength, corrosive resistant composite. Glasteel™ is resistant to most corrosive substances, even under high temperature. The smooth sensor surface helps resist buildup of viscous or sticky products. Glasteel™ sensors will last significantly longer than traditional glass sensors in most pH applications.
The Ring’s non-intrusive sensor design, Glasteel material of construction, and pressurized reference system make this solution ideal for pH applications in TiO₂ and pigment production.
The Stratos Pro is a two-wire loop powered Class 1 Div. 1 FM/CSA rated transmitter. It provides a 4…20 mA output, superimposed with HART process and diagnostic data. Plant operations can view data at their work stations when using AMS software.
What was this Customer’s Return on Investment?
Reduced sensor replacements & maintenance costs:
The Ring sensor design and material of construction minimizes wear and plugging of the reference system. With less wear, the Ring will last significantly longer than typical pH sensors. Keeping the diaphragm and reference system free from fouling helps extend the time between calibrations thereby reducing maintenance costs.
Expanded product yields due to more reliable pH measurement and increased process up-time:
Glasteel is resistant to the hazardous chemicals and high temperatures found in the TiO₂ production process. These conditions, along with the plugging of the reference system are what typically cause sensor drift; thus requiring the user to do more calibrations in order to have an accurate measurement.
When in need of calibration, the Ring only requires a single point cal using a known process value. Operators do not need to remove the sensor from the process or use two standards for calibration. This significantly minimizes the time and effort required to ensure an accurate measurement.
