Uncertainty Analysis for Low-Cost Transformer Type Inductive Conductivity Sensors

Transformer-type inductive conductivity sensors (TICS) are the industry standard for long-term conductivity measurement in fluids. This paper analyzes the potential of TICS as a low-cost alternative to the more cost-efficient type of conductivity cells by an implementation with reduced complexity. Sensor characteristics and performance in comparison to high precision sensor are described in the study. Linearity and hysteresis error in measurement, reproducibility and permeability influence by the temperature change are quantified through the experiments. The results were interpreted in regards to core material, geometric properties and noise shielding. Study presented in this paper provides a better understanding of performance and uncertainty characteristics in order to improve the design of low-cost transformer type inductive conductivity sensors.