Measuring electrical conductivity is an essential part of metal analysis and quality assurance in many industries. Measuring electrical conductivity is a physical property that refers to the ability of a material to conduct electricity. The ability to conduct electricity relies on several factors, including the number and mobility of mobile electrons within a material.

This will be a brief article about the importance of electrical conductivity measurement. Conductivity is a crucial figure in many industrial processes, and the instrument used to perform this measurement is called an Electrical Conductivity meter.

Why is Electrical Conductivity Testing Necessary?

Measurement of electrical conductivity is a critical part in many manufacturing processes, including:

• Electrical conductivity measurement can identify the presence and quantity of mobile electrons within a material. It provides critical information for manufacturers in a wide range of industries. This allows manufacturers to determine whether their components are safe in manufacturing processes, equipment, or end products.
• Conductivity testing can verify the authenticity of metals such as aluminum, copper, or gold.
• Conductivity measurement can determine the purity and performance of metals used in producing printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Conductivity measurement helps designers ensure that heat-treated parts function properly during use. This can impact their integrity and longevity, providing valuable information about their performance compared to unheated parts.
• Electrical conductivity measurement can determine the purity of metals and alloys to determine the integrity and strength of aerospace components and other materials.
• Eddy's current technology minimizes surface effects to ensure dependable measurements on a broad range of materials.
• The instrument’s compact size makes it ideal for on-site testing in various industries.
• Electrical conductivity measurement saves time and money by ensuring that products meet strict specifications. It also provides manufacturers with objective data regarding the end product – both online and offline.
• Conductivity testing can help manufacturers verify that the components they are buying are to specification and save money.

Formula and Equation for Conductivity

Conductivity can also be expressed in terms of R, l and a

σ = 1/ρ

σ = L/RA

where ρ = RA/l  and
R = Resistance of the conductor
A = Area of cross-section
ρ = Specific resistance or resistivity

SI unit of conductivity is mho/meter or ℧/m

Which Industries Use Conductivity Measurement?

Aerospace

Aerospace is a market segment that requires the use of conductivity measurement. Different aerospace materials require different levels of electric current transporting within them.By measuring electric conductivity, aerospace foundries, and manufacturers can better optimize the performance of their products and ensure their quality by providing high-quality materials.

Electronics

Electronics are complex system that requires high-quality materials to function correctly. A handheld instrument can measure the conductivity of its components to ensure the quality and performance of the product. 

Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical

By measuring electrical conductivity, one can determine the ability of oil, gas, and petrochemical products to transport electricity throughout it, providing information about its integrity and quality.

Energy Industry

The electrical power industry is a core transportation that needs to be measured. Many different instruments and handheld devices can measure it. Electrical conductivity testing is used to measure the component’s quality and verify its ability to carry current.

Electrical conductivity testing also highlights areas on the component that may have metal fatigue, heat damage, or other defects that will impact component performance and its lifespan.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage companies use electrical conductivity testing to ensure the quality of their products.

They will verify the components’ performance concerning their quality through a conductivity test. All food and beverage products tend to contain metals and oxygen; these two factors can cause electrical currents to fail in the product. Therefore an electrical conductivity test will ensure the quality of their products.

Automotive

Conductivity testing is essential in the automotive industry because it is a critical component of their products.

Electrical conductivity testing ensures that the product will be able to conduct enough current to protect from damage from other electrical systems and other immersing conductors. Therefore, this product is used as protection against electrical danger.

Conclusion

The importance of electrical conductivity is critical to many industrial processes in manufacturing and quality assurance. Conductivity is measured directly with a conductivity meter called an “electrical conductivity meter.” There are many different types of meters available on the market, but only one will have CE certification and the performance to meet your industry’s needs.

For more than 30 years, NDT-KITS has been dedicated to the R&D, manufacturing, and selling of ultrasonic equipment, ultrasonic probes, and micro and nanostructures in China. It is one of the largest ultrasonic equipment manufacturers in China.

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