Cu-100 Copper Ion-Selective Electrode

Overview

The Cu-100 is a precision ion-selective electrode specifically designed for measuring copper (Cu²⁺) concentration in water. Copper monitoring is critical for drinking water safety, electroplating process control, mining operations, and environmental compliance. This sensor provides fast, accurate measurements essential for protecting public health and meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Features

• High Selectivity: Specifically designed for copper ion detection
• Wide Range: Measures from 0.06 to 6,400 mg/L (ppm)
• Digital Output: RS485 Modbus RTU for seamless integration with SCADA and IoT systems
• Fast Response: Results within 30 seconds
• Automatic Temperature Compensation: Integrated PT1000 sensor for accurate readings
• Direct Connection: Connect directly to computer or PLC without additional instrumentation
• High Protection: IP68 waterproof rating ensures reliable operation

Applications

• Drinking water quality monitoring
• Electroplating bath control
• Metal finishing processes
• Mining wastewater treatment
• Industrial effluent monitoring
• Environmental compliance testing
• Corrosion control monitoring
• Agricultural water testing
• Aquaculture water quality
• Research and laboratory analysis

Technical Specifications

The Cu-100 delivers precise copper measurements from 0.06 to 6,400 mg/L with automatic temperature compensation via the integrated PT1000 sensor. The ion-selective membrane provides exceptional selectivity for copper ions, making it ideal for trace metal detection in drinking water and environmental samples.

Understanding Copper in Water

Copper in water has both beneficial and harmful aspects:

Health Effects

• Essential Nutrient: Required in trace amounts (< 1 mg/day)
• Drinking Water: EPA action level is 1.3 mg/L
• Taste/Odor: Metallic taste at > 1 mg/L
• Toxicity: Gastrointestinal distress at high levels
• Aquatic Life: Very toxic to fish and invertebrates

Sources of Copper

• Plumbing: Copper pipes and fittings
• Corrosion: Acidic water dissolving copper
• Industrial: Electroplating, mining, manufacturing
• Agricultural: Algicides, fungicides, pesticides
• Natural: Mineral deposits and weathering

Regulatory Limits

• EPA Drinking Water: 1.3 mg/L action level
• Aquatic Life: 0.013 mg/L (freshwater chronic)
• Industrial Discharge: Varies by permit
• Swimming Pools: 1.0 mg/L maximum

Industrial Applications

Electroplating

• Bath Monitoring: Maintaining optimal copper concentration
• Process Control: Ensuring consistent plating quality
• Waste Treatment: Monitoring copper removal efficiency

Mining Operations

• Leaching Solutions: Tracking copper extraction
• Wastewater: Meeting discharge limits
• Process Optimization: Maximizing recovery

Typical Copper Levels

• Drinking water: < 1.0 mg/L
• Corrosive water: 1.0-3.0 mg/L
• Electroplating baths: 50-200 mg/L
• Mining wastewater: Variable, often elevated
• Industrial discharge limit: Typically < 1.0 mg/L
• Aquaculture (toxic): > 0.1 mg/L

Connectivity and Integration

The Cu-100 supports dual output for integration into industrial, environmental, and water quality monitoring systems:

RS485 Modbus RTU:

• Connect to Agrinovo Omni Genesis or Exodus controllers for cloud-based copper monitoring
• Multi-drop bus networking (up to 32 sensors per bus)
• Standard Modbus registers for Cu²⁺ concentration and temperature
• Compatible with SCADA, PLC, and electroplating bath controllers

RS485 Modbus RTU Output:

• Direct connection to alarm systems and treatment controls
• Scalable output range mapped to measurement range
• Ideal for corrosion monitoring loops and plating bath replenishment systems

Installation and Maintenance

Positioning: For drinking water monitoring, install at consumer taps or representative distribution points. For electroplating, install in the bath with adequate flow past the sensor. For environmental monitoring, position in discharge streams before receiving waters.

Calibration: Two-point calibration using CuSO4 standard solutions. For drinking water, calibrate at 0.1 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L. For industrial applications, use higher range standards appropriate for the process. Recalibrate every 2-4 weeks.

pH Consideration: Copper speciation changes with pH. At pH > 6, copper can precipitate as Cu(OH)2, reducing measured free Cu²⁺. Maintain sample pH < 6 for total dissolved copper measurement, or measure at process pH for free copper.

Corrosion Control

Copper monitoring helps identify corrosive water conditions:

• High copper indicates pipe corrosion
• pH and alkalinity adjustments can reduce corrosion
• Critical for protecting plumbing infrastructure
• Prevents copper contamination of water supply