PASCO PS-2116A Conductivity Sensor - Manual (Page 2)

Conductivity in Tap Water (Run#1) vs. Polluted Water (Run#2)
In this activity, you will take measurements of the conductivity of
tap water and “polluted” water.
1. Select DataStudio from the PASPORTAL Window.
2. Place the probe in the tap water.
3. Click the Start button to record conductivity data (Run #1).
4. Click the Stop button to end Run#1.
5. Rinse the probe with distilled or deionized water.
6. Place the probe in the “polluted” water.
7. Click the Start button to record conductivity data (Run#2).
8. Click the Stop button to end Run#2.
DataStudio Activity
CARD 2B
Range Selection
To select a range, press one of the three buttons on the sensor. The button of
the selected range illuminates steadily.
To help you choose the appropriate range, the sensor continuously monitors
conductivity (even if data is not being recorded) and detects when the
conductivity input is too high for the selected range. When this occurs, the
button for the next higher range flashes. Press the flashing button to select
the proper range.
Setup and Calibration
Equipment required: PASPORT Conductivity Sensor (PS-2116A), standard
solution (with conductivity value close to the test sample), DataStudio software
Perform a single-point calibration using the DataStudio software:
1. In the PASPORT Setup window, click the Calibrate button next to the
µS/cm units.
2. Enter the known conductivity value of the standard solution in the text
box.
3. Place the Conductivity Sensor in the standard sample.
4. Click the Set button.
5. Click the OK button.
The Conductivity Sensor is extremely sensitive. A reading 25 µS/cm for a
sample of pure water is well within tolerances. Pure water is difficult to find in a
typical classroom setting. Over time, the container itself can contaminate
samples. To make meaningful judgements based on conductivity readings, it is
essential to understand the scale and range of this measurement.
Relationship between Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
As a rule of thumb, for estimating TDS in parts per million, divide the
conductivity measurement by 2:
For more information on how temperature influences conductivity, see
PASCO’s web site (www.pasco.com).
Conductivity Values for Common Aqueous Solutions at 25°C
Solution Value
Ultra-Pure Water 0.05-0.75 µS/cm
Drinking Water 50-1500 µS/cm
Ocean Water 53,000 µS/cm
TDS(ppm)
Conductivity µS ( ) cm ( ) ⁄ ( )
2
----------------------------------------------------------------- =
DataStudio Calibration
Equipment required: PASPORT Conductivity Sensor (PS-2116A), standard
solution (with conductivity value close to the test sample), PASPORT Xplorer
1. Turn on the Xplorer and plug in a sensor.
2. Press the Display button until the calibrate screen appears.
3. Press the Check button.
4. Press the Tab button to move through the digits.
5. Use the Plus (+) or Minus (-) buttons to change the digit value until
the display matches the value of the selected standard sample.
6. Place the Conductivity Sensor in the standard sample.
7. Press the Check button.
PASPORT Xplorer Calibration
012-09688A
Conductivity Information
CARD 2A