Product details
Multi-Parameter Free Chlorine Monitoring Pane clark method or Membrane
The InstroDirect IDFCP-1 Free Chlorine Monitoring Panel – Multi-Parameter Wall-Mount System is a fully-assembled free chlorine live monitoring panel that combines a touchscreen controller, solenoid sample valve, transparent constant-head flow cell, and pre-wired sensors for free chlorine, pH, temperature, and turbidity. The panel arrives factory-calibrated on a single 304 stainless-steel wall-mount plate — connect 24V DC, a sample inlet, and a drain and it is ready to log compliance data.
We have membrane which is the economical version or the Clark method which is a low maitance potentiostatic probe with no changing of mebrane fluids and membrane and has very low drift.
The Clark Method (often associated with the “Clark Amperometric Sensor”) is a technique for measuring dissolved gases—most commonly oxygen, but adapted for free chlorine—using an electrochemical probe.
1. The Core Principle (Amperometry)
The sensor works on the principle of amperometry. It measures the electric current that flows between two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) when a constant voltage is applied.
Diffusion: The probe is covered by a thin, selective membrane. Only specific molecules (like $HOCl$—Hypochlorous acid) can pass through this membrane.
Reduction: Once inside the probe, the free chlorine reaches the cathode (usually gold or platinum). Here, a chemical reaction occurs where the chlorine is “reduced” (it gains electrons).
Current Production: This reaction generates a small electrical current.
Proportionality: The strength of this current is directly proportional to the concentration of free chlorine in the water.
Typical Australian Applications
- Council drinking water chlorination monitoring and compliance reporting
- Swimming pool and aquatic centre free chlorine compliance
- WWTP disinfection — UV / chlorine polishing step monitoring
- Cooling tower water treatment and legionella management
- Food & beverage ingredient water chlorine control
- Hospital and healthcare cooling water and potable water monitoring
- Irrigation water disinfection for hydroponic and horticultural sites
Why Integrators Choose the IDFCP-1
- Factory-assembled, factory-calibrated, factory-tested — unbox, wall-mount, plumb, power up
- Single touchscreen displays all 4 parameters plus trends and alarms; no separate transmitter per sensor
- Constant-head flow cell eliminates pressure-related bias in free chlorine readings
- Motorised inlet valve auto-flushes and auto-samples for cleaning cycles
- RS485 Modbus drops directly into any SCADA or BMS (AB, Siemens, Schneider, Beckhoff, Tridium Niagara)
- Local AU technical support means a phone call, not a support ticket in another timezone
Installation & Calibration
Mount the panel on a solid interior wall or in a weather-sheltered outdoor cabinet. Plumb the sample inlet to a 1/4″ BSP line (upstream pressure 0.5 – 3 bar) and the drain to an open vent. Supply 24 VDC through an IP54 isolator. First-start calibration is performed on-site — InstroDirect offers an optional on-site commissioning and calibration service including a formal calibration certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this measure free chlorine or total chlorine?
Free chlorine as standard. Total chlorine available on request — specify when ordering.
Can it integrate with Allen-Bradley or Siemens SCADA?
Yes. All 4 channels stream over RS485 Modbus RTU. Map the registers into AB ControlLogix, Siemens S7-1500, Schneider M580, or any Tridium Niagara JACE.
Is this suitable for outdoor installation?
The panel is IP54. For full outdoor exposure, install in a weather-sheltered cabinet. We stock IP65 outdoor cabinets sized for this panel.
What is the lead time?
Factory-built dispatch next business day. Custom configurations (different sensor mix, specific ranges, IP65 enclosures) 3–4 weeks.
Australian Technical Support, Calibration & Consumables
- Brisbane-based phone & email technical support from field engineers with 20+ years automation experience
- On-site calibration service across QLD, NSW, VIC with calibration certificate
- Trade pricing for integrators, councils, water utilities, pool & spa contractors
Request a Trade Quote
Panel builders, system integrators, council water departments, water utilities, and food & beverage engineers get volume trade pricing. Submit a quote request and we’ll respond within one business day with stock, pricing, and lead time.
Why InstroDirect vs Endress+Hauser or HACH in Australia
InstroDirect supplies the same grade of water-quality sensor that Australian councils, WWTP integrators, pharma plants, and food & beverage operators specify from Endress+Hauser and HACH — at a significantly lower landed cost and without vendor lock-in.
| Factor | InstroDirect | Endress+Hauser / HACH |
|---|---|---|
| Digital protocol | Open RS485 Modbus RTU/ 4-20ma — integrates with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Beckhoff, or any SCADA | Proprietary (E+H Memosens / HACH SC digital) — locked to the vendor’s transmitter |
| Technical support | Australian field engineers with 20+ years automation experience | Remote support via offshore ticket queues |
| On-site calibration | InstroDirect technicians available across QLD, NSW, VIC with formal calibration certificate | Third-party authorised service network, longer turnaround |
| Price | Parallel-import model — no distributor margin stack, typically 30–50% below equivalent brand pricing | Premium brand pricing with tiered distributor markup |
| Replacement parts | Standard consumables ordered on demand from InstroDirect | Proprietary cartridges and cells, tied to the brand |
Moving away from Memosens or SC digital protocols frees you to mix and match sensors with any Modbus-capable transmitter or PLC. InstroDirect probes drop straight into an existing control system without a new proprietary transmitter.
