Efficient interface – measurement in decanters – the impedance rod probe with Swiss precision
Fast interface measurement for demanding chemical processes.
The rod probe from Aquasant Messtechnik is your reliable partner for precise interface measurement and continuous phase separation in complex chemical applications. Developed for use in decanters and separators, this rod probe impresses with its robust design made of stainless steel, alloy or tantalum and a highly resistant coated measuring electrode. Especially in processes with emulsions and phase inversions, as often occur in chemical extractions, the rod probes guarantee reliable, long-lasting performance and measuring accuracy.
Why is precise interface measurement crucial?
Mixing product phases leads to considerable costs and contamination of the organic phase. Process optimization is essential for time-saving, efficient production. The degree of automation with the continuous interface measurement by means of an impedance rod probe in the decanter allows the continuous product separation to be operated autonomously. The continuous feed flow into the decanter is controlled by the overflow and the regulated outlet via a control valve in the lower phase.
Advantages interface phase control for maximum process control
The continuous interface measurement of the STMd-R rod probe ensures precise detection and control of the phase height in the separator. This automatic adaptation to specific process requirements enables you to optimally control the phase separation and thus significantly increase the efficiency of your decanter processes. Seamless integration into your existing process infrastructure ensures minimal downtime and rapid implementation.
General advantages
- Highest measuring accuracy for any conductivity
- Real-time interface measurement
- Insensitive to emulsions & coatings
- Ex ia certified for zone 0/1 for substance group IIC T6
- Maintenance-free thanks to optimized design
- Customized length (up to 6 m)
- Ideal in mono and multi-purpose systems
High-quality materials for extreme conditions
The interface rod probes are designed to function reliably even under extreme conditions. The combination of stainless steel or optional alloy as well as an FFKM Chemraz double sealing system and a Teflon measuring electrode offers exceptional resistance to aggressive chemical environments. This makes the STMd-R sensor the ideal choice for demanding applications where reliability and longevity are critical.
Functional principle of impedance measurement
Precision in measurement – differentiation of liquid phases
Different media have different measured impedance values. Upper and lower phases are measured. The measured value of the upper phase is stored as the zero point of the active electrode area. The STMd rod probes use state-of-the-art measurement technologies to accurately determine the impedance, conductivity and dielectric constant (DK) as a sum signal of your process media. These precise measurements make it possible to accurately identify and differentiate between different liquid interfaces – from insulating to highly conductive substances. This gives you valuable insights into your processes and allows you to continuously optimize the efficiency and quality of your phase separation.
Specifications
- Physical measuring principle: Impedance
- Process connections: Flanges or threads (metric/inch)
- Process pressure: 0.5 to +40 bar
- Measuring range: 40 to 3000 mm
- Temperature: -20 to +170 °C
- 2-wire technology
- ATEX
Application variants of impedance rod probes
Aquasant sensors are designed and manufactured exclusively in-house. The process characteristics and products of the plant are taken into account. Through personalized consultation and process analysis, we define the optimal sensor.
- High-temperature ceramic SKMd rod probe up to 170°C
- Full PTFE STMd-T rod probe for aggressive products
- SGK rod probe mini glass sensor for mixer-settler applications
- Product compensated STMd rod probes of one phase
- SEM rod probe with glass-lined measuring electrode for high temperature application
- Interface detection clamp sensor for glass apparatus
Areas of application
Continuous separation processes of organic and aqueous phases in decanters and columns in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, oil-water separation in refineries

“Learn more about precise interface measurement and optimize your phase separation with the STMd rod probe. Contact us now for an individual consultation and maximize the efficiency of your chemical processes.”
– Managing Director
Info
Technical specification
Documentation
Accessoires
Info
Advantages of phase separation with Aquasant sensors
- High measuring accuracy: The impedance measurement reliably detects even the smallest differences in density and mulch layers.
- Reliable phase monitoring: Continuous phase monitoring takes place online and ensures automatic, fast and reliable detection of the interfaces, even under difficult conditions.
- Universal use: Our rod probes are versatile – in decanters, mixer-settlers, columns or pipelines.
- Simple integration: Easy commissioning and the self-monitoring measuring and control unit guarantee reliable liquid/liquid phase separation in various industrial processes.
Accessories
- Evaluation unit mipromex Type: MIQ/MIL 8130
- Monorack top-hat rail type: MRM 2
- On-site measuring electronics type: MTI 50/0 AEO2
Control units
MIL 8130 | MIQ 8130
MIPROMEX – The all-rounder for interface measurement
The MIQ evaluation unit can be used for everything from interface level measurement to batch separation with a pipe probe. With the option of a 2nd measuring circuit, phase monitoring, the fill level or the separation behavior can be measured. The evaluation electronics not only serve as a power supply unit in 2-wire technology, but also contain the intelligence for data processing.
Your advantage: High cost-effectiveness and investment security thanks to a long service life.
- Universally applicable, reduced storage costs
- With 1 or 2 measuring inputs
- Fault visualization, fault messages can be set to analogue output
- Monitored measuring circuit from probe to relay
- Analog output 4 – 20 mA with galvanic isolation, max. load 750 Ohm
- 2 relay outputs with potential-free changeover contact Limit value on first measuring circuit
- Continuous interface monitoring
- Phase monitoring for safety-optimized separation
- Combination with level measurement of the upper phase
Ex version: SEV 22 ATEX, EMC, CE

Technical specification
Dimensionen
- ANSI 1"-5"
or according to process specification:
- Thread M/G/R/NPT (metric/inch)
- Triclamp
- Milk pipe fitting
Rohrklasse
ASTM A182, ASME B16.5 RF
Sonden-Material
or according to process specification:
alloy C22 (2.4602), tantalum, zirconium
Messelektronik
Schutzart
Umgebungstemperatur
Messprinzip
Prozess-Temperaturbereich
-30..180°C with heat sink
Prozess-Druckbereich
Dichtungen
FFKM (Chemraz, Kalrez)
Messelektroden-Material
Glas
Halar
Keramik
PFA
PTFE
FEP
max. Messlänge
Messbereich
Leitfähigkeitsbereich
Integrationszeit
Ex-Schutz
Flameproof enclosure " d"
Geltungsbereich
IEC / weltweit
UKCA Grossbritanien
Zertifikate
Confirmation TSE/BSE free
Pressure test certificate
Manufacturer conformity PED/DESP/PED
Tool certificate 2.2 (EN 10204)
Acceptance test certificate 3.1
Test certificate ferrite content
Test certificate surface quality roughness
Test certificate welded joint
Ausgang
MTI: Pulse
Documentation
Downloads
- Flyer Separation layer continuous separation
- Probe data sheet general STM
- Data sheet probe STMd SB R DN
- MIQ control unit data sheet
- Data sheet control unit MIL
- Operating instructions short MIL/MIQ
- Operating instructions MIL/ MIQ
- Ex-documentation
Accessoires
FAQ’s
What is an interface measurement?
The interface measurement detects the interface between two immiscible liquids, e.g. oil and water, or organic/aqueous phases in industrial processes.
What measuring principles are there?
Impedance / Capacitive, Radar / Microwave, Optical, Float / Mechanical, Density / Vibration measurement technology
What are the challenges?
- Emulsions
- Conductivity differences
- Agitators
- Temperature dependence
- Product change
Can the Aquasant impedance probes be used in Ex zones?
Yes, the intrinsically safe design of the mipromex [Ex ia] control units is ideal for ATEX and IECEx zones 0/1. The combination of a rod probe with the MIQ8130 ensures maximum safety and approval conformity.
How accurate is the interface measurement?
Thanks to the impedance profile, the probe achieves phase-clear, millimeter-precise detection – even with difficult process control or emulsion formation.
Is the Aquasant interface measurement low-maintenance?
Yes, the rod probe has no moving parts, is fully encapsulated and therefore extremely low-maintenance. Coatings or deposits hardly affect the measurement.
How is the interface probe installed?
Installation typically takes place:
- vertically from above into the tank or, in special cases, from below or from the side nozzle
- in the bypass or guide tube
- via standardized process connections (e.g. DIN, ANSI flanges, threads or Triclamp)
Aquasant provides support in the design of the complete application.
