Electrical conductivity (EC) is a critical parameter in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for solutions and ionic compounds. It measures the ability of a substance to conduct an electric current. EC testing helps in the quality control of electrolytes, buffers, and other ionic solutions used in drug formulations.
Protheragen-ING Lab is committed to delivering precise and reliable electrical conductivity data to support your pharmaceutical development and quality control processes. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism in every analysis we perform.
Principles of electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity is measured using a conductivity meter, which consists of two electrodes placed in the solution. When a voltage is applied, ions in the solution move toward the electrodes, creating an electrical current. The conductivity meter measures the current, and this measurement is used to calculate the conductivity of the solution.
The EC value is influenced by:
- Ion Concentration: Higher concentrations of ions result in higher conductivity.
- Ion Type: Different ions have different conductivities. For instance, H+ and OH- ions have higher conductivity compared to Na+ or Cl- ions.
- Temperature: Conductivity increases with temperature. Therefore, temperature control and compensation are crucial for accurate measurements.
Our electrical conductivity testing services
We offer comprehensive electrical conductivity testing services to support the pharmaceutical industry. Our laboratory is equipped with advanced conductivity meters and instrumentation to provide accurate and reliable measurements.
We employ advanced methods to determine the electrical conductivity of pharmaceutical solutions:
Conductivity Meter Method
This method involves using a calibrated conductivity meter to measure the electrical conductance of the sample solution. The meter provides direct readings of conductivity, which are then used to assess the quality and concentration of the solution.
Potentiometric Method
This technique involves measuring the potential difference between two electrodes immersed in the sample solution. The conductivity is calculated based on the measured potential and the known properties of the electrodes.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
EIS is a sophisticated technique that measures the impedance of the sample solution over a range of frequencies. It provides detailed information about the conductivity and other electrochemical properties of the solution.
Applications in pharmaceutical analysis
The EC Test has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, including:
- Raw Material Characterization - Evaluating the conductivity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Formulation Development - Optimizing the ionic composition of drug products to improve solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
- Process Validation - Monitoring the electrical conductivity of solutions during various manufacturing steps, such as dissolution, granulation, or crystallization, to ensure process consistency and control.
- Stability Testing - Assessing the long-term stability of drug products by monitoring changes in electrical conductivity over time.
- Water Quality Monitoring - Measuring the conductivity of water used in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to ensure the absence of ionic contaminants.
For more information or to request our electrical conductivity testing services, please contact us.