Warewash machine chemical sensor and related system and method

A method of monitoring a chemical feed line of a warewash machine, the method comprising the steps of:

• utilizing a flow through sensor in the chemical feed line, the sensor including a through passage and first and second electrodes in fluid communication with the through passage, wherein the first electrode includes a first plate depression that extends inward through a first opening in the housing such that an inwardly facing surface of the first plate depression can contact a chemical when flowing in the through passage, wherein the second electrode includes a second plate depression that extends inward through a second opening in the housing such that an inwardly facing surface of the second plate depression can contact the chemical when flowing in the through passage, and the first and second electrodes are electrically connected in a chemical detection circuit;
• applying a periodic excitation signal to the chemical detection circuit, wherein an output signal of the chemical detection circuit varies according to an impedance between the first plate depression and the second plate depression along the through passage;
• and
• evaluating the output signal to reach a determination as to presence or absence of the chemical in the through passage.

A method of monitoring a chemical feed line of a warewash machine, the method comprising the steps of:

• utilizing a flow through sensor in the chemical feed line, the sensor including a through passage and first and second electrodes in fluid communication with the through passage, wherein the first electrode includes a first portion that extends inward through a first opening in the housing such that the first portion can contact a chemical when flowing in the through passage, wherein the second electrode includes a second portion that extends inward through a second opening in the housing such that the second portion can contact the chemical when flowing in the through passage, and the first and second electrodes are electrically connected in a chemical detection circuit;
• applying a periodic excitation signal to the chemical detection circuit, wherein an output signal of the chemical detection circuit varies according to an impedance between the first plate depression and the second plate depression along the through passage;
• and
• evaluating the output signal to reach a determination as to presence or absence of the chemical in the through passage.