Caring for pH Electrodes

pH electrodes are necessary tools to have and take care of as they play an essential role in many chemical processes. Essentially, pH electrodes are analyzers. They measure the potential (or amount, in layman’s terms of hydrogen. The potential of hydrogen or the pH can vastly affect a chemical process. Some chemical processes are entirely dependent on pH levels. Therefore, it is not just convenient but essential to have pH electrodes that help maintain pH levels. But how to take care of pH electrodes or sensors?

Here are some ways to ensure your pH electrodes are handled correctly so that they work effectively and last a bit longer.

Calibration

As with any instrument, long-term use can push off the balance of measurement. This means pH sensors that can give inaccurate measurements if they are not recalibrated from time to time. Recalibration is an easy enough process. Using two known measurements, adjust the pH values of the pH sensor. Each pH sensor outputs some signals that correspond to a pH value. The pH values need to be adjusted in association with these outputs.

Conditioning

Before electrodes can be used, there is a certain process to adhere to condition the electrodes right. Beforehand, the electrodes will have been kept damp. It’s essential always to keep the electrodes moist. However, refrain from storing electrodes in distilled or deionized water as this will completely ruin the electrodes by damaging their glass membrane. Instead, leave them in 3.8M to 4.0M potassium chloride solution for up to 20 minutes. Remember to remove the protective covering from the bottom of the pH sensor first and rinse before and after conditioning it with the ionic solution of potassium chloride.

Handling

Electrodes should never be wiped as that can induce static charges and cause incorrect readings. Instead, wash them with distilled or deionized water and pat them dry with clean paper.

Protective Rubber Boot

The glass bulb of the electrodes is covered with a rubber boot to keep it protected. The protective rubber boot needs to be removed before conditioning or using the electrodes. When putting the rubber boot back on between uses, fill it with 4.0M of KCL solution to keep the bulb moist.

Storage

As mentioned before, the pH electrodes need to be kept moist by storing them in a potassium chloride solution of 4.0M concentration. Alternatively, instead of potassium chloride, a pH 4 or 7 buffer solution can be used as well.

pH and ORP Sensors

They have a range of ph ORP sensors and pH sensors. We can help you figure out several process variables in connection to your application with a free consultation. Some essential process variables to think about are pH glass, coating of the glass, ground loops, and chemical compatibility.