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pH Measurement FAQs

If I order a pH meter, what accessories do I need to use with it?
You need a pH electrode and at least two pH buffers, on a pH 7 and the other at either pH 4 or 10.

My coworker is using an ORP electrode to measure the same solution as I, but our readings are not even close. Could there be something wrong with my electrode?
No. Because ORP is a relative measurement, it is almost impossible to compare two ORP electrodes directly. ORP electrodes come equipped with bands made up of platinum, gold, or hydrogen, fore example. Each band type will give you a different reading in the same solution. Even if the electrodes are of the same band type, the leak rate through the reference junction will affect your readings.

Instead, simply measure two solutions and note the difference between the two electrodes. Once again, the difference between two solutions should compare. You should be looking for a change of state, rather than an absolute measurement. You can check your electrode using pH buffer and quinhydrone.

Can I measure the pH of a gas?
The only way to measure the pH of a gas is to dissolve it into distilled water and measure the mixture. Technically, the pH of the distilled water/gas misture will be that of the gas.

How should I store my electrode?
The best solution fo electrode storage is 4M KCL. pH 4 buffer, pH 7 buffer, or tap water are also acceptable. Never store you electrode in distilled water.

What is the difference between a combination electrode and a sensing electrode with a reference cell?
A combination electrode is more convenient and requires a smaller sample container and volume. The sensing electrode with reference cell combination allows you to select the reference cell most compatible with your solution. You can select the double junction, calomel, or ROSS SURE FLOW half cell. You will probably get better life from this combination, and can replace each cell individually.

How does one take soil pH measurements?
Use our soil electrodes EW-05992-62 or EW-05992-60. Prepare the sample by combining a 5 g soil sample with 5 g of distilled water, mixing thoroughly, and allowing the mixture to settle for 10 minutes. Carefully insert probe so bulb is in the soil part and the junction is in the supernatant. Allow reading to stabilize.

Why is a double junction electrode better than a single junction electrode?
A double junction electrode is less likely to become clogged because the second junction is located higher up in the probe out of contact with the fluid.

Is automatic temperature compensation (ATC) really necessary?
The necessity of ATC depends on the required accuracy of a pH reading. pH readings vary with temperature. For example, a sample with a pH of 7 at 25°C, may have a pH of 7.08 at 5°C and a pH of 6.98 at 60°C.

When do you use a half cell?
When you are measureing a pressurized flow in a stream or pipe. The reference half cell would be mounted upstream, the measureing electrode would be mounted downstream.

How can you unclog a pH electrode? How can you restore a dray pH electrode?
First check the interior wire. If corrosion is evedent, replace the electrode. If not, then soak the electrode in pH 4 buffer solution at 50°C for 2-4 hours. Restore a dry electrode by soaking it in tap water after rinsing out the refill chamber with distilled and refilling with the proper solution.

How fare can my pH electrode be from my meter? What if it is too far?
200 feet (61 meters) is the maximum distance an electrode can be from a pH meter. If the distance is greater, you will need a transmitter. Use either a 4 to 20 mA transmitter (make sure your pH meter accepts 4 to 20 mA signal) or purchase an industrial electrode with a built-in transmitter. A transmitter will allow you to use your electrode up to 1000 feet (305 meters) from you meter provided you are not in a noisy environment.

How do I extend the ATC wire on my industrial pH electrodes?
You can extend the ATC wire with copper wire or a special extension cable.

What is dead band?
When the input is varied to a device until a detectable output charge is observed then the input is varied in the opposite direction until a detectable output charge is seen, the increment through which the input signal is varied is the deadband.

If measuring samples across the entire pH range, what slope should be used?
The upper end or pH 10 buffer.

What is the difference between blue glass and amber glass, and what does that have to do with pH measurement?
The valance of Na+ is much large than H+. Amber glass has a smaller pore size thus possibly discriminating between H+ and Na+ allowing only the smaller H+ to enter the greatly eliminating Na+ interference.

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