Useful Tips For Calibrating Your pH Meter

Calibrating pH meter as a preventive measure to ensure pH measurement is accurate.

Process manufacturing, water and wastewater industries rely on accurate pH measurement to monitor the quality and efficiency of their processes. A calibration of the pH meter will help ensure that the pH measurement is accurate. Calibration can also help identify a problem with the electrode.

Here are some useful tips to help you calibrate your pH meter accurately:

  1. Follow the manual
    Please read the operating and instruction manual to understand the pH meter and perform calibration correctly.
  2. Use the right buffer solutions
    pH 4, pH 7 and pH 9 buffer solutions are used for most applications. Always check the expiration date and how long it has been open for. Carbon dioxide will dissolve into the buffer over time, causing carbonic acid to accumulate and lowering the pH of the buffer.
  3. Maintenance of your electrode
    • Salt crystals around the fill cap or by the protective cap are common. Rinse with water to remove the salt build up.
    • Any air bubbles in the pH bulb or by the junction need to be removed. Gently shake the pH electrode like a spirit filled thermometer to displace the air bubble.
    • Never wipe the pH electrode with a cloth or any other type of material. Any static formed will harm the electrode.
    • Do not expose to high temperatures (>65 °C) unless the electrode is designed for it.
    • Always rinse the probe with distilled water to clean of contaminants before, during and after use.
  1. Calibrate regularly
    Please calibrate your pH meter before you use it. It is recommended that you calibrate your pH meter every time you measure a new set of samples. Note that calibration time interval period is also dependent on the application of the instrument.

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