10/12/2017 Understanding pH Meter

AN OVERVIEW OF
pH METER
What is a pH Meter and Why is pH Meter Calibration Important?
What is a pH Meter and Why is pH Meter Calibration Important? – There are many methods
used to measure pH levels, including litmus paper tests, indicator dyes and pH electrodes or
meters, but pH meters are commonly used for most applications today. Let’s look at these devices
in a little more detail, and understand why it’s important to perform equipment calibration for
them.
What is pH?
pH Meter
pH is defined as an estimate of hydrogen ion activity in a substance, or simply how acidic ( a
majority of hydrogen ions) or basic ( a majority of hydroxyl ions) it is. This characteristic is
measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 the most acidic and 14 the most basic. A pH of 7 is neutral, i.e.
neither acidic nor basic.
What is a pH Meter and How Does It Work?
While pH meters weren’t easily available a few decades ago, a huge variety of these instruments are
now used for testing soil, water, food items, skin and more, by hobbyists and professionals alike.
These devices are designed with two electrodes, one for sensing hydrogen ions and one for
reference.
The sensing electrode detects changes in voltage based on hydrogen ion activity, while the
reference electrode provides a constant voltage for comparison. The difference between the two
voltages is displayed as a pH value by the meter, with higher voltages signaling acidic pH levels and
lower voltages signaling basic.
What is pH Meter Calibration and Why Is It Necessary?
To be certain of accurate and reliable measurements, you need to perform pH meter calibration.
This is generally done by measuring different buffer solutions with standardized, well-defined
values, and then adjusting the pH meter based on any deviations from the buffer’s known pH
value.
Instrument calibration for pH meters is generally conducted in two ways:
1. Two-Point Calibration – In this method, a microprocessor-based pH meter calculates the real
slope and offset error for the pH electrode. Based on this information, the meter’s mV/pH-
equation is then adjusted to match the characteristics of the pH electrode in use.
The two calibration points bracket the range of values to be measured, so this method is also
known as bracketing calibration. Readings that go past the calibrated range may be displayed with
slight deviations from the true value, since they are extrapolated by the pH meter assuming
linearity.

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2. Multi-Point Calibration – With some pH meters, calibration can be performed for more than
two pH values on both sides of the zero point, which in this case is pH 7.00.
Calibration at three or more pH values increases the measurement range of the device without
recalibration being required.
Here’s why you need to perform pH meter calibration:
Changing Characteristics – Over time, aging and coating of pH electrodes can cause changes in
their characteristics, and even the most stable electrodes cannot be produced with exactly the same
characteristics. Calibration helps to match the current characteristics of the pH meter with the pH
sensor in use, compensating for any difference between a pH electrode’s behavior in theory and
reality.
Higher Accuracy – A minimum of three standards are required for a calibration curve, and a pH
meter cannot be calibrated without a standardized buffer. If pH meter calibration has not been
performed properly, the resulting measurements are likely to be inaccurate.
Reduced Drift – Measurement drift is a common issue with pH meters, as with any other
instruments using electrodes. While drift from calibrated settings can’t be eliminated or prevented,
regular equipment calibration helps you maintain accuracy in measurement results.
Sample Differences – Multiple samples of the same substance can have different characteristics,
and calibrating pH meters against standardized buffers helps to prevent membrane-related issues
such as differences in ionic strength.
Changes in pH affect the chemical nature of substances, and correct measurements are often
crucial in industries such as agriculture, food and pharma industries.
6 Important Tips for calibrating pH Meter
It is critical for pH measurements to be reliable in numerous processes. Industries like agriculture,
food processing or even wastewater facility rely on measuring pH accurately to determine the
efficiency of a process or quality of a product.
One of the key steps in achieving accurate pH results includes pH meter calibration. You must
also ensure that the electrode is working properly. It is also important to know when to calibrate
the pH meter or troubleshoot a faulty electrode.
So, here are 6 important tips which will help you calibrate the pH meter accurately:
Follow the Manual
The calibration process will change depending on the meter being used. Always read the manual
when you receive the pH meter in order to understand your specific meter and perform
calibration correctly.
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Use the Right pH Buffers
When you perform a pH meter calibration, you must ensure that appropriate buffers are being
used. If you want to measure any substance that has a pH of 9 but you calibrate your meter to a
pH of 7, you will certainly not get an accurate measurement. The pH measurements are the most
accurate only when the calibration points bracket the measurement.
It is important that you check the buffer’s expiration date and since when it has been opened. For
example, pH 10 buffers expire much sooner than the expiration dates once they are opened.
Calibrate Often
It is recommended that you calibrate the pH meter every time you need to perform a new set of
measurements to get accurate results. It can even help you identify a problem with electrodes.
Ideally, you must calibrate your meter when:
– You use it for the first time
– Use it after it has been stored for a long time
– Before performing a new set of measurements
Use Best Practices
Some of the suggested best practices are as follows:
– Ensuring that the glass bulb of the pH electrode is well hydrated before you perform the
calibration. Calibrating a dry pH electrode will require frequent calibrations.
– Using sufficient amount of pH buffer to fully submerge the pH bulb and the reference junction,
which is usually a small ceramic frit on the side of the probe. Always use fresh buffer solution for
calibration as old or used buffer solutions may be contaminated. Check the expiration dates before
using the buffer solutions.
– Stir the solution during the process of pH meter calibration and measurement, and wait for the
electrode reading to stabilize before noting each calibration point.
– Loosen or open the fill hole on the electrode to ensure flow of reference electrolyte into the
sample. This is essential for fast electrode response and stable electrode readings.
Be Aware of Offset and Slope
The slope and offset will have a significant impact on the condition of your pH meter’s electrode.
The offset is the mV reading of the electrode when it is submerged in the pH 7 buffer.
Theoretically, the offset is zero but it shouldn’t exceed ±30 mV. If it exceeds the ±30 mV mark, it
could mean that there is either a clogged junction or that you need to clean the probe.
The slope of the electrode is calculated by determining the mV change between two different pH
buffers. When you divide the mV difference by the change in pH units, you can get the actual
slope of the electrode. Then by dividing the slope of the electrode by the theoretical slope and
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multiplying it by 100, you get an overall percentage condition of the electrode. It is recommended
that this slope percentage should lie between 85-105%.
Electrode Care
You must handle the electrodes with extreme care as they are responsible for taking the
measurements. Never store them in distilled or deionized water as it damages or dehydrates the
sensing glass of the pH electrode and depletes reference electrolyte. Rather, store the electrodes in
proper storage solution as it ensures that your electrode provides stable and highly responsive
readings due to a well-hydrated bulb.

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