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How to maintain the pH probe of a pH meter?

By maintaining your pH meter well you will extend its lifespan and ensure that your measurements are as accurate as possible. The pH probe’s maintenance is of special importance, because this part does the actual measuring. The pH probe is a very fragile part which needs to be handled with care. Here are a few tips of pH probe maintenance.
Rene Mondt
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | November 6, 2020 | 4 min. reading time
pH and EC meters

Avoid direct contact

Avoid direct contact with the sensor. This causes damage, which will cause the pH meter to get large discrepancies. If contact is unavoidable, use soft paper to handle the probe (e.g. A tissue).

Rinsing after use

Rinse the probe well after each use with demineralized water. This is especially important when measuring aggressive materials or in solutions that contain heavy metals or proteins. This way you will remove residue from the probe which lessens your chances of damage.

Store damp

Store the pH probe damp. This prevents contamination from drying onto the probe. Place some additive solution into the protective cap. Never use tap or demineralized water for this, neither are appropriate for this.

Cleaning the pH meter probe

If there is contamination, clean the pH probe. The product to use depends on the type of contamination.
  • Algae growth: use a light soap solution or alcohol. Do not completely immerse the probe, but dip 3-5 cm into the solution and let soak for 15 minutes.
  • Fat and oil: use a water soluble organic cleaner, e.g. acetone. Rinse well afterwards with demineralized water.
  • Protein: use a HCl/pepsin solution and let the pH probe soak for a few hours, then rinse well with demineralized water.

Calibrating

If your measurements are not stable you will need to calibrate your pH meter. You will determine the deviation of the pH meter by comparing values to international standard values, so will know how far out your meter is.
Take a look at the video above to get more information about how to check an Elmeco pH meter.  

Replacing the electrode

When it is no longer possible to calibrate your meter, the pH probe will need to be replaced. Ensure that the pH meter connector makes good contact and that the tester’s pawl matches the slot in the pH probe. If you don’t do this the meter won’t work properly. After replacing the pH probe you will need to calibrate the meter.
The video above shows how to calibrate a pH meter.  
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How to maintain the pH probe of a pH meter?

By maintaining your pH meter well you will extend its lifespan and ensure that your measurements are as accurate as possible. The pH probe’s maintenance is of special importance, because this part does the actual measuring. The pH probe is a very fragile part which needs to be handled with care. Here are a few tips of pH probe maintenance.
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Rene Mondt
Rene Mondt
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | November 6, 2020 | 4 min. reading time
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pH and EC meters
Topics in this article

Avoid direct contact

Avoid direct contact with the sensor. This causes damage, which will cause the pH meter to get large discrepancies. If contact is unavoidable, use soft paper to handle the probe (e.g. A tissue).

Rinsing after use

Rinse the probe well after each use with demineralized water. This is especially important when measuring aggressive materials or in solutions that contain heavy metals or proteins. This way you will remove residue from the probe which lessens your chances of damage.

Store damp

Store the pH probe damp. This prevents contamination from drying onto the probe. Place some additive solution into the protective cap. Never use tap or demineralized water for this, neither are appropriate for this.

Cleaning the pH meter probe

If there is contamination, clean the pH probe. The product to use depends on the type of contamination.
  • Algae growth: use a light soap solution or alcohol. Do not completely immerse the probe, but dip 3-5 cm into the solution and let soak for 15 minutes.
  • Fat and oil: use a water soluble organic cleaner, e.g. acetone. Rinse well afterwards with demineralized water.
  • Protein: use a HCl/pepsin solution and let the pH probe soak for a few hours, then rinse well with demineralized water.

Calibrating

If your measurements are not stable you will need to calibrate your pH meter. You will determine the deviation of the pH meter by comparing values to international standard values, so will know how far out your meter is.
Take a look at the video above to get more information about how to check an Elmeco pH meter. 

Replacing the electrode

When it is no longer possible to calibrate your meter, the pH probe will need to be replaced. Ensure that the pH meter connector makes good contact and that the tester’s pawl matches the slot in the pH probe. If you don’t do this the meter won’t work properly. After replacing the pH probe you will need to calibrate the meter.
The video above shows how to calibrate a pH meter.  
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Rene Mondt will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Rene Mondt
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