Maintenance Guide

Measurement Hints
Tips for Care
Calibration
System Check

Day-to-Day Routine Maintenance

of pH Meters and Sensors

Editorial
Dear Reader,
The determination of pH value, conductivity and related parameters such as ion
concentration, resistivity, and salinity, are frequent and ordinary tasks in many labs.
Samples may originate from many different areas. Sample composition, i.e. solvent and
major components, can differ considerably and cover a wide concentration range. The most
common solvent of pH and conductivity samples is water. However, other solvents are used
as well. In addition, user needs in the lab reach from simple, manual determination to fully
automated analysis systems including data gathering via software and other features.
To meet this array of requirements, a big number of methods exist and a wide variety of
instrument solutions have been developed by meter and sensor manufacturers. Standard
methods are in use for numerous applications. For special needs many dedicated solutions
exist as well. However, the vast number of possibilities can make selecting the right
instrument and/or sensor cumbersome.
This guide provides some insights into meter and sensor characteristics and performance,
enabling users to make better decisions and find the right instrument and electrode. Tips and
hints for sensor maintenance and care help to exhaust their usable life and achieve reliable
results. This wealth of information helps finding the most suitable instrument solution but as
well measuring successfully each time.

METTLER TOLEDO

Disclaimer
This guide represents selected, possible application examples. Examples have been tested with all possible care
in our lab with the analytical instrument mentioned in the applications. The experiments were conducted and the
resulting data evaluated based on our current state of knowledge.
However, this guide does not absolve you from personally testing its suitability for your intended methods,
instruments and purposes. As the use and transfer of an application example are beyond our control, we cannot
accept responsibility.
When chemicals and solvents are used, the general safety rules and the directions of the producer must be observed.

Content

Content
1

Care and Measurement Technique

Calibration

Perform an Easy System Check

10

pH Electrode Troubleshooting

12

More Information

16

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Care and Measurement Technique

1. Care and Measurement Technique

This section provides an overview of how to properly care for pH and conductivity sensors and some hints
regarding measurement techniques. In addition, the advantages of Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM) and
the testing of ultra-pure water are explained.

1.1 pH Electrode Maintenance

Regular maintenance is very important for prolonging the lifetime of any pH electrode. Electrodes with liquid
electrolyte need the electrolyte to be topped-up when the level threatens to become lower than the level of the
sample solution. This way a reflux of the sample into the electrode is avoided. The complete reference electrolyte
should also be changed regularly, e.g. once a month. This ensures that the electrolyte is fresh and that no
crystallization occurs despite evaporation from the open filling port during measurement. Be careful not to get
any bubbles on the inside of the electrode, especially near the junction. If this happens the measurements will be
unstable. To get rid of any bubbles, gently shake the electrode in the vertical motion like with a fever thermometer.

1.2 pH Electrode Storage

Electrodes should always be stored in aqueous and ion-rich solutions. This ensures that the pH-sensitive gel
layer which forms on the pH glass membrane remains hydrated and ion rich. This is necessary for the pH
membrane to react in a reliable way with respect to the pH value of a sample.
Short term storage
In between measurements or when the electrode is not being used for brief periods of time, it is best to keep
the electrode in a holder containing the special InLab storage solution[1], its inner electrolyte solution (e.g. 3
mol/L KCl), or in a pH 4 or pH 7 buffer. Ensure that the level of solution in the beaker is below that of the filling
solution in the electrode.
Long term storage
For long term storage, keep the electrode wetting cap filled with the InLab storage solution[1] or, alternatively,
with the inner electrolyte solution, pH buffer 4 or 0.1 mol/L HCl. Make sure that the filling port for reference and
combination electrodes is closed so as to avoid loss of the electrolyte solution through evaporation, which can
cause the formation of crystals within the electrode and junction.
Never store the electrode dry or in distilled water as this will affect the pH-sensitive glass membrane and thus
shorten the lifetime of the electrode.
Although an electrode that has been incorrectly stored can be restored by regeneration procedures, following the
above mentioned recommendations will ensure that your electrode is always ready to use.
Temperature sensors
Rinse the temperature sensors after use and store dry in the packing box to prevent damage.

1.3 pH Electrode Cleaning

To clean the electrode, rinse it with deionized water after each measurement but never wipe it clean with a tissue.
The rough surface of the paper tissue will scratch and damage the pH-sensitive glass membrane removing the
gel-layer and creating an electrostatic charge on the electrode. This electrostatic charge causes the measured
signal to become very unstable. Special cleaning procedures may be necessary after contamination with certain
samples. These are described in greater detail below.

[1]
[2]

This InLab storage solution can be ordered from METTLER TOLEDO (30111142)
This thiourea solution can be ordered from METTLER TOLEDO (51340070)

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Care and Measurement Technique

Blockage with silver sulfide (Ag2S)

If the reference electrolyte contains silver ions and the sample being measured contains sulfides, the junction will get
contaminated with a silver sulfide precipitate. To clear the junction of this contamination, clean it with 8% thiourea
in 0.1 mol/L HCl solution.[1]
Blockage with silver chloride (AgCl)
The silver ions from the reference electrolyte can also react with samples that contain chloride ions, resulting in
an AgCl precipitate. This precipitate can be removed by soaking the electrode in a concentrated ammonia solution.
Blockage with proteins
Junctions contaminated with proteins can often be cleaned by immersing the electrode into a pepsin/HCI
(5% pepsin in 0.1 mol/L HCl) solution for several hours.[2]
Other junction blockages
If the junction is blocked with other contaminations, try cleaning the e lectrode in an ultrasonic bath with water
or a 0.1 mol/L HCl solution.

1.4 pH Electrode Regeneration and Lifetime

Even electrodes that have been well maintained and properly stored may start performing poorly after some
time. In such cases it may be possible to regenerate the pH-sensitive glass membrane and restore the
electrode to its previous level of performance using an ammonium bifluoride regeneration solution[3]. This
regeneration solution is based on a highly diluted solution of hydrofluoric acid which etches away a very thin
layer of the glass membrane, exposing a fresh surface area.
When using the regeneration mixture, do not to leave the electrode in the solution for longer than 12 minutes
or the whole pH-sensitive membrane will be corroded away and the electrode rendered useless.
The expected lifetime of a correctly used and maintained pH electrode is around one to three years. Factors
that contribute to a reduction of the lifetime of an electrode include high temperatures and measuring at
extreme pH values.

1.5 Measuring pH Temperature is a Critical Component

pH results are only correct if the sample temperature is taken into account. With
these simple but effective rules for avoiding negative temperature effects, its easy to
obtain accurate, reproducible results.
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
ATC works best with normal-size samples.
Use a sensor with integrated temperature probe and wait for a stable signal. The meter
automatically corrects the pH signal. ATC works best in samples larger than 10 mL.

Figure 1: Temperature sensor of

an InLab electrode

Any Pro type InLab sensor InLab Micro Pro, Science Pro, Expert Pro has
integrated temperature probes, eliminating worries over wrong temperature
settings or not capturing temperature.
For sensors without an integrated temperature probe, using a separate temperature probe is recommended.

[1] [3] This regeneration solution can be ordered from METTLER TOLEDO (51350104)
[2]
This pepsin solution can be ordered from METTLER TOLEDO (51340068)
METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Care and Measurement Technique

Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC)

MTC is extremely accurate, but can be time-consuming.
If the temperature of your sample is known (you are working in a climatecontrolled room or the samples just came out of the refrigerator) enter this
known temperature in the measuring settings of your instrument to correct
the pH (or conductivity) signal.
When measuring samples with different temperatures, MTC can be time
consuming, because the setting must be changed with every temperature change.

Figure 2: Temperature and

MTC indication on a pH meter

Measure the sample, not your sensor

With very small samples, the sensor can take so long to reach equilibrium that the sensor temperature is
wrongly interpreted as the sample temperature. The sample mass is negligible compared with the sensor mass,
so take the time necessary to ensure that you actually measure the sample temperature. Best practice is to keep
the sensor with the sample. Make sure temperatures match by storing the sensor with samples in the refrigerator
or incubator, or at room temperature. This guarantees the highest accuracy because the pH membrane, reference
system and sample are at the same temperature.

1.6 Contamination Control of pH Electrodes

When measuring samples there is always the risk of contamination, either by sample carry-over or by
microbiological or genetic contamination. Conventional pH electrodes can also be damaged by electrolyte outflow when measuring TRIS-based buffers or proteinaceous s amples. This is not the case when working with
InLab electrodes.
Avoid sensor contamination with TRIS buffers
Accurate pH measurement is a key factor in buffer quality. TRIS-based buffers widely used in biological
research ranging from molecular biology to histology can damage standard pH equipment.
How does TRIS do its damage?
When measuring pH during TRIS buffer preparation, the reference junction on conventional pH electrodes can clog
when TRIS reacts with silver ions in the fill solution. This reaction can also occur with protein in the buffer, such as
BSA (bovine serum albumin). The eventual result is slow or fluctuating readings, or even entirely wrong results.
InLab electrodes by METTLER
TOLEDO are specifically designed
for compatibility with TRIS-based
buffers, assuring reliable results
and accurate buffer values. The
electrolyte in InLab electrodes
is guaranteed to be free of silver
ions, eliminating the possibility of
contamination.

Figure 3: SevenExcellence meter and InLab electrode during calibration

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Care and Measurement Technique

Clean with RNase and DNase cleansers and autoclave to eliminate biohazard
The pH electrode models InLab Power, Power Pro, Viscous and Viscous Pro can be sterilized by autoclaving.
By cleaning the sensors with RNase and DNase decontamination solutions first, the potential for biological
contamination is s ignificantly reduced.

Figure 4: pH electrode sterilization by autoclaving

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

A pH electrode needs to be calibrated regularly. It is recommended that you do this at least once a day before
you start measuring. In a calibration the slope and offset of an electrode are determined. The theoretical slope
and offset are given by the Nernst equation:
E = E0 + 2.3RT / nF * log [H3O+] = E0 + 2.3RT / nF * pH
Slope = 2.3RT / nF
Offset = Should be 0 mV at pH 7.00
The calibration is necessary to adjust the slope and offset of an electrode to their true values for the measuring
system in question. The calibration curve is then used to correlate the measured mV values of the electrode to
the pH value of the solution measured.
mV

Theoretical behaviour
(Slope 59.16 mV /pH, offset: 0 mV)
Offset correction
Slope and offset correction +

pH

Calibration

2. Calibration

Figure 5: Correlation between mV value measured by pH electrode and pH value in sample. Curves shown are for the theoretical behavior,
for offset compensated behavior and slope & offset compensated behavior.

Since an electrode is characterized by both its zero point and its slope, it is advisable to do a minimum of a
two point calibration for reliable measurements and better precision. When measurements are performed over a
large range of pH values it is recommended that one takes at least 3 calibration points. Most pH meters can do
35 point calibrations.
It is important to note that one should only measure samples within the chosen region of calibration.
When calibrating an electrode, most pH meters request that you input the type of buffers which will be used.
There are several manufacturers of buffer solutions and the specifications of the most commonly used brands
normally already come programmed as tables in the pH meters. These tables cover groups of buffers for a
range of temperatures. In this way a whole group can be chosen at once allowing the temperature dependence
of the individual buffers used for calibration, to be taken into account. If no internal or external temperature
sensor is used, ensure that you calibrate and measure at the same temperature. In this case remember to
manually input the temperature to allow the meter to perform the buffer temperature correction.
The buffers which are used for the calibration are very accurate solutions with a guaranteed value and precision.
To keep the buffer solutions suitable for calibrations for as long as possible after opening it is advisable that you
follow these guidelines:
Mark the date of first use on the bottle of the buffer solution.
Keep the buffer solution bottles tightly sealed at all times and use the decanted buffer immediately.
Never return used buffer back into the original bottle or mix calibration standards from different manufacturers.
Ensure that no contaminants enter the buffer solution bottle and always keep the bottle sealed.
Store the calibration standard at ambient temperature.
Do not store the bottles of buffer solution in direct sunlight.
Clean the electrodes before calibration and do not calibrate directly in the original buffer solution bottle.

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Calibration

Never use a calibration standard with an expired use by date or that you suspect is contaminated.
Replace the buffer solution with a new bottle after it has reached its expiry date.
Always repeat the calibration after cleaning your electrode, after electrode maintenance, regeneration or long
term storage of an electrode, as all these factors have an influence on the pH electrode potential.

10

11

12

14

13

pH 6
3 or more P
recommended e.g. pH 4, 7, 10
pH 3
2P
recommended
e.g. pH 4 and 7
pH
1
1P

measured value within

calibration range

e.g.
pH 7

measured value outside of

calibration range

Figure 6: Recommended calibration points and range

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

Perform an Easy System Check

3. Perform an Easy System Check

Locating the problem of a pH measuring system that has suddenly started performing badly is the first step to
restoring it to its original level of performance.

3.1 Where could the problem lie?

With the meter set to read mV, dip the electrode into pH 7 buffer. The reading should be 0 mV 30 mV with an
Ag/AgCl reference. Next read a pH 4 or pH 10 buffer the solution should be greater than 150 mV different from
the pH 7 potential. If not then test the following

3.2 Application
Are you using the right electrode for your application? There are different types of
pH electrodes for special applications: non-aqueous, low conductivity, TRIS etc. To
make sure that you are using the right electrode visit the METTLER TOLEDO Sensor
ProductGuide at: www.electrodes.net

3.3 Operator
It is sometimes worthwhile to check the obvious:
Is the unit properly grounded or plugged into the wall outlet?
Are the electrodes plugged into proper terminals and seated firmly?
Is the meter properly calibrated with the correct buffers?
Before taking a measurement, check that the wetting cap has been removed and that
the side filling aperture is open. Remember to rinse the electrodes before measuring
a different buffer or sample.

3.4 pH Meter
Test the pH meter with the shorting clip (standard delivery) or Test Plug Set. If this
plug does not set the potential to 0 mV, the meter may be the problem. In this case
call METTLER TOLEDO Service.

3.5 Buffers
Ensure that you are using the correct buffers in the correct sequence. Always use
fresh buffers. Check expiry date.

3.6 Cable and Connector

Test your detachable cable by replacing it with an identical one. If you do not have
a spare cable or are using a hard wired electrode, then check to see whether there is
a change in the signal on the instrument when you bend the cable.
Inspect and clean all connectors including the meter socket. If you are using an
electrode with a MultiPin or S7 connector, make sure that they are free from KCl
crystals or other deposits. Dirty or corroded connectors lead to erroneous readings.

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

10

Perform an Easy System Check

3.7 Electrodes
Visual inspection of the electrode can often provide important clues about the cause
of the problem:
Filling solution
Ensure that the electrolyte level is above the internal elements.
Empty, rinse and refill the electrode reference chamber.
Ensure that you are using the correct electrolyte as written on the electrode shaft or in the operating
instructions, and that the electrolyte fill port is open.
Air bubbles
Check for air bubbles inside the electrode. If some are present remove them by gently shaking the electrode
downward or in the case of electrodes with gel electrolyte placing the electrode upright in warm water.
Blocked junction
see next chapter 4

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

11

White

pH Electrode Troubleshooting

4. pH Electrode Troubleshooting

The electrode
the key toanalysis.
successful
Since
the only
part
The electrode
is the key is
to successful
Since analysis.
the electrode
is thethe
onlyelectrode
part of the is
analytical
instrument
of
the
analytical
instrument
that
is
in
direct
contact
with
the
sample,
its
selection
that is in direct contact with the sample, its selection and maintenance (and therefore sensitivity) has the
and maintenance (and therefore sensitivity) has the strongest influence on precise
strongest
on precise
and accurate
measurements.
However,that
an electrode
thatcorrectly
has beenselected
correctly
andinfluence
accurate
measurements.
However,
an electrode
has been
selectedand
andthat
that has
been
working
properly
may
nevertheless
suddenly
start
performing
badly.
In
this article
has been working properly may nevertheless suddenly start performing
article
wereasons
will help
identify
possible
reasonsforfor
this and
we will badly.
help youInto this
identify
possible
for thisyou
and to
suggest
a number
of procedures
restoring
the
suggest
a number
of procedures for restoring the electrode to its original
electrode
to its original
performance.
performance.

4.1 Before beginning the diagnostic procedure

Before testing
an electrode,
make sure
the electrodeprocedure
cable and the
1. Before
beginning
thethat
diagnostic
instrument are working properly. Then examine the sensor closely. Visual
inspection
cantesting
very often
provide make
important
cluestheabout
the cause
of the
Before
an electrode,
sure that
electrode
cable and
the
instrument
are
working
properly.
Then
examine
the
sensor
closely.
problem, e.g. a clogged diaphragm or an air bubble in the tip of the electrode.
Visual
inspection
can can
verybeoften
provide
important
about
the
In general,
three
procedures
followed
to restore
an clues
electrode
to its
cause of the problem, e.g. a clogged diaphragm or an air bubble in the
normaltip
working
state. First of all, the glass membrane can be regenerated,
of the electrode.
secondly, the reference diaphragm may have to be cleaned and thirdly,
In general,
three
be followed
restore
an will
electrode
it may be
necessary
to procedures
replace thecan
electrolyte.
Thistolatter
point
not to
its
normal
working
state.
First
of
all,
the
glass
membrane
can be
be discussed in this article because it forms part of the normal electrode
regenerated, secondly, the reference diaphragm may have to be
maintenance
cleanedprocedure.
and thirdly, it may be necessary to replace the electrolyte. This
latter point will not be discussed in this article because it forms part of
the
normal
electrode
maintenance
procedure.

4.2 Glass membrane

2. Glass membrane

a) Diagnosis
One symptom
may very often have various causes. The following table will
a) Diagnosis
help you to find out what caused your electrode to fail with regard to the pHOne
symptom
may very often have various causes. The following table
sensitive
glass
membrane:
will help you to find out what caused your electrode to fail with regard
to the pH-sensitive glass membrane:

Figure
What can
Fig. 17:What
canbe
befixed?
fixed?

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

12

pH Electrode Troubleshooting

Cause

Ageing of
membrane
glass

Scratches
on
membrane

Broken
membrane
or shaft

Gel layer
destroyed or
dehydrated

Dry storage
of
electrode

Calcium on
glass
membrane
(whitish
lm)

Oil, fat or
tar residues
(visible?)

Deposits of
unknown
substances
(visible?)

Due to

High
temperature,
age of
sensor

Abrasion,
solid
particles,
incorrect
cleaning

Mechanical
or
temperature
shock

Ion decient
media, nonaqueous
applications

Wrong
storage

Measurement media

Measurement media

Measurement media,
no cleaning

Procedures
for restoring
the
electrode

Regeneration
(see next
page)

Sensor
cannot be
repaired

Sensor
cannot be
repaired

Rehydration
with
electrolyte or
tap water

Rehydration
with
electrolyte
or tap water

Dip sensor
in conc.
acetic acid
until
deposits are
dissolved.
Afterwards
regeneration

Clean sensor
with
degreasing
agent, then
rinse with
water. If
necessary,
regeneration.
.

Clean sensor
with suitable
cleaning
agent. If
necessary,
regeneration.

Symptom
Reduced
slope
(>80% <90%)
Very small
slope
(<80%)
Slow
response
Fluctuation
of reading
Zero point
shift
Reading
jumps up
and down

Explanations:

Highly probable

Probable

Possible

Table 1: pH-sensitive glass membrane: Symptoms, causes and procedure

Table 1: pH-Sensitive Glass Membrane: Symptoms, Causes and Procedures

b) Regeneration procedure
A reduced calibration slope as a result of changes in the gel-layer on the glass membrane can very often be
observed with older electrodes or electrodes that have been stored dry. Similar effects are noticeable when an
electrode is used for non-aqueous applications because the gel-layer is dehydrated. The pHsensitive glass
membrane is reactivated using a regeneration solution. This solution is a mixture of hydrochloric (HCl) and
hydrofluoric acids (HF).
Since these
acids are extremely aggressive, make sure that you observe all the necessary
7.11.2012
METTLERsafety
TOLEDO
precautions,
e.g.
wear
protective
goggles,
a
laboratory
coat
and
chemical-resistant
gloves!
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METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

13

pH Electrode Troubleshooting

Since these acids are extremely aggressive, make sure that you observe all the necessary safety
precautions, e.g. wear protective goggles, a laboratory coat and chemical-resistant gloves!
the volume
of solution
to a minimum
by using
a
KeepKeep
the volume
of solution
to a minimum
by using
a small
small
acid-resistant
vessel.
Dip
the
tip
of
the
electrode
into
acid-resistant vessel. Dip the tip of the electrode into the
the regeneration solution for 5 to 15 minutes. The
regeneration
solution for 5 to 15 minutes. The maximum
maximum immersion point is level with the upper shoulder
immersion
point
is level
with(see
the Fig.
upper
thesensor
pHof the pH-sensitive
glass
2).shoulder
Never dipofthe
shaft
into
the
solution
because
the
hydrofluoric
acid
will
sensitive glass (see Fig. 8). Never dip the sensor shaft into
damage
it.
the solution because the hydrofluoric acid will damage it.

Maximum
immersions level

Then rinse the electrode thoroughly with water and

Thencondition
rinse theitelectrode
thoroughly
and solution
for approximately
an with
hourwater
in a buffer
of
pH7.
Finally,
place
the
sensor
overnight
in
reference
condition it for approximately an hour in a bufferthe
solution
electrolyte
specific
to
that
sensor.
of pH7. Finally, place the sensor overnight in the reference
electrolyte specific to that sensor.

3.

Fig. 2 Regeneration Procedure

Figure 8: Regeneration Procedure

Reference diaphragm

Diagnosis
4.3 a)Reference
diaphragm
Faulty electrodes often have a clogged diaphragm. In most cases, the diaphragm is visibly discolored.

a) Diagnosis
Some are black, others are gray or just an off-white color. Sometimes the discoloration is so faint that it is
only
visible when
ceramic
tube is diaphragm.
viewed from In
themost
side through
the diaphragm
glass. A gradual
change
from
Faulty
electrodes
oftenthehave
a clogged
cases, the
is visibly
discolored.
Some
white
on
the
inside
to
off-white
or
gray
on
the
outside
can
be
seen.
Silver
sulfide
makes
the
diaphragm
are black, others are gray or just an off-white color. Sometimes the discoloration is so faint that it is only visible
appear black. Proteins can cause a whitish discoloration that is hardly visible. This form of contamination
whenrarely
the ceramic
tube
from
the side
throughinto
the the
glass.
A gradual
change from
white on the inside
occurs just
onistheviewed
surface.
It usually
penetrates
pores
of the diaphragm.
Lipophilic
to off-white
or gray
onasthe
cancan
becreate
seen. aSilver
sulfide makes the
appear black.
substances,
such
fatsoutside
and oils,
thin, non-permeable
layerdiaphragm
over the diaphragm
that isProteins
often can
invisible.
cause
a whitish discoloration that is hardly visible. This form of contamination rarely occurs just on the surface.
It usually penetrates into the pores of the diaphragm. Lipophilic substances, such as fats and oils, can create a
b)
Cleaning procedures
thin, non-permeable layer over the diaphragm that is often invisible.
The following table gives tips and hints on how to clean ceramic diaphragms. Some of these measures
can be used
on the outside as well as on the inside of the electrode. The same applies of course to Redox
b) Cleaning
procedures
or
separate
reference
whichon
have
contaminated
ceramic
diaphragm.
The following table giveselectrodes
tips and hints
howa to
clean ceramic
diaphragms.
Some of these measures
can be used on the outside as well as on the inside of the electrode. The same applies of course to Redox
or separate reference electrodes which have a contaminated ceramic diaphragm.

7.11.2012
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pH and Routine Maintenance

14

White Paper
pH Electrode Troubleshooting

Type of
contamination
Silver sulfide

Cleaning agent

Reaction time

Remarks

Thiourea

5 60 mins.

All possible types of

contamination. First
recommendation for
removing unknown
substances.

HCl 0.1 mol/L

Approx. 12 hrs.

Leave until discoloration

disappears.
Can also be used for
internal cleaning.

All possible types of

contamination.
Second
recommendation for
removing unknown
substances.
Proteins

Chromic-sulfuric acid
mixture

Approx. 30 mins.

Also cleans deposits on

the membrane very well.
Sensor must be
regenerated after this
procedure.

Pepsin / HCl cleaning

solution
NaOH 2%
Ethanol, acetone

> 1 hr.

Can also be used for

internal cleaning.

Approx. 20 mins.
Approx. 30 mins.

Calcium, scale

Acetic acid

Approx. 30 mins.

Soaps, tensides

Hot water (80 C)

Approx. 12 hrs.

Proteins
Lipophilic
substances

Highly suitable for edible

oils. Possibly with support
of a soft brush.
Sensor must be
regenerated after this
procedure.
Rinse sensor well with hot
water. Afterwards, immerse
in hot water and leave to
cool, approximately 12
hours. Only use tap water,
not distilled or de-ionised
water.

Table 2: Clogged reference diaphragm: Causes and cleaning procedures

Table 2: Clogged Reference Diaphragm: Causes and Cleaning Procedures

Despite all the corrective procedures mentioned above, it is not always possible to repair a faulty electrode.
Damage that has occurred to the wiring or casing of an electrode during use, is irreparable. In such cases the
Despite all the corrective procedures mentioned above, it is not always possible to repair a faulty
electrode must be replaced.
electrode. Damage that has occurred to the wiring or casing of an electrode during use, is irreparable. In
such cases the electrode must be replaced.

7.11.2012
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pH and Routine Maintenance

15

More Information

5. More Information
5.1 Guides
A Guide to pH Measurement, Mettler-Toledo AG, 51300057, (2013)
Guide pour les mesures de pH, Mettler-Toledo AG, 51300185, (2013)
Anleitung zur Messung von pH, Mettler-Toledo AG, 51300058, (2013)
A Guide to Conductivity Measurement, Mettler-Toledo AG, 30099121, (2013)
Guide des mesures de conductivit, Mettler-Toledo AG, 30099123, (2013)
Ein Leitfaden fr Leitfhigkeitsmessungen, Mettler-Toledo AG, 30099122, (2013)
Gua para la medicin de la conductividad, Mettler-Toledo AG, 30099124, (2013)
A Practical Guide for Life Scientists pH and Conductivity, Mettler-Toledo AG, (2014)
Selected Water Analysis Methods, Application Brochure 37, Mettler-Toledo AG, 51725072 (2007)

5.2 Webinars
We provide web-based seminars (webinars) on different topics. You can participate in on-demand webinars
at any convenient time and place.
Live webinars offer the added benefit of allowing you to ask questions and discuss points of interest with
METTLER TOLEDO specialists and other participants.
www.mt.com/webinars

METTLERTOLEDO

pH and Routine Maintenance

16

Good Measuring Practices

Five Steps to Improved Measuring Results
The five steps of all Good Measuring Practices guidelines start with
an evaluation of the measuring needs of your processes and their
associated risks.
Using this information, Good Measuring Practices provide straight
forward recommendations for selecting, installing, calibrating and
operating laboratory equipment and devices.
Preservation of the accuracy and precision of results
Compliance with regulations, secure audits
Increased productivity, reduced costs
Professional qualification and training

Good Electrochemistry Practice

Reliable pH measurements thanks to GEP

Learn more about Good Electrochemistry Practices program

www.mt.com/GEP

www.mt.com
For more information

Mettler-Toledo International Inc

Laboratory Division
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Subject to technical changes

06/2015 Mettler-Toledo AG
Global MarCom Switzerland / MC