Info Centre >> Water Treatment Technical Manual >> 1. pH Testing >> 1.1 Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions for pH Meters
pH Meter - Frequently asked questions for pHscan Meters
1. How often do I need to calibrate my pH Meter?
Suggestion: Probably once everyday if you use it daily. Or at least once weekly if you use 2 or 3 times per week.
2. How can I tell if a pH Meter has been abused or defective?
Suggestion: If the sticker in the battery compartment shows ink bleeding, the pH Meter had water in it. Look for signs of rust in the pH Meter battery contact. Other abuse includes broken pH electrode bulb, cracked housing, and dirty, clogged reference junction plug at the bottom of the tester.
3. What kinds of uses should be avoided for my pH Meter?
Suggestion: Never use the pH Meter in liquids with high concentrations of heavy metals, sulphides, proteins, or oil; in temperature above 80oC; in slurry where large particles can possibly damage the glass pH electrode bulb.
4. Why couldn't my pH Meter be switched on after long usage?
Possible reasons: Batteries not properly installed or dead. Or defective keypad.
Remedy: Re-insert batteries or use new ones (check polarity when inserting). If keypad defective contact Kittiwake.
5. Why does my pH Meter read "Or" or show erratic reading when power on?
Possible reasons: Electrode held in air, it acts like an antenna. Not dipped or in contact with sample solution.
Remedy: Dip the electrode into sample solution up to the coloured band. Note reading.
6. Why does my pH Meter take sometime to get a stable reading?
Possible reasons: Electrode was dry or not properly conditioned. Reference junction is possibly clogged up.
Remedy: Pre-soak the electrode for 1 hour in tap water before using.
7. How should I store/maintain my pH meter?
Suggestion: Always rinse pH meter with tap water after each use, and store it with storage solution at end of the day. It is advisable to line a thin layer of sponge or cloth at bottom of cap moisten with storage solution, and keep the tester capped. Avoid storing in deionised water as it may cause the reading to be sluggish. Soak the electrode for 30 minutes in electrode cleaning solution weekly for excellent performance.
8. What applications are ideal for my pH meter?
Suggestion: Treated waste water, potable water, boiler feed and cooling tower water, swimming pools, all types of naturally occurring waters (lakes, streams, ground and ocean water), agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics chemical applications, water purification processes (R.O. and deionising), food and beverage water testing, chemical process water and many more.
9. How do I de-code error messages on my pH meter?
Suggestions: E1 means low battery. E2 means wrong buffer selected for calibration (choose pH4, 7 and /or 10). E2 can also mean the reference electrode and reference junction plug are fouled/contaminated and the tester needs to be replaced. OR or UR means the signal is over-range or under-range of the pHScan measurement range.
*Information Provided Courtesy of Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd Copyright © 1997
