All environmentalists, chemists and biologists know that the important factor of a successful gardening is
measuring
pH levels. A pH meter is a valuable tool to measure pH levels while plant growing, creating an ideal environment
for
your harvest and plants. To determine the pH level correctly, the pH equipment needs to be calibrated from time
to
time depending on the critical measurements.
Why do You Need to Calibrate pH Meter?
pH meters need a proper calibration, to determine the pH level of the solution precisely. There are several
critical
issues that we should point out to understand why the calibration is an important part of working with the pH
meter.
pH characteristics may change occasionally, especially when the device starts to point to the aging signs of the
electrodes. If you calibrate the pH meter periodically, such signs will be denied.
False measurement results are the most common problem with the device. Luckily, it can be prevented by the
calibration. Occasional calibrations help the pH meter to achieve precise measurement results.
Test the pH electrode for damages. If it is damaged, change or fix it. Clean the pH electrode if it
is necessary.
wash the sensor with purified water. You have to do it even if you don’t need to clean it, to
take away
everything that can pollute the solution you want to measure by the next step.
2
For the calibrating you should take pH buffers: pH of 7, pH of 4 or 9.21. Buffers that have a high
pH are
perfect for measuring alkaline, when a low pH are used for measuring acidic samples. pH readings
depend on the
temperature, that is why it is important to let buffers achieve the temperature of the pH meter.
3
Set the electrode in the buffer with a pH of 7 and push the measure
button to start readings.
Give the pH reading to
become stable before allowing it to sit for 1-2 minutes.
4
When your reading is stable, hold the Cal button for 5 seconds to get the
pH level measurement.
Letting the readings
stabilize for the first time will provide more precise and adjusted
readings.
5
Clean the electrode with a purified water and dry it with a lint-free tissue
in between changing pH buffers.
6
Set the electrode to the pH buffer according to the sample you want to
measure. Push the button and start reading the measurements. After the
readings stabilize, push the Cal button, to get the pH level measurement
again.
7
Clean the electrode with a purified water and dry with a lint-free tissue,
preparing for reading the pH of the sample this way.
8
Set the electrode to the sample you want to read. Push the button and let
the electrode stay in the sample for 1-2 minutes. When the readings become
steady, push the Cal button again and you will get the pH level of the
sample.
How to Care for the pH Meter
To prevent your pH meter from pollution, probes should always be clean before and during the storage. Before the
first use and changing pH buffers or samples wash the electrode with a purified water.
Rapid temperature variation and other immediate parts of the working process may cause unwanted harm. After
making
the measurements, you should clean probes and electrodes immediately and put them into storage.
Store the probe in solutions such as 4M KCL, pH of 4 or pH of 7. Never let the probe dry or stop working
precisely.
It may damage the work of the electrodes. Store your pH meter as it is recommended in the instructions. It is
significant for most pH meters to store them wet in the certain solution.
HM Digital HPK-1 COM-100, PH-200, Protective Case and Solutions
Each brand and model of the pH meters have its own requirements according to the storage of the device. Follow
the
instructions properly and it will work for a long durable period of time.
Most pH meters’ sensors have a life-term of nearly 1-2 years. When you get unsteady pH level measurements
and
have troubles in calibrating, it may seem to change the pH
sensor or the device.
Never touch electrodes with your hands, it may affect the readings and in some cases even damage the device. The
pH
meter is a very sensitive instrument that should be treated in such a way.
