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pH Meter Use and Calibration Date: Aug 08, 2012 Page: 1 of 5

Standard Operating Procedure

pH Meter Use and Calibration

1.0 Purpose
This procedure describes how to calibrate and use a pH meter.

2.0 Method Summary

Perform at least a 2-point calibration at room temperature using standard buffers
that bracket (one above and one below) the expected sample range. You can also
perform a 1-point calibration, but make sure that the buffer value is close to the
sample value you are measuring. Use the pH meter to perform a reading.

3.0 When it should be performed:

Calibration should be performed at least every time used, on a daily basis, after
cleaning or if the readings become unsteady.

4.0 Equipment
pH electrode
pH meter
temperature probe
standard pH buffers 4.01; 7.00; and 10.00.
Kimwipes
waste container
wash bottle -triply deionized water
beakers

5.0 pH Meter
Connecting the Electrode and Temperature Probe
1. To connect the Acorn meter to your electrode, align the post of the meter's connector
with the slots on the electrode's connector, push together and twist the electrode
connector 1/2 turn until it clicks into place. To remove, simply rotate the connector
counter-clockwise until it unlocks, and slide the connector off the socket.

2. Insert the phono jack of the temperature sensor into the socket on the meter. Unplug
the phono jack when not in use.

Switching the meter on

Press the ON/OFF key to power up your meter. All the LCD segments display for a few
seconds as the meter goes through a self-diagnostic test. The LCD then switches into pH
measurement mode. If the LCD then displays "Ur", the electrode is not properly
connected, it is faulty, the temperature sensor is faulty, or there is an open circuit .
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Before use: remove the electrode soaker bottle. If the electrode has been stored
dry, condition the glass bulb by soaking it in tap water for 30 minutes. This hydrates the
glass bulb if the electrode is too dry, or has not been used for a long period of time.

Calibration Procedure
1. Complete the pH Meter Calibration Sheet Appendix 1

2. Pour a known pH buffer standard solution into a clean dry container.

3. Power on the meter. Meter will automatically enter pH measurement mode. Select pH
mode by pressing MODE key if necessary.

4. Rinse electrode thoroughly with deionized water or a rinse solution. DO NOT wipe
the electrode; this causes a build-up of electrostatic charge on the glass surface.

5. Dip both the electrode and temperature sensor into pH 7.00 buffer solution. The glass
bulb must be completely immersed into the sample. Stir gently, and wait for reading
to stabilize (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute - depending on your electrode
condition).

6. Press CAL key to enter the calibration mode. A“CA” displays momentarily and the
display shows the current uncalibrated reading flashing while in calibration mode
CAlibration. See figure.

7. To abort or cancel calibration without accepting new value, press CAL key. The
meter then reverts to pH measurement mode.

8. Allow the reading to stabilize. The meter automatically recognizes 7.00, 4.01 or 10.00
buffers.

9. Press ENTER key once to confirm calibration.

10. The LCD displays “CO” to indicate the calibration point has been confirmed. The
meter exits calibration mode and returns to measurement mode.
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11. Repeat with pH buffers 4.01 and/or 10.00 for best accuracy.

12. If the meter fails to calibrate, indicate on pH Meter Calibration Sheet and get
another electrode or meter.

NOTE: This meter has automatic buffer recognition which identifies the correct pH
buffer values during calibration. If buffers other than 4.01, 7.00 or 10.00 are used, or the
electrode has worn out, the LCD will flash "Er1".
5. Measurement
Taking Measurements
1. Rinse both calibrated electrode and temperature sensor with distilled water. DO
NOT wipe the electrode; this causes a build-up of electrostatic charge on the glass
surface.

2. Turn meter on. Press MODE key to select desired parameter (pH, mV, Temperature).

3. Dip electrode and temperature sensor approximately 1" to 2" into sample. Ensure the
bulb is covered by the solution.

4. Stir gently and wait for display to stabilize. Note reading.

5. Hold function To freeze your reading, press the HOLD key once. The LCD show
"HO" to indicate the HOLD function is activated. Press HOLD key again to
deactivate the HOLD function and return to measurement mode.

After measuring
1. Rinse the electrode and reference junction in deionized water.

2. Store the electrode as for best results, keep the pH bulb wet. Store the pH bulb in the
electrode soaker bottle filled with electrode storage solution. Or you can store the
electrode in a pH 4 buffer with 1/100 part saturated KCl. Other pH buffers are also
suitable for storage. NEVER use deionized water for storage.

Electrode cleaning
1. Because your pH electrode is susceptible to dirt and contamination, clean it every
one to three months depending on extent and condition of use.

2. Clean the electrode in a mild detergent solution. Wipe the probe with a soft tissue
paper. Avoid touching the glass membrane with your fingers.
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3. Wash thoroughly in tap water and then in distilled water.

4. Recalibrate your meter after cleaning the electrode.

Special Cleaning Tips

Salt deposit: dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in tap water for ten to
fifteen minutes. Then thoroughly rinse with distilled water.
Oil/grease film: wash electrode pH bulb gently in detergent solution. Rinse electrode
tip with distilled water.
Clogged reference junction: heat a diluted KCl solution for 60-80°C. Place the sensing
part of the electrode into the heated solution for about 10 minutes. Allow the
electrode to cool in some unheated KCl solution.
Protein deposits: prepare a 1% pepsin solution in 0.1M of HCl. Set the electrode in
the solution for five to ten minutes. Rinse the electrode with distilled water.

References: Operating instructions, pH 5 and pH 6 Acorn Series Meters, Oakton

8/98
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APPENDIX 1:
pH Meter Calibration

pH meter # : _________________________
pH electrode # : _________________________

Brand : _________________________

Calibration : pH 4.00  pH 7.00  pH 10.00

Test Conditions :
Temperature probe
Test temperature : ____________________________ C

Damages :  None

 Type of damage _________________________

___________________________________________

Evaluation :

 Test passes (calibrates)

 Test not passed (won’t calibrate)  returned to Lab Instructor

Date : ________________________ Examiner : ________________________