Apera Instruments Premium Series User manual

1
Premium Series PH5F pH Tester
User Manual
APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
www.aperainst.de v7.0

2
Thank you for purchasing Apera Instruments PH5F Premium pH Tester. Please read thismanual
before use inorderto properly use andmaintaintheproduct.
For video tutorials, please go to support.aperainst.de
Table of Contents
1. What’s in the Kit.........................................................................................................................3
2. Keypad Functions......................................................................................................................3
3. Preparation Before Use .............................................................................................................4
4. pH Calibration............................................................................................................................4
5. pH Measurement.......................................................................................................................5
6. Probe Cleaning..........................................................................................................................6
7. Probe Storage ...........................................................................................................................6
8. Parameter Setting......................................................................................................................6
9. ORP Measurement....................................................................................................................8
10. TechnicalSpecifications.............................................................................................................8
11. Other Specifications...................................................................................................................8
12. Probe Replacement...................................................................................................................9
13. Notes.........................................................................................................................................9
14. Battery Installation...................................................................................................................10
15. Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................................................10
16. Warranty..................................................................................................................................11
ATTENTION
•Water droplets are added during production to maintain the moisture of the probe. This is
normal practice and should not be attributed to used product.
•Never use the product when it’s freezing cold. Let it warm to room temperature before using.

3
1. What’s in the Kit
2. Keypad Functions
Short press: < 2 seconds
Long press: > 2 seconds
1. Short press to turn on the tester and long press to
turn off the tester.
2. When turned off, long press to enter parameter
setting.
3. In measurement mode, short press to turn on
backlight.
4. In calibration mode, short press to cancel calibration.
1. In measurement mode, short press to switch between
pH and mV.
2. In settings, short press to change parameters
(Unidirectional).
1. Long press to enter calibration mode.
2. In calibration mode, short press to confirm calibration.
3. When reading is locked, short press to unlock.

4
3. Preparation Before Use
3.1 Pull out the battery insulation slip, and take off the probe cap.
3.2 Rinse off the probe in pure water (preferably distilled or deionized water, alternatively RO
water or tap water), then shake off excess water.
3.3 Perform at least a 2-point calibration at pH 7.00 and pH 4.00. For tutorial, refer to Section 4.
3.4 If the tester hasn’t been used for a long time (over 1 month), please soak the probe in the 3M
KCL soaking solution for at least 30 minutes, then calibrate it before test.
4. pH Calibration
4.1 How to Calibrate:
4.1.1 Short press to power on.
4.1.2 Pour pH buffer solutions in the correspondent calibration vials to
about half volume.
4.1.3 Rinse the probe in pure water; Shake off excess water. Dip the
probe in the pH 7.00 buffer solution first, and make a quick stir in
the solution, then hold still.
4.1.4 Long press to enter calibration mode, screen will turn green
(Short press if you decide to quit calibration and return to measurement mode).
4.1.5 Wait for the reading to stabilize (when stays on the screen), then short press to start
the 1st point calibration. After calibration is completed, the tester will return to measurement
mode.Icon will appear at the bottom left of the screen, indicating a
successful 1-point calibration (middle point).
4.1.6 To calibrate 2nd point, use 4.00 pH buffer and repeat Step 4.1.3 to
4.1.5 (Do NOT turn off the tester after you finish pH 7 calibration).
will display next to , indicating a successful 2-point calibration (low
and middle points).
4.1.7 If necessary (target pH > 8.00), calibrate 3rd point using 10.01 standard pH buffer and
repeat Step 4.1.3 to 4.1.5, will show up next to and , indicating a successful 3-

5
point calibration (high, low, and middle points).
4.2 Notes about Calibration
a) The 1st point calibration must be 7.00 pH. Perform the 2nd and 3rd point calibrations (4.00,
10.01, 1.68, or 12.45) immediately after the 1st point calibration is finished. Do NOT turn off
the meter before you calibrate 2nd or 3rd point. Otherwise, you will need to restart the
calibration process with 7.00 pH first.
b) The pH 4.00 and 7.00 buffer solutions poured into the calibration vials can be used for up to 10
times as long as they are not contaminated, and the bottles are capped when not in use. pH
10.01 can only be used for up to 5 times as it will lose its accuracy much faster. After that,
replace the buffer solutions in the calibration vials with new ones to keep the accuracy. Keeping
the freshness and cleanliness of calibration buffers is essential for accurate pH measurement.
c) The tester can perform 1 to 3 points of automatic calibration and can recognize 5 types of pH
standard solutions. For details, please refer to the following table:
Calibration
USA Series
NIST Series
Indication
icon
Recommended
1-pt
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
Accuracy requirement ≥
0.1 pH
2-pt
Option
A
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 4.00 pH
or 1.68 pH
Option
A
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 4.01 pH
or 1.68 pH
Range < 7.00 pH
Option
B
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 10.01 pH
or 12.45 pH
Option
B
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 9.18 pH
or 12.45 pH
Range > 7.00 pH
3-pt
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 4.00 or 1.68 pH
3rd pt: 10.01 or 12.45
pH
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 4.01 or 1.68 pH
3rd pt: 9.18 or 12.45 pH
Range:
0 to 14.00 pH
5. pH Measurement
5.1 How to take pH measurements
Short press to power on the tester. Rinse the probe in pure water,
shake off excess water. Dip the probe in your sample solution and make a
quick stir, then hold still. Record the reading after it is stabilized (
appears and stays on the screen).
5.2 Pure Water pH Measurement
When testing pure water like tap water, drinking water, RO water and
distilled water, it will take longer for the readings to get fully stabilized

6
(typically 1-5 minutes). Please be patient. If still not working, add Apera 3M KCL (AI1107) to your
pure water at the ratio of 1:1000 (e.g. 1 ml KCL to 1000 ml water) to accelerate stabilization while
minimizing pH change. If the accuracy is not meeting your requirement, please contact us at
[e-mail] to find the specialized meter designed for pure water pH test.
5.3 PH5F Flat probe testers are mostly for flat surface sampletest.
•For skin test: skin should be without sweat or dirt, nor be overly cleaned (do not use
facewash products before testing) to avoid affecting measurement results, dampen skin with
some distilled water, slightly force flat probe onto the skin, get readings after valuestabilized.
•For paper, fabric and leather test: add 1~2 drops of distilled water on surface, thenperform
measurements.
•For micro sample testing, use a container with an inner diameter<=19mm and a flat bottom.
The tester can test volume >=0.5ml.
6. Probe Cleaning
6.1 The tester is only as accurate as the probe is clean. Always thoroughly rinse off the probe
before and after each measurement with pure water in a container or with a wash bottle.
6.2 For tough contaminants, detach the sensor shield, soak the probe in Apera probe cleaning
solution (AI1166) or detergent water for 30 minutes. Then use a soft brush to remove the
contaminants. Afterwards, soak the probe in 3M KCL soaking solution for at least 1 hour. Rinse
it off, then re-calibrate the tester before using again.
7. Probe Storage
7.1 Under regular usage (daily or weekly use), make sure the probe cap is wet, and tightly close
the cap with the O-ring.
7.2 For long-term storage (you are not going to use the product for a while), add 3M KCL soaking
solution to the Fill line in the probe cap and store the probe in it. Close on the probe cap tightly
with the O-ring.
7.3 If you find white crystals inside or outside the probe cap, it is perfectly normal. It is the 3M KCL
soaking solution that crystalizes over time by its nature. Just rinse them off and add in new
soaking solution. This chemical is not poisonous nor dangerous, and the probe’s performance
will not be affected at all.
7.4 NEVER store the probe in pure water like tap, RO, distilled, or deionized water as they could
damage the pH probe. Pure water is only for rinsing the probe.
8. Parameter Setting
8.1 Setup Menu

7
Symbol
Contents
Parameter
Factory Default
P1
Select pH buffer solution
USA –NIST
USA
P2
Low value measurement alarm setting
0 to 14.00 pH
0
P3
High value measurement alarm setting
0 to 14.00 pH
14.00
P4
Select automatic lock
Off –On
Off
P5
Select backlight
Off –1 –On
1
P6
Select temperature unit
°C –°F
°F
P7
Restore to factory default
No –Yes
No
8.2 Parameter Setup
When turned off, long press to enter parameter settings →Short press to switch P1-P2-
P3…P7 →Short press to select parameter (selected parameter starts flickering) →Short press
to change parameter →Short press to confirm the change →Long press to go back
to measurement mode.
8.3 Parameter Setting Instruction
8.3.1 Select standard pH buffer solution (P1):
There are two options of standard buffer solutions: USA series and NIST series. Factory
default is USA series, for details see clause 4.2.
8.3.2 Alarm Function (P2&P3)
Examples:
•Alarm triggered when measurement ≤3.20 pH:
Preset lowest value (P2) = 3.20 pH, highest value (P3) = 14.00 pH, when measured value
≤3.20 pH (stable displays on screen); screen turns red.
•Alarm triggered when measurement ≥8.60 pH:
Preset highest value (P3) = 8.60 pH, lowest value (P2) = 0.00 pH, when measured value ≥
8.60 pH (stable displays on screen); screen turns red.
•Alarm triggered when measurement ≤3.20 pH or ≥ 8.60 pH:
Preset lowest value (P2) = 3.20 pH, highest value (P3) = 8.60 pH, when measured value is
lower than 3.20 pH or higher than 8.60 pH (stable displays on screen), screen turns
red.
8.3.3 Automatic Lock (P4)
Select “On” to activate auto lock function. When reading is stable for more than 10 seconds,
the tester will lock the value automatically, and HOLD icon will display on LCD. Short press

8
key again to cancel the lock.
8.3.4 Backlight (P5)
“Off”-turn off backlight, “On”-always turn on backlight, “1”- backlight will last for 1 minute.
8.3.5 Temperature Unit (P6)
Select between C˚ and F˚.
8.3.6 Factory default setting (P7)
Select “Yes” to recover instrument calibration to the theoretical value (pH value in zero
potential is 7.00 pH, slope is 100 %), parameter setting returnto initial value. This function can
be used when instrument does not work properly in calibration or measurement. Calibrate and
measure again after recovering the instrument to factory default status.
9. ORP Measurement
ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential. ORP is a measure of the cleanliness of the water &
its ability to break down contaminants. An ORP probe is needed to test ORP (sold separately, SKU:
AI1207).After powering on the tester, press to enter ORP mode (mV). Rinse the probe in
distilled water and dry it. Dip the probe in your sample solution, make a quick stir, and hold still.
Record the reading after it is fully stabilized.
10.TechnicalSpecifications
pH
Measuring Range
-2.00 –16.00 pH
Resolution
0.01 pH
Accuracy
±0.01 pH (±1 digit)
Calibration Points
1 –3 points
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
0 –50 ˚C (32 –122 ˚F)
ORP (mV)
Measuring Range
±1000 mV
Resolution
1 mV
Accuracy
±0.2 % F.S
Temp.
Measuring Range
0 –50 ˚C (32 –122 ˚F)
Resolution
0.1 ˚C
Accuracy
±0.5 ˚C
11.Other Specifications

9
Screen
3-color LCD screen,
Blue: Measurement; Green: Calibration; Red: Alarm
Reading Lock
HOLD
Low-Voltage Warning
flashing, reminder of battery replacement needed
Auto. Power-Off
In 8 minutes without operation
Waterproof Rating
IP67
Power
DC3V, AAA alkaline batteries×4
Battery Life
Operation up to 2000 hours
Dimension & Weight
Tester: 40×40×178mm/133g; Case: 255×210×50mm/700g
12.Probe Replacement
12.1 Every pH probe gradually loses its sensitivity and will eventually fail. A typical service life of a
pH probe is 1-2 years depending on many factors such as frequency of use, nature of test
samples, and how well it is maintained, etc. Apera Instruments recommends replacing the pH
probe every 1 to 2 years to guarantee the optimal performance.
12.2 To replace a probe: 1) Take off the probe cap; 2) Screw off the
probe ring; 3) Unplug the probe; 4) Plug in the new replacement
probe (pay attention to the probe’s position); 5) Screw on the
probe ring tightly. Soak the probe in 3M KCL for 5-15 minutes.
Then perform calibration before testing.
12.3 The replacement probes compatible with PH5F:
•AI1201 PH60-E (Regular pH glass bulb probe for general water solutions)
•AI3711-E PH60-DE (Double-junction pH glass bulb probe for complex solutions)
•AI1205 PH60S-E (Spear pH probe for soft-solids pH testing)
•AI1203 PH60F-E (Flat pH probe for surface pH testing)
•AI1207 ORP60-E (ORP probe)
13.Notes
a) Avoid testing in very high (> 113 °F/ 45°C) or very low (< 41 °F/ 5°C) temperature solutions as
it will cause greater measurement error and potential damage to the probe. Test your samples
and perform calibration close to room temperature as much as possible.
b) NEVER store the probe in pure water like tap, RO, distilled, or deionized water as they could
damage the pH probe. If this happens, immediately soak the pH probe Apera 3M KCL soaking
solution overnight, then re-calibrate it before using. Pure water is only for rinsing the probe.

10
c) Never use your finger to touch the glass membrane or use other material to rub it. Doing so
could generate static electricity and cause measurement errors. Never test oily liquids.
d) Make sure the battery cap is completely closed with the red O-ring. Otherwise, the waterproof
rating could be compromised.
14.Battery Installation
Please install batteries according to
the following steps. *Please note
direction of batteries:
All POSITIVE SIDES (“+”) FACING
UP. (Wrong installation of batteries
will cause damage to the tester
and potential hazards)
①Pull the tester’s cap up
②Slide the battery cap along to the direction of arrow
③Open the battery cap
④Insert the batteries (ALL POSITIVE SIDES FACING UP) (see graph)
⑤Close the battery cap
⑥Slide and lock the battery cap along to the direction of arrow
⑦Fit the tester’s cap while making sure to push all the way down. The tester’s waterproof
design may be compromised if the cap is not fittedcorrectly.
15.Troubleshooting Guide
Trouble
Reason
How to fix
Cannot calibrate
Pressing too soon
(showing )
Wait for to stay on screen before pressing .
Incorrect standard solutions
(showing )
Reboot tester, calibrate pH 7 first, then pH 4. For details
refer to Section 4.2 (a).
Poor quality standard
solutions (showing )
Replace with fresh and clean standard calibration
solutions made by legitimate scientific instrument
manufacturers.
Contaminated probe
(showing )
Use a soft brush to clean the probe with Apera probe
cleaning solution or detergent water.
Aged probe
(showing )
Replace the probe.
Dried-out probe
(showing )
Soak the probe in Apera 3M KCL solution for at least 30
minutes.
Probe is not fully submerged
(showing )
Make sure the probe is fully immersed in the solution at
least 1 inch.
Air bubbles around the sensor
shield (showing )
Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.

11
Trouble
Reason
How to fix
Reading is always
slowly changing,
won’t stabilize
Contaminated probe
Use a soft brush to clean the probe with Apera probe
cleaning solution or detergent water.
Clogged junction
Use a soft brush to clean the probe with Apera probe
cleaning solution or detergent water, then soak it in
Apera 3M KCL soaking solution overnight.
Aged probe
Replace the probe.
Testing pure water pH like
tap/drinking/RO/distilled water
Be patient, wait for 1-5 minutes to reach a fully
stabilized reading. If still not stabilizing, add Apera 3M
KCL solution to test water at 1:1000 ratio.
Display similar
readings in any
solutions or always
display 7.0 pH
Broken probe
If you don’t find any visible damage of the probe,
contact us for warranty fulfillment; If there is visible
damage, replace the probe.
Instrument defect
Contact us for warranty fulfillment.
Reading keeps
jumping
Probe is not fully submerged
in the solution
Make sure the probe is fully immersed in the solution at
least 1 inch.
Air bubbles around the sensor
shield
Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.
Probe is not properly
connected, or the pin
connector is broken.
Check the probe’s connector, make sure it’s not broken
and is correctly connected. Align the probe and
instrument correctly before plugging in. Never force it.
Ensure that the probe connector is not exposed to air
too long.
Calibration is
successful, but
reading is not
accurate
Aged probe
Replace the probe.
Air bubbles around the sensor
shield
Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.
Clogged junction
Clean the probe with probe cleaning solution, then soak
it in 3M KCL soaking solution overnight.
Comparison with other
testers, test strips, or drop
tests
To compare accuracy with other testers, make sure to
perform calibration for all testers in the same standard,
then test another standard. Whichever gives more
accurate reading is the more accurate one. Test strips
or drop tests’ accuracy in not comparable to pH meters‘.
Poor quality standard
solutions
Replace with fresh and clean standard calibration
solutions made by legitimate scientific instrument
manufacturers.
The probe is not suitable for
your application.
Contact us to find the most appropriate product for your
specific application.
16. Warranty
We warrant this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agree to repair
or replace free of charge, at option of APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH, any malfunctioned
or damaged product attributable to responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH for a
period of TWO YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the probe) from the delivery.
This limited warranty does NOT cover any damages due to:
Accidental damage, transportation, storage, improper use, failure to follow the product instructions
or to perform any preventive maintenance, unauthorized repair or modifications, normal wear and
tear, or other external causes or actions beyond our reasonable control.
APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
Wilhelm-Muthmann-Straße 18, 42329 Wuppertal, Germany
www.aperainst.de | [e-mail] | Tel. [phone]