Hach PHC108 User manual

DOC022.53.80428
PHC108
05/2021, Edition 3
User Manual

Table of Contents
Section 1 Product overview................................................................................. 3
Section 2 Specifications........................................................................................ 3
Section 3 Safety information............................................................................... 4
3.1 Intended use ....................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Use of hazard information..................................................................................... 4
3.3 Precautionary labels............................................................................................. 5
3.4 Product hazards.................................................................................................... 5
Section 4 Preparation for use.............................................................................. 5
Section 5 Calibration.............................................................................................. 5
5.1 Calibration notes................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Calibration procedure........................................................................................... 6
Section 6 Sample measurement ...................................................................... 7
6.1 Sample requirements............................................................................................ 7
6.2 Sample measurement notes................................................................................. 7
6.3 Sample measurement procedure......................................................................... 8
Section 7 Verify the calibration.......................................................................... 8
7.1 Verification procedure........................................................................................... 8
Section 8 Maintenance.......................................................................................... 9
8.1 Clean the probe.................................................................................................... 9
8.2 Soak procedure for dry probes........................................................................... 10
8.3 Storage............................................................................................................... 10
Section 9 Troubleshooting................................................................................. 11
Section 10 Consumables..................................................................................... 11
10.1 Recommended standards................................................................................. 12
10.2 Accessories...................................................................................................... 13
1

Table of Contents
2

Section 1 Product overview
The Intellical PHC108 pH probe is a digital, combination electrode with a cone-shaped glass sensor
that measures the pH of semi-solid samples, emulsions and slurries (e.g., soil, mud, sludge, foods).
The probe is non-refillable and has a built-in temperature sensor, ceramic pin and open reference
junctions. Refer to Figure 1.
Note: Do not use the probe to measure the pH of organic solvents, low ionic strength samples or very alkaline
samples.
Figure 1 Probe overview
1 Probe soaker bottle with storage solution 3 Reference junction
2 Cable 4 Glass sensor and temperature sensor
Section 2 Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications Details
Probe type Digital combination pH probe with non-refillable polymer electrolyte,
cone-shaped tip and built-in temperature sensor
pH range 2 to 12 pH
pH accuracy ±0.02 pH
Reference type Ag/AgCl
Reference junction Ceramic pin and open junctions
Slope –59 mV/pH (85 to 115% at 25 °C (77 °F) per Nernstian theoretical
value)
Isopotential point 0 (±30) mV at 7.0 (±0.5) pH
Sodium (alkalinity) error <0.1 pH at pH >11 in 0.1 M NaCl
Temperature accuracy ±0.3 °C (±0.54 °F)
English 3

Specifications Details
Temperature sensor type 30 kΩ NTC thermistor
Operating temperature 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F)
Storage temperature 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Minimum immersion depth 15 mm (0.59 in.)
Body material (standard) Stainless steel (glass internal)
Electrolyte Non-refillable polymer
Storage solution Hach pH electrode storage solution1 or 3 M KCl
Cable connection M12 digital output and connector
Dimensions Diameter: 12 mm (0.47 in.)
Length: 182 mm (7.2 in.) total; 85 mm (3.35 in.) below head
Cable length: 1 m (3.3 ft)
Weight (includes cable) ~0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Warranty 6 months on the probe. This warranty covers manufacturing defects,
but not improper use or wear.
Certifications CE, FCC/ISED
Section 3 Safety information
3.1 Intended use
The Intellical PHC108 probe is intended for use by individuals who measure the pH of semi-solid
samples, emulsions and slurries in the laboratory. The Intellical probes do not treat or alter samples.
3.2 Use of hazard information
D A N G E R
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.
N O T I C E
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the instrument. Information that
requires special emphasis.
1Use of other storage solutions can cause permanent damage to the probe.
4 English

3.3 Precautionary labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the instrument
could occur if not observed. A symbol on the instrument is referenced in the manual with a
precautionary statement.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European
domestic or public disposal systems. Return old or end-of-life equipment to the
manufacturer for disposal at no charge to the user.
3.4 Product hazards
CAUTION
Chemical exposure hazard. Obey laboratory safety procedures and wear all of the
personal protective equipment appropriate to the chemicals that are handled. Refer to
the current safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS) for safety protocols.
CAUTION
Chemical exposure hazard. Dispose of chemicals and wastes in accordance with local,
regional and national regulations.
CAUTION
Personal injury hazard. Glass components can break. Handle with care to prevent cuts.
Section 4 Preparation for use
New probes come with a soaker bottle that contains storage solution to keep the glass sensor and
reference junctions hydrated. Prepare the probe as follows.
1. Loosen the cap on the soaker bottle. Remove the soaker bottle from the probe.
2. Rinse the reference junctions and glass sensor with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free
cloth.
3. For faster stabilization, soak the probe for 3 or more minutes in the sample before use.
4. Make sure that the meter has the correct date and time settings. The service-life time stamp in
the probe comes from the date and time settings in the meter.
Note: Some meters automatically open the date and time settings when the meter starts for the first time, or
after battery replacement.
5. Connect the probe to the meter.
Section 5 Calibration
The procedure that follows is applicable to meters that can connect to Intellical pH probes. Refer to
the applicable meter documentation for meter operation and probe-specific settings.
5.1 Calibration notes
Read the notes that follow before calibration:
• Use prepared pH buffer solutions or mix pH buffer powder pillows with deionized water for
calibration. Discard the prepared buffer solutions after each calibration.
English 5

• Use two or three buffer solutions for best results. Two buffer solutions are sufficient if the expected
sample pH is between the pH of the two buffer solutions. The sequence in which the pH buffer
solutions are used is not important. Use buffer solutions that are 2 or more pH units apart.
• For a one-point calibration, use a pH buffer near the expected sample pH.
• Use the default calibration options or change the options in the probe settings menu.
• Use the single display mode for calibration when more than one probe is connected to the meter (if
applicable).
• Calibrate the probes and verify the calibration regularly for best results. Use the meter to set
calibration reminders.
• The calibration data is stored in the probe. When a calibrated probe is connected to a different
meter with the same calibration options, a new calibration is not necessary.
• Air bubbles below the sensor when in solution can cause a slow response or error in the
calibration. Make sure to remove air bubbles during calibration.
• The pH buffer solutions have known pH values at different temperatures. The meter uses the mV
and temperature readings of the probe in the pH buffer solutions to calculate a calibration slope.
During measurements, the meter adjusts the slope for the sample temperature to determine the
pH value of the sample.
5.2 Calibration procedure
1. Go to the
calibrate menu.
Select the probe, if
applicable. The
display shows the
pH buffer solutions
to use for calibration.
2. Prepare or pour
the pH buffer
solutions in different
beakers.
3. Rinse the probe
with deionized water.
Dry the probe with a
lint-free cloth.
4. Put the probe in
the first pH buffer
solution. Make sure
that the sensor and
reference junction
are fully in the
solution. Do not put
the probe on the
bottom or sides of
the beaker.
5. Shake the probe
from side to side to
refresh the reference
junction and remove
air bubbles.
6. Stir slowly, then
read the pH value of
the buffer solution.
The display shows
the temperature-
corrected pH value
when the reading is
stable.
7. Continue with
steps 3 through 6 for
the remaining
buffers or select
Done.
8. Save the
calibration.
6 English

Section 6 Sample measurement
The procedure that follows is applicable to meters that can connect to Intellical pH probes. Refer to
the applicable meter documentation for meter operation and probe-specific settings.
6.1 Sample requirements
N O T I C E
Make sure that the sample type is compatible with the probe, or probe damage can occur.
• Do not use force to push the probe into samples. Use a stainless steel rod to make a hole in the
sample, then put the probe into the hole.
• Do not use the probe to measure samples where glass is not permitted.
• Probes with a Ag/AgCl reference system and single junction are not compatible with solutions that
contain silver complexing or binding agents (e.g., TRIS, proteins and sulfides). To measure in
these solutions, use a double junction probe, a probe with a Ag+ (silver ion) barrier or a Red Rod
probe.
• Proteins can collect on the sensing element. Make sure that the probe stays clean if proteins are in
the sample.
• Do not measure samples that are hotter or colder than the specified operating temperature of the
probe. Refer to Specifications on page 3.
6.2 Sample measurement notes
Read the notes that follow before sample measurements.
• Rinse the probe with deionized water and dry with a lint-free cloth between measurements to
prevent contamination.
• For faster stabilization, soak the probe for 3 or more minutes in the sample before measurements.
• If complete traceability is necessary, enter a sample ID and operator ID before measurement.
Refer to the meter manual for instructions.
• The meter automatically saves the measurement data when the user manually reads each data
point and when the meter is set to read at regular intervals. The user must manually save each
data point when the meter is set to read continuously.
• Air bubbles below the sensor can cause a slow response or error in the measurement. Make sure
to remove air bubbles before and during measurements.
English 7

6.3 Sample measurement procedure
1. Rinse the probe
with deionized water.
Dry the probe with a
lint-free cloth.
2. Put the probe in
the sample with the
sensor and
reference junction
fully in the sample.
3. Shake the probe
from side to side to
refresh the reference
junction and remove
air bubbles.
Note: For homogenous
semi-solid samples,
shaking is not
necessary.
4. Stir gently, then
read the pH value of
the sample. The
display shows the
temperature-
corrected pH value
when the reading is
stable.
Note: For homogenous
semi-solid samples,
stirring is not
necessary.
Section 7 Verify the calibration
Measure the pH value of a fresh pH buffer solution to make sure the result is accurate. The meter
compares the selected pH buffer value to the measured pH value and accepts or rejects the
measurement. The user can change the pH buffer solution and acceptance criteria for verification in
the probe-specific settings.
Note: Password protection may prevent access to the acceptance criteria.
7.1 Verification procedure
1. Go to the
verification menu.
The display shows
the pH buffer
solution to use for
verification.
Note: Menu name for
HQd meters: Run check
standard.
2. Prepare or pour
the pH buffer
solution into a
beaker.
3. Rinse the probe
with deionized water.
Dry the probe with a
lint-free cloth.
4. Put the probe in
the pH buffer
solution with the
sensor and
reference junction
fully in the solution.
Do not put the probe
on the bottom or
sides of the beaker.
8 English

5. Shake the probe
from side to side to
refresh the reference
junction and remove
air bubbles.
6. Stir gently, then
read the pH value of
the buffer solution.
The meter accepts
or rejects the result.
Section 8 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary for the best accuracy, stabilization time and life of the probe.
Keep the probe in the recommended storage solution between measurements.
8.1 Clean the probe
Clean the probe regularly to remove contamination and to keep the reference junction open.
Symptoms of contamination:
• Incorrect or irregular readings
• Slow stabilization times
• Calibration errors
• Sample material stays on the probe
1. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Use warm (35–45 °C (95–113 °F)) deionized water to
remove storage solution that dries on the probe. Dry the probe body with a lint-free cloth.
2. Soak the glass bulb and reference junction in the applicable cleaning solution for the specified
time. Refer to Table 1 and Consumables on page 11.
3. Rinse or soak the probe for 1 minute in deionized water. Dry the probe body with a lint-free cloth.
4. Soak the probe in pH 4 buffer for 20 minutes.
5. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Dry the probe body with a lint-free cloth.
Table 1 Cleaning solution
Contamination Cleaning solution Active component Soak time
General
contamination
Electrode cleaning solution
for regular maintenance
KATHON™ CG,
DECONEX®11
12–16 hours
Minerals Electrode cleaning solution
for minerals/inorganic
contamination
Phosphoric acid
(~10%)
10–15 minutes
Fats, grease and oils Electrode cleaning solution
for fats, oils and grease
contamination
KATHON™ CG,
TRITON® X
2 hours maximum
Proteins Electrode cleaning solution
for proteins/organic
contamination
Pepsin in HCl 3 hours maximum
English 9

Table 1 Cleaning solution (continued)
Contamination Cleaning solution Active component Soak time
Wastewater and
organic compounds
Electrode cleaning solution,
extra strong
Sodium hypochlorite 5–10 minutes
Blockage of porous
pin/diaphragm
reference junctions
Electrode cleaning solution
for porous pin/diaphragm
reference junctions
Thiourea 3 hours with stirring
or until the porous
plug becomes white
8.2 Soak procedure for dry probes
If the glass bulb becomes dry, complete the steps that follow to hydrate the probe.
1. Soak the probe tip in pH 4 and pH 7 buffer solutions for 5 minutes in each solution.
2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Calibrate the probe.
8.3 Storage
N O T I C E
Probes can become permanently damaged if kept in a storage solution that is not specified by the
manufacturer. Use only the specified storage solution (3 M KCl).
Do not store the probe in deionized water or in samples of low ionic strength. For short-term storage,
the probe can stay in the sample for a maximum of 2 hours if the sample pH is not high. Put the
soaker bottle that contains the storage solution on the probe when not in use. Refer to Figure 2.
Keep the probe in a vertical position with the sensor and reference junction below the liquid level in
the soaker bottle. Add storage solution to the soaker bottle if necessary.
Figure 2 Probe storage
10 English

Section 9 Troubleshooting
Keep the probe clean and in the recommended storage solution when not in use for the best
accuracy, stabilization time and life of the probe.
Problem Possible cause Solution
Decreased probe performance
causes slow stabilization and
prevents accurate calibrations
or measurements.
The glass sensor is dirty. Clean and condition the probe.
Refer to Clean the probe
on page 9.
The glass sensor has become
dry.
Clean and condition the probe.
Refer to Maintenance on page 9.
The calibration slope of the
probe has changed.
Increase the accepted slope limit
settings if possible, or contact
technical support.
Sample properties cause slow
stabilization or inaccurate
measurements.
The sample absorbs carbon
dioxide (CO2) from the air,
which causes the pH value to
slowly decrease in low ionic
strength (LIS) or high purity
samples.
Use the LIS chamber for
LIS/high purity samples to
prevent CO2 absorption.
The sample temperature is
low, or there is a large
temperature difference
between samples.
Increase the sample temperature
or adjust the temperature of
different samples to be the same
(within 2 °C (3.6 °F)).
Procedure problem causes
slow stabilization and prevents
accurate calibrations or
measurements.
The probe is not conditioned
to the sample.
Soak the probe in the sample
before sample measurements.
Refer to Preparation for use
on page 5.
Air bubbles are around or
below the probe tip.
Carefully tap or shake the probe
to remove air bubbles.
The electrical connection
through the reference junction
is not sufficient.
Shake the probe in the solution
from side to side to refresh the
reference junction.
The stir speed is too slow or
too fast.
Try a different stir speed.
An incorrect buffer solution
was used or the buffer solution
has contamination.
Use the specified buffer solutions
of good quality.
Section 10 Consumables
Note: Product and Article numbers may vary for some selling regions. Contact the appropriate distributor or refer to
the company website for contact information.
Description Quantity2Item no.
Hach pH electrode storage solution 500 mL 2756549
3 M KCl solution 50 mL32756559
2Larger quantities are available for some items.
3Larger quantities are available.
English 11

Section 10 Consumables (continued)
Description Quantity2Item no.
Electrode cleaning solution for regular maintenance 500 mL 2965249
Electrode cleaning solution for minerals/inorganic
contamination 500 mL 2975149
Electrode cleaning solution for proteins/organic
contamination 250 mL C20C370
Electrode cleaning solution for fats, oils and grease
contamination 500 mL 2964449
Electrode cleaning solution for porous pin/diaphragm
reference junctions 250 mL C20C380
10.1 Recommended standards
Description Unit Item no.
pH 4.01 buffer solution, Singlet one-use packets, 20 mL each 20/pkg 2770020
pH 7.00 buffer solution, Singlet one-use packets, 20 mL each 20/pkg 2770120
pH 10.01 buffer solution, Singlet one-use packets, 20 mL each 20/pkg 2770220
pH 4.01 and pH 7.00 buffer solution kit, Singlet one-use
packets, 20 mL each 2 x 10/pkg 2769920
pH 7.00 and 10.01 buffer solution kit, Singlet one-use packets,
20 mL each 2 x 10/pkg 2769820
pH color-coded buffer solution kit (NIST), 500 mL, includes: 1 2947600
pH 4.01 ± 0.02 pH buffer (NIST) 500 mL 2283449
pH 7.00 ± 0.02 pH buffer (NIST) 500 mL 2283549
pH 10.01 ± 0.02 pH buffer (NIST) 500 mL 2283649
Powder pillows:
pH 4.01 ± 0.02 pH buffer powder pillow (NIST) 50/pkg 2226966
pH 7.00 ± 0.02 pH buffer powder pillow (NIST) 50/pkg 2227066
pH 10.01 ± 0.02 pH buffer powder pillow (NIST) 50/pkg 2227166
Radiometer Analytical (IUPAC Series certified pH standards):
pH 1.679 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M001
pH 4.005 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M002
pH 6.865 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M003
pH 7.000 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M004
pH 9.180 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M006
pH 10.012 ± 0.010 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M007
pH 12.45 ± 0.05 at 25 °C (77 °F) 500 mL S11M008
2Larger quantities are available for some items.
12 English

10.1 Recommended standards (continued)
Description Unit Item no.
pH buffer 1.09, technical 500 mL S11M009
pH buffer 4.65, technical 500 mL S11M010
pH buffer 9.23, technical 500 mL S11M011
10.2 Accessories
Description Quantity Item no.
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, colorless 80/pkg SM5010
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, red 80/pkg SM5011
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, yellow 80/pkg SM5012
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, blue 80/pkg SM5013
Beaker, 30 mL, plastic, green 80/pkg SM5014
Beaker dispenser and holder, 30 mL 1 923-656
Beaker holder, 30 mL 1 923-556
Beaker, 100 mL, polypropylene 1 108042
Disposable wipes, 11 x 22 cm 280/pkg 2097000
Wash bottle, polyethylene, 500 mL 1 62011
Probe stand for standard Intellical probes 1 8508850
Storage protection tube 1 LZW9161.99
English 13

14 English

*DOC022.53.80428*
HACH COMPANY World Headquarters
P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539-0389 U.S.A.
Tel. [phone]
[phone] (U.S.A. only)
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.hach.com
HACH LANGE GMBH
Willstätterstraße 11
D-40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.de.hach.com
HACH LANGE Sàrl
6, route de Compois
1222 Vésenaz
SWITZERLAND
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
© Hach Company/Hach Lange GmbH, 2014, 2021.
All rights reserved.