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
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Table of Contents
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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)
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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.
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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.
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• 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.
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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.
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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.
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