Hach PHC101 User manual

DOC022.53.80023
PHC101
06/2021, Edition 5
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..................................................................................... 5
3.3 Precautionary labels............................................................................................. 5
3.4 Product hazards.................................................................................................... 5
Section 4 Preparation for use.............................................................................. 5
Section 5 Calibration.............................................................................................. 6
5.1 Calibration notes................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Calibration procedure........................................................................................... 7
Section 6 Sample measurement ...................................................................... 8
6.1 Sample measurement notes................................................................................. 8
6.2 Sample measurement procedure......................................................................... 8
Section 7 Verify the calibration.......................................................................... 9
7.1 Verification procedure........................................................................................... 9
Section 8 Maintenance........................................................................................ 10
8.1 Clean the probe.................................................................................................. 10
8.2 Soak procedure for dry probes........................................................................... 11
8.3 Remove or install the shroud.............................................................................. 11
8.4 Storage............................................................................................................... 12
Section 9 Troubleshooting................................................................................. 13
Section 10 Consumables..................................................................................... 14
10.1 Recommended standards................................................................................. 14
10.2 Accessories...................................................................................................... 15
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Table of Contents
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Section 1 Product overview
The Intellical PHC101 series pH probes are digital, combination electrodes that measure the pH of
wastewater, drinking water and general water samples. The probes have a non-refillable, gel-filled
electrolyte and a built-in temperature sensor. The open reference junction gives an optimum
electrical connection between the sample and the electrolyte and does not become clogged. The
standard probes are for laboratory use. The rugged probes are for field use. Refer to Figure 1.
Note: Do not use the probe to measure the pH of organic solvents or samples with a pH less than 2.
Figure 1 Probe overview
1 Shroud (rugged model) 6 Locking ring (rugged model)
2 Probe storage cap 7 Rugged probe
3 Glass bulb and temperature sensor 8 Probe soaker bottle holder or storage cap
4 Reference junction 9 Standard probe
5 Protective tape 10 Probe soaker bottle with storage solution
Section 2 Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications Details
Probe type Digital combination pH probe with non-refillable gel electrolyte
and built-in temperature sensor
pH range 2 to 14 pH
pH accuracy ±0.02 pH
Reference type Ag/AgCl
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Specifications Details
Reference junction Open
Slope –59 mV/pH (90 to 110% at 25 °C (77 °F) per Nernstian theoretical
value)
Isopotential point 0 (±30) mV at 7.0 (±0.5) pH
Sodium (alkalinity) error –0.6 pH at pH 12.6 in 1 M NaOH
Temperature accuracy ±0.3 °C (±0.54 °F)
Temperature sensor type 30 kΩ NTC thermistor
Operating temperature 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)
Storage temperature 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Minimum immersion depth 20 mm (0.79 in.)
Body material (standard) Epoxy
Body material (field rugged) Epoxy/stainless steel
Electrolyte Non-refillable gel reference element
Storage solution Hach pH electrode storage solution1
Cable connection M12 digital output and connector
Dimensions Diameter: 12 mm (0.47 in.)
Length: 175 mm (6.9 in.) total; 103 mm (4.1 in.) below head
Cable length: PHC10101: 1 m (3.3 ft); PHC10103: 3 m (9.8 ft)
Dimensions (rugged) Diameter: 46 mm (1.8 in.)
Length: 223 mm (8.7 in.)
Cable length: PHC10105: 5 m (16.4 ft); PHC10110: 10 m
(32.8 ft); PHC10115: 15 m (49.2 ft); PHC10130: 30 m (98.4 ft)
Weight (includes cable) PHCxxx01: ~0.4 kg (0.9 lb); PHCxxx03: ~0.45 kg (1 lb)
Weight (rugged, includes cable) PHCxxx05: ~1.3 kg (2.9 lb); PHCxxx10: ~1.55 kg (3.4 lb);
PHCxxx15: ~1.9 kg (4.2 lb); PHCxxx30: 3.0 kg (6.6 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 probes are intended for use by individuals who measure water quality parameters in the
laboratory or in the field. The Intellical probes do not treat or alter water.
1Use of other storage solutions can cause permanent damage to the probe.
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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.
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
N O T I C E
Make sure to remove the protective tape from the reference junction of new probes. A probe with a
blocked reference junction will not operate correctly.
New probes come with protective tape and a soaker bottle that contains storage solution to keep the
glass bulb and reference junction hydrated. Prepare the probe as follows.
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1. Remove the protective tape from the reference junction. Refer to Figure 2.
2. Rinse the reference junction and glass bulb 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.
Figure 2 Remove the protective tape
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.
• 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).
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• 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.
• If the rugged probe does not easily go in the calibration container, remove the shroud. Refer to
Remove or install the shroud on page 11.
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 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.
• 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.
• If the probe is a rugged type, make sure to install the shroud before field use to prevent damage to
the sensing elements. Refer to Remove or install the shroud on page 11. The probe warranty
does not include such damage.
• To deploy a rugged probe at a distance, toss the probe body with a slow underhand throw. Do not
throw the probe by the cable to prevent damage to cable, the probe or the user.
6.2 Sample measurement procedure
1. Collect the
sample.
2. Rinse the probe
with deionized water.
Dry the probe with a
lint-free cloth.
Rugged probes:
install the shroud.
3. Put the probe in
the sample with the
sensor and
reference junction
fully in the sample.
Do not put the probe
on the bottom or
sides of the beaker.
4. Shake the probe
from side to side to
refresh the reference
junction and remove
air bubbles.
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5. Stir gently, then
read the pH value of
the sample. The
display shows the
temperature-
compensated pH
value when the
reading is stable.
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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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
N O T I C E
Probes with an open reference junction can become permanently damaged if the reference junction
is soaked for a long time in a cleaning solution. Make sure to soak the probe below the reference
junction only.
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.
Note: Remove the shroud on a rugged probe before cleaning. Install the shroud after the probe is clean. Refer
to Remove or install the shroud on page 11.
2. Soak the probe below the reference junction in the applicable cleaning solution for the specified
time. Do not let the reference junction soak in the cleaning solution or the probe can become
permanently damaged. Refer to Figure 3, Table 1 and Consumables on page 14.
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.
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Figure 3 Soaking depth for open junction probes
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
Wastewater and
organic compounds
Electrode cleaning solution,
extra strong
Sodium hypochlorite 5–10 minutes
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 Remove or install the shroud
Remove the shroud on the rugged probe during calibration and maintenance. Refer to Figure 4.
Keep the shroud installed on the rugged probe during sample measurements to prevent damage to
the sensor. Refer to Figure 5.
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Figure 4 Remove the shroud
Figure 5 Install the shroud
8.4 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 (Hach pH electrode storage solution or 3 M
KCl).
Do not store the probe in deionized water or in samples of low ionic strength. Put the soaker bottle
that contains the storage solution on the probe when not in use. Make sure to only use the specified
storage solution. Other solutions contaminate the non-replacement electrolyte gel through the open
reference junction and the probe will not operate correctly. Refer to Figure 6. 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.
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Figure 6 Probe storage
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 10.
The glass sensor has become
dry.
Clean and condition the probe.
Refer to Maintenance
on page 10.
The calibration slope of the
probe has changed.
Increase the accepted slope limit
settings if possible, or contact
technical support.
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Problem Possible cause Solution
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 Quantity Item no.
Hach pH electrode storage solution 500 mL 2756549
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, extra strong 250 mL S16M002
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
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10.1 Recommended standards (continued)
Description Unit Item no.
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
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
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10.2 Accessories (continued)
Description Quantity Item no.
Beaker, 100 mL, polypropylene 1 108042
LIS (low ionic strength) chamber 1 5189900
Disposable wipes, 11 x 22 cm 280/pkg 2097000
Wash bottle, polyethylene, 500 mL 1 62011
Probe stand for standard Intellical probes 1 8508850
Soaker bottle for probe storage 1 5192900
Probe cable depth markers for rugged Intellical probes 5/pkg 5828610
Shroud kit for rugged probes 1 5825900
Storage caps for rugged PHC and MTC probes 5/pkg 5857305
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*DOC022.53.80023*
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