
PRODUCT INSTRUCTION SHEET
Page 4 of 8 Form: InstrSD7000-04B [Rev: 2015-12-14]
©2014 Sensorex Corporation
Electrode Calibration Guidlines:
As a rule, follow the procedures shown in the pH Meter's
Instruction Manual. These procedures will vary depending on
whether the meter is a simple type with manual adjustments,
a micro-processor type or a pH transmitter.
The frequency of calibration is a function of many factors.
These factors include:
1) The accuracy required by the application.
2) The value of the off-specification product versus the cost
of calibration.
3) The coating or abrasive nature of the application.
4) The stability of the pH Electrode and pH Meter as a system.
The frequency of calibration is really determined by experi-
ence. At a new installation, calibration might initially be
checked every few hours or shift with the calibration changes
noted in a log. As a pattern of longer stability is found, the
time between calibration checks can be increased to once a
day or once a week.
System Calibration Concepts
The pH Electrode and the pH controller should always be
calibrated as a system. Electronic calibration of a pH control-
ler with a pH signal simulator checks the controller only and
does not correct for imperfections of the pH electrode. Even
if perfect when new, the performance of pH electrodes varies
with time, usually in an unpredictable way. When changing
electrodes or connecting an electrode to a different pH con-
troller, re-calibration must be performed.
Two-Point Calibrations
Two-point calibrations correct for both the pH electrode's
offset and span errors. Since both the offset and span vary
with time the two-point method is the onr preferred. Choose
buffer pH 7 for zero-point and a second buffer close to your
normal operating range (usually pH4.01 or pH 10.00). See FIG
8 A-C.
Grab Sample Calibrations
The Grab Sample Calibration method is used when it is dif-
ficult or undesirable to remove an electrode from a system.
This method involves obtaining a sample of the liquid being
measured and noting the meter's reading at that time. The
sample's reading is obtained by use of a calibrated lab or
portable meter and that reading is compared to that of the
on-line meter. The on-line meter is adjusted by the difference
between the readings. It is important to use the difference
between the readings because the system's reading may
have changed in the intervening time. It is important that the
sample being measured by the lab meter be at the process
temperature or erroneous results may occur.
pH 4.01
BUFFER
pH 4.01
BUFFER
pH Meter
7.00 pH
pH 4.01/10.00
pH 7.00
FIG. 8A FIG. 8B
FIG. 8C
PLATINUM ORP ELECTRODE IN 7 BUFFER/QUINHYDRONE MIXTURE
Temperature 20C (68F) 25C (77F) 30C (86F)
Readings (mV) 89-107 83-101 76-94
Readings (pH) 5.20-5.50 5.30-5.60 5.42-5.72
PLATINUM ORP ELECTRODE IN 4 BUFFER/QUINHYDRONE MIXTURE
Temperature 20C (68F) 25C (77F) 30C (86F)
Readings (mV) 260-287 254-281 247-274
Readings (pH) 2.15-2.60 2.25-2.70 2.37-2.82
FIG. 9