Guide to pH Analysis.

WhyContents
pH Matters

Table of Contents
Why pH Matters pg 4

What You Need pg 6

How to Measure pg 14

Slope and offset pg 18

Checklist pg 20

Best Practices pg 21

2 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Why
Introduction
pH Matters

Are you measuring your pH properly?

pH is a vital parameter throughout many laboratory processes. Accurate pH analysis requires the right equipment,
proper sampling, and effective execution. Time invested in pH analysis without the right equipment results in
process wasted.

This eBook focuses on how to implement an effective pH analysis program. It covers the theory of pH, the
necessary tools, and how to use these tools to get accurate results.

• Even though there is a correlation between pH and acidity, they are mutually exclusive.
• Acidity is the concentration of acid present a solution, measured by titration.
• pH is the degree to which something is acidic or basic, measured using a pH meter and electrode.

3 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Why pH Matters

What is pH?
In technical terms, pH, or “potential of hydrogen”, is the hydrogen ion activity in a solution. It’s measured on a
logarithmic scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral because the activity of positively charged hydrogen ions (H+)
and negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH¯) is equal. At low pH values (from 1 to 6), the hydrogen ion activity is
greater so the solution is acidic. At high pH values (from 8 to 14), the hydroxide ion activity is greater and the
solution is basic.

Basic

4 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Why pH Matters

Temperature and pH
As a solution increases in temperature,
ion mobility also increases.

As a solution decreases in temperature,

ion mobility also decreases.

1.The Solution Temperature Effect

When there is an increase or decrease in the temperature of a solution, the actual pH of the solution can change.

2.The Electrode Temperature Effect

Since pH is a measurement of hydrogen ion activity, the temperature-driven change in ion movement translates
to a change in electrode response. This also changes the correlation between the electrode potential and pH.
Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) accounts for this, providing you with the most accurate
measurements.

• Improper technique of pH testing can result in errors of up to 0.5 pH - enough to result in serious quality issues.

5 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
Why pH
You
Matters
Need

Equipment

1
pH meter
2
2
Electrode suited to your needs
5
3
Magnetic stir plate and stir bars 9

Beakers
4
1 8

5 Lab wash bottle
7
6

Solutions 4

6 Electrode storage solution

7 pH calibration buffers (e.g. pH 4.01, 7.01, 10.01) 3

8 Cleaning solution 10
9 Pure water (e.g. deionized (DI),
reverse osmosis (RO), distilled)

10 Electrode fill solution specific to electrode*

*Only applies to refillable pH electrodes.

6 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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Features of an Ideal pH Meter

Flexibility: A hybrid meter gives you the option to use
it as a benchtop instrument or carry it to where you are
measuring. A built-in battery will give the greatest versa-
tility.
Measurement
pH electrode readout Ease of use: Measurement, configuration,
diagnostics calibration, diagnostics, and logging should
Temperature
be easy with data management features
display including direct / USB data transfer and the ability to save
large data logs.
Enter/exit
calibration Log readings Simple maintenance: An ideal pH meter has electrode
Modify settings
diagnostics to inform you if your calibration buffers
are contaminated or if the electrode needs cleaning.
Display logged
readings

Display
calibration data

Accept readings
or settings Switch between
pH & mV mode

7 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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You
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Features of an Ideal Electrode

Most meters come with general purpose electrodes.
Although these work well for many applications, there
are a number of applications that require specialized
electrodes such as food, beverage, cosmetics, water
Fill cap treatment, plating and more. Several factors play into
choosing the proper electrode:

Tip shape: The sensing bulb of a pH electrode is

Submerge electrode past manufactured in different shapes. Each shape serves
this line in sample.
a unique purpose.
The junction allows for
electrical connection
between the internal
Glass membrane: Choosing the right pH membrane
reference and the glass type ensures the highest quality measurements
sensing bulb.
with the greatest degree of accuracy.
Junction design: The type of junction used with a pH
electrode is one of the most important design
considerations when selecting the right electrode.
Electrode body: The body of a pH electrode can be made
Sensing glass tip of various materials.

• Handling the glass tip of the electrode, wiping it clean, or failing to clean correctly reduces its
working life and can impact accuracy.

8 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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You
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Need

Tip shape
Our sensing membranes are fabricated in four different shapes; each serving a unique purpose to maximize sensor
accuracy, response, and longevity.

Spheric profile
Spheric tips are recommended for general use in aqueous solutions. The round bulb
geometry is the most common shape for a glass pH membrane and provides a wide
surface area for a variety of liquid samples.

Conic profile
Best used in slurries, emulsions, semi-solids, and solid samples; conic designs are ideal
for direct penetration into samples due to their pointed profile and geometric strength.
These tips are well suited for samples ranging from soils and gels, to sauces, cheeses,
and meats.

Flat profile
A flat-tip geometry allows for a direct surface measurement of a sample. These designs
are ideal for measuring the pH of flat surfaces, small volume samples, or agar plates. When
combined with a concentric PTFE junction, these sensors are excellent for measuring
the pH of unknown spills in the field or laboratory.

Dome profile
Similar to a spheric profile, dome profiles are used where a smaller profile would either
enhance functionality, such as in electrodes with clog preventing technology, or where
space is necessary during electrode construction, such as in protected bulb electrodes.

9 | Guide to pH Analysis.
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Glass Membrane
The characteristics of the glass membrane are extremely important in determining how the electrode will respond.
Characteristics of pH glass include workability (what shapes can be made with a certain glass composition), imped-
ance of the glass (influenced by shape and thickness), pH range, temperature range, and abrasion resistance.

General purpose (GP) glass

Our general purpose hydrogen sensitive glass provides the greatest response
over the entire pH range and can be used for a wide variety of applications.
This composition of glass is typically used with a spheric bulb geometry.
Low temperature (LT) glass
Low temperature glass membranes have a lower impedance
and are suitable for samples at lower temperatures and lower
conductivities. They are often offered in flat or conic geometries.
High temperature (HT) glass
Designed for extended use at elevated temperatures where glass impedance
is know to decrease, high-temperature glass offers a higher resistance
making it possible to obtain accurate results with excellent response times.
This composition of glass is typically used with a spheric bulb geometry.

10 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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You
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Need

Junction design
The type of junction used in a pH electrode is one of the most important design considerations when selecting the
right sensor for your application. The junction is the electrical pathway between the sample and the internal reference
half-cell. This reference chamber contains an electrolyte solution, which diffuses through the junction into the sample.
Any clogging of this junction may result in erratic and unstable readings.

Porous ceramic
A porous ceramic frit is one of the most common junctions available for standard
laboratory applications. The ceramic material is easily fused with the electrode
glass and has a similar coefficient of expansion. A single electrode may contain
a single, double, or triple ceramic frit allowing for enhanced electrolyte flow.

PTFE sleeve
A PTFE sleeve surrounding an open junction is an excellent choice for
applications in samples with high amounts of solids such as slurries,
sauces, or wine must. The sleeve design allows for high electrolyte flow
and prevents clogging that could otherwise inhibit accurate results.

Open design
Open style junctions are filled with a special gel electrolyte that directly contacts the
sample. An advantage of an open junction is low contact resistance and low clogging
potential. They are ideal for solid and semi-solid samples, and emulsions.

11 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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You
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Electrode body
The body of a pH electrode can be constructed from a variety of materials that may help to make pH measurements
easier. The right body material will vary depending on the testing environment, the sample type, and the frequency of
use.
Glass body
Glass bodies are a staple of pH electrode design. Glass is resistant to a variety of
chemicals, is easy to clean, and transfers heat readily for fast thermal equilibrium
between the sample and the sensor. Glass body electrodes are ideal for any type
of laboratory application.

PEI body
Polyetherimide is a high-performance, durable plastic that offers excellent
resistance against aggressive chemicals. Rugged and resilient, PEI electrodes
are ideal for environmental or industrial applications in the field or on the factory
floor.

PVDF body
Polyvinylidene fluoride is food grade plastic that stands up to a variety of
cleaning chemicals and solvents. It is durable and has a high resistance to
abrasion, mechanical strength, and resistance to fungal growth.

12 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 What
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Solutions
Calibration solutions: pH electrode calibration is an
important step because of how the electrode changes
over time.

Electrode cleaning solutions: Our general purpose

and application specific pH cleaning solutions eliminate
residues without damaging the electrode.

Electrode storage solution: A storage solution is

designed to keep the electrode bulb hydrated and
ensure optimum performance. Properly stored
electrodes exhibit higher accuracy and have a longer
lifespan.

Electrode fill solution: The electrode fill solution,

or electrolyte, electrically connects the pH meter and
electrode with the sample being tested. Levels of
electrolyte should regularly be maintained.

• Use fresh buffers for calibration and replace buffers which have been opened for more than 1-2 months.

• Always keep the electrode fill solution topped off.

• Bracketing is the process of calibrating a pH meter to points above and below the expected
pH range of the samples being tested.

13 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 How
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1. Setup (Before You Measure)

a. Electrode Preparation
• Remove protective cap from the electrode.
• Inspect the electrode for any scratches or cracks. If visible, replace
the electrode.
• Shake the electrode down to remove any air bubbles inside the glass bulb.
• Ensure that the electrode was cleaned and stored properly
(See Section 3: Maintenance).
• Remove the fill cap (if applicable).

• Rinse electrode with pure water to remove any salt deposits.

14 | Guide to pH Analysis.
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b. Calibration
• Fill a beaker with enough pH calibration buffer to cover the
electrode junction (about 75 mL in a 100 mL beaker).
• Place the electrode in the beaker containing pH calibration
buffer and gently stir.
• Confirm the calibration point when the reading is stable.
• Repeat for additional calibration points. Be sure to rinse with
pure water between calibration points. At least two calibration
points are recommended.

• In general, pH 4 and 7 buffers can last 4-8 weeks after opening, and an alkaline pH buffer
(i.e. pH 10) will last 1-2 weeks after opening.

• Calibrate the electrode after extended storage, cleaning, and before use.

• If readings are slow to stabilize the electrode may need to be cleaned or the electrolyte may
need to be changed.

15 | Guide to pH Analysis.
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2. Measurement

a. Liquid Samples
• Rinse the electrode with pure water.
• Immerse the tip in the sample and stir gently, or use a magnetic stirrer.
• Wait until the reading is stable.
• Rinse the electrode with pure water until all residue is removed.
• Repeat this procedure for additional samples.

b. Solid Samples
• Rinse the electrode with pure water.
• Use a knife or auger to make a hole for the pH electrode. Some pH electrodes have
an integrated blade. In these cases, simply insert the probe into the sample.
• Insert the tip of the probe into the hole. Ensure electrode junction coverage by
placing the electrode at least 2 cm (0.75”) into the sample.

For solid or semi-solid samples, it is possible to create a slurry of deionized water and solid
sample and perform measurements as a liquid sample. Follow approved methods.

16 | Guide to pH Analysis.
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3. Maintenance (After You Measure)

a. Electrode Cleaning
• Fill a 100 mL beaker with approximately 75 mL cleaning solution.
• Place the pH electrode into the cleaning solution for at least 10-20 minutes,
making sure the junction is covered.
• If a refillable electrode is visibly contaminated, drain the reference electrolyte
chamber with a syringe or capillary pipette and refill with fresh electrolyte.

b. Electrode Storage
• Replace the storage solution in the protective cap or beaker.
• Submerge the glass bulb and junction in protective cap or beaker with solution.
• A dry electrode should soak in storage solution for at least 1-2 hours prior to
use and should be re-calibrated. However, overnight is optimal.

17 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 How to calculate theWhy
slope
pHand
Matters
offset of a pH electrode

Check
Some meters are able to display the probe condition automatically after a calibration, but for those without automatic
diagnostics, you can manually check the slope and offset beforehand if your meter has mV mode. An offset between
±30 mV and a slope percentage between 85% and 105% is a sign the electrode is working properly.

If you find your electrode is outside of these values, give us a call. You may need to replace your electrode.

mV
Slope

+177.48

pH
4 7 10

- 177.48

18 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 How to calculate theWhy
slope
pHand
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offset of a pH electrode

1. Put meter in mV mode.

2. Measure and record the mV value in pH 7.01 buffer; this is the electrode offset.
3. Measure the mV value in a second buffer, such as pH 4.01.
4. To determine the electrode slope, calculate the absolute mV difference in between the two buffers.
5. Divide this by the difference of pH units between buffers. (Example: the difference in pH units between
7.01 buffer and 4.01 buffer is 7.01-4.01=3).
6. To convert this result to electrode slope percentage, divide the electrode slope by the theoretical maximum slope
(59.16 mV/pH unit @ 25°C), and multiply by 100.
(ΔmV / ΔpH units)
% slope = * 100
(59.16 mV / pH units)
Sample Calculation

Electrode 1 generates -15 mV in pH 7.01 and +160 mV in pH 4.01. Absolute mV difference: +160 mV – (-15 mV) = +175 mV
(175 mV / 3 pH units) 58.33
% slope = * 100 = * 100 = 98.6%
(59.16 mV / pH units) 59.16

Electrode 2 generates +15 mV in pH 7.01 and +160 mV in pH 4.01. Absolute mV difference: +160 mV – (+15 mV) = +145 mV
(145 mV / 3 pH units) 48.33
% slope = * 100 = * 100 = 81.7%
(59.16 mV / pH units) 59.16

Conclusion: Both have acceptable offsets. Electrode 1 has an offset of -15 mV and a slope of 98.6% while electrode 2 has
an offset of +15 mV and a slope of 81.7%. Electrode 1 is working properly while electrode 2 has an unacceptable slope. If
changing the fill solution, cleaning the electrode, and calibrating does not correct these values, replace the electrode.

19 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 pH Measurement
Why pH Matters
Checklist

Setup (Before You Measure) Measurement Maintenance (After You Measure)

Electrode Prep Liquid Samples Electrode Cleaning
 Remove protective cap from the electrode.  Rinse the electrode with pure water.  Fill a 100 mL beaker with approximately
 Inspect the electrode for any scratches or  Immerse the tip in the sample and stir gently, 75 mL cleaning solution.
cracks. If present, replace the electrode. or use a magnetic stirrer.  Place the pH electrode into the cleaning
 Shake the electrode down to remove any air  Wait until the reading is stable, before solution for at least 15 minutes, making sure
bubbles inside the glass bulb. recording the measurement. the junction is covered.
 Ensure that the electrode was cleaned and  Rinse the electrode with pure water until  If a refillable electrode is visibly contaminated,
stored properly. all residues are removed. drain the reference electrolyte chamber with
 Rinse electrode with pure water to remove any  Repeat this procedure for additional samples. a syringe or capillary pipette and refill with
salt deposits. fresh electrolyte.
NOTE: For solid or semi-solid samples, it is  Place in storage solution.
Calibration possible to create a slurry of deionized water  Rehydrate for 1-2 hours before calibration
 Fill a beaker with enough pH calibration buffer and solid sample and perform measurements and measurement.
to cover the electrode junction (about 75 mL in as above. Follow approved methods.
a 100 mL beaker). Electrode Storage
 Place the electrode in the beaker containing Solid Samples  Replace the storage solution in the protective
pH calibration buffer and gently stir.  Rinse the electrode with pure water. cap or beaker.
 Confirm the calibration point when the reading  Use a knife or auger to make a hole for the  Submerge the glass bulb and junction in
is stable. pH electrode. Some pH electrodes have an protective cap or beaker with solution.
 Repeat for additional calibration points. Be integrated blade. In these cases, simply insert  A dry electrode should soak in storage solution
sure to rinse with pure water between the probe into the sample. for at least 1-2 hours prior to use and should be
calibration points. At least two calibration  Insert the tip of the probe into the hole. re-calibrated. However, overnight is optimal.
points are recommended. Ensure electrode junction coverage by placing
the electrode at least 2 cm (0.75”) into
NOTE: In general, pH 4 and 7 buffers can last 4-8 the sample.
weeks after opening, and an alkaline pH buffer (i.e.
pH 10) will last 1-2 weeks after opening.

20 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Best Practices

Keep the electrode hydrated

Why: Drying out the electrode leads to drifting pH values, slow response times, and
incorrect measurements.
Fix: “Revive” a dry electrode by submerging the bulb and junction in pH storage solution
for at least 1-2 hours, overnight is recommended.

Rinse, do not wipe your electrode

Why: Wiping the pH glass can produce a static charge which interferes with the pH
reading of the electrode.
Fix: Simply rinse the electrode with pure water.

Properly store your electrode

Why: To minimize junction clogging and to ensure fast response time, it is important to
keep your glass bulb and pH junction hydrated.
Fix: Store your electrode in storage solution. Deionized (DI) water is too dilute and pH
buffer is too salty for storage purposes.

Clean your electrode regularly

Why: Deposits can form on the electrode during use, coating the sensing glass. This can
lead to erroneous calibrations and readings.
Fix: Clean the electrode using a specially formulated cleaning solution for pH electrodes-
ideally one that’s developed for your application.

21 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Best Practices

Calibrate often
Why: All pH electrodes need to be calibrated often for best accuracy.

Fix: The frequency of calibration depends on how accurate you want to be - daily
calibration is ideal. If the pH electrode is used daily and/or in aggressive conditions.

Pick the right electrode for your sample


Why: General purpose electrodes are functional for a wide variety of applications but
not ideal for all samples.
Fix: Based on your sample you may require an electrode designed for food, high/low
temperature, non-aqueous, or other types of samples.

Open or loosen the fill hole cap

Why: A closed electrode fill hole may lead to slower stabilization times.
Fix: Loosen or remove the fill hole cap. Remember to put it back when storing the
electrode (not applicable for non-refillable electrodes).

Inspect your electrode

Why: Over time, the sensing portion of the glass becomes less responsive and will
eventually fail. Damage from use is also possible. This will cause erroneous readings.
Fix: Check your electrode for damage and perform a slope and offset calculation.
22 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 Best Practices
Keep the electrolyte level full
Why: Electrolyte flows out from the reference junction over time. Low electrolyte levels
may cause erratic readings (not applicable for non-refillable electrodes).
Fix: Ensure that your electrode fill solution level is no less than one-half inch from the fill
hole cap.

Properly submerge your electrode

Why: Both the pH sensing glass and reference junction need to be completely immersed
in order to function properly.
Fix: Add enough sample to submerge both the junction and sensing glass.

23 | Guide to pH Analysis.
 THANKS
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