How to Care for pH Electrodes

Proper Care for pH Electrodes

Calibration

Since glass pH electrodes measure H concentration relative to their reference half-cells, they must be calibrated periodically to ensure accurate, repeatable measurements. Our wide selection of commercial pH calibration buffers include solutions standardized against NIST-certified pH references for calibrating meters with resolution up to 0.001 pH.

Although calibration against one pH reference buffer (one-point calibration) typically ensures accurate pH measurement, frequent two-point or even three-point calibrations ensure the most reliable results. Make sure your pH system includes calibration buffers for a range of pH values.

Conditioning

pH electrodes are shipped with the electrodes moist. Prior to using your electrode for the first time, follow these three steps to condition your electrode:

1. Remove the protective cap or rubber boot from the bottom of the sensor and rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water.
2. Place the electrode in a beaker containing one of the liquids listed below (in order of ionic ability to condition the electrode). Soak for 20 minutes.
   • 3.8 M or 4.0 M KCL
   • 4.0 pH buffer
   • 7.0 pH buffer

   Note: Never condition a pH electrode in distilled or deionized waterÑlong term exposure to pure water will damage the special glass membrane.

3. After conditioning the sensor for 20 minutes, rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water. The electrode is now ready for calibration and to measure pH.

Handling

Electrodes should be rinsed between samples with distilled or deionized water. Never wipe an electrode—wiping can cause erroneous readings due to static charges. Blot the end of the electrode with lint-free paper to remove excess water.

Refillable Electrodes

The filling solution in refillable electrodes should be filled up to, but not past, the refill hole. Make sure the refill hole is left open when measuring to ensure that the fill solution flows properly through the reference junction.

Storage

Always keep your pH electrode moist. We recommend that you store your electrode in a solution of 4 M KCl. If 4 M KCl is not available, use a pH 4 or 7 buffer solution. DO NOT store electrode in distilled or deionized water—this will cause ions to leach out of the glass bulb and render your electrode useless.

Protective Rubber Boot

Most electrodes are shipped with a protective rubber boot over the glass bulb to help prevent cracking or scratching. Remove the rubber boot before using your electrode. Keep your electrode in long-term storage with the boot on—just fill the boot with enough 4 M KCl solution to cover the glass bulb and replenish as needed to keep the bulb moist.

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