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Protocol: P01-001A
0 (54.20mV/pH) C
When calibrating a pH meter two buffer solutions, whose pH values bracket the expected pH value of the unknown sample, should be used in the calibration procedure. In this protocol the most commonly used buffers; pH 4, 7 and 10, which are available from the Jenway range of buffer solutions, are used to demonstrate the calibration procedure. The following protocol describes three procedures for calibrating the Jenway 3505 meter and pH electrode: 1. Calibration for the measurement of acidic samples, using automatic temperature compensation. 2. Calibration for the measurement of alkaline samples, using automatic temperature compensation. 3. Calibration using manual temperature compensation.
Methods
Calibration of the 3505 using an automatic temperature compensation (ATC) probe for the testing of acidic samples (pH < 7.0) 1. Connect the pH electrode (924 001) and temperature probe (027 500) to the unit. Turn the function switch to pH. The unit will power up and show a pH reading based on the last calibration. The adjustment controls have no function. 2. Immerse the pH electrode and temperature probe in the pH 7 buffer, ensuring that the bulb and junction are covered by liquid. 3. Turn the function switch to pH Cal. Allow the pH reading to stabilise and then, using the Buffer Control switch, adjust the display to the correct pH value of the pH 7 buffer solution at the temperature displayed on the meter. 4. Rinse the electrode and temperature probe with deionised water and then immerse in the pH 4 buffer solution. 5. When the reading stabilises, using the Slope/Manual Temperature Control switch, adjust the display to the correct pH value of the pH 4 buffer solution at the temperature displayed on the meter. 6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 until no further adjustment is required. Care should be taken over which switch is adjusted as they are interdependent. 7. Switch the function switch to pH. The buffer control and slope control will no longer be adjustable. Rinse the pH electrode and temperature probe with deionised water. Then immerse the electrode and temperature probe in the first unknown acidic solution. Allow the reading to stabilise and record the result. Calibration of the 3505 using an automatic temperature compensation (ATC) probe for the testing of alkaline samples (pH > 7.0) 1. Connect the pH electrode (924 001) and temperature probe (027 500) to the unit. Turn the function switch to pH. The unit will power up and show a pH reading based on the last calibration. The adjustment controls have no function. 2. Immerse the pH electrode and temperature probe in the pH 7 buffer, ensuring that the bulb and junction are covered by liquid. 3. Turn the function switch to pH Cal. Allow the pH reading to stabilise and then, using the Buffer Control switch, adjust the display to the correct pH value of the pH 7 buffer solution at the temperature displayed on the meter. 4. Rinse the pH electrode and temperature probe with deionised water and then immerse in the pH 10 buffer solution. 5. When the reading stabilises, using the Slope/Manual Temperature Control switch, adjust the display to the correct pH value of the pH 10 buffer solution at the temperature displayed on the meter. 6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 until no further adjustment is required. Care should be taken over which switch is adjusted as they are interdependent. 7. Switch the function switch to pH. The buffer control and slope control will no longer be adjustable. Rinse the pH electrode and temperature probe with deionised water. Then immerse the electrode and temperature probe in the first unknown alkaline solution. Allow the reading to stabilise and record the result. Calibration of the 3505 with Manual Temperature Compensation 1. Connect the pH electrode (924 001) to the unit and ensure that the supplied temperature probe is disconnected. 2. Measure the temperature of the buffer solutions with a thermometer. The display should then be set to C the measured buffer solution temperature using the Slope/Manual Temp control. 3. Immerse the pH electrode in the pH 7 buffer, ensuring that the bulb and junction are covered by liquid 4. Turn the function switch to pH Cal. Allow the pH reading to stabilise and then, using the Buffer Control switch, adjust the display to the correct pH value of the pH 7 buffer solution at the temperature measured in 2. 5. Rinse the pH electrode in deionised water. jenwayhelp@bibby-scientific.com www.jenway.com Tel: 01785 810433
6. Immerse the pH electrode in pH 4 or 10 buffer, depending on the type of sample to be tested; acidic or alkaline. Allow sufficient time for the pH reading to stabilise. Set the display to read the correct pH value of the buffer solution at the temperature measured in 2 using the Slope/Manual Temp control. 7. Repeat steps 3-6 until no further adjustments are necessary. Care should be taken when making adjustments as the controls are interdependent. 8. Switch the function switch to pH. The buffer control and slope control will no longer be adjustable. 9. If the temperature of the unknown solution differs from the buffer, the Slope/Manual Temp Control should be used to set the instrument display to the temperature of the unknown solution. Rinse the pH electrode with deionised water. Then immerse the electrode in the first unknown solution. Allow the reading to stabilise and record the result.
Conclusion
The accurate measurement of unknown samples pH is dependant on accurate calibration of the pH meter/electrode system. In turn, calibration is dependant on the accuracy of the buffer solutions used. It is important to remember that buffer solutions are not always stable. The pH value of the buffer changes with variations in temperature, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and pH changes can result from volume loss through evaporation. Ensure that when you are calibrating your Jenway 3505 pH meter you use fresh buffer solutions that have been stored in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.