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3a
procedures pH meter
1) The pH meter must be calibrated, as per the manufacturers instructions,
on a regular basis (at least once a week, more frequently if meter usage is
high. Buffer solutions used must be within their use by date. Do not
re-cycle the buffer solutions used to calibrate the meter. Throw them away
each time and use fresh samples of the buffer solutions every time the
meter is calibrated.
2) For accurate pH measurements the test fluid, buffer solutions and
reference electrode must all be at the same temperature i.e. ambient
temperature.
3) Insert the electrode into the fluid contained in a small glass flask and swirl
gently.
4) Measure the fluid pH according to the directions supplied with the
instrument. When the meter reading becomes constant record the pH to
the nearest 0.1 of a unit.
5) Thoroughly clean off electrode with distilled water and store it in
accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
interpretation
Trickle treatments of either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are
usually made to maintain the pH in the optimum range of 8.5 to 9.5. A quick
check with the pH meter will avoid a situation where pH increases above this
range due to over treatment or drops too low due to under treatment.
The usual tendency is for the pH to drop slowly as alkaline ions are neutralised
by other naturally occurring ions. A rapid drop in pH can indicate such hazards
as acid gas or CO2 influxes.
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