General Category > Equipment and Software

How to use a pH meter

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beer_crafter:
Does anyone have a link to an article about how best to use a pH meter.  Looking specifically for best practices with respect to calibration, usage, and storage.

euge:
Depending on the type of meter you'll need the green 7.0 pH calibration fluid which also doubles as the storage solution. The storage solution should be discarded every couple of weeks depending on frequency of use. Only calibrate with fresh fluid, since the solution will drift in pH. When you turn on the meter while it is in the fluid don't be alarmed if it reads off if it has set for awhile. The meter still is calibrated- it's the fluid that is off.

Keep the probe clean after each use- clean the outside with a soft toothbrush, but be very gentle with the bulb part of the probe if this is the type you have- I recommend rinsing it thoroughly before and after taking readings and before storage.

Don't let the probe dry out and you should have worry free use for a long time.

punatic:
pH calibration buffers should not drift in pH.  They are designed specifically not to drift (that's why they are called buffers). 

pH meters do drift in pH.  That's why they need to be calibrated

euge:

--- Quote from: punatic on October 10, 2011, 01:20:41 PM ---pH calibration buffers should not drift in pH.  They are designed specifically not to drift (that's why they are called buffers). 

pH meters do drift in pH.  That's why they need to be calibrated

--- End quote ---

I've found that the storage solution in the cap will drift upwards due to dilution from extant moisture on the probe. Best to change the solution frequently and not rely on used storage solution for calibration. I calibrate if the clean meter shows signs it has drifted when placed in fresh solution.

Also, I have found a clear slime growing in the solution, obviously contaminated by the probe. This certainly throws off the pH of the solution. Solved that by cleaning the probe and cap thoroughly with everclear.  Teach me to measure garden soil pH with my brewing meter. Lol. I still use it to measure pH of fertilizers and such.

James Lorden:
The pH solution generally has a limited life I have seen it break down if kept to long. The last bottles I got from more beer had an expiration date that was much shorter then I expected it to be.

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