Electrode Care and Maintenance
pH electrode
Since pH electrode is susceptible to dirt and contamination, clean as necessary depending on the extent and condition of use.
● After measuring: rinse the electrode in distilled water, store the electrode into the 3M KCL solution.
● Salt deposits: soak the electrode in warm tap water to dissolve deposits, then thoroughly rinse with distilled water.
● Oil or Grease film: wash the glass sensitive membrane of electrode gently in some detergents and water. If necessary, using the alcohol to clean the
sensitive membrane, then rinse with distilled water. Place the electrode in the 3M KCL solution for at least 30 minutes.
● Clogged reference junction: heat a diluted KCl solution to 60 oC to 80 oC. Place the electrode into the heated solution for about 10 minutes. Allow the
electrode to cool in some unheated KCl solution.
● Protein deposits: prepare a 1% pepsin solution in 0.1M of HCL. Place the electrode in the solution for 10 minutes. Rinse the electrod with distilled
water.
Rectivating the pH Electrode:
If stored and cleaned properly, the electrode should be ready for immediate use. However, a dehydrated sensitive membrane may cause sluggish response.
To rehydrate the sensitive membrane, immerse the electrode in a pH4.01 buffer solution for 10 to 30 minutes. If this fails, the electrode requires activation.
1. Soak the electrode in 0.1M HCl for 5 minutes.
2. Remove and rinse with deionized water, then place in 0.1M NaOH for 5 minutes.
3. Remove and rinse again, and soak in 3M KCL solution for at least 30 minutes.
ORP electrode
● Ensure that the ORP electrode is thoroughly washed with distilled water after use.
● In aggressive chemicals, dirty or viscous solutions, and solutions with heavy metals or proteins, take readings quickly and rinse electrode immediately.
● If you do not use the electrode for long periods, store the electrode with 4M KCL solution.
Cleaning the ORP Electrode:
Contamination of the sensing element often results in slow response and inaccurate readings. If necessary, clean the element by one of the following
procedures.
Inorganic Deposits:
1.1 Soak the ORP electrode in 0.1M HCl for 10 minutes.
1.2 Remove and rinse with distilled water, then place in alcohol for 5 minutes.
1.3 Remove and rinse again, and soak in pH4.01 buffer solution for 15 minutes.
Oil and Grease Films:
2.1 Wash the electrode gently in some detergents and water.
2.2 Dip the electrode in the 4M KCL solution for at least 30 minutes.
Troubleshooting