User Manual
DOC022.52
.80024
pH Refillable Probe for Low Ionic Strength Samples: Model
PHC28101 or PHC28103
Safety information
Precautionary labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the
instrument could occur if not observed. A symbol on the instrument is referenced in the
manual with a precautionary statement.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European public disposal systems after
12 August of 2005. In conformity with European local and national regulations (EU Directive 2002/96/EC), European
electrical equipment users must now return old or end-of-life equipment to the Producer for disposal at no charge to
the user.
Note: For return for recycling, please contact the equipment producer or supplier for instructions on how to return end-of-life
equipment, producer-supplied electrical accessories, and all auxiliary items for proper disposal.
Specifications
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications Details
Probe type Digital combination probe with refillable double junction reference and built-in
temperature sensor
pH range pH 0 to 14
pH resolution User-selectable stabilization time and resolution—Fast: 0.1, Fast: 0.01,
Medium: 0.01, Slow: 0.01 or Slow: 0.001
Slope -59 mV/pH (90 to 110% at 25 °C per Nernstian theoretical value)
Operating temperature range 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)
Storage temperature range 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Junction Open
Reference type Ag/AgCl
Minimum sample depth 15 mm (0.59 in.)
Dimensions Diameter: 12 mm (0.47 in.)
Length: 175 mm (6.89 in.)
Cable length: 1 or 3 m (3.28 or 9.84 ft)
Cable connection M12 digital output and connector compatible with HQd meters
Product overview
The PHC281 series probe is a pH refillable probe made for difficult samples with a built-in
temperature sensor (Figure 1). The PHC28101 or PHC28103 probe is available with a
1 or 3 m (3.28 or 9.84 ft) cable and is intended for laboratory use. The pH refillable probe
has a high electrolyte flow rate and a large open junction ideal for difficult samples, such
as Low Ionic Strength (LIS), Ultrapure, dirty samples and samples with high solids
content. The probe is not suitable for use with organic solvents. A 59-mL bottle of 2.44 M
KCl Electrode Filling Solution is included with the probe.
1
Figure 1 Probe overview
1 Probe soaker bottle 4 Protective tape and filling-hole
2 Glass bulb, reference junction and temperature sensor 5 1 or 3 meter (3.28 or 9.84 ft) cable
3 Filling-hole cap 6 Probe soaker bottle holder
Preparation for use
Prepare the probe for use before calibration or sample measurement.
1. Turn the probe soaker bottle cap counter-clockwise to loosen the cap.
2. Remove the soaker bottle from the probe.
3. Rinse the reference junctions
and glass bulb with deionized water thoroughly to
remove the viscous storage/filling solution completely. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
4. Remove the protective tape from the filling hole before initial use (refer to Figure 1
on page 2). Dispose of the protective tape.
5. Add filling solution to the probe as necessary (refer to Fill the probe on page 10).
The filling solution must be above the standard solution or sample level during
measurement (Figure 2).
6. Make sure that the filling hole is open during measurement for the proper flow of the
filling solution.
Note: For the best stabilization time, condition the probe for several minutes in the sample
before use.
Figure 2 Measurement method
1 Container 3 Filling solution level
2 Probe body 4 Standard solution or sample level
2
Calibration
Before calibration:
The probe must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter before the probe is attached.
It is not necessary to recalibrate when moving a calibrated probe from one HQd meter to another if the additional meter is
configured to use the same calibration options.
To view the current calibration, push , select View Probe Data, then select View Current Calibration.
If any two probes are connected, push the UP or DOWN arrow to change to the single display mode in order to show the
Calibrate option.
Prepare the probe for use (refer to Preparation for use on page 2).
Calibration notes:
•
pH buffers can be used in any order. Use buffers that are two pH units apart.
• Additional standard sets along with the minimum number of calibration points can be
selected in the Calibration Options. For a two point calibration, it is recommended that
two buffers be selected: one with a pH above and one with a pH below the expected
sample pH. For a one point calibration, select the buffer nearest to the expected
sample pH.
• The calibration is recorded in the probe and the data log. The calibration is also sent
to a PC, printer or flash memory stick if connected.
• Air bubbles under the sensor tip when submerged can cause slow response or error
in measurement. If bubbles are present, gently shake the probe until bubbles are
removed.
• If a calibration error occurs, refer to Troubleshooting on page 11.
Calibration procedure:
1. Connect the
probe to the
meter. Make sure
that the cable
locking nut is
securely
connected to the
meter. Turn on the
meter.
2. Push
Calibrate. The
display shows the
buffers that are
necessary for
calibration.
3. Prepare the
fresh buffers in
separate beakers
or appropriate
containers.
4. Rinse the
probe with
deionized water.
Blot dry with a lintfree cloth.
5. Put the probe
in the pH buffer
solution and stir
gently. Make sure
that the reference
junctions are
completely
submerged.
Shake the probe
from side to side
in the standard
solution to refresh
the reference
junction.
3
6. Push Read.
Stir gently. The
display will show
"Stabilizing" and a
progress bar as
the probe
stabilizes in the
standard. The
display shows the
buffer that has just
been read and
shows the
temperature
corrected pH
value when the
reading is stable.
7. Repeat steps
4 - 6 until the
minimum number
of calibration
points specified in
the current
method have been
collected.
8. Push Done to
view the
calibration
summary. The
display will not
show Done until
the minimum
number of
calibration points
have been
collected.
9. Push Store to
accept the
calibration and go
back to
measurement
mode.
Sample measurement
Before measurement:
The probe must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter before the probe is attached.
If complete traceability is necessary, enter a sample ID and operator ID before measurement. Refer to the HQd meter
manual for more information.
Regular calibration is required for the best measurement accuracy (refer to Calibration on page 3).
Prepare the probe for use (refer to Preparation for use on page 2).
Measurement notes:
•
Data is automatically stored in the data log when Press to Read or Interval is
selected in the Measurement Mode. When Continuous is selected, data will only be
stored when Store is selected.
• Air bubbles under the sensor tip when submerged can cause slow response or error
in measurement. If bubbles are present, gently shake the probe until bubbles are
removed.
• If a measurement error occurs, refer to Troubleshooting on page 11.
4
Measurement procedure:
1. Connect the
probe to the
meter. Make sure
that the cable
locking nut is
securely
connected to the
meter. Turn the
meter on.
2. For the best
stabilization time,
condition the
probe in the
sample for at least
10 minutes before
the initial sample
measurement.
3. Rinse the
probe with
deionized water
and then with the
sample. Blot dry
with a lint-free
cloth.
4. Put the probe
in the sample and
stir gently. Make
sure that the
reference
junctions are
completely
submerged. Do
not put the probe
on the bottom or
sides of the
container. Shake
the probe from
side to side in the
sample to refresh
the reference
junction.
5. Push Read.
The display will
show "Stabilizing"
and a progress
bar as the probe
stabilizes in the
sample. The
display will show
the lock icon when
the reading
stabilizes.
6. Repeat steps
2-4 for additional
measurements.
7. When
measurements
are done, store
the probe (refer to
Storage
on page
10).
Run a check standard
The run check standard feature validates instrument performance between sample
measurements. Use the run check standard feature for periodic or user-defined interval
measurements of a traceable standard solution. Set the criteria for check standards from
the PHC281
Settings menu.
Note: Access control must be off or a valid password must be entered before any of the check
standard method options can be changed.
1. Push
. The Full Access Options menu is shown.
2. Select Run Check Standard.
Note: Select the correct probe if two probes are connected to the meter.
3. Get the standard solution shown on the display.
4. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
5. Put the probe in the standard solution until the temperature sensor is completely
submerged. Move the probe up or down or gently tap on the beaker to remove air
bubbles from the probe.
5
6. Push Read. The display will show "Stabilizing" and a progress bar as the reading
stabilizes. The display shows the value of the check standard and either Check
Standard Passed or Check Standard Failed.
7. If the display shows Check Standard Passed, the check standard measurement is
within the accepted limits set by the administrative user. Select Done to continue with
the sample measurement.
8. If the display shows Check Standard Failed, the measurement is outside of
accepted limits set by the administrative user and a recalibration is recommended. If
the acceptance criteria is set to Cal Expires on Failure: Yes, the display shows the
calibration icon and a question mark until the probe is recalibrated. To correct the
probe calibration and status indicator, calibrate the probe (refer to Calibration
on page
3).
Advanced operation
Parameter-specific settings can be changed through the Full Access Options menu.
Details about menu navigation, available options and how to change them are given in
the screens, tables and procedures throughout this section.
The settings that can be changed are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Parameter-specific settings
Setting Options
Measurement Options
• Resolution
•
Upper and lower range limits
Calibration Options
• Buffer set
• Buffer set values (if Custom Buffer Set selected)
• Reminder
• Minimum Cal points
• Slope limit
Check Standard Options
• Standard (temperature compensated buffer or custom at 25 °C)
• Reminder
• Acceptance criteria
• Standard value at 25 °C (if custom standard selected)
Units
• pH
• mV
6
Change measurement options
Methods are groups of default or user-defined settings relevant to specific applications. If
the meter is set to the default method and the Modify Current Settings option is chosen, a
prompt for a new name is shown after the changes are entered. The settings are saved
with this name to distinguish them from the default method settings, which cannot be
changed. A saved method can be used instead of multiple adjustments to the individual
settings. Changes made to a user-defined method are automatically saved with the
existing name. Multiple methods can be saved for the same probe on each meter.
1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.
2. Push and select PHC281 Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
4. Select Units. Select pH (default) or mV.
Note: The mV option can be used to find the probe offset in a pH 7 buffer or to measure the
slope. Both units are shown when the detail display mode is selected.
5. Select Measurement Options and update the settings:
Option Description
Resolution Sets the resolution:
•
0.1pH—Fast
• 0.01pH—Fast (default)
• 0.01pH—Medium
• 0.01pH—Slow, or
• 0.001pH—Slow
The resolution affects the number of decimal places and the stabilization
time. Higher resolution measurements take more time to stabilize. Slower
stabilization times provide higher accuracy measurements.
Measurement
Limits
Set the measurement limits—Lower limit (default: 0.00 pH) or Upper limit
(default: 14.00 pH).
The measurement limits can be set to match the acceptable values for the
sample. When the measurement is above the upper limit setting or below
the lower limit setting, the meter shows an "Out of limits" message. This
message is an alert to a potential problem with the process conditions.
6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
7. Push EXIT
until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
Change calibration options
1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.
2. Push
and select PHC281 Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
7
4. Select Calibration Options and update the settings:
Option Description
Buffer Set Sets the temperature compensated buffer set used for calibration—
•
Color Coded—4.01, 7.00, 10.01 (default)
• IUPAC—4.01, 7.00, 10.01, 12.45
• DIN—4.65, 9.23
• IUPAC—4.01, 6.86, 10.01, 12.45
• IUPAC—4.01, 6.86, 9.18, 12.45
• IUPAC—4.01, 7.00, 9.18, 12.45
• Custom Buffer Set (refer to Table 2)
Custom buffer sets are characterized at 25 °C (77 °F).
Buffer set values are shown on the Calibration Options screen.
Note: Only the minimum calibration points must be measured for DONE to
be shown on the calibration screen.
Buffer Set
Values
If the Buffer Set is set to Customer Buffer Set, sets the custom buffer set
(refer to Table 2).
Minimum Cal
Points
Sets the minimum number of calibration points necessary before a
calibration can be completed—1 (default), 2 or 3.
Slope Limit Sets the slope limit—1% to 10% (acceptable slope criteria, default = 5%).
The slope must fall within set limits for successful calibration.
5. Select Calibration Reminder and update the settings:
Option Description
Reminder
Repeat
Meter will make an audible sound when a calibration is due and repeat the
sound at the selected interval—Off (default), 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 2 d, 5 d or 7 d.
Expires Calibration expires after the selected time—Immediately, Reminder +
30 min, Reminder + 1 h, Reminder + 2 h or Continue Reading.
Note: The meter cannot be used to read samples after calibration has
expired unless Continue Reading is selected.
6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
7. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
8
Table 2 Custom buffer set
Buffer set values Option Description
Std1
Std2
Std3
Std4
Std5
1.09pH—25 °C Pre-set temperature compensated buffer values.
Note: Selected standards must differ by a minimum of 2 pH units. For example, if 1.09 pH is
chosen for the first standard, the second standard must differ by at least 2 pH. Standards that do
not meet this minimum will appear gray on the screen and will not be selectable.
1.68pH—25 °C
4.01pH—25 °C
4.65pH—25 °C
6.86pH—25 °C
7.00pH—25 °C
9.18pH—25 °C
9.23pH—25 °C
10.01pH—
25 °C
12.45pH—
25 °C
Custom Buffer Custom buffer value.
Range = 2.000 pH to 14.000 pH.
Custom buffer values are not temperature compensated. Custom buffers should be read
at 25 °C.
No Buffer Standard is undefined when this option is selected.
Change check standard options
1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.
2. Push and select PHC281 Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
4. Select Check Standards Options and update the settings:
Option Description
Standard Sets the temperature compensated buffer value for check standard—
•
4.01pH—25 °C
• 4.65pH—25 °C
• 6.86pH—25 °C
• 7.00pH—25 °C
• 9.18pH—25 °C
• 9.23pH—25 °C
• 10.01pH—25 °C
• 12.45pH—25 °C
• Custom
The standard value is shown on the Check Standard Options screen.
No temperature compensation for custom buffers.
Standard
Value
When Standard is set to Custom, enter the standard value using the up/down
arrow keys.
5. Select Check Standard Reminder and update the settings:
Option Description
Reminder Repeat Sets the time interval for the check standard reminder—Off, 30 minutes,
2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h or 24 h.
Allow Defer Allows the postponement of check standard reminders—Yes or No.
9
6. Select Acceptance Criteria and update the settings:
Option Description
Acceptance Limits Sets the tolerance limits for check standard—0.005pH (default) to
1.000pH.
Cal Expires on Failure Recalibration required if check standard fails—Yes or No.
7. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
8. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
Maintenance
Clean the probe
Clean the probe when:
•
Drifting/inaccurate readings occur as a result of contamination on the glass sensor or
the probe being left dry for extended periods of time.
• Slow stabilization time occurs as a result of contamination on the glass sensor.
• A calibration error occurs as a result of contamination on the glass sensor.
For general contaminants:
1. Rinse the probe with deionized water and blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
2. Soak the glass bulb for 12 to 16 hours in Hach Electrode Cleaning Solution.
3. Rinse or soak the probe for 1 minute in deionized water.
4. Soak the probe in pH 4 buffer for up to 20 minutes, then rinse with deionized water.
5. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
For fats, grease and oils:
1. Soak the glass bulb in a warm detergent solution for up to 2 hours.
2. Rinse or soak the probe for 1 minute in deionized water.
3. Soak the probe in pH 4 buffer for up to 20 minutes, then rinse with deionized water.
4. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
Fill the probe
To add filling solution to the probe:
1. If the filling hole is closed, remove the filling-hole cap from the filling hole (refer to
Figure 1 on page 2).
2. Remove the cap from the tip of the filling solution bottle.
3. Hold the bottle so that the tip is down. Put the tip of the bottle in the filling hole.
4. Slowly squeeze the bottle and fill the probe completely.
Note: Fill the probe completely for the best performance.
5. If the probe will not be used immediately, store the probe (refer to Storage
on page 10).
6. Keep the filling solution bottle and cap for later use.
Note: If the dispensing tip becomes clogged, remove the dispensing tip and soak the tip in
warm water. Dry thoroughly and assemble.
Storage
For the best probe performance, do not let the reference junction dry out.
Short-term and long-term storage
10
Note: The probe can be stored in a sample for up to 2 hours if the sample pH is not high.
1. Put the filling-hole cap in the filling hole (refer to Figure 1 on page
2).
2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Dry the probe with a lint-free cloth.
3. Fill the probe soaker bottle half full with 2.44 M KCl Electrode Filling Solution.
4. Loosen the soaker bottle cap and put the soaker bottle on the probe.
5. Turn the soaker bottle cap clockwise to tighten the soaker bottle cap.
6. Make sure that the solution in the soaker bottle completely covers the glass bulb and
reference junction holes.
If the glass bulb becomes dry:
1. Soak the probe tip in the 4.01, 7.00 and 10.01 buffers each for 5 minutes.
2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Calibrate the probe.
Troubleshooting
Message or symptom Possible cause Action
Probe not supported Software not updated To download the most current version of the software,
refer to the applicable product page on the
manufacturer's website.
Refer to the HQd Series meter manual for specific
instructions for the meter model.
HQd meter does not support
IntelliCAL® probe
Contact a Technical Support Representative.
Connect a probe or probe
requires service
Probe not connected properly Disconnect, then connect the probe. Tighten the locking
nut.
Software not updated To download the most current version of the software,
refer to the applicable product page on the
manufacturer's website.
Refer to the HQd Series meter manual.
Large number of methods stored
on probe
Continue to let the probe connect. Do not disconnect the
probe.
Damaged probe Make sure there is connectivity with another probe or
meter to confirm isolated issue with probe. Contact a
Technical Support Representative.
pH reading and/or mV
reading is same for all
solutions
Soaker bottle not removed Remove the soaker bottle.
Electrical issue Contact a Technical Support Representative.
Standard not recognized
error
Soaker bottle not removed Remove the soaker bottle.
Incorrect or contaminated buffer
solution
Use fresh buffer solution as specified in the method.
Contaminated filling solution Drain and replace the filling solution with fresh solution.
11
Message or symptom Possible cause Action
Slow stabilization time Tape not removed from the filling-
hole
Remove the tape that is over the filling hole.
Contaminated glass sensor Clean the probe (refer to Clean the probe on page
10).
Contaminated filling solution Drain and replace the filling solution with fresh solution.
Filling hole closed Open the filling hole while in use by removing the filling-
hole cap from the filling hole.
Poor contact between reference
junction and solution
Shake the probe in the solution from side to side to
refresh the reference junction.
Probe not prepared for LIS sample For the best stabilization time, soak the probe in the
sample for 1 to 3 minutes before the initial measurement.
Low sample temperature or
temperature difference between
samples
Check the sample temperature. The lower the
temperature or the greater the difference of temperatures
between samples, the longer the stabilization time will
be.
Air bubbles around inner
reference electrode
Gently tap the probe with hand or shake the probe
downward to remove any air bubbles.
Calibration errors Calibration not done correctly Recalibrate using freshly prepared pH buffers.
Contaminated glass sensor Clean the probe (refer to Clean the probe on page 10).
Slope exceeds the criteria for % of
theoretical (as defined in the
method slope limit)
1. Widen the slope limits by changing the PHC281
calibration settings and method.
2. Recalibrate the probe.
3. Run a check standard to check the performance of
the probe.
Drifting/Inaccurate readings Contaminated glass bulb Clean the probe (refer to Clean the probe on page 10).
CO2 absorption (for low ionic
strength or high purity sample)
Use the LIS chamber for LIS/high purity samples to
prevent sample contamination.
Clogged reference Rinse the reference junction holes with deionized water
and then gently tap the probe with hand or shake the
probe to remove any air bubbles.
Improper storage conditions/
Dehydrated glass bulb
Clean or condition the probe and do recalibration.The
probe may not operate correctly if the probe has been
left dry for a long time. Condition the glass sensor and
reference junctions again:
1. Soak the probe tip in the 4.01, 7.00 and
10.01 buffers each for 5 minutes.
2. Rinse with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free
cloth.
3. Calibrate the probe.
Electromagnetic Forces (EMF)
such as voltaic cells,
thermoelectric devices, electrical
generators, resistors and
transformers
Do not test in areas where EMF is present. For testing in
process units (spot checking), make sure that the
equipment is grounded.
Colloidal and/or particulates in the
filling solution.
Replace the filling solution, calibrate and test again.
Air bubbles around inner
reference electrode
Gently tap the probe with hand or shake the probe
downward to remove any air bubbles.
Out of range Measurement value is outside of
range
Make sure that the sample is within the range of the
probe.
12
Message or symptom Possible cause Action
Out of limits Check standard value is outside of
limits set in the current method
Make sure that the standard is within the limits of the
current method.
Create another method that expands the acceptable
limits.
Measurement value is outside of
measurement limits set in the
current method.
Make sure that the sample is within the limits of the
current method.
Create a new method with an expanded range.
Temperature out of range Temperature value is outside of
range
Make sure that the sample temperature is within the
range of the probe.
Make sure that the temperature sensor is working
correctly.
Measured temperature is outside
the range of the probe
Make sure that the standard temperature is within the
range of the probe.
Make sure that the temperature sensor is working
correctly.
Check standard temperature value
is outside of range
Make sure that the check standard temperature is within
the range of the probe.
13
HACH COMPANY World Headquarters
P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539-0389 U.S.A.
Tel. (970) 669-3050
(800) 227-4224 (U.S.A. only)
Fax (970) 669-2932
orders@hach.com
www.hach.com
HACH LANGE GMBH
Willstätterstraße 11
D-40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 2 11 52 88-320
Fax +49 (0) 2 11 52 88-210
info@hach-lange.de
www.hach-lange.de
HACH LANGE Sàrl
6, route de Compois
1222 Vésenaz
SWITZERLAND
Tel. +41 22 594 6400
Fax +41 22 594 6499
©
Hach Company/Hach Lange GmbH, 2010, 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
05/2013, Edition 2
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