DOC022.52.80197
User Manual
General use pH probe: Models PHC20101, PHC20103
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.
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 2002/98/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 auxillary items for proper disposal.
Specifications
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications Details
Probe type Digital combination non-refillable, semi-liquid gel-filled probe with 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 (85 to 115% at 25 °C (77 °F) per Nernstian theoretical value)
Operating temperature range 0 to 80 °C (32 to 176 °F)
Storage temperature range 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Junction Ceramic
Reference type Ag/AgCl
Sodium (alkalinity) error <20% at pH 14 in 1 M NaCl
Temperature accuracy ±0.3 °C (±0.54 °F)
Minimum sample depth 15 mm (0.59 in.)
Dimensions (standard) Diameter: 12 mm (0.47 in.)
Length: 103 mm (4.056 in.)
Total length: 200 mm (7.9 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 PHC201 series probe is a non-refillable, semi-liquid gel-filled combination pH probe
with a built-in temperature sensor (Figure 1). The standard PHC20101 or PHC20103 probe
comes with a 1 or 3 m (3.28 or 9.84 ft) cable and is intended for laboratory use. The probe
provides pH measurement in general aqueous applications. The probe is not suitable for
use with organic solvents, low ionic strength, wastewater, high solids or high alkaline sample
types.
1
Figure 1 Probe overview
1 Probe soaker bottle 4 Reference junction
2 Standard probe (1 or 3 meter cable) 5 Glass bulb and temperature sensor
3 Soaker bottle holder
Preparation for use
To prepare the probe for initial use:
1. Turn the probe soaker bottle cap counter-clockwise to loosen the cap. Remove the
soaker bottle from the probe.
2. If the probe will be used immediately, prepare the probe for calibration or sample
measurement.
3. If the probe will not be used immediately, store the probe (Storage on page 9).
To prepare the probe for calibration or sample measurement:
1. Turn the probe soaker bottle cap counter-clockwise to loosen the cap. Remove the
soaker bottle from the probe.
2. Rinse the reference junctions and glass bulb thoroughly with deionized water to remove
the 3 M KCl solution completely. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Rinse the reference junction and glass bulb thoroughly with deionized water to remove
the 3 M KCl solution completely. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
4. For the best stabilization time, condition the probe for several minutes in the sample
before use.
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.
When two probes are connected, push the UP or DOWN arrow to change to the single display mode in order to show the
Calibrate option. (Available only on HQ40d and HQ440d meters.)
Prepare the probe for use (refer to Preparation for use on page 2).
2 DOC022.52.80197
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 10.
Calibration procedure PHC201
1. Connect the
probe to the meter.
Make sure that the
cable locking nut is
securely
connected to the
meter. Turn on the
meter.
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.
2. Push
Calibrate. The
display shows the
buffers that are
necessary for
calibration.
7. Repeat steps 4
- 6 until the
minimum number
of calibration
points specified in
the current method
have been
collected.
3. Prepare the
fresh buffers in
separate beakers
or appropriate
containers.
8. Push Done to
view the calibration
summary. The
display will not
show Done until
the minimum
number of
calibration points
have been
collected.
4. Rinse the probe
with deionized
water. Blot dry with
a lint-free cloth.
9. Push Store to
accept the
calibration and go
back to
measurement
mode.
5. Put the probe in
the pH buffer
solution and stir
gently. Make sure
that the reference
junction is
completely
submerged. Shake
the probe from
side to side in the
standard solution
to refresh the
reference junction.
DOC022.52.80197 3
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 2).
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 pushed.
• 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 10.
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.
6. Repeat steps
3-5 for additional
measurements.
2. For the best
stabilization time,
condition the probe
for several minutes
in the sample or in
a solution
comparable to the
sample in terms of
pH and ionic
strength before the
initial sample
measurement.
7. When
measurements are
done, store the
probe (refer to
Storage
on page 9).
3. Rinse the probe
with deionized
water, 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
junction is
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.
4 DOC022.52.80197
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 PHC201 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 shake the probe to remove air
bubbles.
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 2).
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.
Setting Options
Measurement Options
Calibration Options
Check Standard Options
Units
• Resolution
• Upper and lower range limits
• Buffer set
• Buffer set values (if Custom Buffer Set selected)
• Reminder
• Minimum Cal points
• Slope limit
• Standard (temperature compensated buffer or custom at 25 °C)
• Reminder
• Acceptance criteria
• Standard value at 25 °C (if custom standard selected)
• pH
• mV
Table 1 Parameter-specific settings
DOC022.52.80197 5
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
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:
and select PHC201 Settings.
Option Description
Resolution Sets the resolution:
• 0.1pH—Fast
• 0.01pH—Fast (default)
• 0.01pH—Medium
• 0.01pH—Slow, or
• 0.001pH—Slow
Measurement
Limits
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 PHC201 Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
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.
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 DOC022.52.80197
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—1.68, 4.01, 7.00, 10.01, 12.45
• DIN—1.09, 4.65, 9.23
• IUPAC—1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 10.01, 12.45
• IUPAC—1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 9.18, 12.45
• IUPAC—1.68, 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
Minimum Cal
Points
Slope Limit Sets the slope limit—1% to 20% (acceptable slope criteria, default = 15%).
If the Buffer Set is set to Customer Buffer Set, sets the custom buffer set (refer
to Table 2).
Sets the minimum number of calibration points necessary before a calibration
can be completed—1 (default), 2 or 3.
The slope must fall within set limits for successful calibration.
5. Select Calibration Reminder and update the settings:
Option Description
Reminder
Repeat
Expires Calibration expires after the selected time—Immediately, Reminder + 30 min,
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.
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.
DOC022.52.80197 7
Table 2 Custom buffer sets
Buffer set values Option Description
Std1
Std2
Std3
Std4
Std5
1.09pH—25 °C Pre-set temperature compensated buffer values.
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.
No Buffer Standard is undefined when this option is selected.
Note: Selected standards must differ by a minimum of 2 pH units. For example, if 1.09pH 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.
Range = 0.000 pH to 14.000 pH.
Custom buffer values are not temperature compensated. Custom buffers should be read
at 25 °C.
Change check standard options
1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.
2. Push and select PHC201 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—
• 1.09pH—25 °C
• 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
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.
8 DOC022.52.80197
Maintenance
Clean the probe
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.
6. Select Acceptance Criteria and update the settings:
Option Description
Acceptance Limits Sets the tolerance limits for check standard—0.005pH to 1.000pH
(default 0.050 pH).
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.
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.
The type of contamination will determine the cleaning solution needed.
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 mineral deposits:
1. Rinse the probe with deionized water and blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
2. Soak the glass bulb for 10 to 15 minutes in 0.1 M HCl.
3. Rinse or soak the probe for one minute in deionized water.
4. Soak the probe in pH 4 buffer for up to 20 minutes. 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.
Storage
Short-term and long-term storage
For the best probe performance, do not let the reference junction become dry.
1. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Dry the probe with a lint-free cloth.
DOC022.52.80197 9
2. Fill the probe storage cap or soaker bottle half full with Hach Electrode Storage Solution
or 3 M potassium chloride (KCl) solution.
3. Put the soaker bottle on the probe and tighten the soaker bottle cap.
4. Make sure that the solution in the storage cap or soaker bottle completely covers the
glass bulb and reference junction.
Note: The probe can also be stored in a sample for up to 2 hours if the sample pH is not high.
If the glass bulb becomes dry:
Rehydration
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 Update the HQd software to the newest revision at http://
www.hach.com/SoftwareDownloads. Refer to the HQd Series
meter manual for specific instructions for the meter model.
HQd meter does not support
IntelliCAL® probe
Connect a probe or
probe requires service
Standard not recognized
error
pH reading and/or mV
reading is same for all
solutions
Slow stabilization time Contaminated glass sensor Clean the probe (refer to Clean the probe on page 9).
Probe not connected properly Disconnect, then connect the probe. Tighten the locking nut.
Software not updated Update the HQd software to the newest revision at http://
Large number of methods stored Continue to let probe connect. Do not disconnect the probe.
Damaged probe Make sure there is connectivity with another probe or meter to
Probe storage cap or soaker bottle
not removed.
Incorrect or contaminated buffer
solution
Storage cap or soaker bottle not
removed
Electrical issue Contact a Technical Support Representative.
Poor contact between reference
junction and solution
Contact a Technical Support Representative.
www.hach.com/SoftwareDownloads. Refer to the HQd Series
meter manual.
confirm isolated issue with probe. Contact a Technical Support
Representative.
Remove the probe storage cap or soaker bottle.
Use fresh buffer solution as specified in the method.
Remove the storage cap or soaker bottle.
Shake the probe in the solution from side to side to refresh the
reference junction.
Probe not prepared for sample For the best stabilization time, soak the probe in the sample
for several minutes before doing a sample measurement.
Low sample temperature or
temperature difference between
samples
Air bubbles around inner reference
electrode
Check the sample temperature. The lower the temperature or
the greater the difference of temperatures between samples,
the longer the stabilization time will be.
Gently tap the probe with hand or shake the probe downward
to remove any air bubbles.
10 DOC022.52.80197
Message or symptom Possible cause Action
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 9).
Drifting/Inaccurate
readings
Slope exceeds the criteria for % of
theoretical (as defined in the method
slope limit)
Contaminated glass sensor Clean the probe (refer to Clean the probe on page 9).
CO2 absorption (for low ionic
strength or high purity sample)
Air bubbles around inner reference
electrode
Incorrect storage conditions
(discolored, contaminated or dried
semi-liquid gel)
Electromagnetic Forces (EMF) such
as voltaic cells, thermoelectric
devices, eletrical generators,
resistors and transformers.
1. Widen the slope limits by changing the PHC201
calibration settings and method.
2. Recalibrate the probe.
3. Run a check standard to check the performance of the
probe.
Use the LIS chamber for LIS/high purity samples to keep
sample contamination from occuring.
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.
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 junction
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.
Do not test in areas where EMF is present. For testing in
process units (i.e. spot checking), make sure the equipment is
grounded.
Out of range Measurement value is outside of
range
Temperature out of
range
Out of limits Measurement value is outside of
Temperature value is outside of
range
Measured pH buffer temperature is
outside range of the probe
Check standard temperature value
is outside of range
measurement limits set in the current
method
Check standard value is outside of
limits set in the current method
Make sure that the sample is within the range of the probe.
Make sure that the sample temperature is within the range of
the probe.
Make sure that the temperature sensor is working correctly.
Make sure that the standard temperature is within the range of
the probe.
Make sure that the temperature sensor is working correctly.
Make sure that the Check Standard temperature is within the
range of the probe.
Make sure that the sample is within the limits of the current
method.
Create a new method with expanded limits.
Make sure that the check standard is within the limits of the
current method.
Create another method that expands the acceptable limits.
DOC022.52.80197 11
12 DOC022.52.80197
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