PCE Instruments PCE-PH 23, PCE-PH 23-SP Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-PH 23 pH Meter

User Manual

User manuals in various languages (français,

italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,

русский, 中文) can be found by using our

product search on: www.pce-instruments.com

Last change: 14 May 2020

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1

2 Before first use ...................................................................................... 2

2.1 Inserting / replacing the batteries ...................................................................................... 2

2.2 Soaking the electrode ....................................................................................................... 2

3 Device description ................................................................................ 2

3.1 Meter ................................................................................................................................ 2

3.2 Display ............................................................................................................................. 2

3.3 Operating modes of the meter .......................................................................................... 3

3.4 Key description................................................................................................................. 3

4 Operation ............................................................................................... 4

4.1 On / off ............................................................................................................................. 4

4.2 Set date and time ............................................................................................................. 4

4.3 Select buffer solutions ...................................................................................................... 4

4.4 pH value calibration .......................................................................................................... 4

4.5 Measurement ................................................................................................................... 5

4.6 HOLD mode ..................................................................................................................... 5

4.7 Saving readings ............................................................................................................... 5

4.8 Viewing and deleting data ................................................................................................ 5

5 Electrode replacement ......................................................................... 5

6 Error messages ..................................................................................... 6

7 Specifications ........................................................................................ 6

8 Warranty ................................................................................................. 7

9 Disposal ................................................................................................. 7

© PCE Instruments

1

1 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative

humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose

the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,

no abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not

use the device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under

any circumstances.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of

business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at

the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments

2

2 Before first use

2.1 Inserting / replacing the batteries

Open the battery compartment cover and insert new batteries. Observe correct polarity. The unit
can continue to operate for approximately 2 to 3 hours after the low battery indicator "BAT"
appears on the display.

2.2 Soaking the electrode

The electrode must be soaked before first use or after storage. Remove the cover of the pH meter
and soak the electrode in a potassium chloride solution with 3mol/l for 2 hours.

3 Device description

3.1 Meter

1. Battery compartment cover

2. LC display

3. Keypad

4. Electrode holder

5. Electrode and unit for

automatic temperature compensation (ATC)

The electrode cap is not shown.

3.2 Display

1. DATE Month-day-year (MM-DD-YY)

2. HOLD Display for Hold mode

3. MEASURE Display for measuring mode

4. BUF Selected buffer solutions

5. TIME 24 hours-minutes (HH:MM)

6. pH pH reading display

7. °C Temperature reading display

8. Number of calibration point (1P/2P/3P)
or type of calibration

Note: °C or °F is pre-set.

1

2

3

4

5

© PCE Instruments

3

3.3 Operating modes of the meter

1. Measuring mode
in the measuring mode

2. Calibration mode
In calibration mode, the 1-point, 2-point or 3-point calibration is performed.

3. Hold mode
In Hold mode, the measurement is interrupted and the currently measured value is
held on the display.

4. Data retrieval mode
In data retrieval mode, you can display measured values from the memory.

5. Date and time setting mode
The date and time setting mode is used to correct the time and date.

6. Buffer selection mode for the calibration solutions
In this mode, the buffer solution set for the calibration is selected: either

7.00 (pH values 7.00/4.01/10.01) or 6.86 (pH values 6.86/4.00/9.18).

3.4 Key description

Key

Operating mode

Duration of
keystroke

Function

HOLD

Any but HOLD
mode

2 s or more

Meter on/off

Measuring mode

0 s

Holds current reading

Hold mode

0 s

Back to measuring mode

Date and time
setting mode

0 s

Moves cursor to next data entry

CAL

Measuring mode

2 s

Jumps to calibration mode

Measuring mode

10 s or more

Jumps to date and time setting
mode

Calibration mode

0 s

Leaves calibration mode

Date and time
setting mode

2 s

Leaves date and time setting
mode

Data retrieval mode

2 s

Clears memory and returns to
measuring mode

STORE

Measuring mode

2 s

Saves current pH reding along
with date and time

Date and time
setting mode

0 s

Increases current reading

Data retrieval mode

2 s or more

Leaves data retrieval mode

Buffer selection
mode

2 s or more

Leaves buffer selection mode

SCROLL

Measuring mode

2 s

Starts data retrieval mode

Measuring mode

5 s or more

Starts buffer selection mode

Data retrieval mode

0 s

Scrolls through saved data

Date and time
setting mode

0 s

Decreases current reading

Buffer selection
mode

0 s

Selects a new buffer solution
set

© PCE Instruments

4

4 Operation

4.1 On / off

Press the HOLD key for 2 seconds or longer. The instrument will enter measurement mode.
To switch off the meter, press the HOLD key again for 2 seconds. The instrument will turn off
automatically when no key has been pressed for 10 minutes.

4.2 Set date and time

1. Press the "CAL" key for 10 seconds to start
date and time setting mode

2. Press the "HOLD" key to select the date or time
value

3. Press the "STORE" or "SCROLL" key to
increase or decrease value

4. Press the "CAL" key for 2 seconds
Exit and return to measuring mode

4.3 Select buffer solutions

1. Press "SCROLL" key for 5 seconds to start
buffer selection mode

2. Press "SCROLL" key again to select the buffer
solution set:

7.00 for (7.00/4.01/10.01) or

6.86 for (6.86/4.00/9.18)

3. Press "STORE" for 2 seconds
Exit and return to measuring mode

4.4 pH value calibration

1. Press the "CAL" key for 2...3 seconds to start
calibration mode

2. Immerse the electrode in the 7.00 or 6.86 buffer
solution. "WAIT" is displayed.

3. When the "WAIT" indicator disappears, the
calibration for this value is finished.

4. Press "CAL" to complete the 1-point calibration
or

5. repeat steps 2 and 3 with pH 4.01/4.00 or

10.01/9.18 for 2-point calibration

6. Press "CAL" to complete the 2-point calibration or

7. repeat step 5 for 3-point calibration

8. Automatic return to measuring mode

Note: Clean the electrode with distilled water before each change of calibration solution. For
accurate measurement results, it is recommended to perform pH calibration weekly and after
each change of electrode.

© PCE Instruments

5

4.5 Measurement

In measuring mode, immerse the instrument in the liquid to be tested.
Ensure that the electrode is immersed to a maximum of 2 mm below the electrode holder and that
there are no solids in the water. These could influence the measurement result.

4.6 HOLD mode

1. When the pH reading is stable, press the "HOLD" key to
hold it in the display

2. Press "HOLD" key to continue measurement

Note: In HOLD mode, the meter cannot be turned off.

4.7 Saving readings

1. Press the "STORE" key for 2...3 seconds in HOLD mode
or measuring mode

2. "DATA SAVE" and "Mxx" indication on the display when
data are stored in memory space Mxx

3. The instrument automatically returns to measuring mode.

Note: The instrument can store up to 50 measurements. When all memory spaces are occupied,
the first memory space is overwritten first, then the following ones.

4.8 Viewing and deleting data

1. Press the "SCROLL" key for 2...3 seconds in measuring
mode to call up the last saved measurement

2. Press the "SCROLL" key again to display the previously
saved measurement

3. Press "STORE" for 2 seconds
Exit and return to measuring mode or

4. Press "CAL" key for 2...3 seconds
Clear memory completely and return to measuring mode

5 Electrode replacement

1. Unscrew electrode holder from the instrument

2. Remove old electrode from holder

3. Place new electrode in the holder

4. Place new electrode on the meter so that the holder fits
into the electrode connections

5. Screw electrode holder onto the instrument

6. Soak electrode in 3M KCL for 2 hours

7. Calibrate the meter

© PCE Instruments

6

6 Error messages

pH

display

Temperature

display

Mode

Possible causes

Any

“OVER“

Measurement

a) a) Temperature not within the range 0 ...

99.9 °C
b) b) No temperature sensor
c) c) Temperature sensor defective
> Change the temperature of the liquid or
> insert new temperature sensor

“OVER“

0 … 99.9°C

Measurement

a) pH value not within the range 0 … 14
b) Meter must be re-calibrated

“OVER“

0 … 60°C

pH calibration

Offset value or slope value of the electrode
outside the specified range
> Use new buffer solutions
> Change the electrode

Any

“OVER“

pH calibration

Temperature of buffer solution not 0...60 °C
> Change temperature

7 Specifications

Measuring range pH measurement

0.00 ... 14.00 pH

Resolution pH measurement

0.01 pH

Measuring accuracy pH measurement

± 0.02 pH ± 1 digit

Buffer detection pH measurement

pH 7.00, 4.01, 10.01 or pH 6.86, 4.00,

9.18

Temperature compensation pH measurement

Automatically 0.0 ... 99.9°C / 32 ... 211.8°F

Buffer detection Temperature measuring
range

0.0 ... 60°C / 32 ... 140°F

Offset detection pH electrode

± 90 mV at pH 7.00
± 98.3 mV / -81.7 mV at pH 6.86

Slope pH electrode

± 30% at pH 4.00, 4.01, 9.18, and 10.01

input resistance

> 1012 Ω

Technical Specification for Digital pH Meter PCE-PH 23: Temperature measurement

Measuring range temperature

0.0 ... 99.9°C / 32 ... 211.8°F

Resolution temperature

0.1°C / 0.18°F

Measuring accuracy temperature

± 0.3°C / 0.5°F

Temperature sensor

Thermistor, 10 kΩ at 25°C

Temperature unit

°C°F, default

General technical specification for the Digital pH Meter PCE-PH 23

Power supply

4 x LR44

Lifespan batteries

200 hours

Operating temperature

0.0 ... 50.0°C / 32 ... 122°F

Display

98 x 64 pixels, graphic LCD

Casing

ABS, IP67

Weight

107 g / < 1 lb

© PCE Instruments

7

8 Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

9 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments

8

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

Germany United Kingdom Italy

PCE Produktions- und PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Im Langel 26 Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano
D-59872 Meschede Hampshire Capannori (Lucca)
Deutschland United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel.: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] 9971 Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

The Netherlands China Hong Kong

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE (Beijing) Technology Co., Limited PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 1519 Room, 6 Building Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Zhong Ang Times Plaza 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland No. 9 Mentougou Road, Tou Gou District Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] 102300 Beijing, China Kowloon, Hong Kong
[e-mail] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.cn

United States of America Turkey

PCE Americas Inc. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Jupiter / Palm Beach Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
33458 FL 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
USA Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/turkish