PH Meter
PH Meter
PH Meter
AN OVERVIEW OF
pH METER
What is a pH Meter and Why is pH Meter Calibration Important?
What is a pH Meter and Why is pH Meter Calibration Important? – There are many methods
used to measure pH levels, including litmus paper tests, indicator dyes and pH electrodes or
meters, but pH meters are commonly used for most applications today. Let’s look at these devices
in a little more detail, and understand why it’s important to perform equipment calibration for
them.
What is pH?
pH Meter
pH is defined as an estimate of hydrogen ion activity in a substance, or simply how acidic ( a
majority of hydrogen ions) or basic ( a majority of hydroxyl ions) it is. This characteristic is
measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 the most acidic and 14 the most basic. A pH of 7 is neutral, i.e.
neither acidic nor basic.
What is a pH Meter and How Does It Work?
While pH meters weren’t easily available a few decades ago, a huge variety of these instruments are
now used for testing soil, water, food items, skin and more, by hobbyists and professionals alike.
These devices are designed with two electrodes, one for sensing hydrogen ions and one for
reference.
The sensing electrode detects changes in voltage based on hydrogen ion activity, while the
reference electrode provides a constant voltage for comparison. The difference between the two
voltages is displayed as a pH value by the meter, with higher voltages signaling acidic pH levels and
lower voltages signaling basic.
What is pH Meter Calibration and Why Is It Necessary?
To be certain of accurate and reliable measurements, you need to perform pH meter calibration.
This is generally done by measuring different buffer solutions with standardized, well-defined
values, and then adjusting the pH meter based on any deviations from the buffer’s known pH
value.
Instrument calibration for pH meters is generally conducted in two ways:
1. Two-Point Calibration – In this method, a microprocessor-based pH meter calculates the real
slope and offset error for the pH electrode. Based on this information, the meter’s mV/pH-
equation is then adjusted to match the characteristics of the pH electrode in use.
The two calibration points bracket the range of values to be measured, so this method is also
known as bracketing calibration. Readings that go past the calibrated range may be displayed with
slight deviations from the true value, since they are extrapolated by the pH meter assuming
linearity.