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Calibration

To calibrate a pH meter you needing two buffer solutions. Select the buffer solutions depending on the pH range that you will work. This procedure considers that you pH sensor is linear in the working range: from 1 or 2 to 10 or 12 typically. Without this range the glass electrode has deviation.
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Acid or neutral solutions: pH 4 and 7 buffers. Alkaline solutions: pH 7 and 9 or 10 buffers.

Pay attention that you can find buffer solutions with values a little bit different. Example of buffer values for pH meter calibration are 4.01, 6,86, 7.01, 9.18, 10.01, and etc. What is important is to know the correct buffer value. You can buy bottles or sachets of ready to use buffer solutions or buy sachets of poured buffer to mix with distillated water. Buffer solutions must be maintained in a refrigerator (dont mix with food!) and they have a life time (they can develop fungus or bacterias).

Calibration Procedure
WARNING: Take care with the glass bubble. It is fragile.

Calibration for acid or neutral range


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Adjust the gain trimpot to an intermediate value. Remove the glass electrode protection. Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully. Put the pH sensor inside of pH 7 solution (remember that can be the pH 6.86 or 7.01). Wait for the stabilization of the signal. Adjust the offset trimpot to the nominal buffer value.

Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully.
y y y y

Put the pH sensor inside of pH 4 solution (remember that can be the pH 4.01). Wait for the stabilization of the signal. Adjust the gain trimpot to the nominal buffer value. Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully.

Calibration for alkaline range


y y y

Adjust the gain trimpot to an intermediate value. Remove the glass electrode protection. Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully.

y y y y y y y y

Put the pH sensor inside of pH 7 solution (remember that can be the pH 6.86 o 7.01). Wait for the stabilization of the signal. Adjust the offset trimpot to the nominal buffer value. Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully. Put the pH sensor inside of pH 9 solution (remember that can be the pH 9.18 or 10.01). Wait for the stabilization of the signal. Adjust the gain trimpot to the nominal buffer value. Wash the electrode with distillated water and dry it using a soft paper carefully.

The pH sensor is ready to use. To read the pH of your sample, put it inside of the sample and wait for stabilization of the signal. Always wash it and dry it carefully to avoid contamination when you change the samples. After the use, wash it and dry it with a piece of soft paper carefully, and keep it in water solution to avoid dehydration of the glass bubble and the reference electrode porous ions channel.

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