MODUL 7: MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUMENTS

Objective:

To train the participants how to maintain instruments commonly used to monitor physical chemical
treatment processes according to general maintenance procedures.

Learning Outcome

At the completion of this module the participants will be able to:

i) Maintain pH and ORP meters

ii) Calibrate pH and ORP meters

7.1 Common instruments used in physical-chemical treatment processes

The success of the treatment depends on the proper functioning of these meters to measure the
parameters accurately.

Proper functioning of the meters depends on their upkeep and calibration.

The importance of instrument maintenance cannot be over emphasized. Some important aspects of
the maintenance and calibration of the meters are outlined below.

7.2 Cleaning the probes

The same cleaning procedures are applicable to pH and ORP probes.

Common probes problems are fouling by precipitates and coating by oil and grease. Precipitate of
metallic hydroxide, calcium and magnesium.

Salts are readily removed by dipping a dry probe in a concentrated hydrochloric acid solution for two
or three seconds. The probe is then rinsed with clean water and allowed to soak in the water for
about five minutes before calibration.

Oil and grease may be removed by cleaning the probe with 100% isopropanol. If this is not
successful, other option include scrubbing the probe with a dishwashing liquid using softbrush or
soaking in 33% NaOH or dipping the probe in a concentrated HCl solution.

7.3 Calibration of probe

pH probes are calibrated according to the manufacture’s instructions, typically by using two
“standard” buffer solutions. The standard buffer has a pH of 7.0 while the other buffer used as the
“slop” buffer has a pH of either 4.0 or 10.0.
The 10.0 pH buffer is used if the pH probe will be used in alkaline environment such as in metal
precipitation process or cyanide destruction process.

The 4.0 pH buffer is used if the Ph probe will be used in acidic environment such as in chrome
reduction process.

ORP probes are calibrated using only one standard solution which is prescribed by the instrument
manufacturer. The calibration procedure must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The participants will perform calibration of pH and ORP probe in the laboratory session. In the
factory, maintenance of instruments including the calibration of pH and ORP sensors may not be one
of the duties of the participants, but as an IETS supervisor, the participants must appreciate its
importance and ensure that, the calibration and maintenance is carried out.