Microbe Notes

Menu Search Notes

Home » Inst rument at ion

pH Meter- Principle, Parts, Procedure, Types, Uses, Examples

November 29, 2022 by Prakriti Karki

Edited By: Sagar Aryal

A unit of measure that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution using a

logarithmic scale with seven as neutral, where lower values are more acidic, and

higher ones are more alkaline, is known as pH.

The pH equals negative log10 of the hydrogen ion concentration (c), given in moles per
liter (c).

pH = -log10[H+]

where, [H+]= the solution’s hydrogen ion concentration, expressed in moles per liter.

In an aqueous solution, the product of hydrogen ion concentration and hydroxyl ion
concentration is constant, and the pH is equal to the negative logarithm of the
concentration of hydrogen ions.

A pH meter is a statistical tool that monitors the hydrogen-ion activity in water-

based solutions, determining its acidity or alkalinity represented as pH.

 pH Meter

It measures pH on a scale of 0 to 14. The proportion of hydrogen ions (H+) to hydroxyl

ions (OH-) determines a substance’s pH value. If the concentration of [H+] exceeds
that of [OH-], the substance is acidic. The pH level is below 7. The substance is neutral
if the concentration of [H+] and [OH-] are equal. The pH value is 7. The substance is
basic if the [H+] concentration is lesser than the [OH-]. The pH level is higher than 7.

The concept of a glass electrode was first introduced in 1909 by Nobel Prize-winning
German chemist Fritz Haber (1868–1934), together with his pupil Zygmunt
Klemensiewicz (1886–1963). By 1934, American chemist Arnold Beckman had
developed the contemporary electronic pH meter (1900–2004).

It is also referred to as a “potentiometric pH meter” since it gauges the difference in

electrical potential between a pH electrode and a reference electrode.

pH monitoring is crucial in the areas like the manufacture of specific foods, the culture
medium, chemical solutions, soil, quality control, etc. are just a few areas where pH
monitoring is crucial.

Table of Contents
Principle of pH Meter
 Parts of pH meter
pH Meter Operating Procedure
Types of pH meters
Based on Portability
Based on Usage
Based on advanced level
Based on reading
Applications of pH meter
Advantages of pH Meter
Limitations of pH Meter
Precautions
pH Meter Examples
Laboratory pH meter pH 1120X (Mettler Toledo)
Water analysis pH meter LAQUAtwin pH- 11 (SHISAS TRADING CONCERN PVT. LTD.)
Gastroesophageal pH meter PH DAY2 (MEDICA)
Portable pH meter 913 (Metrohm)
References

Principle of pH Meter

The working principle of the pH meter relies on the ions exchange from the sample

solution to the inner solution (pH 7 buffer) of the glass electrode via the glass

membrane. A pH meter has a pH probe to conduct the electrical signals to the pH

meter, which then displays the pH value of the solution. The pH probe contains two
electrodes, namely a sensor electrode and a reference electrode. One is filled with a pH
7 buffer, and the other with saturated potassium chloride solution. The sensor
electrode bulb comprises a porous glass membrane coated with metal salts and silica.

When the probe is submerged in a sample solution to measure the pH, hydrogen ions
build up around the bulb and take the place of the metal ions. Similarly, some metal
ions transfer from the glass (sensor) electrode to the sample solution. Because of low
sensitivity to pH changes or complete insensitivity to pH changes, the reference
electrode potential offers a constant voltage. This generates some electricity
captured by the silver wire by generating potential difference (hydrogen-ion activity).
The pH meter converts the voltage of this electric flow into pH value by comparing the
generated voltage to the reference electrode.

Increasing the solution’s acidity results in a higher concentration of hydrogen ions,

which raises the voltage. The pH measurement on the pH meter decreases due to the
increased voltage. Similar to how an increase in alkalinity reduces hydrogen ions, an
increase in the concentration of hydroxyl ions also reduces the voltage and raises the
pH reading on a pH meter.

Parts of pH meter

Figure: Par ts of pH meter. Image Sourc e: Phar maguddu.c om.

pH meter consists of three basic elements:

1. A high input impedance meter

This is the key component that holds the microprocessor that processes extremely
small electrode voltages and displays measurements in pH units on display. The
microchip reads the pH of the solution, calculates the measurement temperature, and
translates the amplifier voltage value.

2. The combined electrode

It consists of two electrodes, where the actual measurement takes place. It is the
most expensive, sensitive, and consumable component of the meter that needs to be
handled carefully. A reference electrode and a measuring electrode or sensor
electrode, both submerged in the same solution, make up the combination electrode.
The reference electrode must have a defined stable voltage independent of the
measured solution to produce a defined pH value.

Reference electrode: A reference electrode is made up of a reference material (such

as mercury, mercury chloride, and saturated solution of potassium chloride)
submerged in a specific electrolyte which needs to be interacting with the measured
solution most frequently through a porous ceramic junction, have a low electrical
resistance due to a high ion concentration and adequate stability across a broad
temperature range. It has a known and constant potential.

pH glass electrode: It is a glass bulb sensitive to hydrogen ions, and when the relative
concentration of hydrogen ions within and outside the bulb changes, so does the
millivolt output. It is also known as a sensor electrode or indicator electrode.

3. Amplifier

An amplifier, also known as a voltage amplifier, plays a vital role in measuring pH value.
The amplifier will increase the accuracy of the pH reading in the same way that a
thermometer increases calculations concerning temperature. To precisely measure
the amount of acidity, basicity, and neutrality in a solution, this component will ensure
that the voltage count is in the pH range of 0–14.

4. Thermometer probe
Some pH meters can measure the temperature of the solution being sampled and
incorporate that information into the meter reading (the temperature of the solution
directly influences pH). This feature is termed “Automatic Temperature Compensation
(ATC)”.

pH Meter Operating Procedure

1. Let all the samples get to the same temperature since pH readings rely on
temperature. It is advised to compensate for temperature if the samples are not at
25 °C. Determine the temperatures of the samples using a thermometer and
manually enter them into the meter, or use an ATC probe to communicate the
temperatures automatically.
2. Uncover the sample beakers and prepare the samples.
3. Rinse the pH electrode in the sample beaker after rinsing it with deionized water
beforehand. To prevent sample contamination, rinse the electrode with deionized
water over a waste beaker. The identical beaker used for sample measurement
should never be used to rinse the electrode.
4. The electrode should be inserted into the first sample measurement beaker with the
electrode tip and junction completely submerged in the sample. The sample should
then be stirred moderately and uniformly.
5. Set the meter to begin taking a reading.
6. Record the pH and temperature of the sample after waiting at least 1 to 2 minutes
for a stable reading in the sample.
7. If more samples are needed, repeat steps 3 through 6 again. For the most accurate
sample measurements, submerge the electrode in each sample to the same depth.
After measuring the samples, clean the electrode with deionized water and put it in
a pH electrode storage solution.
 pH Scale with Solution Examples

Types of pH meters

Based on Portability

Pen testers: Pen testers are portable, inexpensive pH meters the size of a pocketbook.

The compact form makes them incredibly simple to transport and use while on the
road. They are designed with a pH meter, display, and electrode. Pen testers have many
uses in the building, hydroponics, food production, and pool or spa care industries.
Handheld meters: Handheld meters often have a more robust build and a slightly

larger shape than pen testers. With this design, the electrode is constructed
independently of the meter. Depending on your demands for pH measurement,
handheld meters typically feature electrodes you may switch out. For medium-to-firm
items, for instance, spear-tipped electrodes are utilized. Hand-held meters are
designed for usage in the field. Environmental officers use them in field research,
aquaculture, agriculture, and water treatment.

Benchtop pH meters: The largest of the three pH meter categories are benchtop

meters. They can be put on a wall or a desk. They are often the most accurate pH
meters available, which makes them ideal for usage in laboratories and professional
settings. Benchtop pH meters are frequently used in laboratories for environmental
monitoring, water testing facilities, and food processing facilities.

Based on Usage

Laboratory pH meter: It has a large measuring range, is highly accurate, and is

versatile.

Industrial pH meter (online): Its distinctive qualities, which combine analog output,

digital intelligence, and upper and lower boundary alarm and control functions, include
exceptional stability, steady work, a high level of measurement efficiency,
environmental flexibility, and anti-interference capabilities.

Based on advanced level

Economic pH meter

Intelligent pH meter: It has many applications, including water conditioning, aquariums,

fish hatcheries, food processing, photography, laboratory, paper industry, etc.

Precision pH meter: It is further categorized as pointer pH meters and digital pH

meters.

Based on reading

Analog pH meter
An analog pH meter is the original type of model. A pointer will show the pH level on
analog pH meters. The needle will move toward a number representing the pH level
after the measuring electrode has been put into the sample. When using an analog pH
meter, one must be careful to obtain accurate findings. The little pointer is the reason
for this.

Digital pH meter

The development of analog pH meters led to the creation of the digital pH meter. The
number printed on a digital pH meter’s measuring device is a clue as to what pH level is
being measured. This makes it simpler to obtain accurate results concerning samples.
However, the basic operations of analog and digital pH meters are still the same.

Applications of pH meter

1. A pH meter is essential for assessing soil in the agricultural sector. A pH meter is

required because major crops need an alkaline climate. Additionally, they are utilized
to gauge the pH of the soil, which will aid in maximizing returns and yields from the
soil.
2. Monitoring pH level is essential in water treatment facilities and RO water purifiers.
3. Chemical industries use pH meters to neutralize wastewater from the steel, pulp,
paper, pharmaceutical, biotech, and petrochemical industries.
4. A pH meter determines the pH value of chemical compounds and food products to
ensure their quality and safety.
5. The food industry specifically uses pH meters in the context of dairy products.
6. To determine the type of biological conditions by measuring the pH of biological
fluids such as blood, urine, gastric acid, etc.
7. Employed in detergent manufacturing.
 How Strong is Our Stomach Acid

Advantages of pH Meter

1. Well-matched for continuous automatic recording and control of industrial and

commercial processes
2. Permits rapid and reproducible measurements
3. Simple to control and operate.
4. Used for both oxidizing and reducing solutions
5. Does not affect the solution under examination.
6. Suitable for use in colloidal, turbid, and colorful solutions.
7. This device gives the most accurate and precise value of pH.
8. pH meters are portable, so they can be easily used everywhere while traveling.

Limitations of pH Meter

1. pH meters should be regularly cleaned to avoid possible contamination of samples.

When exposed to corrosive chemicals, the glass tip of the probe used in pH meters
can easily break or get damaged.
2. External factors like temperature impact the output readings of the pH meter. Thus,
pH meters must be calibrated before use to obtain accurate results unless our
results may be distorted.
3. Deposits on electrode membranes can affect the processes.
4. A special buffer solution is needed to calibrate the pH meters.
 How to Control pH in Media

Precautions

1. pH electrodes are sensitive and fragile, so one should not use them as a glass rod to
stir the solution while measuring pH.
2. pH meters should be calibrated daily before use with the help of standard buffer
solutions.
3. pH readings are temperature sensitive, so pH meters shouldn’t be exposed to
sunlight.
4. All the test tubes and glass apparatus used in measurement should be cleaned with
distilled water before use.
5. For each new sample, either uses a brand-new fine dropper or glass rod or thoroughly
wash the dropper or rod in water between uses.
6. All the solutions used in measurement should be freshly prepared.

Subscribe us to receive latest notes.

Email Address* Subscribe

pH Meter Examples

Laboratory pH meter pH 1120X (Mettler Toledo)

The pH meter 1120’s unique design enables optimal use of the instrument in various
applications.
For potentially explosive environments, the explosion-proof version 1120-X was
specially created for the chemical industry.
The entire unit, including the non-reflective and scratch-proof glass display panel, is
completely chemical resistant.
 Figure: pH Meter Examples. Image Source: Respective Company Website.

Water analysis pH meter LAQUAtwin pH-11 (SHISAS TRADING CONCERN

PVT. LTD.)

The sole pocket meter that detects pH in a sample of 0.1 milliliters (or 0.05ml
sample with sampling sheet B).
A special sensor enables the measurement of viscous liquids, solids, and powder
samples. Only a few drops of the standard or sample must be applied to the flat
 sensor.

Gastroesophageal pH meter PH DAY2 (MEDICA)

The portable device PH DAY2 uses two channels to record the gastroesophageal pH
readings.
Lightweight, portable, and powerful design enable 24-hour recording.

Portable pH meter 913 (Metrohm)

Portable pH meter with two galvanically isolated pH measurement inputs and built-
in battery pack
Analog pH measurement input for pH electrodes using the Metrohm standard
Digital pH measurement input for Metrohm’s smart pH electrodes
Strong, water-tight, and dust-tight housing (IP67) for use in laboratories and harsh
outdoor environments
For easy results and legibility, an LCD color display with backdrop illumination.

Read Also:

PCL Nursing (CTEVT) 1st Year Latest Syllabus (Revised 2018)

16 Types of Microscopes with Parts, Functions, Diagrams
18 Instruments used in Microbiology Lab with Principle, Uses
22 Types of Spectroscopy with Definition, Principle, Steps, Uses
Celsius vs. Fahrenheit Scale- 10 Differences with Examples

References

1. https://pharmaguddu.com/ph-meter-principle-calibration-working/
2. https://www.pharmaguideline.com/2015/08/principle-and-working-of-pH-
probes.html
3. https://microbiologie-clinique.com/laboratory-ph-meters.html
4. https://electricalfundablog.com/ph-measurement-working-principle-applications/