How To Accurately Measure pH

Technical Bulletin 8-011 Miscellaneous

Importance of Accurate pH Measurement pH is an important water treatment control parameter that is widely used as a measure of the potential for corrosion or scale. Inaccurate pH measurement can lead to poor results from your water treatment programs. This technical bulletin was prepared to help you understand how to properly measure pH. pH pH is a measure of the relative alkalinity or acidity of a water sample on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14.0. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, which means that it is neither acid nor alkaline. As the alkalinity increases, the pH rises above 7.0. As the acidity increases, the pH falls below 7.0. The fact that pH is a logarithmic scale means that each 1.0 unit decrease or increase in pH translates into a 10 fold decrease or increase in the acidity or alkalinity. For example, water with a pH of 9.0 is 100 times more alkaline than water with a pH of 7.0.

pH
Acidic
1 2 3 4 5 6

Neutral
7 8 9

Alkaline
10 11 12 13 14

Measuring pH There are two direct methods for measuring the pH of water samples: pH meters use an electrode or probe, usually glass, to measure pH. Field grade meters range from reliable hand-held meters with separate electrodes, to simple "pen-type" meters. Successful field pH measurements depend upon: a) keeping the electrodes clean and moist; and b) frequent calibration with reliable standard solutions. With care, measurements to 0.1 pH unit are practical. Field pH meters are not considered reliable below pH 3 or above pH 11. Some solutions containing high turbidity or high levels of oxidizing agents may interfere with electrode pH measurements. In general, it is not recommended that you use your pH meter for glycol or boiler water samples. Colorimetric methods use a pH specific color indicator and comparator. The indicator changes color based on the sample pH. Colorimetric methods are fast and inexpensive, and for many applications such as routine cooling water and condensate testing, are sufficiently accurate. However, measurements are usually no better than 0.2 pH unit. Guidelines for Using pH Meters Each pH meter comes with instructions for the use and care of the meter and electrode. Be sure to read these instructions prior to use. The following are general guidelines: 1. The electrode bulb must always be kept wet, even when in storage. Store the electrode in pH 4 Buffer. DO NOT store pH probes in distilled water. 2. pH is temperature sensitive. Do not use with samples hotter than specified (>160 F for the Myron L meter). The results will not be accurate and the meter can be damaged. Allow pH meters with automatic temperature compensation sufficient time to stabilize. 3. Check calibration daily. Always calibrate the meter with two buffers. Use pH 7.0 buffer and pH 10.0 buffer if testing alkaline samples. Use pH 7.0 buffer and pH 4.0 buffer if testing acidic samples. The Buffer Solutions should be at or near the same temperature as your samples. 4. A fresh supply of sample should be kept flowing across the pH electrode by constant swirling. 5. pH probes have a limited life, and should be changed every 3-6 months or whenever the reading starts to slow down. Another indication that the probe should be replaced is if the pH meter reading continues to climb or fall after 30-45 seconds. Replacement probes can be ordered, but should not be stocked for longer than six months because they will go bad in storage.
Chem-Aqua, Inc. 2006 CATB8-011 Issue Date: 10/31/2006

6. Rinse the electrode with clean, water following each use. This will help prevent the build up of mineral deposits and increase meter reliability.

7. Water samples containing oils, grease, or fats will coat the electrodes and affect the accuracy of the readings. Some solutions containing high turbidity or high levels of oxidizing agents may interfere with electrode pH measurements. You should not use your pH meter for glycol or boiler water samples. Field pH meters are not particularly reliable below pH 3 or above pH 11. 8. Store spare pH or pH/ORP sensors in a refrigerator. "DO NOT FREEZE"
Some people measure boiler water pH, but this is not necessary because we are actually concerned with the boiler water P, M and OH Alkalinities. This will avoid the problems with using pH meters with high pH boiler water. Guidelines for Using pH Color Slides Colorimetric methods for measuring pH are often preferred over instrumental methods because of the calibration problems typically associated with using pH meters in the field. Although accuracy is usually no better than 0.2 pH unit, this is often adequate for routine makeup, tower, and condensate testing. Three (3) pH color slides and indicators can be used to cover the pH range 6.0 to 9.6. Bromthymol Blue (pH 6.0-7.6) Phenol Red (pH 6.8-8.4) Thymol Blue (pH 8.0-9.6) Other pH color slides and indicators are available. pH indicators are unstable and should be replaced every 6 months. Recommend ordering in 2 oz. bottles. Failure to use fresh indicator could cause significant errors. Combination pH and Conductivity Meters While the hand held combination conductivity and pH meter looks great, there are several issues that limit them from a practical point: 1. The pH probe is so small that it quickly becomes exhausted, so replacement is necessary frequently, usually every 3 months. 2. Keeping the pH bulb wet is a challenge because the water tight cap can be dislodged when the meter is put away. 3. Swirling the sample across the probe is very difficult.

Chem-Aqua, Inc. 2006

CATB8-011 Issue Date: 10/31/2006