pH electrode regeneration with KCl
 

Inherited one of those pH sticks, sensitive to +/- 0.05, from Whatmann
but very much like the pHeps from Hanna. Unfortunately, the two point
calibration failed as the buffer 4 was too much out of line to get it
working properly (even after a soak for a couple of days). For
reference, taking batteries out and in again, buffer 7 read like 6.7,
buffer 4 read 5 and buffer 10 read 9.

Soaked it in 3 M KCl (ca. 22.5 g potassium chloride/100ml) for a 2
weeks, the calibration was spot on. Also, without calibration, buffer
7 read actually 7.0, basically saying that the electrode was
completely unbiased, or in equilibrium!

Will never store my electrodes in anything else anymore!

Before any harrassment starts about sensitivity issues surrounding the
use of +/- 0.05 or 0.1 pH pens, I hasten to say that I use the pens
only for TA titration of red wines, where I found it hard to determine
the end point either blackish or very black.

Rene.

pH electrode regeneration with KCl
 

Rene,
Thanks for the info, I will surely try it. As to the harassment, I'm
in your camp; I prefer more resolution, but would not say it's
absolutely necessary to someone on a limited budget.

Calibration is much more important than resolution, especially with a
pH meter. I used 0.1 resolution for years and was satisfied with the
results. (And I used it for everything...)
Regards,
Joe



(Rene) wrote in message . com>...
> Inherited one of those pH sticks, sensitive to +/- 0.05, from Whatmann
> but very much like the pHeps from Hanna. Unfortunately, the two point
> calibration failed as the buffer 4 was too much out of line to get it
> working properly (even after a soak for a couple of days). For
> reference, taking batteries out and in again, buffer 7 read like 6.7,
> buffer 4 read 5 and buffer 10 read 9.
>
> Soaked it in 3 M KCl (ca. 22.5 g potassium chloride/100ml) for a 2
> weeks, the calibration was spot on. Also, without calibration, buffer
> 7 read actually 7.0, basically saying that the electrode was
> completely unbiased, or in equilibrium!
>
> Will never store my electrodes in anything else anymore!
>
> Before any harrassment starts about sensitivity issues surrounding the
> use of +/- 0.05 or 0.1 pH pens, I hasten to say that I use the pens
> only for TA titration of red wines, where I found it hard to determine
> the end point either blackish or very black.
>
> Rene.