How to Store a Hanna pH Checker Electrode
Hanna pH checker electrodes are professional-level, laboratory-grade bench-type pH meters used in scientific, engineering or other industrial applications for the checking and modification of pH levels. Because they are expensive technical equipment, it is important to understand how to store the most important component of an pH meter, that is, the electrode.
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Instructions
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Prepare the electrode. Gently remove the protective cap that encases the electrode. If salt crystals have deposited around the electrode or cap, rinse these off thoroughly with distilled water. Check that no air bubbles have formed within the glass bulb, since these will prevent the electrode from working. If they are present just shake these down (as if it was a thermometer). Check that the bulb and the bulb junction are still wet from soak buffer, if not, soak the electrode tip in storage solution (soak buffer) for a minimum of one hour. If a fill-hole is present on your electrode, pour more electrolyte solution into the electrode using the fill-hole.
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Check that the electrode is measuring pH accurately. Rinse the probe tip in distilled water and then submerge the tip in either a sample of known pH or a pH standard solution. Allow the meter to take measurements until the readings stop fluctuating. If the readings are not accurate, calibrate the meter as instructed by the manufacturer.
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Storage of the electrode. Rinse out the container with the "soak" or storage solution using deionized or distilled water. Pour fresh soak solution into this but do not overfill the container. Check that the lid of the container is clean, undamaged and does not have salt debris collecting on it (remove or rinse off if necessary). If storage solution is not available, obtain filling solution. These are best purchased directly from the manufacturer rather than home-made. Replace the probe into the container and ensure that the electrode tip is completely submerged in the solution. Check the insulation between the lid and the probe and ensure that there are no cracks or holes that may allow the solution to evaporate.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use water (either distilled or deionized) to store the probe.
