A Practical Guide to pH Measurement – The YSI pH Handbook
pH is an incredibly important parameter that is measured in nearly every application, but how much do you really know about pH and getting accurate pH measurements?
We are here to help with the pH Handbook, a practical guide to pH that is full of helpful tips to ensure the pH data you collect in the lab and field is accurate and repeatable!
Whether you are making your first pH measurement – or you’ve been doing it for decades – the pH Handbook will help you better understand what’s involved when measuring pH.
The first chapter covers the essential concepts of pH measurement including the dissociation of water and the formation of the hydronium ion, ion activity vs ion concentration, pH measurement methods, and potentiometry. If you have fallen asleep, wake up and keep reading! The good stuff is coming!
Chapter 2 thoroughly discusses the structure and design of a pH electrode. The membrane shape, shaft material, reference electrolyte, and reference junction are just some of the features that can vary between pH electrodes. These features should be carefully considered when selecting the best electrode for the job.
Structure of a pH electrode from Chapter 2
How many times have you tried to calibrate an electrode and hit a roadblock? If you are looking for practical guidance regarding the calibration of your pH electrode, as well as a proper measurement technique, check out Chapter 3. Topics covered include: verifying electrode response and slope, calibration frequency, the importance of temperature, as well as calibration tips.
Opening for refillable lab pH electrodes from Chapter 3
Perhaps the main contributor to the life, response time, and precision of a pH electrode is proper storage. Chapter 4 walks you through long-term and short-term electrode storage, as well as our recommended cleaning procedures for field and lab pH electrodes.
Short term storage of field pH electrodes from Chapter 4
Chapter 5 includes application and selection guides to help you choose the best electrode, while the most practical aspects of pH measurement are summarized in the Lab pH Quick Tips section at the end of the handbook. This two-page summary of calibration, proper use, storage, and maintenance can easily be placed on a wall in your lab as a quick and convenient reference for pH.
Lab pH Quick Tips
This handbook is an easy-to-read tool to help you with any and all pH measurements - start learning now!
