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MACARAIG
TUP-Taguig
Bachelor of Engineering
pH meter
pH meter is a device used for potentiometric pH measurements.
A pH meter is an electronic instrument measuring the pH (acidity or
alkalinity) of a liquid (though special probes are sometimes used to measure
the pH of semi-solid substances). A typical pH meter consists of a special
measuring probe (a glass electrode) connected to an electronic meter that
measures and displays the pH reading.
Conductivity Meter
A conductivity meter measures the amount of electrical current or
conductance in a solution. Conductivity is useful in determining the overall
health of a natural water body. It is also a way to measure changes in
wastewater procedures at water treatment plants. Conductivity meters are
common in any water treatment or monitoring situation, as well as in
environmental laboratories
Conductivity Basics
Conductivity is the electrical current in a solution, but that value depends on
the liquid's ionic strength. It also relies on which ions are present, in what
concentration and in what form, such as what state of oxidation or mobility
the ions are in. Ions carry a negative or positive electrical charge: anions are
negative and cations are positive. In natural water bodies, the ions that
contribute to high conductivity result from dissolved minerals and salts.
Temperature Dependence
The reading of a conductivity meter is usually without a temperature
correlation. Since ionic strength, and therefore conductance, is temperaturedependent, the reading may be inaccurate. Thus, many conductivity meters
have a specific conductance measurement as well. When in the specific
conductance mode, the meter reads the conductivity of the solution at 25
degrees Celsius, not at the actual temperature. This results in a more
standardized reading.
Salinity and Total Dissolved Solids
Salinity is the amount of dissolved salts in a solution. Conductivity meters
equipped with a salinity option internally convert the conductivity reading to
one of salinity. Fresh water bodies should have a much lower salinity
concentration than ocean water, which is estimated between 20 and 30
parts per trillion, according to Washington State's Department of Ecology.
Total dissolved solids can be determined by multiplying the conductivity
measured in microSeimens by a factor of 0.67
Calibration
Calibration leads to a more accurate reading. To calibrate a meter, follow the
instructions for that meter; in general, the steps are easy and standardized.
The meter usually has a menu item that allows you to enter the calibration
mode or a setting on the side that you can adjust with a small screwdriver or
tool. Place the probe in a solution with a known conductivity value and
temperature and set the meter to that conductivity. Sometimes several
standards are required.