1、 Daily use and maintenance

1. Check before use
   • Probe StatusCheck whether the glass film is complete, free of cracks or scratches, and whether the filling solution of the reference electrode (such as calomel electrode) is sufficient (the liquid level should be higher than the ceramic core).
   • connecting wireEnsure that the probe is firmly connected to the instrument to avoid data fluctuations caused by poor contact.
2. Measurement operation specifications
   • Pre soakingWhen used or not used for a long time, soak the probe in distilled water or KCl solution for 1-2 hours to activate the glass film.
   • temperature compensationIf the instrument supports it, enable the temperature compensation function (ATC) to avoid temperature fluctuations affecting the measurement results.
   • Mixing controlGently stir the solution during measurement to avoid generating bubbles or vortices that may impact the glass film.
   • Avoid drynessMeasure the gap to keep the probe moist, and immerse the glass bulb in distilled water or KCl solution.
3. Cleaning and decontamination
   • routine cleaningAfter measurement, rinse the probe with distilled water and dry it with a soft cloth (do not wipe the glass film).
   • Pollution treatment：
     • Organic matter adhesionSoak in neutral detergent for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
     • Inorganic salt crystallizationSoak in saturated KCl solution, soften and rinse.
   • tabooAvoid using strong acids, strong bases, or organic solvents (such as acetone) to prevent corrosion of the glass film.

2、 Storage and Protection

1. Short term storage (1-30 days)
   • Storage fluid selectionImmerse the probe in a 3mol/L KCl solution (or storage solution recommended by the manufacturer) and keep the glass film moist.
   • 容器要求Use clean plastic or glass containers to avoid metal ion contamination.
2. Long term storage (>30 days)
   • Drying treatmentSome probes (such as dryable type) can be stored and dried according to the instructions, but they need to be reactivated before use.
   • regular inspectionCheck the status of the storage solution monthly and replenish or replace KCl solution.
3. environmental control
   • temperatureStorage temperature should be controlled between 5-30 ℃ to avoidharshHigh or low temperature.
   • light-proofStore in a cool place to prevent UV rays from accelerating electrode aging.

3、 Calibration and Calibration

1. Calibration frequency
   • Normal useCalibrate once a week (or adjust according to usage intensity).
   • Key measurementsCalibrate before each measurement to ensure data accuracy.
2. Calibration steps
   • Standard solution selectionUsing the two-point calibration method, select standard buffer solutions with pH 4.01, pH 7.00, and pH 10.01 (depending on the measurement range).
   • operating procedure：
     1. Rinse the probe, immerse it in the first standard solution, and calibrate it after the reading stabilizes.
     2. After rinsing, immerse in the second standard solution and repeat the calibration.
     3. Save calibration data and confirm that the slope is within the range of 95-105%.
3. Post calibration processing
   • After calibration, rinse the probe with distilled water, dry it, and immerse it back in the storage solution.

4、 Troubleshooting and Handling

1. Slow response
   • reasonGlass film contamination, dried storage solution, or electrode aging.
   • processClean the glass film, replenish the storage solution, and replace the electrode if ineffective.
2. The reading is unstable
   • reasonLoose connecting wires, excessive stirring of the solution, or electromagnetic interference.
   • processCheck the connection, reduce the mixing intensity, and stay away from strong electromagnetic fields.
3. Abnormal slope
   • reasonElectrode aging, calibration errors, or reference electrode failure.
   • processRecalibrate, if the slope remains low (e.g.<90%), replace the electrode.
4. zero drift
   • reasonTemperature changes, contamination of storage solution, or changes in electrode internal resistance.
   • processEnable temperature compensation, replace storage fluid, calibrate zero point.

5、 Tips for extending service life

1. avoidharshcondition
   • Do not measure strong acids (pH<1), strong bases (pH>13), or high-temperature solutions (>80 ℃) to prevent the dissolution or aging of the glass film.
2. Reduce mechanical stress
   • Use a dedicated protective cover during transportation or storage to avoid collision or compression of the glass film.
3. Regularly activate
   • When not in use for a long time, remove the probe and immerse it in KCl solution once a month to activate it and prevent electrode passivation.
4. Record maintenance logs
   • Record the calibration date, storage solution replacement time, and fault symptoms for easy tracking of electrode status.