4.

4 pH ­electrodes for specific applications

pH Theory Guide
Now that we have seen what different types of junctions, electrolytes
and membranes exist in pH electrodes, we will have a look at what this
means for the measurement of the pH in different systems.

4.4.1 Highly accurate problem solver

A highly accurate problem solver pH electrode is sufficient for routine
measurements in most applications where a lot of aqueous solutions
are tested. The ­advantage of this kind of pH electrode is that it is very
easy to use and is also very robust. In general, these electrodes are
made of glass and have a ­ceramic junction. They are also refillable,
which means that you can refill the electrolyte thereby cleaning the
electrode and prolonging its lifetime. For example, an electrode of
choice for these simple measurements is the InPro 200x (i).

Figure 27 InPro 200x (i)

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4.4.2 Complex samples or such of unknown ­composition
Measuring the pH of complex samples can be somewhat tricky, since
dirt in the sample can hinder correct measurements. Examples of such
applications are soil acidity measurements, quality control in foodstuffs
such as soups and measurements in colloidal chemical systems. The
risk of blockages with such samples would be very high if you were to
use a pH electrode with a ceramic junction. Therefore it is best to use a
pH e­ lectrode with an open junction such as the InPro 426x which has
a solid state polymer reference electrolyte Xerolyt® Extra (METTLER
TOLEDO patent). This electrode has a hole in the shaft which allows
direct contact between the electrolyte and sample.

Figure 28 InPro 426x (i)

It offers the following advantages:

• Insensitivity to flow variations.
• Especially adapted for low ionic content media and organic solvents.
• Particularly insensitive to anionic salt contents such as nitrate, sul-
fate, carbonate.
• Dual-open junction between sample medium and reference electro-
lyte (no diaphragm means no clogging) allows reliable measure-
ments in heavily contaminated process media, in suspensions and
emulsions, and in solutions containing protein.
• Particularly efficient in sulfide-bearing media.

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 4.4.3 Semi-solid or solid samples
pH Theory Guide
Standard pH electrodes are generally not able to withstand the pressure
of being pushed into a solid sample; therefore you need a special elec-
trode which is able to penetrate the sample in order to measure the pH.
The shape of the membrane is also important as it needs to be formed
in such a way as to ensure a large contact area with the sample, even
if the electrode is pushed into the sample with force.

The METTLER TOLEDO electrodes most suitable for these kinds of appli-
cations are the Puncture pH Electrodes. While their spear-shaped
point enables them to pierce the sample, the membrane shape ensures
accurate measurements. The Puncture pH Electrode also has an open
junction, which further prevents the junction from being blocked by the
(semi-) solid sample. This electrode is typically used for quality control
or checking production processes of cheese and meat.

Figure 29 Puncture pH electrode

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4.4.4 At the toughest applications in chemical ­process ­industries
With a long diffusion path, pH electrodes can be highly resistant to oxi-
dizing media, solvents, and acid or alkali solutions, and they enable
operation at particularly high process pressures. A dirt repellent annu-
lar junction (PTFE) can prevent the dirt clogging on the diaphragm
surface.

METTLER TOLEDO‘s InPro 480x offer reliable measurements in oxidiz-

ing media, in strong acid or alkali solutions, also at high process
pressures and temperatures. The flat glass membrane version with an
integrated auxiliary platinum electrode (SG) is available for media con-
taining a high amount of particles.

Figure 30 InPro 480x (i)

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 4.4.5 Prepressurized electrolyte pH electrodes
pH Theory Guide
These electrodes have been designed for use at medium operating
pressures and in particular where reliable and highly accurate mea-
surements are of special importance.

METTLER TOLEDO‘s InPro 325x (i) series is available with an ex-

panded selection of different pH-sensitive glass membranes. This se-
ries delivers high measurement performance under the most diverse
operating conditions, both in chemical and biotech processes. The
following features make the InPro 325x series of pH electrodes de-
pendable measurement tools in demanding applications:

• Extended operating life and precise measurement values:

Any ingress of process medium into the reference system is avoided
by (pre-)pressurization of the liquid electrolyte. Permanent overpres-
sure within the electrode ensures that the diaphragm is continuously
cleaned by the action of the constant outflow of small amounts of
electrolyte through the diaphragm.
• Resistance to potential measurement problems at the diaphragm:
The silver-ion barrier integrated in the reference system prevents con-
tamination or plugging of the diaphragm by black silver sulfide dur-
ing measurements in process media containing sulfides or amino
acids.

Figure 31 InPro 325x (i)

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