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Need help?Do you have a question about the Apera Instruments 201-C and is the answer not in the manual?
Insert and lock the electrode's BNC connector into the pH meter socket.
Conduct a 3-point calibration after installation to ensure accuracy.
Loosen storage bottle cap, remove electrode, and place bottle safely.
Rinse with purified water, blot dry, do not rub the glass membrane.
Rinse with purified water; use specific solutions for contaminants like metal oxides or resins.
Keep glass bulb sensor submerged in KCL storage solution; avoid pure water storage.
Keep connector clean and dry using isopropyl alcohol to prevent short circuits.
Electrodes age; replace if response slows or slope is below 90%, typically 1-2 years.
The Apera Instruments 201-C pH Electrode is a specialized tool designed for precise pH measurements in general water solutions. It incorporates a proprietary lithium glass membrane, which is engineered to deliver fast and stable readings, a critical feature for efficient and reliable laboratory or field work. A significant advantage of this electrode is its gel inner reference solution, eliminating the need for frequent refilling, which simplifies maintenance and enhances user convenience. The electrode's design focuses on ease of use and consistent performance across a range of applications involving water-based samples.
However, it's important to note that while versatile, the 201-C pH Electrode has specific limitations regarding its optimal operating conditions. It may not perform as effectively in solutions with consistently high temperatures, specifically those exceeding 122°F (50°C). Similarly, its accuracy can be compromised when frequently used in highly alkaline solutions (pH > 12) or strongly acidic solutions (pH < 2). Users should also be aware that the electrode might not yield accurate results in low ionic strength solutions, such as distilled or deionized water, due to the inherent challenges in measuring pH in such environments. Furthermore, the polycarbonate housing of the electrode is susceptible to corrosion from caustic solutions, which could affect its longevity and performance. Therefore, careful consideration of the sample type and conditions is crucial for achieving the best results with this electrode.
To ensure proper functionality and accurate measurements, the installation process of the 201-C pH Electrode is straightforward. Users need to locate the BNC socket on their pH meter, typically labeled "pH ORP." After removing the rubber cap, the blue BNC connector of the electrode is inserted into the socket and twisted clockwise until it securely locks into place. Following the installation of a new electrode, a crucial step for ensuring accuracy is to perform a 3-point calibration. This calibration process helps to align the electrode's readings with known pH standards, thereby guaranteeing reliable measurements.
Using the electrode involves a few simple steps to maintain its sensitivity and ensure accurate readings. The electrode is shipped with a proper amount of storage solution in a dedicated storage bottle, which keeps the pH glass sensor tip immersed and sensitive. Before any measurement, the user must loosen the bottle cap, then carefully pull out the electrode with a counterclockwise twist, placing the storage bottle in a safe location. It is essential to rinse the electrode with purified water and gently shake off any excess water or blot-dry it with a clean tissue or filter paper. A critical caution here is never to rub the glass membrane, as this can damage the delicate sensor. Once prepared, the electrode is inserted into the sample solution and stirred for a few seconds to dislodge any potential air bubbles that could lead to unstable readings. After allowing time for the reading to stabilize, the measurement can be taken. Following use, the electrode should be reinserted into its storage bottle with a clockwise twist to secure it, and the bottle cap tightened. If the KCL storage solution in the cap appears contaminated, it should be replaced with new storage solution (SKU: AI1107), as other brands' storage solutions may not be compatible with this electrode.
Maintaining the 201-C pH Electrode is vital for its longevity and continued accuracy. A fundamental practice is to rinse the electrode with purified water (distilled or deionized water) before and after every test and calibration. For general contaminants that adhere to the glass bulb sensor, a gentle cleaning with warm soap water and a soft brush is recommended. For more specific contaminants, a detailed cleaning guide is provided. For instance, inorganic metal oxides can be cleaned with dilute acid (less than 1mol/L), while resin macromolecules respond well to dilute alcohol, acetone, or ether. Proteinaceous hematocyte sediments require an acidic enzymatic solution, such as saccharated yeast tablets, and paints can be removed using dilute bleacher or peroxide.
Beyond cleaning, proper storage is paramount. The glass bulb sensor must always be covered by the KCL storage solution (SKU: AI1107) in the storage cap when the electrode is not in use. It is crucial never to store pH electrodes in pure water sources like RO water, tap water, distilled water, or deionized water, as this can cause irreversible damage to the electrode. The electrode connector should be kept clean and dry. If it becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with cotton balls soaked in isopropyl alcohol and then blow-dried to prevent a potential short circuit that could impair the electrode's performance. It's important to understand that pH electrodes have a finite lifespan; they naturally age with normal use and will eventually fail. The typical service life of a pH electrode is generally 1-2 years. If the electrode's response becomes unusually slow, or if the slope falls below 90% (a metric often displayed by Apera portable/benchtop pH meters between calibration points), it indicates that it's time to replace the electrode with a new one to maintain measurement accuracy.
The 201-C pH Electrode comes with a limited warranty, ensuring it is free from defects in material and workmanship. Apera Instruments commits to repairing or replacing any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to their responsibility for a period of six months from the delivery date, free of charge. However, this warranty does not cover damages resulting from accidental damage, issues during transportation or storage, improper use, failure to adhere to product instructions, unauthorized repairs, normal wear and tear, or any other actions or events beyond the reasonable control of Apera Instruments. This comprehensive approach to design, usage, and maintenance ensures that users can rely on the 201-C pH Electrode for consistent and accurate pH measurements in appropriate applications.
General| Model | 201-C |
|---|---|
| Category | Measuring Instruments |
| pH Resolution | 0.01 pH |
| Conductivity Measurement Range | 0 to 20.00 mS/cm |
| Display | LCD |
| Type | pH/Conductivity Meter |
| pH Range | 0.00 to 14.00 pH |
| pH Accuracy | ±0.01 pH |
| Conductivity Resolution | 0.01 mS/cm |
| Conductivity Accuracy | ±1% |
| Temperature Compensation | Automatic |
| Power Supply | 4 x AAA batteries |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5°C (±1°F) |
| Calibration | pH: 1 to 3 points automatic calibration; Conductivity: 1 to 2 points automatic calibration |
