56
The resistance of glass electrodes partially depends on the temperature. The lower
the temperature, the higher the resistance. It takes more time for the reading to
stabilize if the resistance is higher. In addition, the response time will suffer to a
greater degree at temperatures below 25 ºC (77 ºF).
Since the resistance of the pH electrode is in the range of 50 – 200 Mohm, the
current across the membrane is in the pico Ampere range. Large currents can
disturb the calibration of the electrode for many hours.
For these reasons high humidity environments, short circuits and static discharges
are detrimental to a stable pH reading.
The pH electrode’s life also depends on the temperature. If constantly used at
high temperatures, the electrode life is drastically reduced.
TEMPERATURE CORRELATIONTEMPERATURE CORRELATION
TEMPERATURE CORRELATIONTEMPERATURE CORRELATION
TEMPERATURE CORRELATION
FOR FOR
FOR FOR
FOR
pp
pp
p
H SENSITIVE GLASSH SENSITIVE GLASS
H SENSITIVE GLASSH SENSITIVE GLASS
H SENSITIVE GLASS
Typical Electrode Life
Ambient Temperature 1 – 3 years
90 ºC (194 ºF) Less than 4 months
120 ºC (248 ºF) Less than 1 month
Alkaline Error
High concentrations of sodium ions interfere with readings in alkaline
solutions. The pH at which the interference starts to be significant depends
upon the composition of the glass. This interference is called alkaline error and
causes the pH to be underestimated. Hanna’s glass formulations have the
indicated characteristics.
1.0 Mol L
-1
Na
+
0.1 Mol L
-1
Na
+
Sodium Ion Correction for the Glass at 20-25 ºC (68-77 ºF)
Concentration pH Error
13.00
13.50
14.00
12.50
13.00
13.50
14.00
0.10
0.14
0.20
0.10
0.18
0.29
0.40