To Consort website  |  Print page

User Tools

Site Tools


Action disabled: source
guide_to_troubleshooting

Guide to troubleshooting for pH/ORP/Ion

When a measurement problem arises, it is best to try to locate the cause first. Here's a list of all possible reasons that might cause measurement issues:

Readings are not reproducible

  • Is there sample carryover?
  • Are there sample interferences or complexing agents present?
  • Is the reference electrode junction contaminated?

Slow response (Reading are changing slowly)

  • Was the electrode stored in the wrong solution?
  • Was the electrode poisoned by the sample?

Out of range

  • Is the electrode plugged into the controller properly?
  • Is there a reference electrode present?
  • Is there enough fill solution left in the reference electrode?
  • Is the electrode placed in the sample solution?

Low slope or no slope

  • Are the standards too old, contaminated, or made wrong?
  • Has the sample pH been adjusted properly to the operating range of the electrode?
  • Is there an air bubble on electrode surface?
  • Is the controller okay?
  • Is there enough fill solution left in the reference electrode?

Noisy response (Readings are changing randomly)

  • Is the controller grounded?
  • Is there an air bubble on electrode surface?
  • Is the controller operating properly?
  • Is there enough fill solution left in the reference electrode?

Drifty response (Readings are changing continuously)

  • Is there excessive leaking at the reference electrode junction?
  • Is the reference electrode junction clogged?
  • Was the sensing membrane poisoned by the sample?
  • Are there temperature problems?
  • Is the sample too concentrated?
  • Does the sensing membrane need conditioning?

Inaccurate readings (calibration is ok ...)

  • Are the standards incorrect?
  • Was the sample pH adjusted properly?
  • Is there sample carryover?
  • Are there sample interferences or complexing agents present?
guide_to_troubleshooting.txt · Last modified: 18/10/2019 07:54 by pieter