A pH meter is one of the basic instruments required in all laboratories, from school laboratories to commercial and industrial laboratories. Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid, a pH meter is an electronic device consisting of a measuring probe that is connected to an electronic meter that shows the pH reading.
The different applications of a pH meter
pH measurement instruments such as the pH meter are used in various applications across various sectors, including:
- Agriculture – to measure the pH of soil and fertilisers, grains, fruits and vegetables, and more.
- Food and Beverages – to check the flavour, shelf life and freshness of various food and beverages, such as meat, fish, dairy products, juices, alcoholic beverages and sauce.
- Healthcare – to test drugs and liquid syrups, as well as other clinical applications like blood chemistry.
- Paper, Textiles, Paints and Dyestuff – to ensure wastewater produced in plants does not cause damage to the equipment and environment; to ensure the right pH value in the dying process; to get the right consistency in paints, etc.
- Water Analysis – to test the quality of swimming pools, pure water, environmental remediation, and more.
- Cosmetics – to monitor a product’s quality and consistency during manufacturing.
- Electrochemistry – to ensure quality and consistency in the processes of plating, metal surface etching and battery assembly.
The advantages of using a pH meter
There are a number of benefits to using a pH meter instead of test strips and other traditional titration experiments.
Firstly, pH meters are a lot easier to use than test strips or titration experiments. Reading a colour strip or a pH indicator can be subjective, as the range of colours may be read differently depending on the observer. A pH meter, on the other hand, shows the result instantly and clearly on a digital display, leaving little room for error.
pH meters are also more accurate and precise than other pH measurement methods. The pH meter is able to measure down to the 0.01th of pH unit, and, as mentioned above, the pH meter is a lot more accurate than other measurement methods as it does not rely on a colour strip or indicator. As long as they are properly calibrated and maintained, pH meters are an extremely reliable testing tool.
Another advantage of pH meters is that they are portable and can be easily transported around, ideal for field use. There are generally two types of pH meters – benchtop meters and portable meters. Benchtop models are designed to be used in laboratories, and usually offer more advanced functionality, although they come in a higher price tag. Portable meters, meanwhile, are small, lightweight handheld devices that are ideal for the field, and are mostly waterproof and durable.
Top quality digital pH meters in Australia
From research to safety protocols, a versatile pH meter is an indispensable multipurpose tool.
The Ohaus Starter 2100 is a good multifunction tool that is capable of measuring pH, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and oxidation reduction potential.
This is the perfect bench meter for those looking for a cost-effective pH meter that will deliver reliable measurements without fail. Its built-in, adjustable electrode arm makes it simple and convenient to operate, and the auto buffer recognition helps to avoid errors during the calibration process.
Other features include: five clearly marked keys and user friendly software, large LCD display screen, and automatic temperature compensation.
To find out more about pH meters or other laboratory scales and equipment, please contact our team directly.
