Monday, April 27, 2009

How do I calibrate my electrode?

pH Electrode Calibration Procedure

All pH electrodes require calibration from time to time. A two point calibration characterizes an electrode with a specific pH meter. Once an electrode is characterized, the electrode/meter pair can be used to determine the pH of a solution. Please follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to perform a two point calibration. A 7.00 pH buffer solution and a 4.01 pH buffer solution are required.

1) Rinse the electrode thoroughly with D.I. water to remove all traces of storage solution, process medium, or previous test solution. Thoroughly rinse the electrode after each buffer test to prevent carry over contamination of the pH buffer solutions. Gently blot the electrode on a soft tissue to remove the excess rinse water. Do not rub the bulb since it can cause a static charge build-up.

2) Insert the electrode and the A.T.C. (automatic temperature compensator) in 7.00 pH buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds for the electrode/A.T.C. to reach thermal equilibrium with the buffer solution. Adjust the pH meter with the standardize/zero control for a pH indication equal to 7.00.

Note: If the meter does not have an A.T.C., place a thermometer along with the electrode in the 7.00 pH buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds for the pair to reach thermal equilibrium with the buffer. Adjust the temperature dial on the meter to correspond with the thermometer reading. Then adjust the pH meter with the standardize/zero control for a pH indication equal to 7.00.

3) Repeat Step 1, and insert the electrode and the A.T.C. in a 4.01 buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds before adjusting the pH meter with the slope/span control for a pH indication equal to 4.01.

4) Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to maximize the precision of the calibration.

Notes:
a) Always use fresh pH buffer solutions for the most accurate results.

b) A 10.00 pH buffer solution may be substituted for the 4.01 pH buffer solution in Step 3. All pH buffer solutions above 7.00 pH are less
stable and have a limited life. These high pH buffers will more readily absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and will typically change to a lower pH value when left open. For this reason, a 4.01 buffer solution is recommended to perform a reliable two point calibration. Also, the buffers should bracket the desired pH range.

c) When a pH electrode is calibrated with an autocalibration meter, consult the meter’s operation manual for the required calibration procedure.

pH Electrode Storage Procedure

When a pH electrode is not in use, the bulb should be kept in a wetted environment. Dehydration of the bulb will temporarily impair the electrode’s performance. The following storage procedure is recommended when the electrode is not in use.

1) Short-Term: Immerse the electrode in 3.8M KCI solution (Broadley-James Part Number: AS-3120-C20-0500). Do not store electrode in D.I. water.

2) Long-Term: Fill soaker bottle (Broadley-James Part Number: AM-1050-12) with fresh 3.8M KCI solution and insert electrode. The soaker bottle O-ring should be securely in place, and the cap should be hand tightened. Do not store electrode in D.I. water.

pH Electrode Test Procedure

The purpose of this test is to determine if a pH electrode is functioning within acceptable limits. The A. P. (asymmetry potential) and slope (efficiency) can be used as guidelines to judge an electrode’s performance. Typically an electrode is replaced when the
A. P. is greater than ±20 mV and/or the slope drops below 91%. Consideration should also be given to the electrode’s speed of response. Please follow this step-by-step procedure to determine the performance of an electrode. Required test equipment includes 7.00 and 4.01 pH buffer solutions with a pH meter that has an mV readout.

1) Set the pH/mV switch on the pH meter to the mV position.

2) Connect a shorting plug to the input on the pH meter, or connect a precision mV generator with a 0 mV input. Adust the standardize/zero
control on the pH meter for a reading equal to 0.0 mV.

3) Disconnect the shorting plug/precision mV generator, and connect the electrode that will be tested.

4) Rinse the electrode thoroughly with D.I. water to remove all traces of storage solution, process medium, or previous test solution. Thoroughly rinse the electrode after each buffer test to prevent carry over contamination of the pH buffer solutions. Gently blot the electrode on a soft tissue to remove the excess rinse water. Do not rub the bulb since it can cause a static charge build-up.

5) Insert the electrode and the A.T.C. (automatic temperature compensator) in 7.00 pH buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds for the electrode/A.TC. to reach thermal equilibrium with the buffer solution. Record the polarity and the mV reading. This is the asymmetry potential of the electrode. Ideally the electrode should have an A. P. equal to 0 mV.

Note: If the meter does not have an A.T.C., place a thermometer along with the electrode in the 7.00 pH buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds for the pair to reach thermal equilibrium with the buffer. Adust the temperature dial on the meter to correspond with the thermometer reading. Record the polarity and the mV reading to determine the A. P.

6) Repeat Step 4, and insert the electrode and the A.T.C. in a 4.01 buffer solution. Allow 30 seconds before recording the mV reading.

7) Determine the mathematical difference between the two mV readings. This is the electrode’s span.

8) Divide the electrode’s span by the theoretical span of 176.9 mV (at 25ºC) and multiply by 100. This determines the slope of the electrode.
Note: For best results, the pH buffer solutions should be used at 25ºC. Otherwise, record the temperature of the buffer and determine the temperature adjusted pH with the temperature coefficient charts printed on the buffer container.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Safety Slogans

A Collection of Safety Slogans:

Success is no accident

Never forget about safety

BEST BE Safe Today

Stand up for safety

Work safely to-day and every day

Speak up for safety

Be aware Take care

Zero compromise towards safety

Safety is no accident

Always think safety no matter what the task

Always look after No.1 and if you need help just ask

Think safety avoid unsafe acts

Play it safe

Know safety No Accidents

The first 3 letters in workplace safety YOU

More waste prevention + more recycling =Less waste = Less landfill

Even in a hi-tech world you eyes are still your greatest asset

Check for safety then recheck

Put your brakes on speed

Think safety - it couldn't hurt

Every accident - every - time if it's predictable it's preventable

Have you an eye for safety or are you blinded by bad habits

Never give safety a day off

Let safety be a sponge - soak it up

Safety is a way of life

Risk - is is worth it?

Safety begins with No. 1

Your good health is your greatest wealth

Stop unsafe acts now

Be sure be safe

Safety first and last longer

Safety - it's in your hands

Be aware - Take care

Safety is free use it generously

Safety is our business too

Accident prevention - Your No. 1 intention

Hear to-day gone tomorrow - use you hearing protection

Think positive an accident is only an attitude away

Safety is success by purpose - Not Accident

Safety records don't happen by accident

If you are aware of it take care of it

Safety is the most productive business

Safety begins with teamwork

Watch your step - it could be your last

Zero tolerance on safety

Safety awareness saves lives

Safety - a good friend to take home

Better to lock out than luck out

Make safety a reality and don't be a fatality

When walkways freeze - walk safely please

Safety First, Last and Always

The goal must be zero accidents

You will achieve the level of safety excellence that you demonstrate you want

Failing to prepare = Prepare to fail

Safe to do? Ask

Work smarter not harder

Don't get caught in the web of unsafe acts

Wipe up and avoid a slip up

We need you - work safely

Working without safety is a dead end job

Don't get caught with your guard off - it could be disarming

Guard against man eating machines

Safety is our goal what's yours?

Do the do's not the don't s

To avoid a scene keep your workplace clean

Stop! Think! Then Act!

A harness is better than a hearse

Be aware of slips and trips

Zero in on safety

Team up to safety

Safety starts with S but begins with you

The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense

Safety is a state of mind - Accidents are an abscence of mind

A wound neglected is a wound infected

Normal speed meets every need

Stop accidents before they stop you

Look sharp don't get cut

Before you start be safety smart

Safety is a full time job - don't make it a part time practice

10 fingers. 10 toes, If you are not safe Who knows?

You get what you inspect, not what you expect

Work safely or Hurt greatly

Safety comes before schedule only in the dictionary

The safety risk is the one you didn't take

KISS Keep it Safe and Sound

A casual attitude towards safety = CASUALTY

Safety is as simple as ABC - Always Be Careful

You safety gears are between your ears

Make your plant the best - safer than all the rest

Know safety - No injury, No safety - Know injury

Get the safety habit

Don't fix the blame, fix the problem

Hearing protection is a sound investment

One safe act can lead to another

Tell me- I forget, Show me - I remember, Involve me - I'committed

Communication
Urge
Leadership
Teamwork
Understanding
Recognition
Empowerment
Shortcuts cut life short

No Safety - Know Pain, Know Safety - No Pain

It's better to correct an unsafe friend than to bury one

You can eat with false teeth, you can't see with a glass eye

Be a safety hero - score an accident zero

Safety - it's the tool for LIFE

Safety comes in a can, I can, You can, We can be safe

When you gamblw with safety you bet your life

Safety has no time out

New Year Resolution - if its unsafe I will find a solution

Safety - Live with it

Safety - everyone's full time job

When in doubt get out

Safety in - we win

The chance taker is the accident maker

Lifting's a breeze when you bend at the knees

Safety Glasses - All in favor say EYE

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Gas Flow Calculation

Gas Flow Calculation
Flowmeters are calibrated for a specific gas (e.g. nitrogen for the RTA). To calculate the flow rate of another gas, multiply the reading by the ratio of the conversion factor or the desired gas to the conversion factor for the calibration gas. For example on the RTA (calibrated for nitrogen), if the indication is 200 ml/min and the gas is Argon, the actual flow rate is 200 * 1.443=288 ml/min.
GAS FACTOR
Nitrogen 1.00
Oxygen .996
Argon 1.443
Air 1.00
Helium 1.454
Water Vapor 0.817