How to store your pH electrodes

Proper maintenance and care are key to keeping your pH electrodes in good condition for accurate, reliable measurement. Storage of your electrodes is as important as cleaning and calibration, extending the lifetime of your electrode.

Why is it important to store your electrodes correctly?

Correct storage is essential for ensuring the accuracy and longevity of your pH electrode. The reference cell in an electrode contains a high-salt solution that can dry out. Keeping the electrode moist prevents this problem for continually accurate readings.

The solution you use to store your electrodes is as important as keeping the electrode moist. Purified water, such as deionised or distilled water, shortens the lifespan of pH electrodes as the salt contained within the reference cell diffuses out and water enters the cell, leading to a slow response time.

Storage solution is specifically formulated to maintain the concentration of salt within the reference cell. Antibacterial and antifungal chemicals are also included within Hanna storage solution to preserve the electrode ready for use while preventing contamination.

How to safely store your pH electrodes

Electrode storage for portable meters

• Remove the protective cap from the pH electrode
• Pipette a small amount of storage solution into the cap
• Replace the cap on the pH electrode
• Repeat every time you use your electrode

Electrode storage for bench meters

• Pour enough storage solution into a beaker to cover the bulb and reference cell of the electrode
• Place the pH electrode in the beaker
• Repeat steps above each time you use your pH electrode, using fresh storage solution each time

If your pH electrode is dry, you can soak it in storage solution for several hours or overnight to rehydrate.

What solution should you use to store electrodes?

Storage solution is always the best option for storing electrodes, as it is specifically formulated for this purpose to preserve the life of your pH electrode. However, if storage solution is not available, using pH 7 or pH 4 buffer can provide a temporary solution to store your electrodes safely.

Buy electrode storage solution from Hanna Instruments UK

Hanna Instruments stocks storage solution for all of our pH electrodes, providing a practical and easy way to store your electrodes correctly. Browse our pH solutions online here.

Contact us via email or phone us at 01525 850 855 to speak to our specialists about the different instrumentation, accessories and solutions available to suit your testing requirements.