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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Water Quality Meters Australia

Calibration Solution

Precision is crucial in water quality assessment to ensure accurate readings. Calibration solutions are essential for fine-tuning instruments, preventing inaccurate results that could endanger health, harm ecosystems, or disrupt industrial operations.

Relying on inaccurate readings can lead to incorrect conclusions, potentially resulting in health risks, environmental damage, or compromised industrial processes.

pH Buffers: Standard pH calibration buffers have a shelf life of 6 months when unopened. Proper storage away from temperature extremes and light is critical to maintaining their stability.

Conductivity Standards: With a longer shelf life of 12 months, unopened conductivity solutions are generally more stable. However, proper storage in cool, dry conditions remains essential.

Turbidity Standards:

  • 8 NTU and 80 NTU Standards: These have a shorter shelf life of 2 months when unopened, making it essential to plan usage accordingly.
  • 400 NTU Standard: This higher-concentration standard is more stable, with a shelf life of 6 months unopened.

Zero Oxygen Solutions: These solutions, used for dissolved oxygen calibration, also have a shelf life of 6 months. Degradation over time can affect their ability to remove residual oxygen effectively.

ORP Standards: ORP calibration solutions should be used within 6 months of manufacture, as chemical degradation can alter their effectiveness over time.

Calibration frequency depends on the instrument type, usage, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, pH meters should be calibrated before each use or daily, while other parameters like conductivity and DO may require less frequent calibration (e.g., weekly or monthly).

Our calibration solutions are readily available on our website for your convenience. They are designed to provide reliable results for your water quality assessment needs.

Compact (Pocket Meters)

The lifespan of the sensor head on a Laqua Twin pocket meter can vary depending on factors such as frequency of use, maintenance, and the specific type of sensor. Typically, with proper care and maintenance, sensor heads can last for 1-2 years. However, it’s essential to regularly calibrate and clean the sensors according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

For maintenance notes on the pH pocket meter, click the link below:
Proper Maintenance Procedures for LAQUAtwin pH Sensors

  • Always turn OFF the meter before attaching or detaching the sensor.
  • If the meter is turned ON with the sensor detached, the battery alarm may activate. If this occurs, turn OFF the meter, attach the sensor, and then turn ON the meter again.
  • Ensure that the sensor tongue is outside the meter case to avoid damaging the connector. Inserting the tongue between the case and the connector may cause damage.
  • When removing the sensor, prevent water from entering the meter. If moisture remains on the waterproof gasket, wipe it off to prevent any damage.

Detaching the sensor:

  1. Lift the sensor tongue tip and slide the sensor slightly away from the meter.
  2. Pull out the sensor completely from the meter.

Attaching the sensor:

  1. Ensure that the waterproofing gasket is clean and undamaged.
  2. Slide the sensor onto the meter, ensuring that catch “A” on the back of the meter fits into hole “a” on the sensor tongue. Be cautious not to twist the waterproof gasket.

Most plants thrive in soil with a pH range of 6.0–7.5, as this allows for optimal nutrient availability. To measure soil pH, mix a soil sample with water to create an aqueous solution and use a pH meter or test kit to determine the pH level.

For further details, click the link below:
Soil pH and Nutrient Availability

Bench Meters

Consider the parameters you need to measure, the required accuracy, budget, and whether you need a portable or stationary instrument.

Portable Meters

Horiba portable meters are known for their high accuracy and reliability. Depending on the model, these meters can provide precise measurements within specified tolerances (e.g., ±0.01 pH units, ±1% of reading for conductivity).

Yes, many Horiba portable meters come with data logging capabilities. They can store measurement data internally for later retrieval and analysis using dedicated software or transfer to a computer via USB.

Turbidity Meters

A turbidity meter measures the amount of light that is scattered by particles suspended in a liquid. It typically uses a light source and a detector to quantify the turbidity of a sample.

U-50 Meters

The pH sensor assembly should be flushed with clean water after each use. Before use, the small plastic cap on the pH glass sensor should be removed, and after use, the rubber cap should be filled with a couple of drops of tap water and replaced over the glass sensor to keep it clean and moist. It’s crucial to avoid letting the pH glass sensor dry out over time, as it can affect pH measurement accuracy. The glass sensor tip may be wiped with a damp tissue to remove dirt buildup, but fingers should not touch the glass sensor. Additionally, it’s important to regularly top up the pH reference electrode with potassium chloride (KCl) #330 internal electrolyte solution supplied with the U-50, and to replace the liquid junction cap (liquid junction cap) if it becomes clogged with dirt, particularly in samples with oil, grease, or high levels of suspended solids. The internal electrolyte solution in the reference tip should be completely replaced every 2-3 months to prevent solidification or crystallization. Shelf life of the electrolyte solution is approximately 24 months if stored properly. During storage, a small piece of electrical or vinyl tape may be used to cover the liquid junction cap, but it must be removed before use. It’s also advised not to unscrew the whole pH reference electrode from the sensor assembly unless it needs to be replaced. Regular two-point calibration with pH7 and pH4 (or pH10) solutions will ensure accurate pH readings, with pH7 calibration done first. Always rinse the probe with calibration solution and pat dry with a tissue between calibrations.

For pH Maintenance for HORIBA U-50, click the link below:
pH Maintenance for HORIBA U-50 Water Quality Meter

After use, rinse the probe in clean water. If the probe has been used in very dirty water, immerse it in lukewarm water with a couple of drops of mild detergent for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Regular cleaning of the conductivity electrode is necessary to prevent the buildup of dirt. Before calibration, rinse the probe with the calibration standard solution to ensure accuracy. Even small traces of previous calibration solution or rinse water can affect the accuracy of conductivity calibration. It is a good idea to keep a small quantity of used calibration solution for rinsing purposes.

To clean the turbidity chamber effectively, utilize the supplied tube brush along with a mild detergent, with a few drops in 500ml of lukewarm water, repeating this process every 2 months. It’s crucial to note that diluted formazin turbidity standards with concentrations less than 400 NTU have a limited shelf life and should not be stored for more than a few weeks. Formazin turbidity standards of 8 NTU and 80 NTU can be prepared by diluting a 400 NTU turbidity standard, for instance, mixing 100ml of 400 NTU turbidity standard with 400ml of distilled water yields an 80 NTU turbidity standard, while combining 50ml of 80 NTU standard with 450ml of distilled water produces an 8 NTU turbidity standard. Additionally, it’s important to ensure thorough mixing of the turbidity standard before use, as the formazin polymer tends to settle in the bottle. Lastly, remember that the turbidity sensor on the HORIBA model U-52 should be calibrated exclusively using formazin-based turbidity standards. Always follow these procedures for accurate measurement and calibration.

For the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) sensor, it’s advised to wipe over the DO membrane with a damp tissue once a month and perform maintenance every few months. When cleaning the gold cathode tip, avoid using sandpaper meant for the silver anode; instead, wipe it with a tissue or use the green polishing sheet provided with the DO filling solution if necessary, as coarse sandpaper can damage the gold plating. During replacement, firmly push the sensor into the socket, avoiding contact with the membrane, and apply downward pressure while tightening with the spanner, utilizing the flat side of the membrane mounting ring to hold the sensor in position until engaged. The DO sensor requires periodic maintenance, and instructions are provided with both the DO sensor and the U-50 instruction manual. When replacing the DO membrane cap, refill it with DO filling solution #306. Additionally, the U-50 series uses a polarographic type DO sensor, requiring a short polarization time after turning on the meter for stable readings. Allow approximately 15 minutes for polarization. Ensure water flow past the sensor for stable readings, adjusting the probe’s movement accordingly if water is stagnant. Stir the probe gently in shallow water or raise and lower it gently in deeper water until readings stabilize. If moving between sites, leave the meter on to maintain sensor polarization.

For Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Sensor Maintenance, click the link below:
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Sensor Maintenance Guide HORIBA U-50 Series

pH Electrodes

If you don’t have a HORIBA water quality meter, you can still use the universal HORIBA pH electrodes (excluding temperature) with any brand of meter that features a BNC connector. This compatibility allows you to enjoy the convenience of seamless integration with your existing equipment, making it a versatile choice for pH measurement regardless of the meter brand you use.

Conductivity Electrodes

A clean conductivity electrode is necessary in performing an accurate conductivity measurement. The choice of cleaning solution should effectively remove all contaminants based on sample tested without damaging the conductivity cell.

Clean the part of conductivity electrode in contact with sample using the appropriate solution. Then rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Abrasive objects should never be used in cleaning. A piece of cotton soaked in a cleaning solution can be used with caution.

  • General samples – Simply wash the conductivity cell with clean water. If there are sample residues clinging to the conductivity cell, immerse the conductivity cell in diluted detergent solution for 5 to 10 minutes while moderately stirring the solution.
  • Oily samples – Immerse the conductivity cell in warm, diluted detergent solution for 5 to 10 minutes while moderately stirring the solution.  Alternatively, wash or wipe the conductivity cell with acetone or ethanol.
  • Note: Never soak the plastic-body conductivity cell in organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone etc. because these solutions may damage it. Also, this action will void the warranty.
  • Lime or hydroxide-containing samples – Soak the conductivity cell in 1M HCl for 30 minutes. Alternatively, soak the conductivity cell in detergent solution containing 5% household bleach for 30 minutes.

For Conductivity Electrode Care and Maintenance, click the link below:
Conductivity Electrode Care and Maintenance Procedures

Support

We provide comprehensive after-sales services for all the products, including warranty coverage, service, calibration, technical support, and spare parts. The warranty assures that products are free from defects in materials and workmanship, with options for repair or replacement during the warranty period. The specific warranty period varies by product, and customers are advised to refer to the warranty provisions included with the product for details. When returning products for service, calibration, or warranty inspection, customers are responsible for shipping the items prepaid and insured to prevent damage in transit. Contact details must accompany all returned products. If the issue is determined to be covered by warranty, return freight to the customer will be covered by Australian Scientific. Once received, a repair technician evaluates the item and provides a report and price quote to the nominated contact person. Upon acceptance of the quote, the necessary work is carried out, and the equipment is returned with a detailed service or calibration report. Additionally, Australian Scientific’s factory-trained staff offers technical support to assist customers in selecting the most suitable product for their application and provide guidance on calibration, maintenance, and operation of the equipment.

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