pH Sensor Do not leave the electrode in acids or bases with concentrations greater than 1.

0 M
(Order Code PH-BTA) for periods longer than 5 minutes. See www.vernier.com/ph-sensors for other types
of pH electrodes.
The pH Sensor can be used for any lab or
demonstration that can be done with a traditional pH Videos
meter, including acid-base titrations, monitoring pH in an aquarium, and View videos related to this product at www.vernier.com/ph-bta
investigating the water quality of streams and lakes.
Calibration
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not For many experiments, calibrating the pH Sensor is not required. A calibration
designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial equation is stored on each pH Sensor before they are shipped, which is used as a
process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing default by Vernier.
process, or industrial testing of any kind. For the most accurate measurements with this sensor, we recommend calibration.
It is a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
What's Included l For instructions for pH Sensor calibration using Logger Pro computer
l pH Sensor
software, see www.vernier.com/til/2341
l Electrode Storage bottle, containing pH 4/KCl solution
l For instructions for pH Sensor calibration using LabQuest App, see
www.vernier.com/til/3394
Compatible Software and Interfaces l For instructions for pH Sensor calibration using Graphical Analysis with a
See www.vernier.com/manuals/ph-bta for a list of interfaces and software
Chromebook, see www.vernier.com/til/3631
compatible with the pH Sensor. l For instructions for pH Sensor calibration using Graphical Analysis with an
Getting Started iOS or Android device, see www.vernier.com/til/3630
1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 3, etc.). In order to calibrate a pH Sensor, or to confirm that a saved pH calibration is
2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Vernier Graphical Analysis®, accurate, you should have a supply of pH buffer solutions that cover the range of
LabQuest® App, or Logger Pro™) if not already running, and choose New the pH values you will be measuring. For more information about pH buffer
from File menu. The software will identify the sensor and load a default solutions, including recipes for preparation, see www.vernier.com/til/3625
data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.
If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad® or Specifications
Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless interface, please see the following link for Type Sealed, gel-filled, polycarbonate body, Ag/AgCl
up-to-date connection information: Temperature range 5 to 80°C (readings not compensated)
www.vernier.com/start/ph-bta
Range pH 0–14
Using the Product Accuracy ± 0.2 pH units
1. Remove the storage bottle from the electrode by unscrewing the lid and
removing the bottle and lid. Isopotential pH pH 7 (point at which temperature has no effect)
2. Thoroughly rinse the lower section of the probe, especially around the Default calibration values slope: –3.838
bulb-shaped tip, using distilled or deionized water.
intercept: 13.720
3. Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this
user manual. Shaft diameter 12 mm OD
4. When you are finished making measurements, rinse the electrode with distilled
water. Care and Maintenance
5. Slide the cap onto the electrode body, and then screw the cap onto the storage Short-term storage (up to 24 hours): Place the electrode in pH 4 or pH 7 buffer
bottle so the tip of the electrode is immersed in the storage solution. solution. It should never be stored in distilled water.
Important: Do not fully submerge the sensor. The handle is not waterproof. Long-term storage (more than 24 hours): Store the electrode in a pH 4
buffer/KCl storage solution in the storage bottle. The pH electrode is shipped in

1
this solution. Vernier sells 500 mL bottles of pH Storage Solution (order code 1. Soak the pH Electrode for 4–8 hours in an HCl solution of 0.1 M–0.5 M.
PH-SS), or you can prepare additional storage solution by adding 10 g of solid 2. Rinse off the electrode and soak the tip in freshly prepared long term storage
potassium chloride (KCl) to 100 mL of pH 4 buffer solution. Vernier sells a solution (recipe above) for 30–60 minutes.
pH Buffer Capsule kit (PH-BUFCAP) that includes a buffer solution preservative. 3. Rinse the electrode and test it with buffer solutions of known pH.
Storing the electrode in this solution contributes to electrode longevity and retains Occasionally, mold will grow in the pH 4 buffer/storage solution. Mold will not
electrode response time when the unit is placed back into service. harm the electrode and can easily be removed using a mild detergent solution.
If the electrode is inadvertently stored dry for a short period of time, immerse the Mold growth in the storage solution can be inhibited by adding a buffer
tip in the pH 4 buffer/KCl storage solution for a minimum of 8 hours prior to use. preservative.
If the readings are still not accurate after calibration or if the response is slow, try For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1361
shocking the sensor as described in the Troubleshooting section.
Repair Information
How the Sensor Works If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting
The pH amplifier inside the handle is a circuit that allows the standard steps, and are still having trouble with your pH Sensor, contact Vernier Technical
combination pH electrode to be monitored by a lab interface. The cable from the Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will
pH amplifier ends in a BTA plug. work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time,
The pH Sensor produces a voltage of approximately 1.75 volts in a pH 7 buffer. a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and
The voltage increases by about 0.25 volts for every pH number decrease. The instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
voltage decreases by about 0.25 volts/pH number as the pH increases.
Accessories/Replacements
The Vernier gel-filled pH Sensor is designed to make measurements in the pH
Item Order Code
range of 0 to 14. The gel-filled reference half cell is sealed; it cannot be refilled.
Electrode Storage Solution, 500 mL PH-SS
The pH Sensor is designed to be used in aqueous solutions. The polycarbonate pH Buffer Capsules (3×10) kit PH-BUFCAP
body of the sensor can be damaged by many organic solvents. In addition, do not Storage Solution Bottles, pkg of 5 BTL
use the sensor in solutions containing: perchlorates, silver ions, sulfide ions,
biological samples with high concentrations of proteins, or Tris buffered solutions. Warranty
Do not use the sensor with hydrofluoric acid or in acid or base solutions with a Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
concentration greater than 1.0 molar. workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the customer.
This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper
Troubleshooting use. This warranty covers educational institutions only. Additionally, the warranty
When testing a pH Sensor, it is best to measure a buffer solution because it is
does not cover accidental breakage of the glass bulb of the pH Sensor.
easier to determine if the sensor is reading correctly. Do not test your sensor by
measuring distilled water. Distilled water can have a pH reading in the range of
5.5–7.0, due to varying amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide. Furthermore, due to
a lack of ions, the pH values reported with the sensor in distilled water will be
erratic.
Vernier Science Education
If your pH Sensor is reading differently from the pH of a buffer solution (e.g., 13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
reads 6.7 in a buffer 7), you may simply need to calibrate the sensor. See the Toll Free (888) 837-6437 • (503) 277-2299 • Fax (503) 277-2440
Calibration section for more information. info@vernier.com • www.vernier.com
Rev. 2/26/2024
Examine the glass bulb. If it is broken, pH readings will be incorrect.
Vernier Graphical Analysis, LabQuest, LabQuest Mini, Logger Pro, and other marks shown are our trademarks or
If your readings are off by several pH values, the pH readings do not change when registered trademarks in the United States.
moved from one buffer solution to a buffer solution of different pH, the sensor iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
was stored dry for an extended period of time, or the sensor’s response seems All other marks not owned by us that appear herein are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not
be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by us.
slow, the problem may be more serious. A method called “shocking” can be used
to revive pH electrodes. To shock your pH Sensor, perform the following: