pH, EC and ORP probes and buffer solutions in water treatment
Discover why correct pH, EC and ORP measurements are crucial for efficient water treatment. Read how to measure accurately with a pH meter, EC meter or measuring system and which Meytec probes and buffer solutions support you best.
In water treatment, pH, EC and ORP are three of the most closely monitored parameters. The pH value affects chemical reactions, corrosion, limescale deposits and the effectiveness of disinfectants. The EC value (electrical conductivity) indicates the total concentration of dissolved salts and minerals. The ORP value (oxidation-reduction potential) measures the capacity of the water to oxidise or disinfect. An incorrect pH, EC or ORP leads to inefficient processes, damage to installations or non-compliant effluent.
Why are pH, EC and ORP important in water treatment?
The pH value indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is, on a scale of 0 to 14. The EC value measures conductivity, expressed in µS/cm or mS/cm. The ORP value is measured in millivolts (mV) and indicates the balance between oxidising and reducing substances. All three determine the effectiveness of purification, dosing and quality control.
Consequences of an incorrect pH, EC or ORP measurement
- Corrosion and limescale: an incorrect pH can damage pipes and installations.
- Inefficient disinfection: chlorine and other disinfectants only work optimally within a certain pH range and at a correct ORP.
- Non-compliant effluent: waste water that does not meet discharge standards leads to fines and environmental damage.
- Incorrect dosing: an incorrect EC or ORP measurement can lead to overdosing of chemicals or insufficient treatment.
That is why continuous monitoring and regular measurement of pH, EC and ORP are indispensable in every water treatment installation.
How do you measure pH, EC and ORP in water treatment?
- Portable pH meter and EC meter (handheld): a portable meter is ideal for quick on-site checks, sampling or fieldwork. The meter gives a digital value immediately and is easy to calibrate.
- pH, EC and ORP measuring and control system (probes): a fixed system is permanently installed in pipes, basins or reactors. The pH probe, EC probe and ORP probe measure continuously. More advanced systems can dose automatically or trigger an alarm.
In both systems, the pH probe, EC probe and ORP probe are the sensitive and most critical components. High-quality probes, correctly calibrated and maintained, determine the accuracy and reliability of your measurements.
pH, EC and ORP probes and meters for water treatment
Meytec supplies high-quality solutions for both types of measuring system: universally compatible pH probes, EC probes, ORP probes, portable meters and all the calibration and maintenance solutions you need.
Water treatment pH probe
Many water treatment installations already work with pH meters or inline systems from renowned brands. Meytec offers universal pH probes with a standard BNC connector that fit most equipment. Check that your device has a BNC input. This way you only replace the worn probe and your existing system keeps working optimally. See the pH probe.
Our pH probes are suitable for drinking water, waste water, process water and cooling water.
Water treatment EC probe
For EC measurement, Meytec also offers replacement EC probes. Check the connector. This way your EC measuring system stays reliable without you having to buy a completely new sensor. See the probes.
Water treatment ORP probe
For disinfection control, Meytec supplies gold ORP probes with standard BNC. Our ORP probes are suitable for continuous measurement of chlorine, ozone or other oxidation processes. See the ORP probe.
pH meter and EC meter for water treatment
In addition to individual probes, Meytec also offers complete portable pH meters and EC meters. These are easy to calibrate and ready for use in drinking water, waste water or process water. Ideal for quick checks or sampling. See the pH meter.
pH, EC and ORP buffer solutions
A pH probe, EC probe and ORP probe are precision sensors that must be calibrated regularly. Use only calibration solutions of known values for this. Meytec supplies:
- pH buffer solutions: pH 4, pH 7 and pH 10, available in 20 ml, 60 ml and 250 ml.
- EC calibration solutions: 1413 µS/cm for the low range and 12880 µS/cm for the high range. The manual of your meter decides.
- ORP buffer solutions: usually 475 mV, also available in 250 mV, 468 mV and 650 mV.
Calibrate at least weekly, or more often with intensive use or when deviating values are suspected.
Cleaning pH, EC and ORP probes
In water treatment, limescale, iron deposits, grease or biofilm can build up on the probes. This reduces response and accuracy. Never use aggressive cleaning agents or abrasives, but clean the probes with a special Meytec cleaning solution for probes from Meytec.
For stubborn deposits, a soft brush can be used, but only in combination with the cleaning solution. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with demineralised water and recalibrate.
Storing pH, EC and ORP probes
You must never store a pH probe or an ORP probe dry. Store them in the protective cap filled with KCl storage solution 3 mol/l. Meytec supplies this storage solution.
EC probes are usually stored dry. First rinse them with demineralised water to prevent salt deposits. Never store probes in tap water.
With fixed systems that run continuously, it is advisable to place the pH and ORP probe temporarily in storage solution during short maintenance stops.
With good maintenance and the right Meytec solutions, your pH, EC and ORP probes last longer and your measuring system stays reliable.
Replacing pH, EC and ORP probes in water treatment
pH probe Hach
Hach HQ range and inline pH sensors. Check that your device accepts BNC. Meytec supplies suitable replacement pH probes for these.
EC probe Hach
Hach HQ range and inline EC sensors for drinking water and waste water. Meytec offers suitable EC probes for these.
ORP probe Hach
Hach HQ range and inline ORP sensors for disinfection control. Meytec supplies suitable ORP probes for these.
pH probe Endress+Hauser
Endress+Hauser pH systems for process and water treatment. Check the connector. Meytec supplies suitable pH probes for these.
EC probe Endress+Hauser
Endress+Hauser EC systems for process control. Meytec offers suitable EC probes for these.
ORP probe Endress+Hauser
Endress+Hauser ORP systems for disinfection and oxidation. Meytec supplies suitable ORP probes for these.
pH probe WTW
WTW inoLab range and MultiLine systems. Check that your device accepts BNC. Meytec supplies replacement pH probes for measuring systems with standard BNC.
EC probe WTW
WTW EC meters and sensors for laboratory and field use. Meytec offers suitable EC probes for these.
ORP probe WTW
WTW ORP meters and sensors for water treatment. Meytec supplies suitable ORP probes for these.
pH probe Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo pH systems for professional water treatment. Check that your device accepts BNC. Meytec supplies suitable replacement pH probes for these.
EC probe Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo EC systems for process control. Meytec offers suitable EC probes for these.
ORP probe Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo ORP systems for process control and disinfection. Meytec supplies suitable ORP probes for these.
pH probe Hamilton
Hamilton pH sensors for process and water treatment. Check the connector. Meytec supplies suitable pH probes for these.
EC probe Hamilton
Hamilton EC sensors for process control. Meytec offers suitable EC probes for these.
ORP probe Hamilton
Hamilton ORP sensors for disinfection and oxidation processes. Meytec supplies suitable ORP probes for these.
Conclusion
Correct pH, EC and ORP measurement is the basis of efficient water treatment. Whether you use a portable meter for quick checks or a fixed measuring system for continuous monitoring, the quality of the probes and their maintenance are decisive. With pH probes, EC probes, ORP probes, meters and buffer solutions from Meytec, you keep your processes accurate and reliable.
Order the probe or meter your water treatment installation needs. Any questions? Contact us.
