Why is pH measured? pH is measured in manufacturing and production processes for a wide variety of reasons, from keeping product quality consistent and production costs down to protecting people, equipment, and the environment, as explained below.
Download our full guide to pH Theory: it gives you the complete picture, with detailed explanations, practical tips, and proven best practices for laboratory and industrial applications.
During production it is important to control the pH to ensure that the end product meets the desired specifications; therefore, ensuring that each batch meets the same standards and customer expectations.
For example, incorrect pH can dramatically alter the properties of a food item, such as its appearance or taste.
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Related to the reason above, if the yield of a certain production process is higher at a given pH, it follows that the costs of production are lower at that pH level.
Products or manufacturing waste can be hazardous if their pH is outside a required range. Manufacturers must ensure these products are not released into the market or local environment where they could pose risks to health or nature.
As mentioned, some products can be harmful. Governments therefore put regulatory requirements in place to prevent the population or the environment being harmed by dangerous materials.
Production equipment that comes into contact with reactants during the production process can be corroded if the pH value is not within certain limits. Corrosion shortens the lifetime of such equipment, leading to more frequent replacement; therefore, monitoring pH values is important to protect the production line from unnecessary damage.
The pH value is also an important parameter for research purposes such as the study of biochemical processes. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, where maintaining the correct pH ensures drug stability and efficacy.
The pH Theory Guide combines theory and practice in one comprehensive resource, covering everything from basic principles to advanced topics like sensor performance, calibration strategies, and measurement reliability in demanding applications.
To calibrate an inline pH sensor, clean it, bring it and the buffers to the same temperature, and run a two-point calibration, typically in pH 7.00 buffer and then pH 4.01 or 9.21. Then check the slope and offset: if they differ significantly from the expected values, the sensor may be aging or damaged. For the full procedure, follow the steps described here.
To clean and maintain inline pH sensors, combine regular checks and calibration with the right cleaning method for each type of fouling. This helps sensors last longer and reduces downtime; always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Refer to the information provided here to ensure long-term precision and prevent electrode fouling.
Temperature matters in inline pH measurement because it affects both the electrical response of the pH electrode and the chemical state of the process medium. Inline pH sensors with Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) help keep readings accurate and reliable as conditions change. Read the full explanation here to ensure accurate process control.
Inline pH sensors can drift because of electrode aging, glass membrane condition, reference electrode problems, temperature effects, electrical noise, and maintenance practices. Regular calibration, inspection, cleaning, and maintenance reduce drift.
For a detailed explanation of how reference fouling and glass aging affect measurement accuracy, see the information provided here.
Compared to laboratory methods, inline pH measurement provides real-time information directly in the process, which is often more useful for control and optimization. Laboratory measurements are often more controlled and achieve repeatability around ±0.02 to 0.03 pH units under good practice.
Refer to the details provided here to ensure accurate process control.
Flow rate and agitation affect inline pH measurements by changing response time, stability, fouling behavior, and sensor life. Enough flow helps the reading reflect the bulk process, but excessive flow or turbulence can introduce noise or mechanical stress.
To understand how flow rate and agitation affect sensor response times, refer to the details provided here.
