Whether you need a laboratory pH system or an in-line process electrode, use the tools below to help you find the right match for your application.

pH Lab Configurator

Designed for laboratory pH measurement, the pH Lab Configurator helps you build a complete system. Answer a few questions about your application and find the right electrode, calibration buffers, and accessories for your needs.

Start the Configurator

pH Sensor Finder

Designed for in-line pH measurements, the pH Sensor Finder helps you identify the right in-line electrode for your process. Answer a few questions about your application conditions to get a matched electrode recommendation.

Start the Finder

Find Your In-Line pH Sensor

Find Your In-Line pH Sensor

Quickly find the ideal in-line pH sensor for your process with our sensor finder tool.

Start finder
Наборы гирь CarePac для тестирования весов

Наборы гирь CarePac для тестирования весов

лабораторный pH-электрод
Встраиваемый датчик pH / встраиваемый измеритель pH
pH electrodes

Accurate Readings Across Every Application

Glass membranes, reference electrolytes, and junction materials selected for each application type give you stable, reproducible measurements you can trust—whether in routine lab analysis or demanding industrial process conditions.

pH electrodes from METTLER TOLEDO

Built for Lasting Performance

Our pH electrodes are built from high-quality materials and technologies to deliver a long lifespan, even under extreme pH, temperature, and pressure conditions. This means fewer replacements in the lab and reduced downtime in industrial process applications.

convenient pH electrodes

Plan Maintenance with Confidence

With Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM™) technology, our pH electrodes store their own calibration data, automatically recognize when connected to a compatible meter or transmitter, and alert you before maintenance is needed, keeping you in control of sensor performance.

METTLER TOLEDO

A Long Tradition of Precision

Since 1948, METTLER TOLEDO has supplied pH measurement solutions for laboratory and industrial use, giving you access to decades of application expertise. Dr. Ingold's combination glass pH electrode was the company’s first major success, and his ingenious design still simplifies the way the world measures pH today.



Наборы гирь CarePac для тестирования весов

Наборы гирь CarePac для тестирования весов

What are in-line pH electrodes and what types are there?

In-line pH electrodes are devices used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a process fluid. There is one main type of in-line pH electrode on the market: the combination electrode.

Combination electrodes contain both a hydrogen-ion (H+) sensitive electrode (glass membrane or X-Chip™) and a reference electrode in a single housing. However, there are different types of pH glass membranes for electrodes, each with unique properties for specific applications.

METTLER TOLEDO offers a range of pH membrane glasses, including:

  • High alkali-resistant glass for high pH values and temperatures
  • Low-temperature glass for low temperatures and ion concentrations
  • A41 glass for steam sterilization resistance
  • Hydrofluoric acid-resistant glass for processes containing HF
     

Unbreakable X-Chip technology is available for InPro X1pH sensors.

There are also different types of reference systems that can be paired with the various pH glass membranes for every application. METTLER TOLEDO offers several reference systems to suit different needs, such as:

  • Pressurized liquid reference systems with Argenthal silver ion trap and ceramic diaphragms
  • Double chamber reference systems with PTFE diaphragms
  • Open junction reference systems with polymer solid electrolytes
  • Gel-filled reference systems with ceramic diaphragms
     

Each reference system has its own advantages and is suitable for specific applications, ensuring accurate and reliable pH measurements across a wide range of processes.

How do pH electrodes work?

A pH electrode works by measuring the difference in electric potential in mV between a glass membrane or X-Chip and the reference electrode in a solution.

The pH-sensitive section of the electrode detects the activity of hydrogen ions at its tip. The silver/silver chloride reference comes into contact with the solution through either a diaphragm or an open junction and provides a steady reference potential. The potential difference is then used to calculate the pH value using the calibration parameters of the pH sensor, either saved on the sensor itself in the case of digital ISM sensors, or on the transmitter for analog pH sensors.

What is the expected lifespan of a pH electrode?

The lifespan of an in-line pH electrode depends strongly on the conditions of the process. pH electrodes can last anywhere from a couple of days to well over a year with no degradation in performance. However, factors such as exposure to highly alkaline process conditions and extreme temperatures can shorten their lifespans.

How do I know if a pH electrode is accurate?

To determine whether the pH electrode you are using is accurate, you should test it in a standard solution. To begin, immerse your pH electrode in a pH 7.0 solution. It should take around one minute for your pH meter to display a pH value of 7.0. After that, rinse your pH electrode well and place it in a pH 4.0 buffer solution. Your pH meter should indicate a pH value of 4.0. Repeat these steps until you get an accurate reading.

If electrodes are not cleaned after use or are neglected long term, they will lose their accuracy, reducing the measurement precision of the whole system.

The accuracy of your measurements depends on a variety of factors, such as the accuracy of the calibration buffers, whether temperature compensation was used, if the electrode was the right electrode for the particular sample measured, if it had enough time to equilibrate, and whether the meter's endpoint/measuring point was correct.

Does calibration of a pH electrode ensure a precise measurement?

Yes, to ensure accurate and precise pH measurements, in-line pH electrodes require regular calibration intervals that are dependent on the process conditions. A typical two-point calibration should be performed every two weeks using pH 4.01 and pH 7.00 technical buffers from METTLER TOLEDO. The results of the calibration provide valuable information about the electrode’s health. The slope and offset values are then used to adjust the electrode for precise pH measurement until the next calibration is due.

pH electrode calibration at measurement points can be cumbersome and possibly hazardous for maintenance staff. ISM solves this issue with our ISM Core software and Plug and Measure feature.

ISM electrodes carry their own identification and calibration data on an internal microchip. This means electrodes can be calibrated in any convenient location via ISM Core. Once calibrated, an electrode can be stored until it is required. Upon connection to an ISM transmitter at the measurement point, the transmitter configures itself automatically. This Plug and Measure ability ensures fast, error-free electrode installation. ISM pH electrodes monitor their need for calibration, and the connected transmitter displays this as the Adaptive Calibration Timer (ACT).

ISM pH electrodes come factory-calibrated and can be used immediately after unpacking.

What are the advantages of digital ISM pH electrodes?

Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM™) is an innovative concept for processing analytical measurement solutions. The advantages of digital ISM pH electrodes mean that maintenance becomes predictable, failure in the process is avoided, and production uptime is increased.

ISM pH electrodes monitor their own “health” based on current and past process conditions and convert this information into easily understood predictive diagnostic tools. The Dynamic Lifetime Indicator (DLI) provides an accurate reading of how many days remain before a sensor should be replaced. The Adaptive Calibration Timer (ACT) shows the remaining days before calibration should be performed.

Through monitoring the ACT and DLI and taking preventive actions, the chances of a sensor failing in the process are eliminated. This minimizes sensor maintenance and helps to increase uptime.

How do I choose the right pH electrode for my application?

The right pH electrode depends on whether measurement is in a laboratory or an industrial process, and on the specific conditions of the application, including process chemistry, temperature, pressure, and regulatory requirements.

For laboratory users, the pH Lab Configurator walks through application requirements to build a complete pH measurement system including sensor, solutions, and accessories.

For in-line process applications, the pH Sensor Finder matches process conditions to the appropriate electrode from our Process Analytics range.

What is the difference between a laboratory pH electrode and an in-line pH electrode?

Laboratory pH electrodes are designed for manual or automated batch measurements in controlled settings such as titration, water analysis, and quality control sampling. They are used with benchtop pH meters or titrators and are optimized for accuracy across a wide range of sample types.

In-line pH electrodes are built for real-time measurement in industrial process monitoring and control applications, supporting both continuous and batch processes. They must withstand elevated pressures, extreme temperatures, aggressive media, and CIP/SIP cleaning and sterilization procedures. Retractable housings are available, allowing sensors to be serviced and calibrated without interrupting production.

What is the difference between analog and digital pH electrodes?

Analog pH electrodes transmit a continuous mV signal to a separate transmitter or meter, which applies the calibration parameters and calculates the pH value. They are compatible with a wide range of standard transmitters and are a reliable choice for straightforward process applications.

Digital pH electrodes, such as those equipped with METTLER TOLEDO's Diagnosable, Efficient, and Sustainable (DES) technology, process the signal on the sensor itself and store calibration data, usage history, and diagnostic information on an internal microchip. This enables features such as Plug and Measure installation and predictive diagnostics, which are not available with analog sensors.

Digital DES electrodes require a compatible meter and Signal Bridge. The detachable Signal Bridge transmits calibration, diagnostic, and measurement data for superior user guidance and measurement efficiency to enhance cross-compatibility, reduce setup time, and promote sustainability.

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