pH, ions, DO, conductivity applications

Beer is a popular beverage consumed by millions of people for enjoyment, despite its humble beginnings as a water purification technique in pre-modern times. Brewing beer requires large amounts of water which must adhere to strict alkalinity, hardness, and pH parameters to ensure uniformity in flavor and appearance between each batch. Alkalinity is introduced by carbonates and hydroxides in water which raise and buffer the pH. Hardness, balanced to a large degree by the alkalinity, comes from Ca and Mg ions, mainly present as hydrogen carbonates. Depending on the concentration ranges, the 2035 Process Analyzer or the 2060 Process Analyzer are ideally suited for the fully automatic execution of these important analyses, as well as additional parameters like pH or conductivity. These process analyzers can signal the plant’s distribution system to correct the water chemistry, ensuring consistent product quality. In addition to alkalinity and water hardness, numerous other parameters can also be determined (pH, conductivity, etc.).

With a pH meter, the pH value can easily be measured, read directly, and then immediately archived in accordance with GLP. This article summarizes the most important points to consider considered before taking a pH measurement to verify the accuracy of the results.

The determination of the physical and chemical parameters as electrical conductivity, pH value, p and m value (alkalinity), chloride content, the calcium and magnesium hardness, the total hardness, as well as fluoride content are necessary for evaluating the water quality. This bulletin describes how to determine the above mentioned parameters in a single analytical run.Further important parameters in water analysis are the permanganate index (PMI) and the chemical oxygen deman (COD). Therefore, this Bulletin additionally describes the fully automated determination of the PMI according to EN ISO 8467 as well as the determination of the COD according to DIN 38409-44.

The pH value in carbon black, an essential additive in modern lithium-ion batteries, is accurately and reliably analyzed in this Application Note by using the 913 pH Meter equipped with a Unitrode easyClean according to ASTM D1512 as well as ISO 787-9 and GB/T 1717-1986.

This Bulletin describes fluoride determination in various matrices with the help of the ion-selective fluoride electrode (F-ISE). The F-ISE is comprised of a lanthanum fluoride crystal and exhibits a response in accordance with the Nernst equation across a wide range of fluoride concentrations.The first part of this Bulletin contains notes regarding the handling and care of the electrode and the actual fluoride determination itself. The second part demonstrates the direct determination of fluoride with the standard addition technique in table salt, toothpaste and mouthwash.

In the food industry, it is essential to determine and monitor certain quality parameters to guarantee consistency. This is especially important for liquid dairy products, which are subject to a strict cold chain. Both the dissolved oxygen (DO) and the pH value have proven to be reliable quality criteria. Oxygen shortens the shelf life and influences the product quality (e.g., nutritional value, color, and flavor). The DO content depends on the salinity in the sample, which is automatically calculated and corrected by the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer during the parallel conductivity measurement. Acidity is another important characteristic to measure that can be checked easily using the pH value. With the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer, all important quality criteria can be monitored with one device.

Even in low concentration, sulfide ions cause odor and corrosion problems in ground water and waste water. They can release hydrogen sulfide in acidified water, which is toxic in even minuscule amounts. This Application Note describes the determination of sulfide concentration in water via direct measurement with the Ag/S-ISE in accordance with ASTM D4658.

Bromide is ubiquitous in sea water, where it is present in concentrations of around 65 mg/L. By contrast, the maximum bromide concentration in drinking and ground water is usually less than 0.5 mg/L. A higher bromide content may indicate a contamination of the water caused by fertilizer, road salt or industrial waste water. This Application Note describes the determination of the bromide content in water via direct measurement with a Br ion-selective electrode in accordance with ASTM D1246.

One of the major sources of fluoride intake for humans comes from foodstuff, such as tea. Tea actually has one of the highest potentials to increase the daily fluoride intake. Excessive fluoride intake may lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. The World Health Organization does not recommend consuming water with a fluoride content higher than 1.5 mg/L. In the presented method according to DIN 10807, the fluoride content can be assessed quickly with an ion selective electrode.

Cyanides are used in some industrial processes, but if not handled carefully, they could contaminate the wastewater. In an acidic or neutral environment, this contaminated wastewater can form highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Furthermore, the cyanide salts could also poison the environment and enter the ground water system. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the content of cyanide in effluent water. Cyanides can be easily determined with a cyanide ion-selective electrode. This application note presents a method for cyanide analysis according to APHA Method 4500-CN and ASTM D2036.