TRUEscience
  • Home
  • Buy
    • Products >
      • pH measurement
      • ISE Measurement
      • Redox Measurement
      • Dissolved Oxygen Measurement
      • Accessories
    • Global Distributors
  • Try the App
  • Info
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Brochures
    • Manuals
    • Guides
    • MSDS
    • Tablet Compatibility
    • FAQ's
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • News
    • Technology
    • User Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Feedback & Suggestions
  • Distributors Portal
    • Images
    • Logos
    • Press Releases
  • Home
  • Buy
    • Products >
      • pH measurement
      • ISE Measurement
      • Redox Measurement
      • Dissolved Oxygen Measurement
      • Accessories
    • Global Distributors
  • Try the App
  • Info
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Brochures
    • Manuals
    • Guides
    • MSDS
    • Tablet Compatibility
    • FAQ's
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • News
    • Technology
    • User Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Feedback & Suggestions
  • Distributors Portal
    • Images
    • Logos
    • Press Releases

How do I maintain my ammonia electrode?

16/9/2019

0 Comments

 
The tip of the electrode should be rinsed with deionised water between measurements. To maintain electrode health strongly acidic samples, strong detergents or organic solvents should be avoided.

To take a reading ammonia electrodes require the end cap to be filled with ammonium chloride solution. This solution should be removed after each usage, so that the electrode is stored dry, in order to prevent the solution from damaging the membrane. If this is done the membrane will last 3-6 months depending on usage. 2 caps are initially included with the TRUEscience Ammonia ion selective electrode.
0 Comments

Testing Dissolved Oxygen in Wine

16/9/2019

0 Comments

 
Dissolved oxygen in wine can be beneficial to some varieties in small amounts, but otherwise is known for reducing the quality and lifetime of the wine. It is therefore important to be able to measure and control dissolved oxygen throughout the production and bottling stages. 

Flint Vineyard measure both pH and dissolved oxygen throughout their wine production in Norfolk, taking measurements with the TRUEscience system. The portable, wireless SMART Cap allows them to move the unit freely around the winery or lab and have the results be transmitted wirelessly via bluetooth. Using the TRUEscience app you can leave the electrode in solution logging results or set it to alert you if the dissolved oxygen or pH readings go above or below a set value. See the below video where Ben from Flint Vineyard explains the requirement for measuring dissolved oxygen in wine production.
If you're looking to measure parameters such as temperature, pH or dissolved oxygen throughout wine production get in touch with our technical team on info@truescience.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1954 233 144 and we can offer you advice and further information. 
0 Comments

How can I improve the performance of my crystalline ion selective electrode (ISE)?

16/9/2019

0 Comments

 
Crystalline ion selective electrodes (ISEs), such as the TRUEscience chloride, bromide and copper, tend to develop an oxidised layer on the crystal sensing tip after a period of time. This may lead to the electrode having a slower response.  

To improve performance first make sure the cyrstal surface is dry, then use a very fine emery cloth or sand paper to rub off the oxidised layer. Be very gentle and rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove any loose particles. This should return the electrode performance. 

​Ensure you do not use this process to clean other types of ISE such as PVC electrodes. If you are unsure what type of electrode you have please get in touch with one of our technical team on +44 (0)1954233 144 or email us info@truescience.co.uk

0 Comments

Will temperature effect my Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) measurements?

16/9/2019

0 Comments

 
The answer is yes, temperature is an important factor when making any type of electrochemistry measurement.  

A rise in temperature of a solution will increase the kinetic energy and accelerate the speed of which the ions move around. This will higher the chance the ion you are measuring will hit the sensing tip of the electrode, and therefore increase the mili Vault read out on your meter. It is vital therefore that the temperature of your sample and standards are the same.

​The TRUEscience app will show and record the temperature of the calibration standards and samples automatically. This is good practice, although the best solution is make sure your standards and samples are same temperature, it is possible to make a manual correction estimate after measurement via the Nernst equation. Take a look at our video of ISE calibration on the TRUEscience app.
Picture
Calibration of a fluoride ISE in the TRUEscience app - stores temperature of each calibration standard and sample

​For more information please get in touch with our technical team via info@truescience.co.uk or give us a ring +44 (0)1954 233 144 
0 Comments

What is an ionic strength adjustment buffer (ISAB)?

16/9/2019

0 Comments

 
 Ionic strength adjustment buffers are required to make accurate ion measurements using ion selective electrodes (ISEs). ISEs can be used to test a wide range of ions and for many applications such as potassium in soil or chloride in water.
 
When you have a solution with a large number of ions the individual ions move less freely and with have an increased number of interactions with each other. As the ion concentration increases, it decreases the chance that the specific ion you are measuring will come into contact with the ion sensing electrode. This can mean that even if there is a large amount of the ion in your sample, if your sample is highly concentrated with ions, your electrode won't be read as a high concentration, as if your solution has a low overall ion concentration.  

ISABs are used to counteract this issue. They are made from a high ionic strength solution, and is added in equal amounts (normally 2ml to every 50ml) to all the of the standards and samples. Once the ISAB is added it equalises the ionic strength for the standards you care calibrating your meter with and the standards you are measuring.
Picture
TRUEscience ISAB

These extra stages required for ion selective measurement does mean that it's not as straight forward as a pH electrochemistry reading, but is vital for accurate measurement. For help making your own Ion measurements please get in touch with our technical team info@truescience.co.uk or give us a ring on +441954233114. Alternatively leave a comment down below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

0 Comments

How to refill your Ammonia detecting Electrode

16/8/2019

0 Comments

 

How do I refill my Ammonia Cap?

When using an ammonia detecting electrode caring for your electrode is essential in order to extend your equipment’s lifetime. Your electrode should ideally be emptied of solution after every use and stored dry to prevent degeneration and when the electrode is needed it needs to be refilled again.
  1. Remove the end cap of the electrode. Half fill the cap with a pipette or other tool.
  2. Tap the side of the cap gently to remove any air bubbles that could interrupt conduction.
  3. Screw the cap into the electrode until the pH meter touches the Teflon membrane. The membrane should not tear or stretch more than the minimum. This means that there will be a thin layer of solution between the membrane and probe.
  4. You can then connect the electrode directly to the TRUEscience SMART cap.
0 Comments

How does an Ammonia Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) work?

24/5/2019

0 Comments

 
The TRUEscience Ammonia ion selective electrode is made up of three parts: a flat surface PH electrode, a Teflon membrane located in the end cap and a refillable ammonium chloride solution.
Picture

​The Teflon membrane is partially permeable and allows gas to pass through. This means that ammonia gas can pass through the membrane and react with the solution, being converted to ammonium by the basic solution. This reaction between the high pH solution and the ammonia gas reduces the pH of the solution surrounding the pH probe, creating a readable voltage directly proportional to the ammonia concentration.

Picture

Why use this method to measure ammonia?

While there are some solid state electrodes to detect ammonium, in order to detect ammonia as a gas an electrode containing a solution is used.  This style of electrode also has a greater precision and can detect down to 1 ppb, when using a solid state electrode the detection limit is often closer to <2 ppm.

For more information about testing ammonia please get in touch with our technical team on info@truescience.co.uk or phone us on +44 1954 233 144. 
0 Comments

TrueScience Demo App - Want to experiment with our cutting edge TrueScience SMART Cap for free?

2/5/2019

0 Comments

 
The demo app gives you the chance to test all of the TRUEscience digital SMART Cap app features before you buy, without spending a penny.
Picture

​The demo app gives you the chance to test all of the TRUEscience digital SMART Cap app features before you buy, without spending a penny.
It can be downloaded with four simulated SMART Caps:
  • pH Electrode,
  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Electrode,
  • Ion Selective Electrode (ISE),
  • Redox Electrode
The values of each cap can be changed at any point via the volume controls and can be recorded with the save reading button. This quickly and automatically records the value currently being read on the cap including temperature and time readings all of which is stored in the “jobs” tab.
Picture
Picture
The logging tab is an excellent choice if you need to take regular readings.

You are able to choose your own interval timing and display the results in either a graph or chart form without having to manipulate large data sets, making it a perfect choice for long term experiments where you can’t be present for the entire period.
Picture
Picture

​The app is simple to use with the guided calibration and quality control procedures, which make comparing buffer values easy and setting up a new electrode extremely fast.

It also allows you to test the quality of your electrode meaning that restocking is easier than ever to predict!

Additionally, why not try sending setting up an alarm with email capabilities? These alarms are set up to be triggered by too high or too low values which give you an excellent opportunity to control your sample before it becomes damaged.

In order to create a great audit trail, try swiping the left hand side of the app and creating a login. When logged in, each reading taken will include the name of the user making it very easy to track usage between laboratory members.
Picture
All of these features and more can be tested for free with the Truescience SMART Cap Demo App! Download it now on the Google Play Store!
0 Comments

Top Tips for dissolved oxygen measurements

15/2/2019

0 Comments

 

As with all electrodes maintenance is key to keeping your readings stable and accurate. The TRUEscience Dissolved Oxygen probe is a galvanic sensor with a fixed membrane cap. This galvanic probe provides good performance without the problem of membrane replacement associated with polorgraphic electrodes. It offers good sensitivity and response but the sample must be stirred during readings. Take care not to introduce oxygen into the sample by over-stirring when reading.

Taking measurements
Prior to sample measurement ensure that the electrode is thoroughly rinsed with de-ionised water. It is worth performing this rinse twice given the possibility of carryover being greatest in high concentration solutions. Before taking a sample measurement it is a good idea to rinse the electrode with your sample in a separate beaker. 

Picture
Using a magnetic stirrer for laboratory analysis is recommended but not essential. It is however important to ensure the solution is homogeneous and a stirrer will help to achieve this. NOTE: You must continue stirring during measurements as Oxygen is consumed at the membrane surface.

​Required Solutions
Distilled or deionised water will be required to prepare Standards, for storage and to rinse the electrode between measurements.
Zero Oxygen Solution is used to carry out a calibration zero point. This will need to made fresh as they will absorb oxygen.

Short term electrode storage 
Simply reattach the soaker bottle in reverse order of removal. Ensure the soaker bottle has sufficient DI water in it.

Electrode cleaning 
​The TRUEscience galvanic oxygen electrode has no customer serviceable parts. Cleaning is important however, and the electrodes should be rinsed thoroughly in de-ionised water between and after measurements are made, never allow the sample to dry on the electrode. If dirt or any of the sample does dry on the membrane on the tip of the electrode it can be immersed in DI water and ultrasonically cleaned for 30 seconds.
Picture
​The TRUEscience Galvanic Dissolved Oxygen electrode offers a fast response and rugged construction ensuring that calibration and measurement are both rapid and consistent. The Galvanic DO cell is very simple in its operation and basically works as a battery which generates a voltage. This voltage is directly proportional to the Oxygen concentration which permeates through the membrane into the galvanic cell. 

​The cell comes complete and ready for operation without the need for awkward membrane installation and manual filling with hazardous solution. Bubble removal from the membrane/cell interface is not required which allows calibration to be performed quickly and easily by any operator regardless of experience. 


The TRUEscience bluetooth system allows you to connect the SMART Cap and dissolved oxygen electrode to the free TRUEscience app on an Android tablet or phone to create easily sharable, enriched readings. Grab an Android device and use the TRUEscience dissolved oxygen starter kit to get started with dissolved oxygen measurement.
For more information on dissolved oxygen measurement or the TRUEscience system please get in touch with the team by calling +44 1954 233 144 or send us an email info@truescience.co.uk
​​
0 Comments

How's best to store a Redox electrode?

15/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Like pH electrodes, redox electrodes are stored with the electrode tip submerged in 3.0 Molar KCL (potassium chloride). The TRUEscience redox electrodes are shipped with a soaker bottle around the tip of the electrode, keep this for long term storage and make sure it is topped up with electrode storage solution when in use.

For electrode storage on a laboratory bench whilst attached to the TRUEscience SMART Cap, use the electrode storage stand to keep the electrode well conditioned when not in use. The SMART Clip will hang the Cap and electrode on the stand, and suspend the tip of the probe in the storage solution. This ensures the electrode does not get damaged by hitting the bottom of the container. The unique stand will keep the glass bulb in conditioned use with minimal storage solution wastage. 
Picture
Dirty, contaminated electrodes will slow down the response rate and may cause the readings to drift. Make sure your redox electrodes are thoroughly rinsed before and after use to make sure no contamination accumulates. There are a range of different cleaning solutions which can be applied to the electrode based on contaminant for example 0.1 molar HCL can be used for oil and grease deposits, pepsin or HCL can be used for blockage due to proteins. ORP/Redox electrode tips (Platinum rods or discs) may need additional cleaning from time to time with Crocus (mild abrasive) paper.

For more help on cleaning electrodes for your specific application or redox measurements in general please get in touch with us by ringing +44 1954 233 144 or send us an email using info@truescience.co.uk. 
​​
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Posts by the TRUEscience team! We want to explore questions around pH testing in the real world, as well as impart our favourite tips and tricks to make your testing SMART!

    Archives

    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    August 2017
    May 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All
    Electrodes
    PH

    RSS Feed


Contact us:
​E:  info@truescience.co.uk
​T:  01954 233 144