pH and ORP sensors (Idronaut)

Specification Description

Range

1-13 pH

Maximum pressure

7000dbar

Maximum depth

1500/6000m

Drift

0.05 pH/month

Response time

3s

Accuracy

±0.1

Resolution

0.001 pH

Operating pressure

6000dbar

Housing

Titanium

image2016 3 2 14 1 57
Fig. 73.    pH sensor

pH reference KCl

(KCl) Reference electrode for pH & oxidation-reduction potential measurements; it uses a special ceramic-less junction design.

pH reference NaCl

Idronaut developed an innovative NaCl gel reference electrode to minimise the diffusion potential at its junction, which causes systematic pH errors on seawater measurements and related calibration.

Specification Description

Type

Solid gel reference electrode

Inner half cell

Ag/AgCl

Maximum pressure

7000dbar

Operating pressure

6000dbar

image2016-3-2 14_10_38.png
Fig. 74.    pH sensor reference

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensor

Specification Description

Type

Platinum electrode 0.3mm diameter

Range

-1 to +1V

Maximum pressure

7000dbar

Maximum depth

1500/6000m

Accuracy

±0.01V

Operating pressure

6000dbar

Housing

Titanium

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Fig. 75.    ORP sensor

Care and maintenance

Storage

Store the Idronaut pH sensors in the dedicated storage cap half-filled with pH 7 buffer solution or distilled water.

Store the reference sensors in the dedicated storage cap half-filled with KCl or NaCl solution.

Storage caps are provided with the instrument. Contact RBR if a replacement is needed.

The reference sensor and the glass membrane of the Idronaut pH sensor must always be hydrated. Any period of dry storage longer than 24 hours will affect performance.

Check the sensor performance after any extended period of storage.

Remove the storage cap before using the sensors.

Exercise care when removing the storage cap to avoid damaging the sensor or its connector.

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Fig. 76.    Storage cap for the Idronaut pH sensor

Cleaning

Over long term deployments, a buildup of deposits can block the ion-sensitive glass membrane. This would prevent the electrode from detecting any hydrogen ions and the readings would stay at ~pH 7. If this happens, contact RBR for support.
Calibration

Calibrate the Idronaut pH sensor before each deployment, using three buffer fluids. Repeat every day that the electrode is used, for optimum accuracy. See Ruskin User Guide: Standard Instruments³3 for details.