For those who use the pHep5 pH meter or a similar meter with a short probe with a bulky shaped electrode-end, how do you manage to store your probe in KCl so that it remains fully immersed without the solution evaporating?
I've always driven my cyclindrical probes through a rubber bung which fits into a bottle of KCl solution. That way it's totally sealed and the probe remains submerged. But the probe for the pHep5 is quite short and bulky at the electrode end so this method does not seem possible. I don't trust the cap not to dry out, so any suggestions for storage?
Hi Ben, This is far from a recommended practice in industry but...
I have that meter and do nothing special, mine is over 2 years old. I put a few drops of pH 7 buffer in that 'collar' in the cap once in a while. My meter is not sluggish, but if it was I would use contact lense cleaner to clean it.
I think I get away with this for 2 reasons:
The probe is sealed and it's probably gel filled, not solution filled.
Wine is not too tough on the probe, it comes right off when rinsed.
Pen style meters are tough to store in general, they are usually considered quick point checkers and throw away devices in industry.
If it were a problem with mine I would get a nalgene bottle and use the probe cover to outline my hole. Then I would use a warm exacto knife to cut it out, that's the only easy way I can think of the make a reusable container. (I would want mine sealed if I made one, I agree it's best to store a probe wet.) If nalgene bottles were tough to find, I would 'liberate' one of our tiny Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers.
If cutting that out and getting a good fit were impossible, I would cut the hole bigger. Then smear a bit of vaseline on the perimeter of the meter where the cover fits for a mold release. Then use RTV to make a reusable slot in the container cover, just goop it around the meter base and the hole on both sides. That would be a pain, I would try to get that hole right first.
Thanks for the suggestions. Rethinking it, I may be able to go the rubber bung route as before if I invert the direction of probe insertion into the bung. If that doesn't work I'll try the nalgene bottle.
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