Operation and maintenance of conductivity meters
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Learn how to handle and maintain your conductivity meter from Metrohm.
On this page, you can find information on how to calibrate your conductivity meter and which maintenance intervals you should take into account.
How to handle your conductivity meter and cells
Follow these general handling instructions to ensure reliable conductivity measurements:
- Rinse cells with deionised water before and after each measurement.
- Use fresh calibration standards and check their expiry dates.
- Check for air bubbles before measurement. Dip the cell 3 times into the solution to get rid of them.
- Clean regularly with mild detergent or solvents.
- Verify the cell constant with standard solution monthly or according to your SOP.
- When a noticeable change in the cell constant is detected, clean the measuring cell and repeat the calibration procedure.
- If cleaning does not help, it is time to replace the cell.
Basics of conductivity measurements
This video discusses:
- basics of conductivity measurement
- influences on accuracy of conductivity measurements
- how to perform a conductivity measurement
Calibrating a conductivity meter
Calibrating your conductivity measuring cell ensures that your measurement results are accurate.
This video shows:
- when it makes sense to calibrate your conductivity meter
- the equipment you need for a calibration
- how to perform the calibration
General instrument maintenance
By following recommended maintenance routines, you ensure the integrity of your results and optimise performance for critical applications.
- Once per week (or when necessary): wipe the display and keypad with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent. Ethanol or isopropanol may also be used. Avoid acetone or other aggressive solvents.
- Every six months: inspect cables and connectors for damage.
- At least once per year: check for available firmware updates to ensure continued safe and reliable operation. Security‑relevant firmware updates are provided throughout the product’s support period.
- Once per year: perform operational qualification by a trained service person to verify the correct measuring signals for pH, conductivity, and temperature.
Troubleshooting
The following are a few general tips to troubleshoot your conductivity meter:
- Conductivity drift: verify cell cleanliness and absence of air bubbles; recalibrate with fresh standard.
- Instrument error messages: restart device, check cable connections, and update firmware if needed.
- Calibration fails: ensure fresh conductivity standard and proper cell immersion depth.
- Unstable readings: check for air bubbles on the conductivity cell, clean the cell with ethanol and water.
- Slightly off readings: check for correct temperature compensation and correct cell selection.