Calibration

The use of a separate Reference Electrode such as out MI-401 is required.

The MI-405 is standardized in two pH buffers.  Follow the procedure recommended by the manufacturer of your pH meter for calibrating your pH meter with our MI-405.

Optimum Response Time:  Optimum response time will be obtained after the probe has been exercised in two buffer solutions.  Place a pH 4.01 buffer or equivalent in a beaker and a pH 6.86 buffer or equivalent in a second beaker.  Hold the MI-405 and reference electrode together and touch the pH 4.01 buffer allowing 15 - 20 seconds for equilibration.  Do this several times.

Handling

Always handle the electrode with the same care you would use with other glass electrodes.

Cleaning

When using the electrodes in solutions containing protein, the MI-405 and the reference electrode should be rinsed with an enzyme cleaning solution such as Terg-a-zyme (Alconox, Inc.) or a chromic/sulfuric glass cleaning solution after each use for a couple of minutes to remove the protein from the glass and the reference junction.  This will prolong the useful life of the electrodes.

Storing

Always clean the electrodes before storing.

Long- term (over 2 weeks):  Return the electrode to its original container and prepare it in the same condition is which you received it.  Usually this means simply moistening the sponge located in the bottom of the protective glass tube with distilled water.

Short-term:  The electrode can be left in an acid pH buffer solution, e.g. pH 4.01.