Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Sta. Cruz Campus

College of Engineering
1st Semester A.Y. 2023-2024

EE 13 Instrumentation and Control

Activity

Submitted by:
Encontro, Inee-kriezl S.
Lumbera, Angelo Lex R.
Martin, Espencer Winslet C.
Raturat, Angelo P.
Rosales, Brian L.
BSEE 4B

October 17, 2023

Title: DIY pH Meter

Background

One of the most crucial instruments for detecting pH is the pH sensor, which is frequently
employed in the surveillance of water quality. It is possible to measure the alkalinity and acidity of
water and other solutions with this type of sensor. When used properly, pH sensors help assure the
safety and quality of goods and processes in wastewater or manufacturing facilities.

The typical pH range is typically represented by a number between 0 and 14. A material is
regarded as neutral when its pH value is 7. Higher alkalinity is indicated by pH levels above 7,
whereas lower pH values are associated with more acidic substances. For instance, the pH of
toothpaste is typically 8 to 9. The pH of stomach acid, on the other hand, is 2.

Working Principle

1. The pH Electrode, which is made up of a glass membrane and a reference electrode, is the
most important part of a pH sensor. The glass membrane is in charge of producing an
electrical potential difference (voltage) when it comes into contact with the solution being
monitored. It is typically sensitive to variations in hydrogen ion concentration.

2. Hydrogen ions can pass through the glass membrane's ion-selective membrane with ease.
Other ions cannot pass through while H+ ions can. For precise pH measurements, this
selective permeability is necessary.

3. A stable reference potential is provided by the reference electrode. To maintain a consistent

potential, it often uses a well-known reference solution (such as a potassium chloride
solution).

4. Measurement Method is when the pH electrode's glass membrane is submerged in a

solution, the hydrogen ions in the solution interact with it. The concentration of hydrogen
ions in the sample solution alters the potential of the glass membrane. As a result, there is a
voltage differential between the reference electrode and the glass membrane.

5. Potential Difference, the pH electrode's potential difference is proportional to the solution's

pH. The potential difference will be smaller in an acidic solution with a low pH and larger in
an alkaline solution with a high pH. Millivolt (mV) units are generally used to express this
potential difference.

6. Readout and Interpretation: The calibration curve is used to convert the pH sensor's
potential difference measurement into pH units. A digital or analog readout of the pH value
of the solution being measured is then provided by the pH sensor.

In conclusion, a pH sensor uses a glass membrane's selective permeability to hydrogen ions to

measure pH. The pH of the sample solution is calculated by comparing the potential difference
created when the glass membrane interacts with the sample solution to a stable reference potential.
For reliable pH readings, a proper calibration with buffer solutions is essential. In many different
applications, including laboratories, industrial operations, and environmental monitoring, pH sensors
are frequently utilized.
Uses/ Application

The following industries make significant use of pH meters:

 Food & beverage

 Pharmaceutical
 Oil & gas
 Agriculture
 Water treatment plant

Although this is not a comprehensive list of businesses using pH meters, it is obvious that pH
meters are an important part of research and significantly impact our daily lives. They can, for
instance, be used for evaluating the wastewater's acidity levels, which is an essential phase in the
wastewater treatment process. They can be used to assess the acidity/alkalinity of medicines in the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, or they can be used to determine the precise pH value
of food-grade products and chemical products to ensure safety and quality.

Advantages

Poor water quality can have an immediate impact on your return on investment since it has a
direct impact on the quality of the services and goods you provide through a variety of industrial
operations. A crucial component of adhering to strict environmental, business, and safety regulations
is managing water quality using various technologies.

This kind of water quality management enables you to clean influent water before using it for a
number of manufacturing processes when you specialize in water pretreatment for manufacturing
needs. The elimination of these contaminants will increase operating efficiency, heating and cooling
effectiveness, and your ability to maintain compliance with the necessary water quality standards.
The advantages of having a good monitoring system can be numerous and may include:

 Reduce water waste

 Energy saving
 Meet supply chain sustainability requirements
 Preventing downtime
 Maintain a healthy workplace for your employees
 Reduce the use of hazardous chemicals

Poor water quality for regular consumers can lead to health issues, dull hair, rough clothing,
and dry, itchy skin. In terms of water quality and water treatment, PH sensors are crucial. Water from
a water treatment facility may be dangerous if the pH levels get too high or low.

Costs should be kept low by maintaining this pH and keeping water at this level. To acquire
the finest water quality, it is crucial to employ several pH monitors. For instance, a differential sensor
with a third electrode is perfect for a number of industrial applications, such as wet scrubbers.

Disadvantages

Due to their long-term investment in providing reliable pH readings, pH meters are far more
expensive than pH paper strips. pH paper might be a better option if pH readings are only required
occasionally, like in home aquariums.
 The maintenance of pH meters is another drawback. It needs to be cleaned frequently to
prevent sample contamination. Since the glass tip on the probes used in most pH meters is highly
fragile, they are quickly fractured or damaged when exposed to corrosive substances.

In conclusion, pH meters need to be regulated before usage in order to provide correct data.
The findings of a pH meter can be affected if it is not calibrated correctly. Always read the operating
handbook before using a pH meter to ensure that you are using it correctly.

Schematic Diagram

How to Use

Steps:

Assemble the pH Sensor: If you're creating your own pH sensor, assemble it according to your design.
Ensure that the electrodes are securely connected.

Prepare Calibration Solutions: Make sure you have the pH calibration solutions ready. These solutions
are used to calibrate your pH meter. Ideally, you should have at least two solutions, one at pH 7
(neutral) and another at pH 4 or 10 (acidic or alkaline).

Calibrate Your DIY pH Meter:

a. Submerge the pH sensor in the pH 7 calibration solution. Allow it to stabilize for a few minutes.

b. Adjust your DIY pH meter readings to match the pH 7 value by following the calibration
instructions for your specific design. This might involve adjusting a potentiometer or making changes
to your DIY pH meter circuit.

c. Rinse the pH sensor with distilled water to remove any residues.

Measure the pH of Your Sample:

a. Pour the solution you want to test into a clean container (beaker or test tube).

b. Immerse the pH sensor into the solution.

c. Wait for the reading to stabilize, usually in a minute or so.

d. Record the pH value displayed on your DIY pH meter. This is the pH of your solution.

Rinse the pH Sensor: After each measurement, rinse the pH sensor with distilled water to remove
any contaminants that may affect future readings.

Clean and Store the pH Sensor: If you're using a homemade sensor, clean it according to the
instructions for your specific design and store it properly. Commercial pH electrodes may have
different care and maintenance requirements.

Dispose of Chemicals Safely: Dispose of the calibration solutions and any chemical waste according to
local regulations.

Maintain and Re calibrate: Periodically re calibrate your DIY pH meter using the calibration solutions
to ensure accurate measurements. pH sensors can drift over time, so regular maintenance is
important.

Breakdown of Expenses

 pH Sensor or Electrode: This is a critical component, and prices can vary depending on the
quality and type. A basic pH electrode can cost around 500 PHP, while more accurate or
specialized ones can cost significantly more.

 Power Source: If you're using a battery, it may cost around 50 PHP for a 9V battery. If you're
using a power supply, it can range from 500 PHP for a basic adapter.

 Calibration Solutions: A set of pH calibration solutions (pH 4, 7, and 10) can cost about 200-300
PHP.

 Materials for pH Sensor Construction: If you're building your own sensor, the materials may
include glass, reference electrodes, chemicals, and miscellaneous components. This could range
from 500 PHP to 1,000 PHP or more, depending on the quality of materials and complexity.

 Circuit Components: Costs for building or assembling the circuit can vary widely based on your
design. A basic circuit might cost around 300-500 PHP, but a more advanced setup could cost
more.

 Containers and Accessories: Costs for containers to hold solutions and any additional accessories
such as cables, connectors, or a housing can add another 100-200 PHP.

 Safety Equipment: Gloves and eye protection can be obtained for around 100-200 PHP.

 Tools and Equipment: The cost of tools, such as a soldering iron, multimeter, and any other
equipment, might be around 500 PHP or more if you don't already have them.

 Shipping and Miscellaneous: Factor in some extra budget for shipping costs, taxes, and any
unexpected expenses. This could be around 200-300 PHP.
Total Estimated Cost: Based on the above breakdown, the total estimated cost for a basic DIY pH
meter might be around 2,000 to 3,000 PHP. However, aiming for higher accuracy or more features,
costs could be significantly higher.

Illustration

References

 Apure (2022) What is a PH sensor? Retrieved from

https://apureinstrument.com/blogs/about-ph-sensor/
 Iowa State University (N/d) Ph Meter – Intrument. Retrieved from
https://group.chem.iastate.edu/Holme/augmented-reality-in-educational-laboratories/ph-
meter/
 Atlas Scientific (N/d) PH meter. Retrieved from https://atlas-scientific.com/blog/ph-
meter-vs-ph-paper-which-one-do-you-need/#:~:text=Disadvantages%20Of%20Using%20pH
%20Meters&text=Another%20disadvantage%20of%20using%20pH,if%20exposed%20to
%20corrosive%20substances.
 Autodesk Instructables (N/d) Cheap DIY Electronic pH Meter. Retrieved from
https://www.instructables.com/cheap-DIY-electronic-pH-meter/