The act of measuring pH is applicable in various sectors and areas of life. From home swimming pools to environmental studies and large-scale food production facilities, measurement of pH is essential. So if you run any type of business that deals with having a precise pH, you will want to go for the right pH meter to consistently be on the mark with pH.
But, with so many different types available on the market, how do you select the best pH meter to meet your needs? In this post, we have highlighted the various types of pH meters available in the market to help you know which is best for your business.
What Are pH Meters?
The pH value is a measure of acidity or alkalinity in a substance that is used in a wide variety of applications across many sectors. There are a number of pH meters available in the market which are used for various applications from food and beverage plants, water treatment facilities, oil and gas companies, and the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
Reading pH Using a pH Meter
The pH value is calculated by checking the difference between the hydrogen ions in the reference buffer and the sample solution. For instance, if the water is acidic, the number of hydrogen ions will be high, and the number of hydroxide ions will be less. If the water is alkaline, the number of hydroxide ions will be high and the number of hydrogen ions will be less.
The number of hydrogen ions is expressed in the ranges from 1 to 14. A neutral solution has a pH of 7 while an acidic solution shows pH readings below 7 and an alkaline solution shows a pH level above 7.
So, how do you know which is the right pH meter for your business? Let us make it simple for you by taking a look at a few pH meters available for various uses.
Different Types of pH Meters Available In the Market
In general, pH meters can be classified into three main types – pen testers, handheld/portable meters, and benchtop meters.
#1: Pen Testers
The most affordable pH meter in the market is the pen tester, a pocket-size instrument. Due to their compact design, these pH meters can be easily transported and used on the go. They include a pH meter, display, and electrode all in one.
A pen tester is useful in many industries, including construction, hydroponics, food manufacturing, and pool & spa maintenance.
#2: Handheld Meters
While pen testers have a smaller, more convenient design, handheld meters have a more robust design. Handheld meters have an electrode along with the meter. Most handheld pH meters come with interchangeable electrodes that can be changed based on the pH values.
Environment officers, aquaculture, farmers, and agricultural workers use handheld meters in their field studies to evaluate the acidity or alkalinity of substances.
#3: Benchtop pH Meters
Among the three pH meters, benchtop meters are the largest. These meter types can either be desk- or wall-mounted, which means they are well-suited for both professional use and laboratory testing.
Benchtop pH meters are widely used in water testing facilities and environmental testing laboratories. They are also used to find the exact pH value of food-grade products and chemical products to ensure safety and quality in food processing facilities.
There are different types of pH meters available in the market. Ranging from pen testers to hand-held pH meters to bench meters and test kits, we have a number of pH meters available on our website. If you are looking for a pH meter for your business, we have the right device on our website to meet your specific requirements.
