Orion Star™ A122 Conductivity, TDS and Temperature Portable Waterproof Meter - FAQs

Calibration is an important step to obtaining accurate results on your Orion benchtop or portable conductivity meter. Before beginning the calibration process, ensure that you are utilizing freshly poured, non-expired calibration standards to ensure accurate results. Follow the steps below to calibrate your conductivity meter.

• Prepare the calibration standards: Obtain at least one conductivity reference standard with a known conductivity value near the expected sample conductivity range. Ideally, use one standard close to the expected conductivity of your sample, and additional standards for different conductivity ranges. Ensure that the standards are fresh and have not expired.
• Clean the probe: Rinse the probe with distilled or deionized water to remove any debris or contaminants. If necessary, gently wipe the probe with a soft cloth or tissue.
• Turn on the conductivity meter: Power on the conductivity meter and allow it to warm up, if needed. • Immerse the probe: Immerse the probe into a beaker containing the first calibration standard. Ensure that the probe is fully submerged and that it is not touching the sides or bottom of the beaker.
• Allow stabilization: Allow the conductivity reading to stabilize. This may take a few moments, depending on the specific meter and standard being used. The reading should become steady and remain constant.
• Adjust the conductivity value: Using the calibration controls on the conductivity meter, adjust the reading to match the known conductivity value of the calibration standard. Reference the user manual for specific guidance on adjusting the conductivity.
• Rinse the probe: After calibration, rinse the probe with distilled or deionized water to remove any residual calibration solution.
• Repeat calibration: Repeat the calibration steps with the second calibration standard, following the same process as before.
• Verify accuracy: After calibration, it is recommended to check the conductivity meter's accuracy by measuring a conductivity solution of known value. This can help ensure the reliability of your measurements.

To learn more about conductivity calibration, maintenance and beyond, download our user guide: Orion Conductivity Probe User Guide

Before beginning an analysis on your Orion benchtop or portable conductivity meter, assemble your materials. You will need a conductivity probe suitable for your application, calibration standards, and a test sample. Follow the steps below to obtain your conductivity analysis.

• Calibrate the conductivity meter: Start by calibrating your conductivity meter using at least one calibration standard. Typically, you will need at least one standard with a known conductivity value near the expected sample conductivity range. Be sure to reference the user manual for instructions on how to properly calibrate your conductivity meter.
• Prepare your sample: Ensure that your sample is at the desired temperature (most frequently room temperature).
• Immerse the electrode: Dip the conductivity probe into the sample. Avoid touching the sides or bottom of the container to prevent inaccurate readings.
• Allow for stabilization: Give the conductivity meter some time to stabilize and reach a steady reading. This may take a few seconds to a minute depending on your meter and the characteristics of the sample.
• Record the conductivity value: Once the conductivity meter stabilizes, record the conductivity value and temperature value displayed on the meter. Take note of any temperature compensation settings if applicable. • Rinse the probe: After each measurement, rinse the probe with distilled or deionized water to remove any residue or contaminants. This ensures accurate subsequent readings.
• Repeat (if necessary): If you need to analyze multiple samples, repeat the process with each sample, recalibrating the conductivity meter if required.

To learn more about how to get accurate conductivity measurements, download the smart note: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Conductivity in Liquids.

When choosing an Orion conductivity probe for your application there are many factors to consider. Measurement range, sample type, container dimensions, accuracy/ precision requirements, temperature compensation needs, cell constant, durability, maintenance, and meter compatibility are all key features to evaluate.

To learn more about Orion conductivity probes, download the brochure: Orion Conductivity Probes

To perform an analysis using Orion benchtop and portable conductivity meters, you will need the following supplies: conductivity probe, conductivity standards, distilled or deionized water, sample containers, and a stirrer probe (optional).

Orion benchtop and portable conductivity meters are powered differently to meet the needs of your testing environment. Orion portable conductivity meters are powered by four (4) AA batteries (included), or a universal AC adapter (sold separately). Orion benchtop conductivity meters are powered by an AC adapter typically consisting of a universal 100-240 V 50/60 Hz power supply and include interchangeable wall plugs for US/Japan, Europe, UK/Singapore, Australia/New Zealand and China outlets.

Orion benchtop and portable conductivity meters are designed to be splash and dustproof. They are built with durable materials containing protective features to help ensure reliable performance. Our portable meters are IP-67 rated to protect against splashes, dust and limited immersion. Our benchtop meters are IP-54 rated to protect against splashes and dust. Please note that while our conductivity meters are resistant to splashes and dust, they are not fully waterproof. Reference the user manual for additional details regarding proper usage and maintenance.

Orion benchtop and portable multiparameter meters offer the ability to measure additional parameters beyond conductivity. Most Orion conductivity meters also measure total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity and resistivity with temperature. Dependent upon the meter model selected, users can also monitor pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), ion concentration and more.

Orion benchtop and portable conductivity meters come with a variety of measurement channel options designed to support your needs. Choose from as little as one (1) measurement channel for more streamlined applications, to as many as four (4) measurement channels for more complex workflows where multi-parameter or concurrent analysis is a requirement. To shop Orion multiparameter electrochemistry meters, click here