Orion™ Versa Star Pro™ Benchtop Meter with pH/LogR/mV module and stand - FAQs

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we stand behind the quality and reliability of our instruments. That's why we offer a minimum two-year (2) warranty on all Orion benchtop and portable pH meters. Obtain peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. Should any issues arise within the warranty period, our team of experts is committed to providing you with prompt and efficient service. Be sure to check instrument specifications to confirm the warranty coverage period.

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

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

To learn more about pH meter calibration, download our technical note: Understanding Calibration of Laboratory pH Systems. See a live calibration by watching our video: Understanding Calibration of Laboratory pH Systems.

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

• Calibrate the pH meter: Start by calibrating your pH meter using the calibration buffer solutions. Typically, you will need pH 4, pH 7, and pH 10. Be sure to reference the user manual for instructions on how to properly calibrate your pH meter.
• Prepare your sample: Ensure that your sample is at the desired temperature (most frequently room temperature). If necessary, filter the sample to remove any particles or impurities that could impact the pH reading.
• Immerse the electrode: Dip the pH electrode into the sample. Avoid touching the sides or bottom of the container to prevent inaccurate readings.
• Allow for stabilization: Give the pH 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 pH value: Once the pH meter stabilizes, record the pH value displayed on the meter. If applicable, also record the temperature value.
• Rinse the electrode: After each measurement, rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water to remove any residue or contaminants. This helps ensure accurate subsequent readings.
• Repeat (if necessary): If you need to analyze multiple samples, repeat the process with each sample, recalibrating the pH meter if required.

To learn more about how to perform a pH analysis, watch our video:Measuring Drinking Water Using the Orion Versa Star Pro Bench Meter

When choosing an Orion pH electrode for your application there are many factors to consider. Sample type, container dimensions, accuracy/ precision requirements, junction design, durability, maintenance, and meter compatibility are all key features to evaluate.
To learn more about how to choose the right electrode for your application, watch our videos: How to Choose the Right pH Electrode and Understanding Your Sample to Select the Right pH Electrode

To perform an analysis using Orion benchtop and portable pH meters, you will need the following supplies: pH electrode (or micro electrode for small sample volumes/ containers), calibration buffer solutions, distilled or deionized water, sample containers, stirrer probe (optional), and electrode cleaning solution(s) (s). For your convenience, our all-in-one pH buffer kits can be purchased, which include pH buffers (4.01 pH, 7.00 pH, and 10.01 pH), electrode cleaning solution, and electrode and storage solution.

Orion benchtop and portable pH meters are powered differently to meet the needs of your testing environment. Orion portable pH meters are powered by four (4) AA batteries (included), or a universal AC adapter (sold separately). Orion benchtop pH 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 pH 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 pH 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 pH. Dependent upon the meter model selected, users can also monitor conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), ion concentration and more.
To shop the full range of Orion electrochemistry meters, click here

Orion benchtop and portable pH 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

The pH accuracy on Orion benchtop and portable pH meters varies upon the meter model selected. Generally, Orion pH meters offer a range of ±0.002 to 0.01. Be sure to check instrument specifications to ensure your desired pH accuracy can be achieved.
To learn more about how to get accurate pH measurements, watch our video: 7 Common Mistakes When Measuring pH

The pH range on Orion benchtop and portable pH meters varies upon the meter model selected. Generally, Orion pH meters offer a range of -2.000 to 20.000 pH. Be sure to check instrument specifications to ensure your desired pH range is covered.
To learn more about how to get accurate pH measurements, watch our video:7 Common Mistakes When Measuring pH

When choosing between an Orion benchtop or portable pH meter, consider factors such as portability needs, measurement capabilities, accuracy requirements, desired features, and budget constraints. Our portable meters offer convenience for field use, while our benchtop meters provide higher accuracy and contain a more robust feature offering. Consider your specific application needs before selecting a pH meter.
To learn more on how to choose between a benchtop or portable pH meter, watch our videos: How to Choose a Benchtop pH Meter and How to Choose a Portable pH Meter

pH analysis is beneficial to a wide range of applications across various industries and scientific fields. Some key applications that can benefit from pH analysis include environmental monitoring, municipal water treatment, agriculture, food and beverage, industrial processes, pharmaceutical, healthcare and scientific research.
Browse our Water Quality Resource Library to learn more via application notes, technical notes, videos and more.

A pH meter uses electrochemistry to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a sample. It consists of a glass electrode and a reference electrode that measure the sample and perform the analysis. The glass electrode is sensitive to hydrogen ions (H+) in a sample. When the glass electrode is immersed in the sample, it generates a small electrical potential based on the concentration of hydrogen ions. This potential is then measured and compared to the potential of the reference electrode, which provides a stable reference point. The difference in potentials between the two electrodes is then used to calculate the pH and displayed as a reading on the meter.
To learn more about pH analysis, download our eBook: pH Measurement Handbook.