Metrohm has announced that its specialist range of pH electrodes is ideal for pH measurement in foodstuffs and protein-rich products.
The measurement of pH in the food industry has historically been fraught with problems.
The nature of the industry means the products to be analysed are commonly not a simple aqueous solution.
Meats, cheeses, fruits, conserves, creams, solids, and protein-rich products all pose a measuring challenge for pH.
PH measurements in such products demand a robust pH electrode that can penetrate easily into the sample.
It can also be important that the product being measured is not contaminated with electrolyte solution.
Therefore, in certain circumstances, the outflow of electrolyte solution through the diaphragm should be close to zero.
A solidified electrolyte solution should fulfil this purpose.
Other challenges include protein-containing samples blocking the electrolyte diaphragm of conventional electrodes or the challenge of getting a suitable electrode into small containers or sachets.
Metrohm has designed a range of electrodes to combat these various measurement challenges.
The Spearhead electrode (6.0226.100) has a robust electrode tip for penetrating and measurements in semi-solid samples such as meats, cheeses and fruit.
The Spearhead contains maintenance-free solid polymer electrolyte to ensure long life, and the pin-hole diaphragm is easy to clean.
The very low electrolyte flow rate virtually eliminates product contamination.
The Porotrode's (6.0235.100) low-maintenance capillary diaphragm eliminates protein blockage, making the Porotrode suitable for protein containing or highly viscous samples.
The porolyte polymer electrolyte ensures a uniform electrolyte flow-rate.
The Biotrode (6.0224.100) has a small electrode tip diameter of 3mm, making this electrode suitable for measurement in very small vessels or sachets.
It is suitable for protein-containing samples and solutions with an organic fraction.
The very low electrolyte flow rate virtually eliminates product contamination.
The above electrodes can be connected to all existing Metrohm instrumentation and to the new Metrohm 780/781 pH/ion meter.
