9
Assembling the Chlorine Probe
Once the probe is assembled it will need to remain wet in order to prevent the membrane from drying out and
becoming blocked. To prevent air bubbles from getting into the electrolyte, do not shake the bottle. It is also
recommended to store the electrolyte bottle upside-down on its cap.
Some electrolytes contain diluted acids. Please heed warnings on the electrolyte bottle. Do not ingest the
electrolyte and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wash with lots of water in case of contact. In case of eye
inflammation, contact a doctor.
Remove any protective cover from the membrane cap, and then remove the membrane
cap from the probe. Do not wipe the electrode “finger” as this may damage the surface.
Locate the blue abrasive paper supplied with the probe. Place the blue paper on a
horizontal flat surface with the glossy side down on a paper towel. Vertically place the
probe with the gold tip (located at the end of the electrode finger) against the blue paper,
and slide it across the paper 2 to 3 times (maximum) to polish the gold tip.
Place the membrane onto a clean paper towel. Fill the membrane cap up to the edge
with the supplied electrolyte. Try to avoid bubbles being trapped in the electrolyte.
Note: It is very important the correct electrolyte be used. The electrolyte supplied with
a Free Chlorine probe should be labeled “Free” or have the part number ECS2.1. The
electrolyte supplied with a Total Chlorine probe should be labeled “Total” or have the
part number ECP1.4. Damage can occur to the probe if the incorrect electrolyte is used.
Position the probe vertically so that the electrode shaft is upright, and then insert the
shaft into the filled membrane cap. Screw the membrane cap onto the electrode shaft.
Excess electrolyte will escape out the top of the cap and though a vent (A) located in the
groove of the membrane cap which is covered by the elastic band (B). To avoid blocking
the vent, do not place your finger over the elastic band when tightening the cap. Wipe
off excess electrolyte with a paper towel and then rinse the probe with water. The next
step is very important and needs to be performed no matter how tight the cap may have
felt. Dry the membrane cap and hands, then check to ensure the membrane cap is
completely screwed on all the way.
The electrolyte will need to be replaced in 12 months (or sooner if calibration appears to
be drifting more than usual). When unscrewing the membrane cap to replace the
electrolyte, the elastic band (B) covering the vent hole (A) must be lifted so air is allowed
to enter into the membrane cap. Failure to follow this instruction will damage the
membrane due to negative pressure building up in the membrane cap. Once the cap is
removed, dump out the old electrolyte and rinse the electrode finger with warm water
and then shake off excess water. Do not wipe the electrode finger as this may damage
the surface. Repeat the above steps to re-assemble the probe with fresh electrolyte.
Note: The membrane cap is recommended to be replaced every 12 months.
