Instruction Manual
Ammonium Electrode
13
TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
Symptom
Possible Causes
Next Step
Out of Range
defective meter
check meter with Reading
shorting
strap
(see meter instruction manual)
electrode(s)
unplug
electrode(s)
not plugged in
and reset
properly
reference electrode
be sure reference
not filled
electrode is filled
air bubbles on
remove bubble by
membrane
redipping
electrode
electrodes not
put electrode(s)
in solution
in solution
"Incorrect
incorrect scaling
plot millivolts on the linear
Answer"
of semi-log paper
axis. On the log axis, be sure
curve is good)
concentration numbers within
(but calibration
each decade are increasing
with increasing concentration
incorrect sign
be sure to note
sign of millivolt number correctly
incorrect standards
prepare fresh standards
wrong units used
apply correct conversion factor:
10-
3
M = 18 ppm NH
4
+ =
14 ppm as N
sample carryover
rinse electrodes
thoroughly between samples
Drift (reading
samples and standards
allow solutions
slowly changing
at different
to come to room
in one direction)
temperatures
temperature
before
measurement
electrode exposed
soak electrode
to interference
in ammonium standard
incorrect reference
use recommended
filling solution
filling solution