Bottle for pH probe calibration, storage, and cleaning

[Haussenbrau]

I never trusted putting just a few drops of storage solution in the cap and letting it set for a few weeks and hoping the pH probe has not dried out. My bottles for holding two buffers and one storage were 8 ounces each. So I had to use about 4 ounces each to make them useful. I either had to waste solutions to keep them fresh or keep them too long and have pH calibration and measuring problems. I was going through CVS recently and saw TSA travel spray bottles and had an idea. Why can't I take the sprayer out and drill a 3/8" or 1/2" hole inthe the top and use these for my pH solution. The four bottles in the picture below cost a total of $4. There is one for prove storage, one for probe cleaning, one for pH 7 buffer, and one for pH 4 buffer. They each use about 1 to 1.5 ounces. I will let everyone how it works out.

 

[passedpawn]

I never trusted putting just a few drops of storage solution in the cap and letting it set for a few weeks and hoping the pH probe has not dried out. My bottles for holding two buffers and one storage were 8 ounces each. So I had to use about 4 ounces each to make them useful. I either had to waste solutions to keep them fresh or keep them too long and have pH calibration and measuring problems. I was going through CVS recently and saw TSA travel spray bottles and had an idea. Why can't I take the sprayer out and drill a 3/8" or 1/2" hole inthe the top and use these for my pH solution. The four bottles in the picture below cost a total of $4. There is one for prove storage, one for probe cleaning, one for pH 7 buffer, and one for pH 4 buffer. They each use about 1 to 1.5 ounces. I will let everyone how it works out.

View attachment 637171

I like the idea, but I'm clumsy and there is no way that would stay vertical around me.

 

[mabrungard]

I use something similar for storage solution. I have a 500 ml bottle of storage solution with a typical screw on cap and I cut a hole through the cap so that the probe fits through tightly. This has been very effective.

 

[IslandLizard]

I like the idea, but I'm clumsy and there is no way that would stay vertical around me.

That's a good point, I tend to be clumsy around tall narrow objects in my wing range. I'd widen the bases, or put in a holder of some sort.

 

[day_trippr]

A small piece of wood and a couple of spade bits would solve the tippy problem.
I've done as much for my meters as I was always knocking them over from their standing position...

Cheers!

 

[Haussenbrau]

I like the idea, but I'm clumsy and there is no way that would stay vertical around me.

I also have an old kitchen sponge holder to keep them contained. All four bottles fit neatly in it.

 

[Haussenbrau]

Below are a pictures with the four bottles and hydrometer in the stand (Sponge Holder)

 

[IslandLizard]

Below are a pictures with the four bottles and hydrometer in the stand (Sponge Holder)

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View attachment 637323

I like the sponge holder for the little narrow bottles, but now the hydrometer tube and jar make it metastable again...

 

[Haussenbrau]

I like the sponge holder for the little narrow bottles, but now the hydrometer tube and jar make it metastable again...

That is where I store them in between brewing days. They are sitting in a corner behind my water recycling tank. They are very safe.

 

[balrog]

I like the sponge holder for the little narrow bottles, but now the hydrometer tube and jar make it metastable again...

Yes but if you superglue the sponge container to the counter...

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

Here's my low-tech solution to pH meter storage. Plastic wrap and elastic bands keep the shot glass air tight and prevent the storage solution from forming a white layer of crust.