Monitoring pH in milk is essential for identifying spoilage, detecting infection, and optimizing processing techniques. Fresh milk typically has a pH of 6.7. Deviations from this value can indicate contamination—lower pH suggests bacterial degradation, while higher pH may signal mastitis infection. Quick pH screening helps producers assess quality and diagnose potential issues in the milk supply chain.

Spoilage is commonly caused by lactic acid bacteria, which convert lactose into lactic acid, eventually causing curdling and sour taste. Conversely, elevated pH levels may point to mastitis, a common udder infection, where the presence of alkaline blood plasma shifts the milk’s pH above the norm. This can be confirmed by somatic cell count, but pH testing offers a rapid preliminary check.

In high-temperature pasteurization operations, even slight pH shifts can affect process timing and stability. However, accurate pH measurement in milk can be difficult due to high solids content that may coat the electrode or clog the junction. The HI98162 solves this with the FC1013 electrode, engineered with a food-safe PVDF body that resists chemical exposure, abrasion, and microbial growth. Its quick-connect DIN interface ensures a waterproof, secure fit for reliable data collection in dairy environments.

This pH meter meets the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance standards.

The FC1013 electrode paired with the HI98162 is purpose-built for milk testing, offering consistent and precise readings across raw and processed dairy samples. Its integrated temperature sensor enables automatic compensation without requiring additional probes, ensuring accurate results across a wide thermal range.

The HI98162 integrates Hanna's advanced CAL Check™ diagnostic technology to detect calibration issues and prevent measurement errors often caused by milk solids coating the electrode. Users are notified via on-screen prompts if the probe requires cleaning, replacement, or if calibration buffers are compromised. Post-calibration, the system displays electrode condition as a percentage, based on slope and offset.

With the AutoHold function, a stable reading is automatically logged and frozen on screen. Users can also enable out-of-range alerts to warn when measurements fall outside calibrated limits. Up to 200 sample readings can be stored with full GLP traceability, accessible via the dedicated GLP key or transferred to a PC using the micro USB cable and Hanna software.

A context-sensitive help feature is available at any time via a dedicated button, providing immediate guidance based on the current display screen.

The high-contrast, backlit LCD ensures visibility in all lighting conditions. Combined with virtual and physical buttons and multiple language support, the HI98162 offers intuitive and flexible user navigation.

Included with the HI98162 is a rugged, thermoformed HI720161 carrying case designed to protect and organize all required accessories—including the meter, FC1013 electrode, beakers, and calibration solutions—for streamlined field testing.