APERA INSTRUMENTS / PH60Z-SA / AI3743

Smart pH for strong alkali and brine.
An open junction against salt.

The PH60Z-SA pairs Apera’s PH60Z smart tester with the LabSen 845 pH/temperature electrode, made for strong alkaline solutions (above pH 12) and high-salinity solutions (above 5 ppt). Apera recommends it from pH 1 to 14, and the kit swaps the usual pH 10.01 buffer for pH 12.45.

The tester works on its own from the keypad, or pairs over Bluetooth with Apera’s free ZenTest app for guided calibration, calibration reminders and unlimited data logging. It reads −2.00 to 16.00 pH at ±0.01 pH, is IP67 rated and runs on four AAA batteries. The kit includes pH 4.00, 7.00 and 12.45 buffers, 3M KCl soaking solution and the CalPod solution organizer in a carrying case.

Meet the LabSen 845.

High salt and strong alkali attack conventional junctions and glass. The LabSen 845 uses an open junction with polymer electrolyte, HA-type glass and Apera’s silver ion trap reference, which absorbs silver ions that would otherwise clog the junction.

Apera recommends it for samples above pH 12 or above 5 ppt salinity, from pH 1 to 14. Calibrate with the kit’s pH 12.45 buffer for the alkaline end.

Calibrate from pH 7.00.
Then add the points you need.

Pour the buffers into the CalPod. Always start at pH 7.00: dip, stir briefly, long-press CAL (the screen turns green), and short-press CAL when the stability icon stays on. Continue straight to pH 4.00 and pH 12.45 without switching the meter off. Powering off between points forces you to start again at pH 7.00.

The meter recognizes USA buffers (1.68, 4.00, 7.00, 10.01, 12.45) or NIST buffers (1.68, 4.01, 6.86, 9.18, 12.45) and confirms each point with an icon. Apera suggests reusing poured buffers up to 10 times, but pH 10.01 only up to 5, and calibrating at the sample’s temperature for the best accuracy. In the ZenTest app, calibration is guided on screen and reminders can be scheduled.

Measure, hold, log.

Rinse the electrode, immerse it at least 1 inch, stir briefly to clear bubbles, and take the reading when the stability icon stays on. With Auto-Hold on, the tester locks a reading that has been stable for 10 seconds; short-press CAL to release it.

The PH60Z also reads mV, sets high and low alarm limits that turn the screen red, and switches between °C and °F. In the ZenTest app, every logged reading can carry date, time, location, a photo, the asset, the operator and notes, and you can export by email, AirDrop or messaging apps.

Clean it, then store it wet.

Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water before and after every measurement, and blot it with a lint-free wipe; never rub the glass. For oils, proteins, scale or unknown deposits, Apera’s table gives the cleaning agent and soak time, followed by 12–24 hours in 3M KCl and a fresh calibration.

Store the electrode in its vial with 3M KCl soaking solution and replace the solution about monthly. Never store it in tap, RO, distilled or deionized water. White crystals around the vial are dried KCl and harmless. Apera expects a pH electrode to last one to two years; replacement LabSen electrodes connect to the same tester.

Check the specifications.

The PH60Z tester reads −2.00 to 16.00 pH at 0.01 resolution, ±0.01 pH ±1 digit, with automatic or manual temperature compensation from 0 to 100°C. It also reads −1000 to 1000 mV (±0.2% F.S) and temperature from 0 to 100°C (±0.5°C ±1 digit), and has a three-color backlight, auto-hold, reading alarms and self-diagnosis.

The LabSen 845 reads 1 to 14 pH from 0 to 100°C. The tester runs on four AAA batteries, is IP67 rated, and measures 40 × 40 × 178 mm at 133 g.