Senova Systems’ pHit sensor platform represents a quantum leap in technology for measuring pH. Since the Senova Systems’ smart sensor platform will “fit” and enable a virtually unlimited variety of applications, we were faced with a significant challenge in choosing the best form factor and application target for our very first product. Ultimately we decided to bring the many benefits of this new technology to a handheld pH scanner for general purpose laboratory use, with room for modifications down the line.
Every pHit Scanner features Senova’s proprietary calibration-free, non-glass, wet-dry reversible pH sensor.
The pHit handheld scanner comes with a variety of unique and powerful benefits that allow each user to save time and money while minimizing frustration and risk. Many of the features found below play a role in how the pHit handheld scanner can save you money. You can find out more by visiting our savings page or you can visit our Cost of Ownership calculator to customize the savings to you.
- Calibration-free
- Non-glass
- Dry-storage
- Handheld form factor
- User replaceable sensor cartridge
- General laboratory use
- pH Range: 2-12
- pH unit resolution: .01
- Temperature range: 5-50 °C
- Integrated temperature sensor accurate to ± 0.1 °C
- Automatic temperature compensated pH
- Proprietary solid state sensor and reference
- Cartridge diameter: 12mm
Calibration-Free
One of the most unique features of the pHit handheld scanner, if not the most unique feature, is the calibration-free functionality. Not only is the technology impressive, but the savings and benefits for the user are impressive as well. Users of conventional pH meters will frequently miscalibrate their pH meter which can lead to immense additional costs due to wasted labor, time, and supplies. In the span of a year, calibration can require a large amount of dedication and time from a salaried user.
Measurement
During measurement, the pHit Scanner’s LCD display shows the pH reading and temperature in Celsius (°C). By simply pressing a button, you can toggle to an alternate screen that shows you the voltage (mV) and signal strength (uA) of the measurement. As mentioned below, this data can also be transmitted to your computer using either USB or Bluetooth®, allowing you to capture and store the data you need.
Solid-State Design
The pHit Scanner’s sensor is composed of carbon-substrate and coated with analyte sensing molecules. The chemistry used to create the sensor allows for an ionic communication to take place without any mass transfer. This design minimizes drift as there is no porous frit or junction that is commonly found in glass pH meters. Additionally, the non-porous design virtually eliminates clogging and prevents sample contamination due to leaking; both of these problems frequent conventional pH meters but will now become a thing of the past.
Dry Storage
As mentioned above, the pHit sensor’s design allows for ionic communication without mass transfer. The pHit Scanner does not contain a liquid reference junction with a porous frit, which ensures the integrity of the reference electrode does not change over time. By keeping the reference electrode stable and reliable, there is no need to store the pHit Scanner in a wet potassium chloride solution. There are no components of the pHit sensor that require constant saturation to maintain performance and functionality.
Sensor Check
A very common question we have received about the pHit handheld scanner is “if it’s calibration free, how do I calibrate it?” We understand the importance of verifying the integrity of your pH measurement device before putting it to use. Thus, the pHit handheld scanner includes a feature called the “Sensor Check”. The Sensor Check is a very simple way to validate the health of the pHit handheld scanner. By placing the pHit Scanner into the pH 7 buffer solution of your choice, the pHit Scanner will perform an internal diagnostic to validate the health and functionality of the scanner. This sensor check takes approximately one minute. For best performance and accuracy, Sensor Checks should be performed each day before measurement. Continue reading under Cartridge Replacement to understand how the Sensor Check plays a role in replacing your pHit Scanner’s cartridge.
Cartridge Replacement
The pHit handheld scanner contains two components: the pHit head and the pHit cartridge. The pHit head stores the internal firmware, serving as the brains of the operation. The pHit cartridge stores the sensor technology. The analyte sensing molecules on the surface of the pHit Scanner’s solid-state sensor can only undergo reversible chemical reactions a limited number of times before the pHit Scanner can no longer produce a signal that is strong enough to use for measurement. The previously mentioned Sensor Check will allow you to determine whether you need to replace your cartridge. The cartridge replacement process, as shown in the picture to the right, is painless and straightforward. It’s just another way we’ve tried to make things easier for you, the user.
