Section 6 maintenance, 1 cell cleaning and storage, To clean a conductivity cell – YSI 3200 User Manual
Page 41: Storage, 2 platinization, Maintenance, 1 cell cleaning and storage 6.2 platinization

SECTION 6 MAINTENANCE
6.1 CELL CLEANING AND STORAGE
The single most important requirement for accurate and reproducible results in conductivity
measurement is a clean cell. A dirty cell will change the conductivity of a solution by
contaminating it.
To clean a conductivity cell:
1. Dip or fill the cell with cleaning solution and agitate for two to three minutes. Any one of
the foaming acid tile cleaners, such as Dow Chemical Bathroom Cleaner, will clean the
cell adequately. When a stronger cleaning preparation is required, use a solution of 1:1
isopropyl alcohol and 1N HCl or Sulfuric Acid or Ethanol or Methanol.
CAUTION: Cells should not be cleaned in aqua regia or in any solution known to
etch platinum or gold.
2. Remove the cell from the solution and rinse in several changes of distilled or deionized
water. Inspect the platinum black to see if replatinizing is required.
Storage
Short term: Store conductivity cells in deionized or distilled water. Change the water frequently
to prevent any growth that may cause electrode fouling.
Long term: Rinse thoroughly with deionized or distilled water and store dry. Any cell that has
been stored dry should be soaked in distilled water until the electrodes appear black
before use.
6.2 PLATINIZATION
The 3200 can be used to replatinize the electrodes of the cell. From Operation mode, press the
[CELL] soft key, to enter the Cell menu, then, press the [PLATIN] soft key to enter the Platinize
menu and display the following screen.
PLATINIZE
[ 6] Min platinization time
ENTER TO BEGIN PLATINIZATION
UP
DOWN
DIGIT
WARNING: Before replatinizing the electrodes of a cell, make sure that the cell is designed
to have a platinum coating on the electrodes.
1. Clean the cell as described previously.
YSI Incorporated
Model 3200
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