eutech-instruments cyanide epoxy User Manual

Page of 18
Instruction Manual 
 
Cyanide Electrode
 
 
9
 
4. 
On a semi-logarithmic paper, plot the concentration (log axis) against the millivolt reading 
(linear axis) as in Figure 1. Reserve the final solution for checking the electrode each hour.   
 
5. 
To a 150 ml plastic beaker, add 100 ml of sample and 1 ml of ISA. Place the beaker on the 
magnetic stirrer and begin stirring at a constant rate. After rinsing the electrodes, blot dry 
and lower the electrode tips into the solution. After stabilization of the reading, read the 
mV potential and determine the concentration from the calibration curve. A new low level 
calibration curve should be prepared daily using fresh standards. 
 
 
ELECTRODE CHARACTERISTICS 
 
Reproducibility 
 
Electrode measurements reproducible to ±2% can be obtained if the electrode is calibrated every 
hour. Factors like temperature fluctuations, drift, and noise limit reproducibility. Reproducibility is 
independent of concentration within the electrode's operating range. 
Interferences 
 
A layer of silver metal may form on the electrode surface in the presence of strongly reducing 
solutions, such as photographic developer. Ions forming very insoluble silver salts will cause the 
electrodes to malfunction if present in solution at sufficiently high levels to form a layer of silver 
salt on the membrane surface. Electrode performance can be restored by polishing if the surface of 
the sensing element becomes contaminated. See section 
Electrode Response
 for proper polishing 
procedure.     
 
Solutions containing oxidizing agents such as Fe
+3
, Cu
+2
, and MnO
4
- will not affect electrode 
performance. All samples must be free of mercury. 
 
The maximum allowable ratio of interfering ions to cyanide ions is given in Table 3. The ratio is 
expressed as the ratio of the interfering ion concentration in moles per liter to the sample cyanide 
concentration in moles per liter. Readings will be in error if this ratio is exceeded. Neither the 
accuracy of the measurement nor the surface of the electrode membrane will be affected if the ratio 
is less than that listed in the table.   
 
TABLE 3: Maximum Allowable Ratio of Interfering Ion to Cyanide Ion 
 
         Interferences            Maximum Ratio   
               Cl
-1
                        1X10
6
 
               Br
-1
                        5X10
3
 
               I
-1
                          1X10
-1
 
               S
-2
                     must be absent 
 
When using the cyanide ion electrode, an example of the use of Table 3 follows: 
 
What is the maximum level of bromide allowable in a sample whose cyanide concentration is 1X10
-
5
M?