Emerson Process Management 53eA Troubleshooting When no Fault Message is Showing pH

MODEL 54eA	SECTION 16.0
	TROUBLESHOOTING

16.9 TROUBLESHOOTING WHEN NO FAULT MESSAGE IS SHOWING - pH

Problem	See Section
Warning or error message during two-point calibration	16.9.1
Warning or error message during standardization	16.9.2
Controller will not accept manual slope	16.9.3
Sensor does not respond to known pH changes	16.9.4
Calibration was successful, but process pH is slightly different from expected value	16.9.5
Calibration was successful, but process pH is grossly wrong and/or noisy	16.9.6
Process reading is noisy	16.9.7

16.9.1 Warning or error message during two-point calibration.

Once the two-point (manual or automatic) calibration is complete, the controller automatically calculates the sen- sor slope (at 25°C). If the slope is less than 45 mV/pH, the controller displays a "Slope error low" message. If the slope is greater than 60 mV/pH, the controller displays a "Slope error high" message. The controller will not update the calibration. Check the following:

A.Are the buffers accurate? Inspect the buffers for obvious signs of deterioration, such as turbidity or mold growth. Neutral and slightly acidic buffers are highly susceptible to molds. Alkaline buffers (pH 9 and greater), if they have been exposed to air for long periods, may also be inaccurate. Alkaline buffers absorb carbon diox- ide from the atmosphere, which lowers the pH. If a high pH buffer was used in the failed calibration, repeat the calibration using a fresh buffer. If fresh buffer is not available, use a lower pH buffer. For example, use pH 4 and pH 7 buffer instead of pH 7 and pH 10 buffer.

B.Was adequate time allowed for temperature equilibration? If the sensor was in a process liquid substantially hotter or colder than the buffer, place it in a container of water at ambient temperature for at least 20 minutes before starting the calibration.

C.Were correct pH values entered during manual calibration? Using auto calibration eliminates error caused by improperly entered values.

D.Is the sensor properly wired to the analyzer? Check sensor wiring including any connections in a junction box. See Section 3.3.

E.Is the sensor dirty or coated? See the sensor instruction sheet for cleaning instructions.

F.Is the sensor faulty? Check the glass impedance. From the main display, press any key to enter the main menu. Move the cursor to "Diagnostic variables". Press Enter (F4). Press the ê key until "Glass imped" is showing. Refer to the table for an interpretation of the glass impedance value.

less than 10 MΩ	Glass bulb is cracked or broken. Sensor has failed.
between 10 MΩ and 1000 MΩ	Normal reading
greater than 1000 MΩ	pH sensor may be nearing the end of its service life.

G. Is the controller faulty? The best way to check for a faulty controller is to simulate pH inputs. See Section 16.13.

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