WTW Technical Buffer Solution TEP 10 Trace, 1 bottle containing 1 L: pH 10.01, #108703

For the alkaline calibration point of a pH electrode, a technical buffer solution with a pH of 10 is required, which contaminates the sample as little as possible, even in demanding applications such as trace analysis. The WTW technical buffer solution pH 10.01 Trace is the low-trace-metal version of the third calibration point, usually supplemented by pH 7 and pH 4, and thus covers 2- or 3-point calibration in the alkaline range. It is available in two container sizes, 250 ml and 1,000 ml, and is therefore suitable for both day-to-day laboratory use and applications requiring more frequent calibration.

Trace-grade carbonate buffer

The buffer system consists of a combination of sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate, forming a carbonate buffer. The term ‘Trace’ denotes a formulation low in trace metals, which is particularly relevant where calibration solutions must not come into contact with sensitive analytical equipment or downstream trace metal measurements. The pH value at 25 °C is 10.01, with an accuracy of ± 0.03 pH.

Reference temperature 25 °C

Unlike the technical buffer solutions pH 4 and pH 7, which are specified at 20 °C, the pH value of the Trace buffer solution pH 10.01 is specified at 25 °C. The pH value of a buffer solution depends on the temperature, which is why the reference temperature is stated. To ensure correct calibration in the alkaline range, it is advisable to bring the temperature of the buffer solution as close as possible to this reference value before immersing the electrode.

WTW, a brand of Xylem

The buffer solution is supplied by WTW, an established brand in pH measurement technology and electrochemistry, which is now part of Xylem. Many laboratories already rely on WTW measuring instruments and electrodes; this technical buffer solution serves as a compatible calibration solution. However, it can generally be used with any pH electrode and any pH meter, regardless of the manufacturer; the calibration is not tied to a specific measuring instrument. The ‘Trace’ quality in particular is a feature that goes beyond the mere pH value and is aimed at laboratories that place particular emphasis on the purity of their calibration solutions.

Pack sizes of the technical buffer solution pH 10.01 Trace

Select the appropriate container size above: TPL 10 Trace (250 ml) for routine laboratory use, or TEP 10 Trace (1,000 ml) for frequent calibration requirements or multiple measuring points. A 50-ml container size is not available in the Trace grade.

Storage, shelf life and handling

At 20 °C, the buffer solution has a density of 1.01 g/cm³ and a melting point of -2.6 °C. Unopened, it has a shelf life of 3 years when stored at 15 to 25 °C. It is not classified under GHS/CLP and is not a dangerous good, which simplifies storage, handling and dispatch in day-to-day laboratory work, without the need for additional dangerous goods labelling.

Avoid contamination, particularly with trace-grade solutions

With a buffer solution low in trace metals, cleanliness during handling is particularly important; otherwise, the advantage of trace-grade quality is quickly lost. Once removed, buffer solution should therefore not be poured back into the bottle, as even small amounts of contamination from the electrode or the measurement environment can alter both the pH value and the trace metal content of the remaining volume. For daily use, it is recommended to use a clean, separate calibration vessel, into which only as much buffer solution as is required for the current calibration is poured. The bottle itself should be kept tightly sealed and stored at a temperature between 15 and 25 °C to ensure that the documented accuracy of ± 0.03 pH is maintained until the end of the three-year shelf life.

Typical applications

The pH 10.01 Trace technical buffer solution is used wherever pH electrodes need to be calibrated in the alkaline range and a low trace metal content is important, not only for a one-off calibration but as an integral part of ongoing quality assurance:

• Alkaline calibration point in water and wastewater analysis
• Process control for alkaline cleaning and washing solutions in industry
• Laboratories carrying out trace metal analysis, where a low-metal calibration solution prevents contamination
• Research and teaching, as a third reference point alongside pH 7 and pH 4
• Commissioning and functional testing of new pH electrodes prior to first use

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 bottle of WTW technical buffer solution pH 10.01 Trace in the selected container size (250 ml or 1,000 ml)

Individual requirements & procurement service

For complete 3-point calibration, we also offer the same technical buffer solution with pH 7.00 and pH 4.01, as well as suitable pH electrodes. For larger quantities, custom container sizes or enquiries regarding the appropriate calibration solution, our procurement service will be happy to assist you.