Hamilton ARC pH Probes

Hamilton’s Arc pH probes are built to accommodate harsh process conditions, while providing the best accuracy and precision in the industry. The measurement and its digitization are actually performed inside the probe, avoiding the cable-pick-up related noise issues that plague other probes. A temperature sensor inside the probe facilitates process temperature adjustments to the pH measurement automatically. Onboard memory directly stores the calibration points on each probe, enabling quick swaps in real-time without lengthy in-situ recalibration procedures.

Here are the three lines of Arc pH probes that we carry and support from Hamilton:

• Polilyte Plus Arc is Hamilton’s rugged, industrial pH family—optimized for chemical/petrochemical, utilities, and wastewater, with dual Single Pore junctions and the Everef-L reference (long-life, low-maintenance). Use it when media can be dirty, alkaline, or low-conductivity. This is the versatile and practical choice for most teaching, chemical or industrial laboratory applications, and our recommendation for general purpose use.

• EasyFerm Plus Arc is the biopharma workhorse—designed for frequent autoclave/sterilize-in-place (SIP) procedures with Phermlyte (pre-pressurized) electrolyte, HP-Coatramic diaphragm, and glass options (HB and PHI) tuned for sterilize-in-place (SIP)/clean-in-place (CIP). Pick it for stainless bioreactors that see hot sterilization.

• EasyFerm Bio Arc targets hygienic food & beverage / bioprocess use where CIP and material compatibility matter. It swaps in Foodlyte (bio-compatibility certified) while keeping the same Arc digital platform. Use this line of pH probes specifically for food & beverage applications where the end product will be consumed.

Below are the electrolyte & reference systems used in these product lines. For more information, click on the probe line name.

• Polilyte Plus Arc: Polisolve Plus electrolyte + Everef-L reference.

• EasyFerm Plus Arc: Phermlyte electrolyte + Everef-F (silver-ion barrier) reference.

• EasyFerm Bio Arc: Foodlyte electrolyte + Everef-F reference.

The sterilization capability of a given probe depends mainly on the type of glass used in its construction. Specifically, PHI and HB glass are autoclave-compatible (up to 130 °C), SIP-compatible (saturated steam; up to 140 °C), and CIP-compatible. These are the glasses which are offered with all probe lines — Polilyte Plus,  EasyFerm Plus and EasyFerm Bio. Polilyte Plus also comes with H glass (autoclave/SIP but no CIP) and HF glass (for use with low temperature, HF containing media that would otherwise damage other types of glass; not recommended for autoclave/CIP/SIP).

Here is a quick cheat sheet for glass types:

• PHI → best drift in frequent SIP/autoclave (bioreactors)

• HB → fastest CIP recovery (popular in food/bev & fast turnarounds)

• H → robust in low-conductivity / utilities / wastewater

• HF → HF-containing media / low temps; trade-off is no sterilization rating

The standard probe lengths (as measured from the bottom of the PG13.5 threaded nut to the tip of the probe) that we support are 120 mm, 225 mm, 325 mm, and 425 mm. For most beaker-based applications where the probe is held by a lab stand and clamp, the 120 mm or the 225 mm long probe should be sufficient. For bioreactors with head plates and PG13.5 compatible probe ports, the size/depth of the vessel will determine the probe length.

Please contact us for application specific inquiries. Our technical team can help you choose the correct probe model, glass type and sensor length for your specific needs.