Aqualytic AL400T-WL User manual

GB Instruction Manual
Turbidimeter
AL400T-WL

2AL400T-WL_2a 07/2011
Routine Measurement
Press [On/Off] key.1.
Rinse a clean vial with the sample three times. Fill the vial with the sample.2.
Replace cap and clean the vial with the supplied cleaning tissue ensuring that
the surface is clean and dry.
Place the vial in the sample chamber and align correctly.3.
Press4. [ ] key to start measurement.
Record the NTU value5.
User Calibration
Press [Cal] key.1.
Place the 1000 NTU standard in the sample chamber, making sure that the2.
marks are aligned. Press [ ] key. Reading starts automatically after count down.
Place the 10 NTU standard in the sample chamber, making sure that the marks3.
are aligned. Press [ ] key. Reading starts automatically after count down.
Place the 0,2 NTU standard in the sample chamber, making sure that the marks4.
are aligned. Press [ ] key. Reading starts automatically after count down.
Short manual

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AL400T-WL 07/2011
Safety precautions
CAUTION
Please read the instruction manual before unpacking, setting up or using the
turbidimeter. Please read the description completely before performing the test.
Be aware of the risks of using the required standards by reading the MSDS
(Material Safety Data Sheets). Failure could result in serious injury to the operator
or damage to the instrument.
MSDS:
www.aqualytic.de
CAUTION
The accuracy of the instrument is only valid if the instrument is used in an environment
with controlled electromagnetic disturbances according to DIN 61326.
Wireless devices. e.g. wireless phones, must not be used near the instrument.

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Table of contents
Part 1 Description...............................................................................................7
1.1 General description ...........................................................................................8
1.2 Operating principles ..........................................................................................8
1.3 Factory calibration .............................................................................................8
1.4 Important notes ................................................................................................9
1.4.1 Guidelines for turbidity measurements ..............................................................9
1.4.2 Cleaning of vials & sampling containers...........................................................10
Part 2 Operating manual.............................................................................11
2.1 Operating......................................................................................................12
2.1.1 Commissioning ...............................................................................................12
2.1.2 Replacement of batteries.................................................................................12
2.1.3 Instrument (explosion drawing) .......................................................................13
2.2 Overview of function keys ..........................................................................14
2.2.1 Automatic switch off.......................................................................................14
2.3 Operation mode ...........................................................................................15
2.3.1 Perform turbidity measurement .......................................................................16
2.3.2 User calibration ...............................................................................................18
2.3.2.1 When to calibrate............................................................................................18
2.3.2.2 Calibration procedure......................................................................................18
2.3.2.3 Calibration errors ............................................................................................20
2.3.2.4 Factory calibration reset...................................................................................20
2.3.2.5 Calibration standards ......................................................................................20
2.3.3 Measurement techniques ............................................................................21
2.3.3.1 Degassing – removal of bubbles ......................................................................21
2.3.3.2 Measurement of high turbidity values..............................................................22
2.3.3.3 Measurement of low turbidity values...............................................................22
2.3.3.4 Indexing and matching sample vials.................................................................22
2.3.3.5 Indexing a single sample vial............................................................................23

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Part 3 Enclosure .................................................................................................25
3.1 Unpacking.......................................................................................................26
3.2 Delivery content ..............................................................................................26
3.3 Technical data .................................................................................................27
3.4 Abbreviations ..................................................................................................28
3.5 Trouble-shooting... ..........................................................................................29
3.5.1 Operating messages in the display / error display .............................................29
3.6 Declaration of CE-Conformity..........................................................................30

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AL400T-WL_2a 07/2011
Part 1
Descriptions

8AL400T-WL_2a 07/2011
1.1 General description
The AL400T-WL is designed to meet the criteria specified in U.S. EPA 180.1 on turbidity mea-
surement. The AL400T-WL allows for the measurement of turbidity in the field. The instrument
features auto ranging over the range of 0.01 to 1100 NTU/FNU.
The turbidimeter is supplied in a case complete with accessories and spares. The delivered
standards guarantee stable and reproducible results.
1.2 Operating principles
The instrument measures turbidity in the range 0.01 to 1100 NTU/FTU featuring auto ranging.
The light source is a tungsten lamp compliant with U.S. EPA 180.1.
The emitted light is reflected by turbidity
in the sample. The scattered light will be
detected at an angle of 90° by a photo-
diode.
This principle is part of ISO 7027.
The international Reference Standard
for turbidity is a Formazin solution. The
AL400T-WL is based on secondary stan-
dards which are a U.S. EPA approved
alternative standard to Formazin.
1.3 Factory calibration
The turbidimeter AL400T-WL is factory calibrated with secondary standards and does not
require user calibration before use. See chapter 2.3.2 User Calibration.

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1.4 Important Notes
1.4.1 Guidelines for turbidity measurements
Vials and caps should be cleaned thoroughly after each test to avoid interferences. Minora)
residuals can cause errors.
The outside of the vial must be clean and dry, before starting the test. Wipe the vials withb)
a smooth cloth to remove fingerprints or waterdrops.
The vials must be positioned in the sample chamber with the mark on the vial alignedc)
with the mark on the instrument.
Always perform the test with securely capped vials.d)
Bubbles on the inside of the vial lead to errorse) . See chapter 2.3.3.1 Removing bubbles
(Degassing).
Avoid spillage of water in the sample chamber. If water should leak into the instrument,f)
it can destroy electronic components and cause corrosion.
Large temperature differences between the instrument and the environment can leadg)
to errors – e.g. due to the formation of condensation in the area of the lens or on the
vial. For best results, perform tests with sample temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and
25°C (77°F).
To avoid errors caused by stray light do not use the instrument in bright sunlight.h)
Use the instrument in a clean, dust-free environment on a table that is free from vibra-i)
tion / agitation.
321 54

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1.4.2 Cleaning of vials & sampling containers
Vials, caps and sampling containers should be cleaned thoroughly after each test to avoid
influences. Minor residuals can cause errors.
Residuals:
Cleaning of the vials will vary according to the different types of water sample used.
Replace scratched vials immediately.•
Rinse vials thoroughly with deionised water after each measurement.•
Clean all glassware thoroughly with laboratory detergent and rinse with deionised water.•
Clean heavy contamination by filling the vials with 1:1 HCL followed by multiple rinses•
with distilled or deionised water.
Allow vials to air dry.•
Touch vials only at the top to minimise dirt and fingerprints.•
Wipe the vials with a lint-free cloth to remove waterdrops and fingerprints.•

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Part 2
Operating manual

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2.1 Operation
2.1.1 Commissioning
This manual contains basic instructions for the operation, care and maintenance of the in-
strument. The safety protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in a
manner not described in this manual. It is recommended that all operators should read this
manual prior to working with this instrument.
Before working with the AL400T-WL insert the batteries (part of delivery). See chapter 2.1.2
Replacement of batteries.
2.1.2 Replacement of batteries
Recommendation: Don't use rechargeable batteries!
Switch the instrument off if neccessary.1.
If necessary remove vial from the sample chamber.2.
Place the instrument upside down on a clean and even surface.3.
Unscrew the four screws (A) of the battery compartment cover (B).4.
Lift off battery compartment cover at the notch (C).5.
Remove old batteries (D).6.
Place 4 new batteries.7.
Ensuring the correct polarity!
Replace the battery compartment cover.8.
Check the seal ring (E) of the notch to make sure if is tight-fitting
Tighten the screws carefully9. .
CAUTION
Dispose of used batteries in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations.

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2.1.3 Instrument (explosion drawing):
(A) screws
(B) battery compartment cover
(C) notch
(D) batteries: 4 batteries (AA/LR6)
(E) seal ring
(F) instrument back
CAUTION:
To ensure that the battery compartment is water proof:
seal ring (E) must be in position•
battery compartment cover (B) must be fixed with the four screws•
AA/LR6
AA/LR6
AA/LR6
AA/LR6
(D) batteries
(E) seal ring
(C) notch
(F) instrument back
(B) battery
compartment
cover
(A) screws

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2.2 Overview of function keys
The key pad has five buttons:
Switching the photometer on or off.
Perform a calibration.
Perform a measurement. When pressed and held this key can be used
to index the current sample. When the key is released a reading or
calibration starts.
Change the calibration points.
ON
OFF
Cal
2.2.1 Automatic switch off
The instrument switches off automatically after 5 minutes. Press any key to avoid the
instrument switching off.
As long as the instrument is working the automatic switch off is inactive.

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2.3 Operation mode
This instrument measures turbidity. The turbidity is reported in Nephelometric Turbidity Units
(NTU) and Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU). Readings above 1100 NTU are outside the
range of this instrument.
Note:
Nephelometric turbidity units (NTU’s) are numerically equivalent to Formazin ne-
phelometric units (FNU’s).
Below are some typical screens and a description of when you would see them.
When turning on the instrument or after a calibration, this
screen indicates that the instrument is ready to read.
The instrument will display moving dashes on the screen
for 6-7 seconds prior to displaying a value. This will occur
prior to taking a reading and indexing. No keypad presses
will function during this time.
A typical reading in the display:
An overrange is indicated by a flashing 1100.
1100 NTU
FNU
- r d - NTU
FNU
0.05 NTU
FNU
- - - NTU
FNU

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2.3.1 Perform turbidity measurement
Accurate turbidity measurements depend on good, consistent measurement techniques.
This includes working with clean sample vials in good condition and removing air bubbles.
Samples should be measured immediately to prevent changes in sample characteristics due
to temperature shifts and settling.
Instrument operation:
Take a representative sample in a clean container.
Rinse the vial with approximately 10 mL of the sample
(2/3 of cuvette volume), capping the cuvette with the
black light shield (cuvette top) and inverting several times.
Discard the used sample and repeat the rinsing procedure
two more times.
Fill a clean and dry vial with the sample up to the mark.
Cap the vial.
Take care to handle the vial by the top. Wipe the vial with
the supplied cleaning tissue to remove waterdrops and
finger prints.
Switch on the instrument.
ON
OFF

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Place the vial in the sample chamber making sure that the
positioning is correct, with the marks are aligned.
Index the cuvette by pressing and holding down the [ ] key
while rotating the cuvette to identify the lowest reading (the
displayed turbidity is continuously updated on the display).
Once the cuvette is indexed, release the [ ] key to display
the measured turbidity (see chapter 2.3.3.5 Indexing single
sample vials).
The result is shown in the display in NTU.
Remove the vial and clean it.
1.00 NTU

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2.3.2 User calibration
2.3.2.1 When to calibrate?
The turbidimeter was calibrated at the factory and does not require user calibration before
use.
Therefore, it is possible to use the instrument directly out of the box. However, re-calibration
of the instrument is recommended to help with familiarization and the operation of the in-
strument and the calibration procedures. In addition, re-calibration is recommended at least
once every three months.
The instrument requires three standards to be fully calibrated.
During calibration, the instrument performs several system self-diagnostics. As such, several
warning messages may be displayed. If the instrument detects an irregularity (detectors
or lamp) a warning message will be displayed. If this occurs please contact an authorised
technical services department.
2.3.2.2 Calibration Procedure
The following procedure is recommended to perform a full range calibration. Ensure that the
calibration standards have been indexed prior to proceeding.
1. Select the calibration function of the instrument by
pressing the CAL button once. The “CAL” icon will be il-
luminated on the display with “1000” flashing indicating
the standard required for this step of the calibration.
2. Insert the 1000 NTU standard into the sample chamber
and press down until the cuvette snaps fully into the
instrument. Align the indexing ring with the arrow on
the instrument (see section 2.3.3.4 if the standard is not
already indexed).
3. Press and hold the [ ] key while making fine adjustments
to the indexing. Release the button to initiate the cali-
bration. The display will now show a 30 second count-
down.
4. When the instrument has completed the calibration on
the 1000 NTU standard, it will briefly display 1000 to
indicate that it was calibrated and then prompts for the
10 NTU standard with a flashing “10.0”.
1000 NTU
FNU
CAL
10.0 NTU
FNU
CAL
30 NTU
FNU
CAL

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5. Insert the 10.0 NTU standard into the sample chamber
and press down until the cuvette snaps fully into the
instrument. Align the indexing ring with the arrow on
the instrument (see section 2.3.3.4 if the standard is not
already indexed).
6. Press and hold the [ ] button while making fine adjust-
ments to the indexing. Release the button to initiate the
calibration. The display will now show a 60 second count-
down.
7. When the instrument has completed calibration on the
10.0 NTU standard, it will briefly display 10.0 to indicate
that it was calibrated and then prompts for the 0.02 NTU
standard with a flashing “0.02”.
8. Insert the 0.02 NTU standard into the sample chamber
and press down until the cuvette snaps fully into the
instrument. Align the indexing ring with the arrow on
the instrument (see section 2.3.3.4 if the standard is not
already indexed).
9. Press and hold the [ ] button while making fine adjust-
ments to the indexing. Release the button to initiate the
calibration. The display will now show a 30 second count-
down.
10.When the instrument has completed the calibration on
the 0.02 NTU standard, the instrument returns to the
read mode and is ready to read.
Notes:
1. Exiting the calibration mode may be done at the end of any step by pressing the CAL
button. The instrument will store any of the values calibrated prior to exiting.
2. Any of the three calibration points (1000 NTU, 10 NTU & 0.02 NTU) can be selected for
individual calibration by using the [ ] and [ ] keys.
3. The required calibration values are set in software and cannot be changed.
0.02 NTU
FNU
CAL
30 NTU
FNU
CAL
60 NTU
FNU
CAL
- r d - NTU
FNU

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2.3.2.3 Calibration Error
If the screen shown below is displayed after calibration, the
internal diagnostics have determined that the calibration
standards were bad or that they were inserted in the wrong
order. Either check the standards and recalibrate or restore
the factory calibration as mentioned below.
2.3.2.4 Restore Factory Calibration
If the above display appears and it cannot be corrected by
recalibration, the operator can restore the factory calibration.
Please note that the instrument may operate with reduced
accuracy until a new calibration can be performed.
Push and hold the [ ] key. Now push and release the [ ]
key then release the [ ] key. The instrument will turn off
automatically when completed. When the instrument is
switched on again the error message should be gone.
2.3.2.5 Calibration Standards
We recommend the following materials for calibration to achieve the accuracy stated in this
manual:
1. 1000 NTU Secondary Standards*
2. 10.0 NTU Secondary Standards*
3. 0.02 NTU Secondary Standards*
It is well known that diluted Formazin is unstable. If Formazin is used to calibrate the instrument,
ensure that fresh dilutions of Formazin are used only once to achieve the accuracy quoted for
the instrument. A Formazin Stock Solution Kit is available.
Secondary standards* with the mentioned values above have a limited shelf life of one year.
If secondary standards are used to calibrate the instrument, review the expiry date to ensure
that the standards have not expired.
*Secondary standards are a U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the USA) approved
alternative standard to Formazin.
CAL NTU
FNU
ERR