BBE ROYAL Eijkelkamp AlgaeTorch ONLINE User manual

bbe
AlgaeTorch ONLINE
User Manual
Version 2.8 E1, June 2020
bbe Moldaenke GmbH
Preetzer Chaussee 177
24222 Schwentinental
Germany
+49 (0) 431/380 400 Phone
+49 (0) 431/380 4010 Fax
[email protected] email
Royal Eijkelkamp B.V.
Nijverheidsstraat 9
6987 EN Giesbeek
Nederland
+ 31 313 880 200
[email protected]

bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 1
Please Note:
Decimal points are according to local settings of Windows, i.e. internationally, the decimal point is “ .” but in
most of Europe it is „ ,“. Please pay attention to this. Most import/export difficulties are caused by the use of the
“point” or “comma” and vice versa. The software screenshots contain “decimal commas”, i.e. the European
system.

bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 2
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6
Cleaning the instrument: ................................................................................................. 6
Supplement to the safety instructions............................................................................ 6
Storage (longer periods) .................................................................................................. 6
OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN 7
AlgaeTorch ONLINE vs. standard AlgaeTorch ............................................................... 7
Principles of Operation .................................................................................................... 7
Fluorescence................................................................................................................... 7
Turbidity .......................................................................................................................... 8
Design ............................................................................................................................... 8
Measurements................................................................................................................. 8
Operation ........................................................................................................................ 8
Attachment for shallow water .......................................................................................... 8
USE OF THE ALGAETORCH ONLINE 10
USB connecting cable of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE....................................................... 10
RS232 / Modbus (RS232) connecting cables of the AlgaeTorch (option)................... 11
Power supply of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE..................................................................... 12
Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE with the power supply ............................................... 12
Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE with the protocol converter (RS232)......................... 13
Use of the AlgaeTorch 100 ONLINE with the protocol converter (SDI12)................... 14
Starting the AlgaeTorch ONLINE................................................................................... 14
Operation Modes ............................................................................................................ 15
Operation of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE by Capacitive Touch Keys............................... 15
Storing the AlgaeTorch ONLINE.................................................................................... 16
Structure of the Internal Software ................................................................................. 17
Navigation within the Software ...................................................................................... 18
Entering Settings........................................................................................................... 18
OPERATING THE BBE ALGAETORCH ONLINE 19
Measuring Procedure ..................................................................................................... 19
Single Dip-In Measurement ........................................................................................... 19
Profiling / Continuous measurement.............................................................................. 20
Moored operation .......................................................................................................... 20
Display unit ..................................................................................................................... 20
Data Menu / View data.................................................................................................... 20
data -> view................................................................................................................... 21
More: 21
Arrow keys: 21
ESC: 22
Data -> delete................................................................................................................ 22

bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 3
Settings Menu ................................................................................................................. 23
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 23
Mode ............................................................................................................................. 23
Measuring duration........................................................................................................ 23
Measuring interval ......................................................................................................... 23
AutoPowerDown............................................................................................................ 24
Clock -> date ................................................................................................................. 24
Clock -> time ................................................................................................................. 24
Display -> Contrast........................................................................................................ 24
Display -> Brightness .................................................................................................... 24
Unit................................................................................................................................ 24
Serial protocol ............................................................................................................... 24
Software version............................................................................................................ 25
Calibration Menu ............................................................................................................ 25
Fingerprint calibration procedures ............................................................................... 26
Calibration of the offset: ................................................................................................ 26
Calibration solution for the „ultra filtrated water offset and the yellow substances 26
Calibration of the algae fingerprints: .............................................................................. 26
Setting the cell count factors: ........................................................................................ 27
Check of the instrument using a dye (option) ................................................................ 27
Procedure 28
Set dye 28
Check dye 28
Turbidity calibration procedures ................................................................................... 29
Calibration of the turbidity offset: ................................................................................... 29
Calibration of the turbidity slope: ................................................................................... 29
Show depth: .................................................................................................................. 30
Set air pressure:............................................................................................................ 30
Internal Temperature ...................................................................................................... 31
Show internal temperature: ........................................................................................... 31
Voltage ............................................................................................................................ 31
Show voltage:................................................................................................................ 31
Calibrate voltage: .......................................................................................................... 31
Factory settings.............................................................................................................. 31
Correction factor ............................................................................................................ 31
Connecting the bbe AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / AlgaeLabAnalyzer via USB to a PC32
USB Driver Set-Up ........................................................................................................ 32
BBE++ SOFTWARE 34
Software Set-Up.............................................................................................................. 34
Desktop icon of the bbe++ software .............................................................................. 36
bbe++ software in the Start menu ................................................................................. 36
Software Update ............................................................................................................. 37
Structure of the software ............................................................................................... 37
Menu structure (“Basic functionality”) ......................................................................... 38
Menu structure (”Advanced functionality”) .................................................................. 39
General considerations for storing and displaying data and parameters in bbe++ .. 40
What is stored in a bbe++ database?............................................................................ 40
Where is the database stored?...................................................................................... 40
How to display the data? ............................................................................................... 40

bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 4
Simultaneous display of data of different types of instruments ...................................... 40
Who can access to the parameters of the instruments?................................................ 41
Desktop of the bbe++ Software. .................................................................................... 41
Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 41
Toolbar instrument ........................................................................................................ 41
Graphic- und table views ............................................................................................... 42
Serial number, voltage of the battery, internal clock ...................................................... 42
THE MENUS 43
File Menu ...................................................................................................................... 43
New 43
Open 44
Close 44
Import (FluoroProbe / AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch) 44
Export (ASCII) 46
Export (Database) 46
Export (KMZ) –AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / FluoroProbe 46
Export (ToxTest protocol) –AlgaeLabAnalyser only 46
Summary View 46
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 47
Data Directory 47
Exit 47
Edit Menu ...................................................................................................................... 48
Copy 48
Edit Comment –advanced functionality only 49
Delete Data –advanced functionality only 50
Parameters Menu.......................................................................................................... 51
Overview 53
History –advanced functionality only 54
View Menu..................................................................................................................... 55
Toolbar 55
Status Bar 56
Measurement 56
Batch (AOA only) 56
Measurement mode (AOA and ALA only) 56
Macro 56
Data Navigation 56
Period 57
Session 57
Connection State 57
Auto-Update 57
Application look 57
Window –Advanced functionality only........................................................................... 58
New Table Window 58
New XYGraph Window 58
New Single Value View 59
Cascade 60
Tile Horizontally/Vertically 60
Select Data 60
View Editor 61
Comment Fields 76
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 77
Tools ............................................................................................................................. 77
Settings 77
Enable advanced/basic functionality 85
Connect COM port 85
Device 85
SQL Script 86
Calibration....................................................................................................................... 86
The Views........................................................................................................................ 87

bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 5
Table views ................................................................................................................... 87
History of Parameters 88
Edit comment 88
Delete data 89
Data Fields Selection 90
Sorting of the list view 90
XY graph views ............................................................................................................. 91
Select data of interest 92
Right-click menu............................................................................................................ 94
Scaling of the axis 94
Autoscaling 95
Parameters 96
Default scaling 96
PARAMETERS 97
UPDATE OF THE FIRMWARE 98
Software Update of the ProtocolConverter .................................................................. 99
HOW TO ACCESS TO AN ALGAETORCH BY MODBUS 100
USE OF THE AOA PROTOCOL FOR THE ALGAETORCH 101
MAINTENANCE 103
Weekly ........................................................................................................................... 103
Every 2 years................................................................................................................. 103
TROUBLESHOOTING 104
Instrument Does Not Start ........................................................................................... 104
PC Does Not Recognise the AlgaeTorch ONLINE ...................................................... 104
Problems in Detecting Low Concentrations............................................................... 104
Problems with wrong readings ................................................................................... 104
Problems in Detecting Algae Classes......................................................................... 104
DATA AND TABLES 105
Specifications ............................................................................................................... 105
Dimensions ................................................................................................................... 106

General Safety Precautions
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 6
General Safety Precautions
The bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE is an instrument for determination of the concentration of chlorophyll in water. It
should only be used for this purpose.
Only instructed staff should operate this instrument.
Consult appropriate safety manual in case of using hazardous compounds and solutions. Wear gloves, coat and
safety goggles.
Electrical connection of the instrument should only be carried out by trained staff.
The instrument should only be opened by authorised staff.
Changes to electrical connections and circuits may cause damage to the instrument and lead to loss of warranty.
Cleaning the instrument:
The instrument should be cleaned after use. The use of aggressive cleaning fluids or water at high pressure
should be avoided. Neither should any mechanical cleaners or apparatus come into contact with the sensor
head or LED display. Attention: in order to obtain exact measurement results, the measuring head should be
free from grease.
Before stowing the instruments should be cleaned of dirt under running water. If necessary, normal,
commercially available washing up liquid can be used. Rub the instrument dry with a soft cloth and take care
when drying the electrical contacts.
The simplest way to store the instrument for any length of time is in its original case, in which the accessories
can also be stored and kept dry.
Supplement to the safety instructions
Performing electrical connection may only be carried out by trained personnel. Maintenance, such as e.g.
exchanging the rechargeable battery pack, may only be carried out by personnel trained and authorised by bbe
Moldaenke. Replacement parts and repair materials must be issued/released by bbe Moldaenke for each case.
Storage (longer periods)
Clean the instrument before storage.
Store the instrument dry and frost free.

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 7
Operating Principles and Design
AlgaeTorch ONLINE vs. standard AlgaeTorch
The bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE is made for continuous operation. There are two versions available:
AlgaeTorch10 ONLINE: Use in an overflow vessel. The connector will not be submersed.
AlgaeTorch100 ONLINE: Use also submersed.
Due to the stationary use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE it is not equipped with:
The rechargeable battery
GPS
Pressure sensor
Principles of Operation
FLUORESCENCE
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE is a fluorometer made for quick and easy total chlorophyll and cyanobacteria
measurements.
Due to the fact that algae of the same division contain a similar quantity and quality of photosynthetic pigments,
their fluorescence excitation spectrum (with a fixed emission wavelength at 680nm) is significant. Thus, it is
possible to differentiate divisions of algae by their fluorescence excitation spectrum.
The bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE for algae differentiation uses 7 LEDs for fluorescence excitation. The LEDs emit
light at 3 selected wavelengths (470nm, 525nm, 610nm).

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 8
TURBIDITY
An additional LED is used optionally for turbidity measurements based on the reflected light of any particles in
the water.
The turbidity measurement is based on backscattering. The calibration is done with Formazin.
The results are shown in FTU (Formazin turbidity units). This result is also used to perform a turbidity
compensation of the chlorophyll measurement. Consequently, the chlorophyll measurement in turbid water is
enhanced by the turbidity measurement.
Design
MEASUREMENTS
total chlorophyll
cyanobacteria
pressure sensor (AlgaeTorch ONLINE 100)
turbidity sensor
OPERATION
display on the instrument
datalogger
internal display
4 capacitive softkeys
vibration feedback
ATTACHMENT FOR SHALLOW WATER
To prevent fluorescence readings influenced from bentic algae or seaweed the AlgaeTorch ONLINE is delivered
with an attachment for shallow water. Please use this attachment when measuring near the river or lake bed.
Sensor head with
LEDs and photodiode
Connector
Display
4 capacitive keys
Carrying eye

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 9
The attachment shall also be used in overflow vessels within measuring stations.

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 10
Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE is made for continuous measurements. It needs to be connected to a power supply.
Place the AlgaeTorch ONLINE in an overflow vessel and make sure, that shallow water attachment is in use.
> 25cm
In case of fluorescing matter on
the ground, please use the attachment
for shallow water.
USB connecting cable of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE comes with a connecting cable. This cable has two functions: connecting the Torch to
a PC and connecting a power supply to the torch. This cable can be used alternatively to the protocol converter
(see below).
Power supply
connector
Connector for
the AlgaeTorch
USB connector

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 11
There are two versions available. One for the AlgaeTorch 10 ONLINE equipped with a standard connector and
one for the AlgaeTorch 100 ONLINE equipped with a submersible connector.
RS232 / Modbus (RS232) connecting cables of the AlgaeTorch (option)
There are two types of RS232 cables available for the AlgaeTorch. One type is equipped with a standard RS232
connector to be used with a PC and one is delivered without a connector for stationary use.
The one without a connector is intended to be used together with a data logger. The numbers of the cables are
printed on the black wires.
Submersible
connector

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 12
Number
Function
1
+ 12V
2
GND
3
RxD
4
TxD
Power supply of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE comes with a power supply to use it continuously. The power supply comes with
different country-specific mains plugs. Choose the connector for your country and click in onto the power supply
as shown below.
Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE with the power supply
Connect the small end of the cable to the box of the “connecting cable” of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE.
Connect the power supply to the mains.
Wires with
imprint

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 13
Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE with the protocol converter (RS232)
Please see the manual of the bbe ProtocolConverter for details.
Connect the AlgaeTorch ONLINE to the protocol converter
Connect the Protocol converter to the PLC via RS232
Connect the Protocol converter power supply as shown below.

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 14
Use of the AlgaeTorch 100 ONLINE with the protocol converter (SDI12)
Please see the manual of the bbe ProtocolConverter for details.
Connect the AlgaeTorch ONLINE to the protocol converter
Connect the Protocol converter to the PLC via SDI12
Connect the Protocol converter power supply as shown below.
Starting the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
To start the instrument, please connect it to the power supply, either via the converter cable or via the protocol
converter. The AlgaeTorch ONLINE will turn on automatically.
1. During the internal calibration a decreasing number of # is shown.
###############
###############
#####
During the measurement the remaining time is displayed:
measuring
time remaining
5 s
The end of the measurement is signalled by a short vibration. The result can be read from the display:

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 15
Cyano: 10.3µg/l
Total: 42.7µg/l
OK
Operation Modes
Three operation modes can be used with the AlgaeTorch ONLINE, that can be set in the software.
Single mode:
after starting, one measurement is carried out. The end of the measurement is indicated by a vibration.
Afterwards the result is displayed.
Continuous mode:
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE operates continuously with the given parameters Measuring Time. The
measurements are executed directly one after the other.
To interrupt the auto-mode measurement, turn the Algae Torch upside down and back again as described
in the “Starting the AlgaeTorch ONLINE” section.
Interval mode:
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE operates continuously with the given parameters Measuring Time and
Interval..
To interrupt the auto-mode measurement, turn the Algae Torch upside down and back again as described
in the “Starting the AlgaeTorch ONLINE” section.
Operation of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE by Capacitive Touch Keys
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE is equipped with 4 capacitive keys with vibration feedback. The keys are located below
the display. To actuate a key, just touch the marked area. The actuation is reconfirmed by the AlgaeTorch
ONLINE via a short palpable vibration.
The current function of each key is shown on the display.
The keys are calibrated during the start-up of the instrument. Please do not touch the keys during the switch-on
procedure.
bbe++ Software
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 40
General considerations for storing
and displaying data and parameters in bbe++
WHAT IS STORED IN A BBE++ DATABASE?
The measuring results and instrument parameters of different bbe instruments are stored. It is possible to
retrieve the corresponding instrument parameters for each single result.
In the so-
called “Summary View” the serial numbers of the instruments and the time ranges for all data stored in
this database are shown. This view can be used to select the desired data as well as the corresponding
parameters for display.
The databas
e files are marked with the extension *.bdb (bbe database)
WHERE IS THE DATABASE STORED?
The database of bbe++ is stored in the standard application folder of Windows. The name of the folder depends
on the operation system and the language. For example: C:\ProgramData\bbe++ in the Windows 7 English
version. To access this folder easily, there is a link in the file menu of bbe++ or start menu of Windows called
“Data directory”:
HOW TO DISPLAY THE DATA?
In the bbe++ software, different views have been pre-defined for each instrument:
graphics
tables
single dataset
data export
User-defined views may be added as well.
SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY OF DATA OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS
After opening a database file, the data of different instruments of the same type may be displayed
simultaneously. To display the data of another type of instrument from the same database file, this file can be
opened more than once.

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 16
Please operate the touch keys as followst o prevent the activation of 2 keys:
During submersion, the keys are deactivated. This is recognised by detecting more than one key pressed at the
same time. The keys are reactivated when the keys are dry again.
Storing the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
The best way to store the AlgaeTorch ONLINE is in the original case. The cable and the accessories can also be
stored in this case.
bbe++ Software
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 40
General considerations for storing and displaying data and parameters in bbe++
WHAT IS STORED IN A BBE++ DATABASE?
The measuring results and instrument parameters of different bbe instruments are stored. It is possible to
retrieve the corresponding instrument parameters for each single result.
In the so-called “Summary View” the serial numbers of the instruments and the time ranges for all data stored in
this database are shown. This view can be used to select the desired data as well as the corresponding
parameters for display.
The database files are marked with the extension *.bdb (bbe database)
WHERE IS THE DATABASE STORED?
The database of bbe++ is stored in the standard application folder of Windows. The name of the folder depends
on the operation system and the language. For example: C:\ProgramData\bbe++ in the Windows 7 English
version. To access this folder easily, there is a link in the file menu of bbe++ or start menu of Windows called
“Data directory”:
HOW TO DISPLAY THE DATA?
In the bbe++ software, different views have been pre-defined for each instrument:
graphics
tables
single dataset
data export
User-defined views may be added as well.
SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY OF DATA OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS
After opening a database file, the data of different instruments of the same type may be displayed
simultaneously. To display the data of another type of instrument from the same database file, this file can be
opened more than once.

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 17
Structure of the Internal Software
bbe AlgaeTorch
01.06.2014
12:00:00 menu
Start measurement
Data
Power-down
Settings
Calibration
View
Mode
Offsets
Delete
Measuring time
Ultrafiltrated
Measuring interval
Distilled
..Auto Power off
Fingerprints
Clock
Green algae (high / low)
Time
Cyano (high /low)
Date
Cell count factors
Sync GPS time
cyano/chlorophyll/others
UTC time shift
..Dye
Dayli. saving
Set dye
Display
Check dye
Brightness
Turbidity
Contrast
Slope (high / low)
Unit
offset
GPS
Pressure (option)
Position
Show depth
On/off
Set air pressure
Req. Quality
Set low point
Version
Set high point
Serial protocol
Voltage
Software version
Show
calibrate
Factory settings
Correction factor

Use of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 18
NAVIGATION WITHIN THE SOFTWARE
The software is structured in menus with different layers. For an overview, please see above.
<SETTINGS >
OK <- -> ESC
SETTINGS:
<Mode >
OK <- -> ESC
SETTINGS:MODE
<Single >
OK <- -> ESC
Functions of the keys:
OK: To choose the item shown and enter the submenu
ESC: To discard the changes and leave the menu
<- ->: To navigate within the same menu level.
ENTERING SETTINGS
To change the settings of the AlgaeTorch ONLINE, choose the parameter in the SETTINGS menu:
Measuring time:
10s
OK +-ESC
The underlined number is currently changeable by using the + and –keys.
OK: Confirms the underlined number and moves the cursor one position to the right. If the last number is
underlined, OK confirms the new setting and returns to the SETTINGS menu.
+ / -: Changes the currently underlined number
ESC: Cancels the input and returns to the SETTINGS menu.

Operating the bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE
bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE Manual Page 19
Operating the bbe AlgaeTorch ONLINE
Measuring Procedure
The AlgaeTorch ONLINE was calibrated before delivery with the bbe standard algae types.
SINGLE DIP-IN MEASUREMENT
Connect the AlgaeTorch ONLINE to the power supply
Start the AlgaeTorch ONLINE.
Use a wrist strap to secure the instrument.
Go to “Start measurement”.
Dip the AlgaeTorch ONLINE in the water. Ensure a sufficient distance from the water bed and that no
fluorescent material (such as leaves) are nearby. This may influence the measurement. Please use the
attachment for shallow water in this case. Move the AlgaeTorch ONLINE slightly to avoid air bubbles at the
front window. These air bubbles might influence the measuring results.
In the lab, please use the bbe calibration vessel.
> 25cm
In case of fluorescing matter on
the ground, please use the attachment
for shallow water.
During the internal calibration a decreasing number of # is shown .
###############
###############
#####
During the measurement the remaining time is displayed:
measuring
time remaining
5 s
The end of the measurement is signalled by a short vibration