BOQU BH-485-NH User manual

Operating Manual of Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
BH-485-NH
Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
User Manual
Shanghai BOQU Instrument Co.,Ltd

Operating Manual of Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Product Overview...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Product Information........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Safety Information..........................................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Use of Danger Information................................................................................................ 3
1.2.2 Warning and Prevention Labels......................................................................................... 3
1.3 Pressure Limit.................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Temperature Limit.......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Minimum Requirement for the Depth............................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2 Introduction to the Probe..........................................................................................................4
2.1 Temperature Sensor........................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 pH Sensor....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor............................................................................................................. 6
2.4 Potassium Ion Sensor..................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 3 Installation..................................................................................................................................8
3.1Sensor connection............................................................................................................................8
3.1.1 Specific steps for instrument connection.....................................................................................8
3.2 Installation of Sensors.................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 Quick Dismantling pool side fixed installation..................................................................9
3.2.2 Classic pool side fixed installation...................................................................................10
3.2.3 Railing fixed installation.................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 4 Software Installation and Use.................................................................................................12
4.1 Software Installation.....................................................................................................................12
4.2 Software use................................................................................................................................. 13
4.2.1 Online data....................................................................................................................... 13
4.2.2 Calibration........................................................................................................................14
4.2.3 Historical data.................................................................................................................. 14
4.2.4 System Settings................................................................................................................ 15
4.2.4.1 Device Settings......................................................................................................15

Operating Manual of Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
4.2.4.2 Software Settings.................................................................................................. 16
4.2.4.3 Program upgrade................................................................................................... 17
4.2.5 System Information..........................................................................................................17
Chapter 5 Calibration of Sensors............................................................................................................. 18
5.1 Probe Settings...............................................................................................................................18
5.2 Basic Process of Calibration.........................................................................................................19
5.3 Temperature sensor calibration.....................................................................................................20
5.4 pH sensor calibration....................................................................................................................20
5.5 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor Calibration........................................................................................ 22
5.6 Potassium Ion Sensor Calibration................................................................................................ 24
Chapter 6 Maintenance............................................................................................................................. 26
6.1 Sensor Maintenance......................................................................................................................26
6.1.1 Temperature Sensor Maintenance.................................................................................... 27
6.1.2 pH Sensor Maintenance................................................................................................... 27
6.1.3 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor Maintenance......................................................................... 27
6.1.4 Potassium Ion Sensor Maintenance................................................................................. 29
6.2 Storage of Sensor..........................................................................................................................29
6.2.1 Short Term Storage...........................................................................................................29
6.2.2 Long Term Storage...........................................................................................................30
6.3 Maintenance of Cable...................................................................................................................30
6.4 Inspection on the Damage of Sensor............................................................................................ 30
Chapter 7 Communication Protocol........................................................................................................ 31
Chapter 8 Errors and Warnings.............................................................................................................. 37
Chapter 9 Problems and Solutions...........................................................................................................38
Chapter 10 After-sales Service................................................................................................................. 39

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Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Product Information
The ammonia nitrogen concentration was measured by an ion selective electrode method. The ammonium
ion selective electrode directly detects the ammonium ion in the water environment to determine the
concentration of ammonia nitrogen. Use a pH electrode as a reference electrode for better stability. The
concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the measurement process is easily interfered by potassium ions, so
potassium ion compensation is required.
The ammonia nitrogen probe is an integrated sensor that is composed of ammonium ion selective
electrode, potassium ion (optional), pH electrode and temperature electrode. These parameters can
mutually correct and compensate the measured value of ammonia nitrogen, and meanwhile achieve the
measurement for multiple parameters.
It is widely used to measure the value of ammonia nitrogen in the nitrification treatment and aeration
tanks of the sewage treatment plants, industrial engineering as well as river water. The technical
parameters are shown in Table 1.
Specification
Details
Measurement Range
NH4N：0.1-1000 mg/L
K+：0.5-1000 mg/L （Optional）
pH：5-10
Temperature：0-40℃
Resolution
NH4N：0.01 mg/l
K+：0.01 mg/l（Optional）
Temperature：0.1℃
pH：0.01
Measurement
Accuracy
NH4N：±5 % of the measured value or ± 0.2 mg/L, take the
greater one.
K+：±5 % of the measured value or ±0.2 mg/L （Optional）
Temperature：±0.1℃
pH：±0.1 pH

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Response Time
≤2 minutes
Minimum Detection
Limit
0.2mg/L
Communication
Protocol
MODBUS RS485
Storage Temperature
-15 to 50℃ (Non-frozen)
Working
Temperature
0 to 45℃(Non-frozen)
Size
55mm×340mm（Diameter*Length）
Weight
<1KG；
Level of Protection
IP68/NEMA6P；
Length of Cable
Standard 10-meter long cable, which can be extended to 100
meters
Outer Dimension：
Table 1 Technical specification of Ammonia Nitrogen Probe
Note: Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
1.2 Safety Information
Please read this manual thoroughly before unpacking, setting up or operating the instrument.
Pay special attention to all hazard and warning statements. In the event of mishandling, it may cause
serious injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.
This equipment must be used and installed only in accordance with the detailed instructions in this
manual.

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1.2.1 Use of Danger Information
For all the hazards occurred, this manual will use signal specific term (Danger, Caution, Note) that
correspond to the degree of danger.
Danger
Refers to a potentially or imminently dangerous state that, if not prevented, could be
life-threatening or cause serious injury.
Caution
Refers to a potentially dangerous state that may cause mild or moderate injury.
Important Note: Information that requires special emphasis.
Tip: Information in the text that supplements the points
1.2.2 Warning and Prevention Labels
Please read all the labels and identifiers attached to the instrument carefully, otherwise it may cause
personal injury or damage to the instrument.
1.3 Pressure Limit
The maximum pressure for the immersion of the probe is less than or equal to 10 meters. When the
pressure for the underwater probe is greater than 10 meters, it will be mechanically damaged and
deformed.
If the label is marked on the instrument, refer to the instrument manual for operation
and/or safety information.
If the label is marked on the product, it indicates that there is a fuse or current limiting
device.
If the label is marked on the product, it indicates that the device is susceptible to static
electricity leakage and protective measures should be taken to prevent damage.
If the label is marked on the product, it indicates the location of the ground wire.

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1.4 Temperature Limit
The storage temperature for the probe should be non-frozen, ranging from 0 to 45 ° C, while its working
temperature should be non-frozen ranging from 0 to 40 ° C; Otherwise, exposing the probe outside of the
above temperature range may result in mechanical damage and electric failure.
To prevent the probe from freezing, please store the probe in a place where it will not freeze.
1.5 Minimum Requirement for the Depth
In order to prevent the sun exposure sensor, the sensor body must be completely submerged by water
when in use.
Chapter 2 Introduction to the Probe
The ammonia nitrogen probe is composed of four sensors: temperature, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and
potassium ion (optional), which can be used to monitor the wide range of physical, biological and
chemical properties of natural waters.
Figure 1 Structure Diagram of Ammonia Nitrogen Probe
2.1 Temperature Sensor
Principle：

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Temperature is a measurement of the amount of heat existing in a certain body of water, and it is
considered to be a very important single parameter, for it affects the other parameters of the water quality
and controls the metabolism of aquatic animals and plants.
The temperature sensor uses the thermistor to measure the temperature of the water. The resistance value
of the thermistor changes with temperature, and the measured resistance value can be converted into a
temperature value using a corresponding calculation formula. This formula has been programmed into the
host software, and users can directly view the real-time Celsius temperature through the software. The
temperature sensor is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Temperature Sensor
Technical Specification of the Temperature Sensor
Principle
Thermistor Method
Range
0~40 °C
Resolution
0.1 °C
Accuracy
± 0.1 °C
2.2 pH Sensor
Principle：
pH describes the pH value and basic properties of a water body. It is acidic when pH<7.0, neutral when
pH=7.0, and alkaline when pH>7.0.
The pH sensor measures the pH value of the water in the glass electrode method. It is composed of two
parts, including a glass bubble with a glass film that selectively responds to H+, inside of which it is filled
with a 0.1 mol/L HCl internal reference solution, and an internal reference electrode Ag- AgCl. When the
electrode is immersed in the solution, the difference between the stable electric potential of the reference
electrode and the electric potential generated by the glass bubble is proportional to the H+ concentration
in the solution.
The pH sensor measures data with stability, reliable performance and easy installation. Its appearance is

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shown in Figure 3.
Important Tip1: When using a new pH electrode, the electrode should be immersed in distilled
water for a period of time, usually 24 hours or more, in order to form a good hydration layer. There
should be no air bubbles between the bulbs of the inner electrodes of the glass electrodes, and if
there are bubbles, the bubbles can escape easily.
Important Tip 2: Provided the pH is used in high sulfur ion environments, which is easy damaged
and with short life time.
Figure 3 pH Sensor
Technical Specification of pH Sensor
Principle
Glass Electrode Method
Range
5-10 pH
Resolution
0.01 pH
Accuracy
±0.1 pH
2.3 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
The NH4 ion selective electrode is a grid film electrode ，the material of which mainly uses a special
organic ion exchange membrane that dissolves in the organic solution and penetrates with the PVC mesh.
The fields it is widely used include: drinking water, fertilizer, and refrigerant. To use the electrode
requires the reference electrode, it has good repeatability and faster response time, but its accuracy is no
better than the colorimetric method. The outer appearance of the ammonia nitrogen sensor is shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 4 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor

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Technical Specification of Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor
Principle
Ion Selective Electrode Method
Range
0.1~1000mg/L
Resolution
0.01 mg/L
Accuracy
±5 % of the measured value or ± 0.2 mg/L, take the greater one.
Important Tip: Ammonia nitrogen must be set to no compensation if potassium ions are not
purchased and installed.
2.4 Potassium Ion Sensor
The K+ selective electrode is a grid film electrode，the material of which mainly uses a special organic
ion exchange membrane. It dissolves in the organic solution and interpenetrates with the PVC mesh, as
the potassium ions are similar to ammonium ions in such properties (for example, size and electric
charge), and some potassium ions can also penetrate the ion selective membrane of the ammonium ion
selective sensor. As a result, the presence of potassium in the sample will result in getting a higher value
of the concentration of ammonium measured by the ammonium ion selective sensor. Therefore, with
measuring potassium, the effect of potassium can be compensated for in the ammonium concentration
measurement. The appearance of the potassium ion sensor is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Potassium Ion Sensor
Technical Specification of Potassium Ion Sensor
Principle
Ion Selective Electrode Method
Range
0.5~1000mg/L（Optional）
Resolution
0.01 mg/L（Optional）
Accuracy
±5 % or ±0.2 mg/L (Optional)

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Chapter 3 Installation
3.1Sensor connection
3.1.1 Specific steps for instrument connection
Remove the protective caps before powering the instrument, and then connect the cable core correctly
according to the core definition table.
Important Tip: The power supply of this product is 12VDC. It is not allowed to connect directly to
220VAC or 24VDC power supply. Otherwise, the sensor will be over-pressed and damaged. If there is no
suitable power supply at the site, you can use the 220VAC to 12VDC power adapter that is equipped with
the instrument and then connect the instrument.
Core Definition Table:
Core No.
1
2
3
4
5
Sensor Wire
Brown
Black
Blue
White
Yellow
Signal
+12VDC
AGND
RS485 A
RS485 B
CHGND
Connection with software: The ammonia nitrogen sensor has standard MODBUS protocol and
RS-485 interface, which can be directly connected to the host computer software to realize real-time
online monitoring and data transmission of the instrument.

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3.2 Installation of Sensors
3.2.1 Quick Dismantling pool side fixed installation
Figure 6 Quick Dismantling pool side installation sketch map
Note: The number 4 mounting tube DN32 indicates that the tube inner diameter is 32mm.

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3.2.2 Classic pool side fixed installation
Figure 7 Classic pool side fixed installation sketch map
Note: The number 4 mounting tube DN32 indicates that the tube inner diameter is 32mm.

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3.2.3 Railing fixed installation
Figure 8 Railing fixed installation sketch map
Note: The number 5 mounting tube DN32 indicates that the tube inner diameter is 32mm.

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Note: Avoid the following places when installing the sensor:
1. Where the sunlight directly shines and in the vicinity of the heat appliance.
2. Where the environment temperature exceeds 60 °C during operation.
3. In the vicinity of the electromagnetic source.
4. Where the mechanical vibration is strong.
5. Where the temperature changes greatly and is likely to dew.
Chapter 4 Software Installation and Use
4.1 Software Installation
Insert the U disk into the computer, open the U disk, double-click the file in the U disk, and install
according to the steps. Start the software and the application displays as shown below. Electrode one and
electrode two are ion selective electrodes (electrode one is ammonia nitrogen and electrode two is
potassium ion).
Tip: Installing software and shortcuts in advance can give you greater efficiency.

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4.2 Software use
Connect the instrument well. Before measuring the data, run the software first. The serial port will
automatically identify the connected serial port. If it is not recognized, please click the serial port to drop
the small box and select the port number corresponding to USB. Select the baud rate and finally click
Open.
Tip: If the sensor has been connected as described, and the software prompt has not been connected,
remove and replace the USB port or check the USB to RS485 converter, repeat the above operation until
the sensor connection is successful.
4.2.1 Online data
When using online data measurement, first click on the online data and then set the save path, refresh
settings, tagname, etc. Then click on the mode setting at the top right of the software and select “Online
Data”. Click “Confirm” to monitor the online data in real time. If you select “Auto switch” directly, you
do not need to re-select the operating mode when changing the menu bar.
The "starting time", "total number" and "temperature source" of the meter can be viewed in the
information board, as shown in the figure below.

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4.2.2 Calibration
Calibration of this module will be specified in the following (Chapter 5 Sensor Calibration) and will not
be described in detail here. First select the operation mode in the upper right corner as calibration, then
click OK, and select the parameter to be calibrated from the calibration menu to calibrate. If you select
“auto switch” directly, you do not need to re-select the operation mode when changing the menu bar. The
interface is shown below.
4.2.3 Historical data
The software has the function of storing historical data. Before viewing historical data, you must first set
the running mode to historical data, and then click OK to view the required data in the historical data
menu. If you select "Auto switch" directly, you do not need to re-select the operating mode when
changing the menu bar. The interface is shown below.

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4.2.4 System Settings
4.2.4.1 Device Settings
In the device settings, you can view the current device parameters, as well as set the date, time, humidity,
baud rate, slave address, power-off protection, temperature, sleep cycle, battery voltage, operating voltage,
motor frequency ect. As shown below.
System time: When the system time is selected, clicking OK will automatically update the computer's

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system time to the sensor;
Setting time: When the computer time is not accurate, you can select the setting time. After manually
setting the current time and clicking OK, the manually set time will be updated to the sensor.
Communication settings
Baud rate: 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200. When a baud rate is selected and clicked, the PC will
disconnect and need to use the new baud rate to connect.
Slave address: The address is shaped data, the range can be set from 1~255. If the slave address is
changed, the PC will not drop the line and reconnect wirelessly.
Motor settings
The ammonia nitrogen sensor does not have a hanging brush function, so there is no need to set it.
Other
Power-off protection: Generally, the setting is set to Yes; after the power-off protection is selected, the
sensor will remain in the previous operating state when it is powered off and then re-powered
(For example:
1. Before the power is off, it is online, then power on again. It is still in the online running state;
2. It is the timing acquisition state before the power is cut off, then the power-on is still the timing
acquisition state, but it will automatically wait until the next acquisition is started after the acquisition;
3. The manual shutdown before the power failure state, then power-on is still off, unless the power-on
switch is manually triggered ;).
Sleep cycle: It is the timing acquisition operation mode. It is necessary to set the timed acquisition mode
to input an integer of more than 5 in the input box, the unit is minute; when set to 0, it means not to enter
the timed acquisition mode, ie. On-line real-time acquisition mode; when setting >5, the filled data
represents Automatic start, acquisition complete shutdown, to the next automatic start, a full cycle time
(for example: fill in 60, indicating a complete cycle is 60 minutes, including "start acquisition time 2~3
minutes, standby time = sleep cycle - When starting the acquisition = 57~58 minutes")
Status switching: This is a shortcut button. This button can quickly set the sleep period of the timing
acquisition mode to 0, and quickly switch to online mode.
4.2.4.2 Software Settings
In software settings, can set "Advanced Settings" as shown in the figure below.

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4.2.4.3 Program upgrade
Used to upgrade the program, non-professionals do not operate, the interface is shown below.
4.2.5 System Information
From the system information, you can view "Controller Version", "Power Control Version", "Dissolved
Oxygen ", "Turbine Version", "chlorophyll Version" Software version, "chlorophyll version", "BGA