Colifast ALARM User manual

USERS MANUAL
A L A R M 
At-Line Automated Remote Monitor
COLIFAST ALARM:COLIFORMS IN WATER
© Copyright Colifast AS 2009
www.colifast.no
[e-mail]
T: [phone] F: [phone]

2
About this manual
This manual contains the most relevant instructions required for operation of the Colifast ALARM.
In addition, there are available quick guides for daily operation.
1SCOPE AND APPLICATION..................................................................................................................... 3
2SUMMARY OF METHOD.......................................................................................................................... 3
3APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 COLIFAST ALARM .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 SOFTWARE........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
4COLIFAST ALARM INSTALLATION STEPS........................................................................................ 5
4.1 SITE .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.2 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION........................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 PLACEMENT OF THE INSTRUMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.4 INSTALLATION OF THE SAMPLE COLLECTOR FLASK......................................................................................................................... 5
4.5 CONNECTING CABLES AND TUBES (SEE FIGURE 4.1)........................................................................................................................ 5
5PREPARATION OF REAGENTS.............................................................................................................. 7
5.1 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 REPLACING THE COLIFAST MEDIUM FLASK ..................................................................................................................................... 7
5.3 REPLACEMENT /REFILLING OF EXTERNAL REAGENTS AND WASTE................................................................................................. 8
5.4 PREPARATION OF THE 0.1M HCL SOLUTION .................................................................................................................................... 8
5.5 PREPARATION OF 10% SODIUM THIOSULPHATE SOLUTION.............................................................................................................. 8
6COLIFAST ALARM OPERATING PROCEDURE................................................................................. 8
6.1 START-UP ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 INSTRUMENT CONTROL.................................................................................................................................................................... 9
SOFTWARE BASICS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
6.2.1 Results Plots.................................................................................................................................... 10
6.2.2 Information Boxes........................................................................................................................... 10
6.2.3 Instrument Run Status ..................................................................................................................... 10
6.2.4 Stop Method .................................................................................................................................... 10
6.2.5 Closing Software ............................................................................................................................. 11
6.2.6 Report File, Results and Copy......................................................................................................... 11
6.2.7 Loading Data from Previous Runs.................................................................................................. 12
6.2.8 Starting a New Run ......................................................................................................................... 12
6.2.9 Audio Alarm.................................................................................................................................... 12
6.2.10 Advanced..................................................................................................................................... 12
7REMOTE WARNING................................................................................................................................ 13
7.1 GSM MODEM SETUP...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.2 SMS ALARMS AND COMMANDS..................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.3 LAN REMOTE CONTROL ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
7.4 DIGITAL SIGNALS........................................................................................................................................................................... 15
8MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................ 15
8.1 BATCHWISE ROUTINES................................................................................................................................................................... 15
8.2 QUARTERLY ROUTINES .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
8.3 ANNUAL ROUTINES ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
9INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS......................................................................................................... 18
9.1 METHOD:COLIFORMS P/A (PRESENCE /ABSENCE)........................................................................................................................ 18
9.2 METHOD:TURBIDITY (PARTICLES IN THE SAMPLE)........................................................................................................................ 19
10 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................... 19
10.1 TECHNICAL ERRORS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
10.1.1 Self Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................... 20
10.2 METHODS /REAGENTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
10.3 OTHER............................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
11 APPLICATION NOTE - METHODS................................................................................................. 24
12 QUICK GUIDES AND SUPPLEMENTARY .................................................................................... 25

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1Scope and Application
The Colifast ALARM (At-Line Automated Remote Monitor) is an automated system for detection of
total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms or E.coli in 100ml water samples. The Colifast ALARM
automatically collects the water sample at programmed intervals. The system can automatically send
results to the control room / laboratory via LAN remote control, analogue signals or by mobile phone
network (SMS). In addition, the Colifast ALARM measures the turbidity level in water samples.
This system can detect down to 1cfu per 100ml, and results are obtained within 1-14 hours.
2Summary of Method
The Colifast technology consists of an analysing instrument and a bacterial growth medium. The
method is based on an enzymatic reaction. Colifast offers several types of medium / reagents which
will target and detect different types of bacteria. One of these reagents is the Colifast E.coli medium
which contains the substrate 4-metylumbelliferyl (MU)--D-glucuronide, and this substrate is
hydrolysed by the enzyme -D-glucuronidase that is present in E.coli. The fluorescent product 4-
methylumbelliferone (MU) is produced as a result of the hydrolysis reaction (Figure 2.1). The media
contains inhibitors to inhibit growth of non-coliforms.
O
O
O
R
CH
3
H
H
H
H
4-
methylumbelliferyl
-ß-
D-
glucuronide
Non-fluorescent
substrate
ß-D-
glucuronidase
OH
O
O
CH
3
H
H
H
H
+
OH
R
Fluorescent product
4-
methylumbelliferone
Figure 2.1 The Colifast technology is based on an enzymatic reaction. The substrate is hydrolysed by β-D-glucuronidase, and
a fluorescent product (4-methylumbelliferone) is produced.
The main components of the Colifast ALARM are the incubator reaction chamber, a flow injection
pump system for liquid handling and a detector system including wavelength specific emitters
combined with a spectrometer. The bacterial detection results are based on measured concentrations of
the fluorescent product (ppb MU). An increase in the number of E.coli means an increase in the
amount of -D-glucuronidase (enzyme). This leads to an increase in the production of MU (the
fluorescent product) that yields a higher fluorescence signal on the Colifast ALARM.
Incubator temperatures for the selection of thermotolerant coliforms 44 °C (42°C to 44.5°C) and total
coliforms / E.coli 37 °C (35°C to 39°C) can be programmed.
Turbidity is the cloudiness of a fluid caused by individual particles. The turbidity measured by the
Colifast ALARM is based on the nephelometric principle with the detector setup to the side of the
light beam. More light reaches the detector if there are large amounts of small particles scattering the
source beam than if there are few. Turbidity results are presented as FNU (Formazin Nephelometric
Units).

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3Apparatus and Equipment
3.1 Colifast ALARM
The analyser comprise a touch-screen computer (operation), an incubator module / reaction cell
connected to light emitters and a spectrometer and fluidics operated by a six- position selector valve,
a stepper motor driven micro syringe and a peristaltic pump. The analyser is enclosed in a water and
dust protective enclosure with temperature controlled ventilation and numerous ports for power
supply, interface (LAN, analogue), external liquid and sample containers and visual and audio status
indicators.
Figure 3.1: Exterior features of the Colifast ALARM.
3.2 Software
The Colifast ALARM is operated by user-friendly custom instrument software with one window status
information and graphical presentation of results. Standard operation is limited to one button for
system start (new run). Data and report files are automatically generated and saved during a run.
Relay ports for
alarms and status
System port for
power supply, LAN
and GSM
Ventilation (fan)
GSM antenna
Transport handles
Status diodes
Touch Screen
system
computer
Door lock
Replace enclosed
reagents
Reagents ports for
external containers,
reagents and sample
On/Off switch audio
alarm

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4Colifast ALARM Installation Steps
An overview of the chronological steps in the Colifast ALARM installation procedure is summarised
below. Detailed description of each step is presented in the subsequent sub-chapter.
4.1 Site
Define an appropriate place to install the instrument:
Site according to environmental specification: 0-35oC, < 95% rel.hum.
Available power: One vacant 110- 240V output
Water sample: nearby (< 3 meters) water / sample supply line with flow regulator
Available table or supporting wall (35 kg)
*Available GSM network signal
*Available LAN access
*Available input ports (relay on / off signal) on PLC or other industrial interface system
* Optional
4.2 Unpacking and Inspection
Check the packing list for missing parts.
4.3 Placement of the Instrument
Lift / move the instrument by using the transport handles (note: use both handles and avoid pressure
on the computer screen). Place on a solid / stable table / bench or secure on a supporting wall (35 kg)
using cabinet back plate mounting holes (warning: delicate units inside cabinet).
4.4 Installation of the Sample Collector Flask
Find a suitable place for the sample collector flask. Install it close to instrument but avoid places
where it may spill on the instrument and/or electrical components. Use a bracket if securing the
collector to a wall.
Use fittings to connect the ½’’ PVC tube from the water sample outlet to the sample collector inlet
(top). Use ½’’ PVC tubing to connect the sample collector outlet (side) to waste / drain situated lower
than the sample collector.
4.5 Connecting Cables and Tubes (see Figure 4.1)
Connect the white Teflon tubes (with fittings one end) from labelled liquid ports on the instrument to
the respective containers and sample collector (fittings in both ends). Cut tubes to appropriate lengths.
Connect the power supply to the 110-240V output. If interface is available on site, connect the LAN
cable and analogue relay outputs.

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Figure 4.1: Cabling and external tubing of the Colifast ALARM.

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5Preparation of Reagents
5.1 Required Equipment
Ready-to-use media flask.
Containers for 0.1M HCl, waste and 10% sodium thiosulphate (Na- thiosulfate).
37% Hydrochloric acid (HCl).
99% sodium thiosulphate, solid / powder.
Virkon tablets for disinfection.
Disinfectant cloth (70% EtOH).
Disposable examination gloves.
Note: Disinfectant and gloves are included with the Colifast Medium Flask.
Figure 5.1: Replacement of the Colifast Medium Flask.
5.2 Replacing the Colifast Medium Flask
1. Open cabinet.
2. Unscrew lid containing tube and carefully remove lid / tube from flask. Beware
contamination –use new and clean gloves.
3. Remove used / empty flask from cabinet.
4. Wipe and wash lower part of tube below lid (inside flask) with a disinfectant cloth.
5. After wash, remove lid from new flask.
6. Carefully insert flask in cabinet holder and insert tube and tighten lid.
7. Close cabinet.

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5.3 Replacement / Refilling of External Reagents and Waste
Empty waste container (25 l) according to local regulations (may contain viable micro
organisms). If necessary, add 1 virkon tablet per 5 l waste for quick pre-destruction of
content. Let the tablets work for 20 minutes before emptying.
Fill / replace 0.1M HCl container (10 l) and 10% sodium thiosulphate solution (if
selected).
5.4 Preparation of the 0.1M HCl Solution
Add 8.4ml 37% hydrochloric (HCl) acid to 1 l pre-filtered or deionised water (84 ml 37%
HCl to 10 l water).
5.5 Preparation of 10% Sodium Thiosulphate Solution
Add 50g of 99% Sodium thiosulphate to 0,5 l pre-filtered or deionised water. Mix / stir
until completely dissolved.
6Colifast ALARM Operating Procedure
6.1 Start-up
Make sure all reagents, waste and sample line is ready
for use. Check that all external cables are connected
according to specification.
Power up instrument by connecting instrument power to
110V –240V supply. Set the power switch inside
cabinet in ON position. Units and relays should
initialize. The green power diode in front panel will
light. Open door and check incubator thermostat (display
temperature in red).
Press power on / off button on back panel of computer
(backside of door). The computer normally uses 1-2
minutes for staring up. When ready; a standard blue
desktop screen is displayed.
Note: If troubled by operating small buttons and screen icons: use the touch-screen pen.

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6.2 Instrument Control
Open software by double touching <Colifast ALARM> icon on
computer desktop and wait for the instrument window to appear on
screen. It can take up to 30 seconds before the instrument window
appears on screen.
Check reagents and waste (ready for run).
Check method file for selected type of analysis run. If required, change to new file by one
touch on <Select Method>, search for required file in computer memory and select file by one
touch on <Open>. The new file will appear in top frame in program window.
Note: There are several available method files in computer memory. These are *.fia files for
standard 1 test per day analysis, continuous analysis, dual line sampling, reference sample,
disinfection run, and more. See separate application note for description of available method
files.
Start analysis by one touch on <Start Method>. After
approximately 5 seconds the pumps and valves will initialize
and start.

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Software basics
6.2.1 Results Plots
Limit / threshold levels are indicated by colour.
Detector readings above threshold will indicate
presence of target bacteria (red) or high turbidity
(blue). This will activate selected alarms and
update report files and information boxes below.
6.2.2 Information Boxes
Information boxes shows the run status and latest alarms. Alarm for detection of bacteria is in box 1
(red) and high turbidity alarm in box 2 (blue). Alarms will be displayed with date and time for the
alarm. Analysis start date and time will show in box 3 (green) and will also indicate whether run is
completed or not started.
The total number of samples to be analysed in the complete run will show in box 4 (black) and the
number of samples ready analysed in box 5 (black).
6.2.3 Instrument Run Status
Below the information boxes the software displays the active instrument commands, and to the right
the active run time (from start). As long as the instrument is running, this time will count / update
approximately every 2 seconds. If this time does not update, the run has stopped / been completed.
6.2.4 Stop Method
Any run can be stopped by one touch on <Stop Method> followed
by <Yes> in the warning message.