Elcometer 138 User manual

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Elcometer 138
User Guide
Conductivity Meter
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CONTENTS
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Section
Page
1
Overview
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2
Box Contents
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3
The Controls & Display
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4
Using the Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter
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5
Taking a Reading
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6
Care & Maintenance
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7
Technical Specification
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8
Spares & Accessories
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9
Legal Notices & Regulatory Information
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http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_138_1413uScm_Calibration_Solution.pdf
For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the original English language version.
Weight: 50g (1.76 oz) - including sensor and batteries
Dimensions: 164 x 29 x 20mm (6.5 x 1.1 x 0.79")
A Material Safety Data Sheet for the Elcometer 138 Standard 1413μS/cm Calibration Solution is available to download via our website:
© Elcometer Limited 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a retrieval system or otherwise) or translated
into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Elcometer Limited.

1 OVERVIEW
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The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter can be used in accordance with the
following two test methods:
Ÿ ISO 8502-6 / ISO8502-9
Ÿ US NAVY PPI 63101-000 (Rev 27)
It can also be used in accordance with ISO 8502-11; AS 3894.6-A and SSPC Guide 15.
a
For IMO PSPC , the surface salts should be measured and recorded. The Elcometer 138 Conductivity
Meter can be used for this.
Incorporating a flat sensor, the Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter enables
accurate measurement of the conductivity of a solution from a single drop of the
sample.
a International Maritime Organisation, Performance Standard for Protective Coatings.
2 BOX CONTENTS
<
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter & Sensor
<
Conditioning Solution; 14ml (0.47 fl oz)
<
Calibration Solution 1413µS/cm; 14ml (0.47 fl oz)
<
CR2032 Lithium Batteries; x2 (supplied fitted to the Elcometer 138)
<
User Guide
Note: The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter measures aqueous solutions. The meter is NOT designed to measure solids,
organic solvents, surfactant, oil, adhesive, alcohol, strong acids (pH: 0 to 2) or strong alkalis (pH: 12 to 14). The life of the
sensor will be extremely short if these substances are measured.

The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter is operated using 3 buttons and displays readings and other
information on the LCD screen.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
MEAS
EC
CAL BATT
°C
µS/cm
0000
J
910 11 12 13
14
15
3 THE CONTROLS & DISPLAY
ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER OVERVIEW
1
Measurement Cell
Place a liquid sample in this cell to measure it with the electrode located on the bottom of
the cell.
2
Protection Cover
Protects the measurement cell and flat sensor in storage.
3
Lithium Batteries
CR2032 x 2
4
MEAS Button
Sets the measurement mode (EC). View the ambient temperature measured with the
internal temperature sensor (to be used as a guide only). Switches from calibration mode
to measurement mode.
5
ON/OFF Button
Turns the meter On / Off.
6
Strap Eyelet
A strap can be attached here.
7
CAL Button
Starts calibration procedure.
8
Waterproof Gasket
Makes the meter waterproof.
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3 THE CONTROLS & DISPLAY (continued)
DISPLAY INDICATORS
9
Stability Icon
Illuminates when measured value is stabilised.
10
MEAS Icon
Illuminates when in measurement mode.
11
CAL Icon
Flashes during calibration and illuminates steadily when calibration is finished.
12
Temperature Alarm Icon
Flashes when the ambient temperature does not meet the specified operating
temperature of 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 105°F).
13
Battery Alarm Icon
Illuminates when the batteries are low and need to be replaced.
14
Measurement Units
The default setting is µS/cm
15
Measured Value
Displays the measured conductivity of the sample

4 USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER
Ÿ Never apply undue force when opening the meter (to change the batteries or sensor).
Ÿ Do not drop the meter.
Ÿ The sensor is a consumable part. If it becomes damaged or its performance deteriorates, it will
need to be replaced - see Section 8 ‘Spares & Accessories’ on page en-13.
Ÿ Do not measure samples hotter than 40°C (105°F)
Ÿ Do not exert undue force on the sensor.
Ÿ Do not allow utensils (tweezers, pipette, etc) to touch sensor cell.
Ÿ To ensure the meter is waterproof check that the waterproof gasket is clean, not damaged,
seated properly in the groove and is not twisted or warped.
4.2 FITTING AND REPLACING THE BATTERIES
The Elcometer 138 ConductivityMeter uses dry cell batteries only and is supplied with two CR2032
lithium batteries fitted with an isolation strip. Remove the isolation strip before first use.
2 To reassemble the meter, slide the sensor onto the body
of the meter and push the body and sensor together
gently until sensor retaining clip engages.
Ÿ Do not allow contact with solvents.
To fit or replace the batteries:
Ÿ Do not subject the meter to high temperature or humidity.
1 Place batteries in the battery clips ensuring correct
polarity.
Ÿ Although the product is waterproof, avoid immersing it completely. If the meter is accidentally
dropped in water, take it out and remove the moisture.
4.1 CAUTION
Battery
Clip
Battery
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4 USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
Ensure the meter is turned OFF before attaching / detaching the sensor. If the meter is turned ON with
the sensor detached, the battery alarm may illuminate. In this case, turn the meter OFF and attach the
sensor, and then turn the meter ON again.
2 Slide the sensor across the meter so the clip (A) fits into the hole
on the sensor tongue (a), as shown.
When the battery voltage becomes low, the low battery warning indicator will flash. Replace both
batteries immediately.
4.3 ATTACHING & DETACHING THE SENSOR
1 Ensure that the waterproof gasket is clean and undamaged.
2 The sensor can now be completely removed from the meter.
Detaching the sensor:
When removing the sensor, do not let any water penetrate the inside of the
meter. If some moisture remains on the waterproof gasket, very carefully wipe
the moisture off.
1 Lift the sensor tongue tip and slide the sensor slightly away from the meter.
Note: Lithium batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult your local
Environmental Authority for information on disposal in your region. Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
Attaching the sensor:
Note: Ensure that the waterproof gasket is lying flat and not twisted.
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Waterproof
Gasket

4 USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
Correct procedure for closing meter after removal of the sensor:
Ensure that the sensor tongue is outside the meter case. If the tongue is inserted between the case and
the connector of the meter, it may damage the connector.
1 Put some drops of the conditioning solution into the measurement cell.
3 Clean the measurement cell with running water.
When using the sensor for the first time or again after several weeks of disuse, perform the electrode
surface treatment procedure as follows:
2 Leave for approximately 10 minutes.
4 Wash the measurement cell with standard solution.
5 Perform the calibration procedure, see Section 4.5 on page en-8.
Description Part Number
4.4 ELECTRODE SURFACE TREATMENT PROCEDURE
Replacement Sensor T13830628
The sensor is a consumable part. If it becomes damaged or its performance deteriorates, it will need to
be replaced.
Sensor Tongue Meter
Connector Sensor Meter Sensor Meter
üû
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4 If continues to flash and the ‘Err’ (error message) is displayed, the calibration has
failed. Check that the standard solution conductivity is correct and perform the calibration
procedure again after thoroughly cleaning the sensor. If the calibration failed whilst using
the correct standard solution, the sensor may be damaged and should be replaced, see
Section 4.3 on page en-7.
5 Clean the sensor with tap water and remove moisture.
When using the sensor for the first time or again after several weeks of disuse, perform the electrode
surface treatment procedure, see Section 4.4 on page en-7:
1 Press the ON/OFF button to switch the meter on.
4 Close the protection cover and press the CAL button for over 2 seconds.
and J flash and the calibration value is displayed. After the calibration
is completed, and J stop flashing and illuminate steadily.
4 Bubbles in the solution may cause the measurement to be inaccurate.
4.5 CALIBRATING THE ELCOMETER 138
3 an appropriate amount Open the protection cover and place of the standard
1413µS/cm solution supplied, see Section 8 ‘Spares & Accessories on page
en-13, into the measurement cell avoiding the inclusion of bubbles. Washing
the sensor with standard solution beforehand may provide more accurate
calibration.
2 Press the CAL button until appears on the display.
6 Press the MEAS button for 0.5 seconds to enter the
measurement mode and prepare for measurement.
CAL
CAL
Button
Protection
Cover
CAL
CAL
4 USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
CAL
Cell
Electrode
Appropriate Too Little

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5 TAKING A READING
• Drop: for a small amount of sample - this is the preferred method for these tests.
1 Press the ON/OFF button to switch the meter on.
The following sampling methods are available:
2 Open the protection cover.
• Scooping: for sampling part of a sample.
4 Bubbles in the solution may cause the measurement to be inaccurate.
1 Put a few drops of the sample into the measurement call avoiding the
inclusion of bubbles.
5.1 BEFORE YOU START
2 Close the protection cover.
5.2 SAMPLING METHODS
• Immersion: for a large amount sample.
4 Ambient air may cause the measurement values to fluctuate. To reduce
environmental interference, close the protection cover.
3 Read the value displayed when appears. illuminates when measured value is stabilised.J J
Note: If a measurement result is out of the specified measurement range, the displayed measured value flashes.
When using the Drop sampling method:

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5 TAKING A READING (continued)
1 Immerse the sensor into the sample and stir gently 2 or 3 times.
Note: Although this product is waterproof, avoid immersing it completely. If the product is accidentally
dropped into water, take it out of the water and remove the moisture from the instrument.
Note: If a measurement result is out of the specified measurement range, the displayed measured value
flashes.
2 Read the value displayed when appears. illuminates when measured value J J
is stabilised.
When using the Scooping sampling method:
1 Immerse the sensor into the sample, stir gently 2 or 3 times
and then scoop up some of the sample with the sensor.
2 Place the meter flat and confirm that the sample is in the
measurement cell.
3 Close the protection cover.
When using the Immersion sampling method:
Note: If a measurement result is out of the specified measurement range, the displayed measured value flashes.
4 Ambient air may cause the measurement values to fluctuate. To
reduce environmental interference, close the protection cover.
Note: Although this product is waterproof, avoid immersing it completely. If the product is accidentally
dropped into water, take it out of the water and remove the moisture from the instrument.
4 Read the value displayed when appears. illuminates J J
when measured value is stabilised.

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5 TAKING A READING (continued)
5.3 AFTER MEASUREMENT
1 Press the ON/OFF button to switch the meter off.
2 Wash the sensor with tap water and wipe away any residual water using a clean tissue.
3 Replace the sensor protection cap.
Note: If the meter is to remain unused for a long period of time, use pure water instead of tap water to wash the sensor.
6 CARE & MAINTENANCE
Ÿ The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter incorporates a Liquid Crystal Display. If the display is heated
above 50°C (120°F) it may be damaged. This can happen if the meter is left in a car parked in
strong sunlight.
The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter is designed to give many years reliable service under normal
operating conditions.
Ÿ Prolonged periods of non-use may cause the sensor to dry out. This can result in malfunction or
unstable readings. Pour conditioning solution into the sensor cell and leave for a few minutes to
allow the sensor to become saturated. Wash the sensor with water prior to use.
Ÿ If the measuring surface of the sensor is contaminated or if air bubbles are regularly present in the
sample, clean the sensor using a diluted neutral detergent (diluted 100 times).
The Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter does not contain any user-serviceable components. In the
unlikely event of a fault, the meter should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or directly to
Elcometer Limited - contact details can be found on our website, www.elcometer.com. The warranty will
be invalidated if the instrument has been opened.

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7 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Measurement Principle
2 Electrode Bioplar AC
Measurement Mode
Conductivity, Temperature
Minimum Sample Volume
0.12ml
Measurement Range
0 - 19.99mS/cm
Resolution
0 - 1999µS/cm : 1µS/cm
2.00 - 19.99mS/cm : 0.01mS/cm
Accuracy
±2% of full scale (for each range)
Operating Temperature
5°C to 40°C (41°F to 105°F)
Operating Humidity
85% or less relative humidity (no condensation)
Battery Type
2 x CR2032 lithium
Battery Life
Approximately 200 hours continuous use
without backlight
Dimensions
164 x 29 x 20mm (6.5 x 1.1 x 0.79")
Weight
50g (1.76 oz) - including sensor and batteries

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8 SPARES & ACCESSORIES
http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_138_1413uScm_Calibration_Solution.pdf
Description Part Number
A Material Safety Data Sheet for the Elcometer 138 Standard 1413μS/cm Calibration Solution is available to download via our website:
Replacement Sensor for Elcometer 138 ConductivityMeter T13830628
Standard 1413μS/cm Calibration Solution: 250ml (8.45fl oz) Bottle T13830629-2
9 LEGAL NOTICES & REGULATORY INFORMATION
This product is Class B, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Class B product: Suitable for use in domestic establishments and in establishments directly connected to a low voltage power supply network which
supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
Declaration of Conformity: This product complies with the requirements of the following EU Directives:
2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility
2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances
The Declaration of Conformity is available to download via:
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/PDFs/Datasheets/Declaration of Conformity/English/DoC_138.pdf
CAUTION
Please ensure that all packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority for further guidance.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Manchester, M43 6BU.
United Kingdom
If the standard solution used for calibration of the meter comes into contact with the skin, wash the skin with fresh water. If the standard
solution comes into contact with eyes, immediately flush the eye with large amounts of fresh water and seek medical advice.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio-frequency energy which is necessary for
the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
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