Elcometer 138 User manual

User Guide
Elcometer 138
Basic Bresle Kit & Patches
www.elcometer.com
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Section
Page
1
Overview
en-2
2
Box Contents
en-2
3
Test Procedure: ISO 8502-6 / ISO 8502-9
en-3
4
Test Procedure: US Navy PPI 63101-000
en-4
5
Using the Conductivity Meter
en-6
6
Care & Maintenance
en-17
7
Warranty Statement
en-18
8
Technical Specification
en-18
9
Spares & Accessories
en-18
10
Legal Notices & Regulatory Information
en-19
www.elcometer.com
For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the original English language version.
Kit Dimensions: 307 x 260 x 74mm (12.1 x 10.2 x 2.9")
Kit Weight: 952g (2lb 1oz)
Material Safety Data Sheets for the Elcometer 138E Standard Calibration Solutions are available to download via
our website:
http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Calibration_Solution_T13827352-1_to_T13827352-3_EU.pdf
http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Calibration_Solution_T13827352-1_to_T13827352-3_Americas.pdf
© Elcometer Limited 2016. 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.
CONTENTS
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en-1

The Elcometer 138 Basic Bresle Kit and Patches provides all the
materials and equipment required to determine the surface chloride
contamination level.
Chloride salts are extracted from the surface using the Bresle Patch
method and the chloride content of the test solution is measured using
a conductivity meter.
These instructions incorporate two test methods:
 ISO 8502-6 / ISO8502-9
 US NAVY PPI 63101-000 (Rev 27)
The Elcometer 138 Basic Bresle Kit and Patches 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 Basic Bresle Kit and Patches can be used for this.
1 OVERVIEW
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2 BOX CONTENTS

Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 25

Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter

Standard 1413 µS/cm (1.413 mS/cm) Calibration Solution,
1 x 20ml (0.74 fl oz) Single Use Pouch

Bottle of Pure Distilled Water; 250ml (8.5 fl oz)

Syringes, 5ml (0.17 fl oz); x3

Needles (Blunt); x3

Plastic Beaker; 30ml (1 fl oz)

LR44 Alkaline Batteries; x4

Transit Case

User Guide
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a International Maritime Organisation, Performance Standard for Protective Coatings.
Note: The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter included in the test kit measures the
conductivity of 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.

3.1 BEFORE YOU START
1 Calibrate the conductivity meter, see Section .6 and 5.7 on s 5
pages and en-14.en-10
2 As the test is extremely sensitive, clean latex or nitrile gloves
should be worn during the extraction of soluble salts to prevent
contamination of the surface.
3.2 TEST PROCEDURE
1 Remove the printed protective backing
and foam centre from the Bresle
patch.
2 Apply the patch to the surface
pressing firmly around the perimeter of
the patch to ensure a complete seal
and remove the clear protective film
cover using the orange tab.
3 Fill a syringe with 3ml of pure water.
4 Insert the syringe into the patch
through the spongy foam perimeter at
an angle of approximately 30° to the
test surface so that it passes through
the foam into the compartment formed
by the elastomer film and the test
surface. If the patch is positioned in a
difficult position bend the needle as
required.
5 Inject the pure water into the patch.
Do not remove the needle.
 If necessary, any air can be evacuated
into the syringe and allowed to stay above
the water in the syringe. Take care not to
re-insert the air during steps 6 and 7.
b
6 During a suitable period of time ,
without removing the needle, suck and
re-inject the solution at least four
c
times .
3 TEST PROCEDURE: ISO 8502-6 / ISO 8502-9
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b On un-pitted blast-cleaned areas, a period of 10 minutes has been found to be satisfactory, though this
time should be agreed by the interested parties.
c During steps 6 and 7, it is essential that no solution is lost. If any solution is lost, the test shall be rejected.

3 TEST PROCEDURE: ISO 8502-6 / ISO 8502-9 (continued)
7 At the end of the period, extract as much solution as possible and
c
remove the syringe from the patch .
8 Measure the conductivity of the solution using the Elcometer
138E Conductivity Meter, see Section 5.9 on page en-16. Inject
the sample directly into the sensor cell. Rinse the sensor cell
several times with the solution to be measured before taking the
reading.
3.3 AFTER TEST
1 Record the temperature of the solution.
2 Remove the patch from the surface and clean the surface. If
required, any adhesive residue from the patch left on the test
surface can be removed by wiping with a cloth moistened with a
suitable solvent. Ensure that the solvent will not damage the
surface before use.
3 Rinse all components of the test kit, other than the patch, in
fresh, pure water. The components can then be used again.
3.4 TO CALCULATE THE SURFACE DENSITY OF SALTS
Multiply the reading by one of the following factors:
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d
Surface Density of Salts: Factors
ISO Salt Mix
IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI
Reading
2
mg/m
µg/cm2
2
mg/m
µg/cm2
µS/cm
x1.2
x0.12
x1.1
x0.11
c During steps 6 and 7, it is essential that no solution is lost. If any solution is lost, the test shall be rejected.
d 2
Based on an area of 12.5cm and a volume of 3ml.
Note: ISO 8502-9 allows for the measurement of the pure water before testing and
then the subtraction of that value from that obtained in section 3.2 step 8 above.
4 TEST PROCEDURE: US NAVY PPI 63101-000
4.1 BEFORE YOU START
1 Calibrate the conductivity meter, see Sections 5.6 and 5.7 on
pages en-10 and en-14.
2 As the test is extremely sensitive, clean latex or nitrile gloves
should be worn during the extraction of soluble salts to prevent
contamination of the surface.

4.2 TEST PROCEDURE
Measurements are to be made randomly over the prepared surface.
2 2
Five measurements should be taken every 90m (1000ft ). Five
2 2
measurements should be taken for areas less than 90m (1000ft ).
1 Remove the printed protective
backing and foam centre from the
Bresle patch.
2 Apply the patch to the surface
pressing firmly around the perimeter
of the patch to ensure a complete
seal and remove the clear protective
film cover using the orange tab.
3 Fill a syringe with 3ml of pure water.
4 Insert the syringe into the patch
through the spongy foam perimeter
and inject 1.5ml of pure water into
the patch. Do not remove the
syringe.
5 With the syringe still in the patch,
reposition the needle and evacuate
any air in the patch.
6 Once the air has been removed,
inject the remaining 1.5ml of pure
water.
7 Remove the syringe from the patch.
8 Rub the surface of the patch gently for
10 to 15 seconds to allow the water to
dissolve surface contaminants.
9 Insert the syringe into the patch
through the spongy foam perimeter
and extract the solution from the
patch.
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4 TEST PROCEDURE: US NAVY PPI 63101-000 (continued)

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9 Insert the syringe into the patch through
the spongy foam perimeter and extract
the solution from the patch.
10 Measure the conductivity of the solution
using the Elcometer 138E Conductivity
Meter, see Section 5.9 on page en-16.
Inject the sample directly into the sensor
cell. Rinse the sensor cell several times
with the solution to be measured before
taking the reading.
4.3 AFTER TEST
1 Record the temperature of the solution.
2 Remove the patch from the surface and clean the surface. If
required, any adhesive residue from the patch left on the test
surface can be removed by wiping with a cloth moistened with a
suitable solvent. Ensure that the solvent will not damage the
surface before use.
3 Rinse all components of the test kit, other than the patch, in fresh,
pure water. The components can then be used again.
4.4 PASS / FAIL CRITERIA
For immersed applications, conductivity due to soluble salts (total
ionic) shall not exceed 30µS/cm.
For non-immersed applications, conductivity due to soluble salts shall
not exceed 70µS/cm.
Note: The charts produced by the US Navy for the calculation of chloride levels are not
required for this test method. Please contact Elcometer or your local Elcometer
supplier if you require a copy of these charts.
4 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE: US NAVY PPI 63101-000
5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER
5.1 OVERVIEW
1 Battery Compartment Lid
2 LCD Display
3 Controls (see Section 5.3 on page en-7)
4 Sensor Cell / Electrode
1
2
3
4

5.2 FITTING THE BATTERIES
The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter uses dry cell batteries only.
Four 1.5V LR44 alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
To fit the batteries:
1 Unscrew the battery compartment lid.
2 Place batteries in battery compartment
ensuring correct polarity (Figure 1).
Remove old batteries by pulling the plastic ribbon
(Figure 1).
The battery condition is indicated by a symbol on
the display:
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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
+Plastic
Ribbon
-
3 bars indicates the battery is full (100%).
2 bars indicates 50% of the battery life is left.
1 bar indicates 25% of the battery life is left.
Blinking battery casing indicates the need to replace
batteries with new ones.
Note: 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.
5.3 CONTROLS & DISPLAY
The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter is operated using 5 buttons
and displays readings and other information on the LCD screen.
Switches the meter On / Off.
In measurement mode: temperature reading switches between Celsius
and Fahrenheit.
In calibration mode: switches the meter to temperature calibration mode.
In temperature calibration mode: exits calibration mode without
conrming calibrated values.
°C/°F
Figure 1

To switch off: Press the On/Off button ‘ ’, the screen will go blank.
Note: The meter will switch off automatically after 8.5 minutes of inactivity.
5.5 SELECTING THE MEASUREMENT RANGE
The Elcometer 138E can be set to limit the reading to a particular
measuring range (PU, LO or HI) or full scale (AUTO). The default
setting is AUTO.
5.4 SWITCHING ON / OFF
To switch on: Press the On/Off button ‘ ’. The power-up sequence
will be displayed on screen (Figure 2).
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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
In measurement mode: switches to hold mode, freezing the display.
In hold mode: switches back to measurement mode.
In manual calibration and temperature calibration modes: exits
calibration without conrming calibrated values.
In range selection mode: selects a range.
Located inside the battery compartment
In measurement mode: enters calibration mode.
In calibration mode: adjusts the calibration values.
HOLD
ENT
INC
DEC
Figure 2: Power-Up Sequence
Model Number &
Software Revision
Number
Selected range &
upper limit of the
range
Measurement
Mode
Measuring Range &
Resolution
PU:
0 - 200.0µS/cm
0.1µS/cm
LO:
0 - 2000µS/cm
1µS/cm
HI:
0 - 20mS/cm
0.01mS/cm
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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
When a range other than AUTO is selected, the meter can be
calibrated only for that particular range. If a sample is measured which
has a higher conductivity level than the selected measuring range, the
error message ‘OR’ is displayed.
To select the measuring range (Figure 3):
1 With the meter switched off, press and hold the ‘°C/°F’ button,
then switch the meter on. Release the ‘°C/°F’ button.
2 The meter goes into range selection mode. The currently
selected range is shown in the lower display. The upper display
shows the maximum possible reading for the selected range.
Press ‘HOLD ENT’ repeatedly until the required range is
displayed (PU, LO or HI).
3 The meter automatically conrms the last selection if no button is
pressed for 5 seconds. The upper display momentarily shows
‘CO’. The LCD shows the power-up sequence and the meter
goes to measurement mode.
Figure 3: Selecting the Measuring Range
Auto conrmation occurs for the last selected range if no key is pressed for 5 seconds.
°C/°F HOLD
ENT HOLD ENT HOLD
ENT
Power-up
Sequence

5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
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5.6 CONDUCTIVITY CALIBRATION
The meter must be calibrated on a regular basis to ensure accurate
results. Calibration can be manual or automatic; 1 point or multi-point.
The factory default setting is automatic, 1 point calibration. In
automatic calibration, the meter automatically detects and veries
known conductivity standard solutions. In manual calibration, non
standard solution which may be specic to your application can be
used.
Note: This user guide explains the 1 point calibration technique only as only one
calibration solution is supplied with the kit; multi-point calibration requires
calibration solutions of different values. For further information on multi-point
calibration, contact Elcometer for a copy of the full Elcometer 138E operating
instructions.
To enable / disable auto calibration and select 1 point calibration
(Figure 4):
1 With the meter switched off, press and hold the ‘INC’ button, then
switch the meter on. Release the ‘INC’ button.
2 The meter goes to auto calibration selection mode. The lower
display shows ‘A.CAL’ and the upper display blinks the current
choice; ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to select ‘Yes’ and
enable auto calibration or ‘No’, to disable auto calibration.
 Press ‘°C/°F’ to skip this setting without confirming changes.
 Press ‘°C/°F’ twice to return to the measurement mode without confirming
changes.
3 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to confirm the selection; ‘CO’ is displayed.
4 The meter goes into 1 point calibration selection mode. The
lower display shows ‘1.Pnt’ and the upper display blinks the
current choice; ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to select ‘Yes’
and enable 1 point calibration.
 Press ‘°C/°F’ to skip this setting without confirming changes.
 Press ‘°C/°F’ twice to return to the measurement mode without confirming
changes.
5 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to confirm the selection; ‘CO’ is displayed for
a few seconds followed by the power-up sequence. The meter
goes into measurement mode.

5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
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Figure 4: Selecting auto calibration and 1 point calibration
HOLD
ENT HOLD
ENT
After 1 second
INC
INC DEC
HOLD
ENT
Power-Up
Sequence
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Using automatic calibration (Figure 5):
Automatic calibration is suitable for use with known conductivity
standard solutions.
The solution used should correspond to the selected measuring range.
One single use 20ml pouch of standard 1413 µS/cm (1.413 mS/cm)
calibration solution is supplied in each kit. When using this solution,
the measuring range should be set to ‘LO’, see Section 5.5 ‘Selecting
the Measuring Range’ on page en-8.
Note: If using a different conductivity standard solution to the one supplied in the kit
contact Elcometer for a copy of the full Elcometer 138E operating instructions.
During automatic calibration, the meter will automatically detect the
conductivity standard if it’s value is within 50% tolerance.
Always use fresh calibration standard solutions. Before you begin,
prepare the solution in two beakers; one for rinsing and the other for
calibration. Rinse the electrode in pure water before calibration.
1 Press the ‘On/Off’ button to switch the meter on. Make sure the
meter is in measuring mode. Press the ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ button to
enter conductivity calibration mode.

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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
2 The ‘CAL’ indicator appears on the display. ‘CAL’ and ‘1.Pnt’ are
briey displayed.
3 The upper display shows the conductivity reading and the lower
display shows the calibration standard value; ‘1413' if using the
solution supplied with the kit.
4 Rinse the electrode with the calibration standard then dip the
electrode into the second beaker containing the calibration
standard. Swirl gently to create a homogenous sample and allow
time for the reading to stabilise.
 ‘Er.1' is displayed if the conductivity of the calibration solution is outside
the tolerance range.
 ‘Er.0' is displayed and the meter returns to measurement mode if the
temperature of the calibration solution is not within 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F).
 Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to exit auto calibration during any of the above steps.
5 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to confirm the calibration. ‘CO’ is displayed
for two seconds, calibration is complete and the tester returns to
measuring mode.
 ‘Er.1' is displayed if ‘HOLD ENT’ is pressed before the meter recognises
the calibration solution.
Note: This user guide explains the 1 point calibration technique only as only one
calibration solution is supplied with the kit; multi-point calibration requires
calibration solutions of different values. For further information on multi-point
calibration, contact Elcometer for a copy of the full Elcometer 138E operating
instructions.
Meter dipped in
1413µS/cm
solution and
automatically
detects the
calibration standard
Figure 5: Automatic, 1 Point Calibration Sequence
HOLD
ENT
Calibration
standard values
displayed
sequentially until
the meter nds a
matching solution
INC
DEC
or
Displayed for 2
seconds and the
meter goes into
calibration mode
Conrmation of
calibration
displayed for 2
seconds

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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
Using manual calibration (Figure 6):
In manual calibration, customised calibration solutions with known
conductivity values can be used to calibrate the meter.
The table below shows acceptable conductivity ranges of calibration
solutions for each measuring range. Ensure the calibration solutions
used are within the given ranges.
Always use fresh calibration standard solutions. Before you begin,
measure the conductivity value of the solution with a meter known to
be accurate. Prepare the solution in two beakers; one for rinsing and
the other for calibration. Rinse the electrode in pure water before
calibration.
1 Press the ‘On/Off’ button to switch the meter on. Make sure the
meter is in measuring mode.
2 Rinse the electrode with the calibration standard then dip the
electrode into the second beaker containing the calibration
standard. Swirl gently to create a homogenous sample and allow
time for the reading to stabilise.
3 Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to enter conductivity calibration mode. The
‘CAL’ indicator appears on the display. ‘CAL’ and ‘1.Pnt’ are
briey displayed.
4 The upper display shows the measured conductivity reading of
the solution based on previous calibration (if any) and the lower
display shows the default (uncalibrated) conductivity reading.
 ‘Er.1' is displayed if the reading is over range of the selected measuring
range of the tester or if the default (uncalibrated) reading is not within the
acceptable calibration standard range.
Measuring Range
Acceptable Calibration Standard Range
PU
2.0 - 200.0 µS/cm
LO
200 - 2000 µS/cm
HI
2.00 - 20.00 mS/cm
AUTO
Select a calibration standard nearer to application
sample

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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
5 Use the ‘INC’ and ‘DEC’ buttons to adjust the upper display to the
correct conductivity value of the calibration solution.
 The calibration adjustment window is ±50% from the default reading.
 If ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ are not pressed within 5 seconds, ‘CO’ is displayed and
the meter returns to measuring mode. However, the meter is not
calibrated to the new values, the old calibration is still active. If this
happens, press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ once again to enter calibration mode.
6 Wait for 5 seconds for the meter to automatically confirm the
calibration by displaying ‘CO’ and returning to measurement
mode.
 ‘Er.0' is displayed and the meter returns to measurement mode if the
temperature of the calibration solution is not within 0°C to 50°C
(32°F to 122°F).
 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to exit calibration mode without confirming the
calibration.
Note: This user guide explains the 1 point calibration technique only as only one
calibration solution is supplied with the kit; multi-point calibration requires
calibration solutions of different values. For further information on multi-point
calibration, contact Elcometer for a copy of the full Elcometer 138E operating
instructions.
5.7 TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION (Figure 7):
Temperature calibration only needs to be performed if the temperature
differs from that of an accurate thermometer. If temperature
calibration is performed, conductivity calibration is mandatory, see
Section 5.6 ‘Conductivity Calibration’ on page en-10.
1 Press the ‘On/Off’ button to switch the meter on. Make sure the
meter is in measuring mode. If required, press ‘°C/°F’ to select
the desire units of measurement for temperature; Celsius or
Fahrenheit.
Upper display
reading adjusted to
the actual
conductivity value
of the calibration
solution
Figure 6: Manual, 1 Point Calibration Sequence
Meter dipped in
1413µS/cm
solution
INC
DEC
or
Displayed for 2
seconds and the
meter goes into
calibration mode
After 5 seconds,
the conrmation
screen is displayed
for 2 seconds
INC
DEC

Figure 7: Temperature Calibration Sequence
Temperature Calibration Mode
Calibration Mode
Dipped in a
solution of known
temperature
INC
DEC
INC
DEC
°C/°F
Conrmation
displayed for 2
seconds
Measurement
Mode
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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
2 Dip the meter into a solution of known temperature and allow
time for the temperature reading to stabilise.
3 Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to enter calibration mode. The ‘CAL’
indicator appears on the display, immediately press ‘°C/°F’ to
switch to temperature calibration mode.
 When you enter calibration mode, if the conductivity reading is outside the
specified range ‘Er.1' is displayed. You can still proceed to temperature
calibration mode by pressing ‘°C/°F’ immediately. If ‘°C/°F’ is not pressed
within two seconds, the meter exits calibration mode and returns to
measurement mode.
4 The upper display shows the measured temperature reading
based on the last set offset (if any) and the lower display shows
the default (uncalibrated) temperature reading based on factory
settings.
5 Use the ‘INC’ and ‘DEC’ buttons to adjust the upper temperature
reading to the known temperature value of the solution.
 The temperature adjustment window is ±5°C (±9°F) from the default
reading.
6 Wait for 5 seconds for the meter to automatically confirm the
temperature calibration by displaying ‘CO’ and returning to
measurement mode.
 ‘Er.0' is displayed and the meter returns to measurement mode if the
temperature of the solution is not within 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F).
 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to exit temperature calibration mode without confirming
the calibration.

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5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
5.9 TAKING A READING
Before you begin, remove the electrode’s protective cap. Soak the
electrode for a few minutes in alcohol to remove any dirt or oil stains
which will affect the accuracy of the meter. Rinse thoroughly with pure
water and shake off dry.
1 Press the ‘On/Off’ button to switch the meter on. The ‘MEAS’
indicator appears when the meter is in measurement mode.
2 Put an appropriate amount of the test sample on the
measurement electrode avoiding the inclusion of bubbles which
may cause the conductivity measurement to be inaccurate.
3 The reading is shown in the upper display, automatically
temperature compensated to normalised temperature of 25°C.
The temperature of the solution is shown in the lower display.
Press ‘°C/°F’ to toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
 ‘Or’ (over range) is displayed if the reading is outside the selected range.
If this occurs, select an appropriate range to suit the reading, see Section
5.5 ‘Selecting the Measurement Range’ on page en-8.
5.8 RESETTING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER
The reset option restores the calibration and other parameters back to
the factory default settings.
1 With the meter switched off, press and hold the ‘HOLD ENT’ button,
then switch the meter on. Release the ‘HOLD ENT’ button.
2 The lower display shows ‘rSt’ (reset) and the upper display blinks
‘No’. Press ‘INC’ or ‘DEC’ to select ‘Yes’ to proceed with the
reset or ‘No’ to exit without resetting.
 Press ‘°C/°F’ to return to measurement mode without making any selection.
3 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to confirm your selection, ‘CO’ is displayed. If
‘Yes’ was selected, the meter resets to the factory default
settings. The power-up sequence is displayed and the meter
goes to measurement mode.
Parameter
Factory Default
User Calibration
(Reset)
Temperature Unit of Measurement
Celsius (°C)
Temperature Offset
0
Auto Calibration
Enabled
1-point Calibration
Enabled
Conductivity Calibration Factor
1.0

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6 CARE & MAINTENANCE
The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter is designed to give many
years reliable service under normal operating conditions.
 Always keep the sensor electrodes clean. Remove the plastic
cup and insert to thoroughly clean viscous solutions. Never
scratch electrodes with a hard surface.
 For better performance, soak the electrode in alcohol for 10 to 15
minutes and rinse with pure water before starting any
measurement process. This is to remove any dirt and oil stains
on the electrode which may affect the accuracy of the
measurements.
 Always store the components of the Elcometer 138 Kit in the
carrying case when the kit is not being used.
5 USING THE CONDUCTIVITY METER (continued)
5.10 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.
Figure 8: Hold Function
Measurement
Mode
HOLD Mode Measurement
Mode
HOLD
ENT
HOLD
ENT
Using the HOLD function (Figure 8):
1 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ to freeze the measurement. The meter goes
into hold mode and the ‘HOLD’ indicator is displayed on screen.
The measurements are frozen and the ‘MEAS’ indicator
disappears.
2 Press ‘HOLD ENT’ again to release the measurement. The
‘HOLD’ indicator is no longer displayed. The meter reverts to
measurement mode.

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9 SPARES & ACCESSORIES
The Elcometer 138 Basic Bresle Kit is complete with all the items
required to get started and take measurements however, over the life
of the kit, replacements may be required. The following items are
available from Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier.
8.2 CONDUCTIVITY METER
Measurement Principle
2 AC Bipolar Method
Sensor Type
Cup
Measuring Range &
Resolution
PU:
0 - 200.0µS/cm
0.1µS/cm
LO:
0 - 2000µS/cm
1µS/cm
HI:
0 - 20mS/cm
0.01mS/cm
Accuracy
±1% of full scale
LCD Display
Custom Dual Display; 27 x 21mm (1.06 x 0.83")
Operating Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Battery Type
4 x 1.5V LR44 alkaline
Battery Life
>150 hours
Dimensions
165 x 38mm (6.5 x 1.5")
Weight
90g (3.2oz) - including batteries
8.1 BRESLE PATCH
Patch Size
5cm x 5cm
Test Area
2
12.5cm
Sample Volume
3ml
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
7 WARRANTY STATEMENT
The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter is supplied with a 12 month
warranty against manufacturing defects, excluding contamination and
wear.
The conductivity meter sensor is supplied with a 6 month warranty
against manufacturing defects, excluding contamination and wear.

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TMA-0628 Issue 02 - Text with cover 27425
10 LEGAL NOTICES & REGULATORY INFORMATION
This product meets both the Electromagnetic Compatibility and RoHS Directives.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Manchester, M43 6BU.
United Kingdom
All other trademarks acknowledged.
The Elcometer 138 Basic Bresle Kit and Patches is packed in a cardboard package. Please ensure
that this packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local
Environmental Authority for further guidance.
CAUTION
The needles supplied for use with this kit are blunt, but care must be exercised when using
and disposing of these needles to prevent accidental needle stick injuries. It is
recommended that used needles be disposed of as special waste, and not in landfill.
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.
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9 SPARES & ACCESSORIES (continued)
9.1 ELCOMETER 138E CALIBRATION SOLUTIONS
Description Part Number
Standard 447 µS/cm (0.447 mS/cm) Calibration T13827352-1
e
Solution; 4 x 20ml (0.74 oz)
Standard 1413 µS/cm (1.413 mS/cm) Calibration T13827352-2
e
Solution; 4 x 20ml (0.74 oz)
Standard 15000 µS/cm (15 mS/cm) Calibration T13827352-3
e
Solution; 4 x 20ml (0.74 oz)
9.2 BRESLE TEST PATCH
Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 25 E135----C25
Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 100 E135----C100
9.3 MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES
Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter T13827355
Replacement Sensor for Conductivity Meter T13827455
Bottle of Pure Distilled Water; 250ml (8.5  oz) T13827259
Syringes, 5ml (0.17  oz); x3 T13818517
Needles (Blunt); x3 T13818518
Plastic Beaker; 30ml (1  oz) T13818519
e Single use pouches.