EUTECH INSTRUMENTS Oakton TN-100 User manual

Technolo
g
y
M
ade
E
a
s
y
.
.
.
68X357701 Rev. 4 Apr 06
Instruction Manual
TN-100/T-100
Portable Turbidimeter
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

Preface
This manual functions in two ways: first as a step by step guide to help you operate
the waterproof TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter; second, it serves as a handy reference
guide.
It contains basic instructions that you must follow during the operation, care and
maintenance of the instrument. The safety protection provided by this equipment
may be impaired if it is used in a manner not described in this manual. It is
recommended that all operators should read this manual prior to working with this
instrument.
Eutech Instruments/ Oakton Instruments cannot accept any responsibility for
damage or malfunction to the meter caused by improper use of the instrument.
The information presented in this manual is subject to change without notice as
improvements are made, and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd/ Oakton Instruments.
Note: Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd/ Oakton Instruments reserves the right to
make improvements in design, construction, and appearance of products
without notice.
Copyright © 2006 All rights reserved.
Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd
Oakton Instruments

Table of Contents
1. Overview .............................................................................................. 1
1.1 Unpacking TN-100/ T-100 Meter and Accessories .............................................. 1
1.2 Display .................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Keys and Functions .............................................................................................. 3
1.4 Battery Installation ................................................................................................ 4
2. Turbidity Calibration ........................................................................... 5
2.1 Calibration Standards ........................................................................................... 5
2.2 Indexing ................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Calibration Procedure........................................................................................... 6
2.4 Restoring Factory Calibration............................................................................... 8
3. Turbidity Measurement ..................................................................... 10
3.1 General Information............................................................................................ 10
3.2 Turbidity Measurement Procedure ..................................................................... 10
3.3 Single-Shot or Continuous Measurement .......................................................... 13
4. Troubleshooting Guide ..................................................................... 15
5. Routine Maintenance ........................................................................ 16
5.1 Vials – Handling, Cleaning and Care ................................................................. 16
6. Accessories ....................................................................................... 17
7. Specifications .................................................................................... 18
8. Addendum 1: Turbidity ..................................................................... 19
8.1 Definition............................................................................................................. 19
8.2 Why Is It Important? ........................................................................................... 19
8.3 Measurement Principle....................................................................................... 19
8.4 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) ................................................................. 20
8.5 Indexing a Vial .................................................................................................... 20
9. Addendum 2: Guide to Good Measurement Technique................ 21
9.1 Maintain sample vials in good condition............................................................. 21
9.2 Match Sample Vials............................................................................................ 21
9.3 Degassing........................................................................................................... 22
9.4 Timeliness of Sample ......................................................................................... 22
9.5 Other Important Sampling Techniques............................................................... 22
9.6 Calibration........................................................................................................... 23
9.7 Dilution................................................................................................................ 23
10. Warranty ........................................................................................ 24
11. Return of Items.............................................................................. 24

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
1
1. Overview
Thank you for selecting the waterproof portable TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter. The
TN-100/ T-100 allows you to measure turbidity of an aqueous sample in the field.
This instrument operates on the nephelometric principle of turbidity measurement
and is designed to meet the criteria specified in ISO 7027 and DIN 27027 standards
(see Measurement Principle on page 19).
1.1 Unpacking TN-100/ T-100 Meter and Accessories
The table below indicates the items that you should find in your turbidimeter
shipment.
Item Quantity
1. Portable TN-100/ T-100 Turbidimeter with 4 “AAA” batteries 1
2. Instruction Manual 1
3. Instrument Carrying Case 1
4. Light Shield Cap 1
5. Calibration Set (0.02, 20.0,100, 800 NTU Standards) 1
6. Empty Vials 3
7. Plastic bottle (empty – for collecting sample) 1
8. Silicone Oil 1
9. Lint free cloth 1
Remove TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter from the packing carton. Carefully inspect all
items to ensure that no visible damage has occurred during shipment. If the items
you received do not match your order, please contact your nearest distributor
immediately.
WARNING: Extra care should be taken when unpacking, opening, and
handling the calibration standards and sample vials. Surface scratches or
finger smudges on the vial surface may cause measurement errors. Handle
these items by their caps only.
Batteries provided with the meter package are to be installed prior to use. See
Section 1.4 - Battery Installation on page 4.
Figure 1 depicts the meter. The three main components of the instrument are the
sample well, the display, and the keypad. The following sections describe the
functionality of the display and the keypad. The proper use of the instrument and
the sample well are discussed in later sections.

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
2
Sample Vial
Sample Well
Index Mark
Liquid Crystal Display
Keypad
Figure 1: Parts of TN-100/T-100 Turbidimeter
1.2 Display
All the LCD segments and annunciators that can appear on the display are shown
in Figure 2. The display is used for reporting the turbidity reading and to provide
guidance for the operation of the instrument. In addition, the display has several
other annunciators that are used to communicate error messages and provide user
guidance.
CAL 13 CAL 24
mg/l
NTU
ppm
%pH
TAvg
14-segment Liquid Crystal Display
Battery Indicator
Calibration
Standards
Units of
Measurement
Figure 2: Customized LCD with all annunciators

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
3
1.3 Keys and Functions
The keypad has five keys: ON/OFF, CAL, ▲, ▼, and READ/ENTER.
Key Functions
OFF
ON
Powers on and shuts off the meter. With the auto switch-off feature the
meter automatically shuts off 20 minutes after last key press.
CAL
Initiates the calibration mode of the meter. When pressed, the meter is set
to accept the first calibration standard.
It is also used to exit the calibration mode if the user does not want to
follow the complete calibration procedure.
READ
ENTER
When in measurement mode, the READ/ENTER key is used to perform a
measurement.
Single-shot measurements: When the key is pressed and released
immediately (a quick key stroke of less than 0.3 seconds), the display will
blink [-Rd-] for 10 times and then display the measured value.
Continuous measurements: If the READ/ENTER key is pressed and held,
the instrument will perform a continuous measurement during which the
display is updated every 2 seconds. This can be used for indexing vials.
(This function is not available in calibration mode).
After the READ/ENTER key is released, the instrument will automatically
perform a single-shot measurement.
Active only during calibration mode. These keys are used to select the
calibration point in an incremental/ decremental manner.
NOTE: This meter is fitted with an auto incrementing feature, i.e. after
the successful calibration of one point it auto selects the next calibration
point, or automatically exits the calibration mode after the fourth
calibration point.
READ
ENTER
CAL
OFF
ON
WATERPROOF
Figure 3: Keypad

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
4
1.4 Battery Installation
Four AAA-sized batteries are included in the packaging:
1. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the battery
cover. See Figure 4.
2. Remove the battery cover.
3. Insert the batteries. Follow the diagram inside the cover for correct polarity.
4. Replace the battery cover onto its original position using the two screws
removed earlier.
5. The meter is now ready to operate.
Philips Screws
Battery cover
Four 'AAA'-sized batteries
Figure 4: Battery Installation
NOTE: Dispose used batteries in accordance with your local regulations.

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
5
2. Turbidity Calibration
The TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter was calibrated and tested prior to leaving the
factory. Therefore, it is possible to use the instrument directly out of the box.
However, re-calibration of the instrument is recommended to help you become
familiar with the operation of the instrument and the calibration procedures. In
addition, re-calibration is recommended at least once every month for optimum
accuracy.
It is recommended that you perform a full calibration using all 4 standards provided
to ensure full-range accuracy. However, the TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter provides
flexibility for you to calibrate at selected ranges suitable for your application.
In addition, the instrument comes with a light shield cap to shield off stray light
during calibration and measurements.
2.1 Calibration Standards
We recommend that you use the following materials during calibration to achieve
the accuracy stated in this manual:
CAL 1: 800 NTU Calibration Standard
CAL 2: 100 NTU Calibration Standard
CAL 3: 20.0 NTU Calibration Standard
CAL 4: 0.02 NTU Calibration Standard
It is well known that diluted Formazin is unstable. If you choose to use Formazin to
calibrate the instrument, ensure that you are using a fresh stock suspension of
Formazin to achieve the accuracy quoted for the instrument. Calibration standards
offered are more stable than Formazin and have a limited shelf life of 12 months. If
you use the supplied calibration standards to calibrate the instrument, review the
expiration date (indicated on cap label) to ensure that the standards have not
expired.
It is important that the calibration standards are not violently shaken or agitated
because air entrapment in the fluid introduces an error factor during calibration
which subsequently will lead to an inaccurate measurement. Also, do not store in
freezing temperatures which causes irreversible shrinkage of the standards’
particles thus resulting to inaccurate calibration and measurement.
2.2 Indexing
Due to the high quality of the glass vials provided, indexing is not required. You only
need to align the mark on the vial with the mark on the meter. However, in order to
achieve a better accuracy of the measurement, you can proceed with indexing of
the vials. See Section 8.5 - Indexing a Vial on page 20 for more information.

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
6
2.3 Calibration Procedure
1. Place TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter on a flat and level surface.
2. Insert the CAL 1 standard (800 NTU) into the sample well, aligning the mark on
the vial with the mark on the meter. See
Figure 10 on page 12.
3. Press down vial until it snaps fully into the instrument.
4. Cover the vial using the light shield cap.
5. Press ON/OFF key to switch the on the meter. The meter goes to measurement
mode after the power-up sequence.
6. Select the calibration function of the instrument by pressing the CAL key once.
The “CAL” annunciator blinks momentarily and the meter prompt for the first
calibration standard “CAL 1 800 NTU”.
7. Press READ/ENTER key.
8. The “CAL 1 800 NTU” annunciator blinks for about 12 seconds while the
instrument performs calibration of CAL 1 point. When the instrument has
completed calibration for this point, it prompts you to insert the next calibration
standard into the sample well “CAL 2 100 NTU”.
9. Repeat the calibration for CAL 2, CAL 3 & CAL 4 calibration standards.
10. After you successfully calibrate the CAL 4 standard (0.02 NTU), the display
shows “STbY”.
11. The meter is now ready for measurement.
Figure 5 shows the complete calibration sequence.
NOTES:
1. If you wish to exit the calibration mode you may do so at the end
of any step by pressing the CAL key. The meter accepts only the
values calibrated prior to exiting.
2. You can skip a calibration point by pressing ▲or ▼keys and
move on to the next calibration point.
3. After a successful calibration of one point, the meter
automatically selects the next calibration point. The meter
automatically exits calibration mode after the fourth calibration
point.
4. If an error occurs during calibration, the display shows an error
message. The meter aborts calibration and returns to the
measurement mode without saving the last calibration value.
5. For a list of error messages, refer to Section 4: Troubleshooting
Guide on page 15.

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
7
CAL 1
800 NTU
NTU
CAL 1
NTU
NTU
CAL 3
CAL 3
NTU
CAL 2
NTU
CAL 2
READ
ENTER
NTU
CAL 1
CAL
Place the CAL 1
standard into the
sample well
Place the CAL 3
standard into the
sample well
Flashes about 5 times
Flashes about 10 times
Flashes about 10 times
Flashes about 10 times
Flashes about 10 times
CAL 4
CAL 3
20.0 NTU
0.02 NTU
NTU
NTU
CAL 4
CAL 4
READ
ENTER
READ
ENTER
Place the CAL 2
standard into the
sample well
Place the CAL 4
standard into the
sample well
Measurement Mode
CAL 2
100 NTU
READ
ENTER
Measurement Mode
Figure 5: Calibration Sequence

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
8
2.4 Restoring Factory Calibration
The TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter allows you to reset the meter back to the factory
default calibration values. This feature is extremely useful when there are errors in
calibration or when you have new calibration standards.
1. With the meter switched off, press and hold ▲key.
2. Switch on the meter using ON/OFF. Release ▲key when “URST” (User-Reset)
appears in the display.
3. The display shows “URST” for about 2 seconds and then shows “No”.
4. Use ▲or ▼key to select between “YES” or “No”.
YES = To restore meter back to factory calibration values
No = To retain last calibrated values
5. Press READ/ENTER key to confirm your selection. The meter performs the
reset if “YES” is selected.
6. The display flashes “--Rd—“about 10 times indicating that the meter goes to
measurement mode.
Figure 6 shows the sequence for restoring factory calibration values.

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
9
READ
ENTER
READ
ENTER
“-Rd-” flashes about 10 times
Select YES and
to restore factory
calibration
then
press
key
READ/ENTER
Select No
to retain last
calibration values
without retrieving
factory calibration
and then
press
key
READ/ENTER
OFF
ON
Instrument Off
Measurement Mode
Press & hold key and
switch on the meter using
key
ON/OFF
Release key when you
see ‘URST’ in the display
Press or key to
select or
YES No
Figure 6: Restoring Factory Calibration

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
10
3. Turbidity Measurement
3.1 General Information
The waterproof TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter allows you to measure the turbidity of a
grab sample. The turbidity is reported in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
Readings above 1000 NTU are outside the range of this instrument.
NOTE: Before switching on the TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter, a sample vial
MUST be placed in the sample well. You can use any of the calibration
standards for this purpose.
The light shield cap provided could be used to cover the vial during
measurements.
When the ON/FF key is pressed to switch on the meter, it goes through the power-
up sequence as shown in Figure 7 below.
CAL 13 CAL 24
mg/l
NTU
ppm
%pH
TAvg
NTU
OFF
ON
"-Rd-” flashes about 10
times indicating that the
meter goes to
measurement mode.
A reading is valid only if you have placed a
vial or any of the calibration standards
provided into the sample well.Otherwise
the reading has no meaning or an error
message "Err 8" appears.
Instrument Off
Place a sample vial or any of the
calibration standards provided into
the sample well of the meter, before
switch on.
X.x
“X.X” is software revision
number
Figure 7: Power-up Sequence
3.2 Turbidity Measurement Procedure
An accurate turbidity measurement depends on good measurement techniques.
Factors such as clean sample vials, positioning of vial in the sample well, covering
the vial with the light shield cap, meter calibration, handling of meter, and others,
have to be taken into consideration. Please see the following sections for more
information.
Section 5.1: Vials – Handling, Cleaning and Care (page 16 )
Section 9: Addendum 2:
Guide to Good Measurement Technique (page 21)

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
11
Preparation of Sample Vial
1. Obtain a clean and dry sample vial
2. Take care to handle the sample vial by the top.
3. Rinse the vial with approximately 10 ml of the sample
water, capping the vial with the black screw cap and
gently inverting it several times. Discard the used
sample and repeat the rinsing procedure two more
times.
4. Fill the rinsed vial with the remaining portion
(approximately 10 ml) of the grab sample up to the
mark indicated in the vial. Cap the vial with the
supplied black screw cap.
5. Wipe the vial with the soft, lint-free cloth supplied.
Ensure that the outside of the vial is dry, clean and
free from smudges.
6. Apply a thin film of silicone oil (supplied) on the sample vial (see Figure 9).
7. Wipe with a soft cloth to obtain an even distribution over the entire vial’s
surface.
NOTES:
1. The purpose of oiling the vial is to fill small scratches and to mask the
imperfection in the glass.
2. Do not apply large quantity of oil as this may collect dirt and dust
8. The sample vial is now ready to be inserted into the sample well of the meter for
measurement.
Figure 9: Apply a thin film of silicon oil
Figure 8: Sample Vial

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
12
Measurement Procedure
1. Place TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter on a flat and level surface.
2. Place the sample vial inside the sample well and align the vial’s index mark with
the meter’s index mark. See
Figure 10.
Align index mark on
the sample vial with
the index mark on
the TN-100/ T-100
turbidimeter and
push till it is fully
snapped in
IMPORTANT :
Place meter on a flat
and level surface.
DO NOT hold it on
hands while operating
the meter. It may lead to
inaccurate readings
Light shield cap for
covering the vial during
measurements
Figure 10: Align sample vial’s index mark with meter’s index mark
3. Push the vial until it is fully snapped in.
4. Cover the vial with the light shield cap.
5. Turn on the meter by pressing the
ON/OFF key.
6. After the power-up sequence, the meter
goes to measurement mode and the
display blinks “--Rd--“ for about 10 times.
See Figure 11.
7. The measured reading appears in the
display.
8. If necessary, place the second sample vial
into the sample well. Remember to align
the vial’s mark with the meter’s index
mark.
9. Press READ/ENTER key. The display
blinks “--Rd--“ for several times and
measured reading appears.
10. Repeat steps 2 through 9 for all of your
samples.
“-Rd-” flashes about
10 times
SAMPLE
Unknown
NTU
Place sample
vial into the
sample well
NTU
READ
ENTER
Measurement Mode
Figure 11:
Reading Turbidity Value

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
13
NOTES:
1. NEVER pour liquid directly into the sample well of the instrument.
Always use a vial. The instrument will only accurately measure the
turbidity of a sample when vials sealed with the black caps are used.
The black cap serves as both seal and a light shield.
2. NEVER attempt to clean the sample well. The optics may be
damaged.
3. For battery conservation, the instrument automatically powers off 20
minutes after the last key pressed.
3.3 Single-Shot or Continuous Measurement
You can use TN-100/ T-100 turbidimeter to take a single reading or perform
continuous measurement. The latter is only used for indexing the vials. See
Section 8.5 - Indexing a Vial on page 20 for more information.
For Single-shot Measurement:
1. Make sure the meter is sitting on a flat and
level surface and is in measurement
mode. The display shows the last
measured value or “STbY” after exiting
calibration mode.
2. Place sample vial in the sample well.
3. Cover the vial with the light shield cap.
4. Press READ/ENTER key and release
immediately (<0.3 seconds). See Figure
12.
5. The display blinks “--Rd--“ for about 10
times and then display the measured
value.
“-Rd-” flashes about
10 times
SAMPLE
Unknown
NTU
Place sample
vial into the
sample well
NTU
READ
ENTER
Measurement Mode
Press key and
release immediately
Figure 12: Single-shot Measurement

Instruction Manual TN-100/ T-100
14
For Continuous Measurement:
1. Make sure the meter is sitting on a flat and level surface and is in measurement
mode. The display shows the last measured value or “STbY”
2. Place the sample vial in the sample well.
3. Press READ/ENTER key and hold. See Figure 13
4. Wait for the reading to stabilize before rotating the sample vial.
NOTE: During continuous measurement, the display is updated every 2
seconds. The displayed reading may not be the actual turbidity value. For
accurate measurement, use single-shot measurement.
You can rotate the sample vial for indexing purpose. See Section 8.5 - Indexing a
Vial on page 20 for more information.
5. Once you release READ/ENTER key, the meter automatically performs a
single-shot measurement.
NOTES:
1. After a measurement is completed and the display is updated, a 4-
second recovery time occurs before the meter can perform another
function. If any key is pressed during the recovery time, the meter will
perform the corresponding action at the end of the recovery period.
2. When performing a measurement, if the meter detects stray light
exceeding the amount equivalent to 0.02 NTU in the low range, the
measurement is immediately aborted and an error message [ERR 8]
is displayed. Ensure the vial sits properly into the sample well. Press
the ENTER/READ key to re-do the measurement.
Reading flashes and
updates every 2 seconds
SAMPLE
Unknown
NTU
Place sample
vial into the
sample well
NTU
READ
ENTER
Measurement Mode
Press key and hold
Fi
g
ure 13: Continuous Measurement