Hach Intellical MTC30101 User manual

1
DOC272.53.80026
User instructions
Refillable ORP/Redox electrode: MTC30101 or MTC30103
Safety Information
Precautionary Labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the
instrument could occur if not observed. A symbol, if noted on the instrument, will be included
with a danger or caution statement in the manual.
Overview The MTC30101 or MTC30103 is a refillable, combination oxidation reduction potential
(ORP/Redox) electrode with a built-in temperature sensor. The MTC30101 or MTC30103 is
available with a 1 or 3 meter cable and is intended for laboratory use. The electrode provides
ORP/Redox measurements in wastewater, drinking water and general applications. A 59 mL
bottle of reference electrolyte filling solution (3M KCl solution saturated with AgCl) is included
with the electrode.
Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European public disposal systems after
12 August of 2005. In conformity with European local and national regulations (EU Directive 2002/96/EC),
European electrical equipment users must now return old or end-of life equipment to the Producer for disposal at no
charge to the user.
Note: For return for recycling, please contact the equipment producer or supplier for instructions on how to return
end-of-life equipment, producer-supplied electrical accessories, and all auxiliary items for proper disposal.
This is the safety alert symbol. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid potential injury. If on the
instrument, refer to the instruction manual for operation or safety information.
Specification Details
Electrode type Digital combination electrode with a refillable Ag/AgCl reference and a built-in
temperature sensor
Range ± 1200 mV
Resolution 0.1 mV
Temperature accuracy ± 0.3 ºC (± 0.54 ºF)
Operating temperature range 0 to 80 °C
Storage temperature range 5 to 40 °C
Junction Porous pin
Reference potential versus
Standard Hydrogen Electrode 207 mV at 25 ºC
Reference electrolyte Electrode filling solution, 3M KCl
Fill solution 3M KCl with saturated AgCl
Reference type Ag/AgCl (3M KCl)
Minimum sample depth 20 mm
Dimensions Diameter: 12 mm, Length: 103 mm, Total length: 200 mm, Cable length: 1 or 3 meter
Cable connection Digital output and connector compatible with HQd meters
Warranty Sensor is covered by a 1 year warranty.

2DOC272.53.80026
Preparation for use
1. Remove the electrode storage cap.
2. Before first use, remove the tape from the filling-hole and the label from the electrode
body. Refer to Figure 1.
3. Install the filling-hole cap by sliding the cap over the filling hole. Close the cap when
not in use, and open when filling and during measurements.
4. Rinse the reference junction and platinum electrode with deionized water and blot dry
with a lint-free cloth.
5. For temporary storage, fill the soaker bottle halfway with Hach Electrode Storage
Solution or 3M KCl Filling Solution. Loosen the soaker bottle cap and push to install
the soaker bottle on the electrode. Tighten the soaker bottle cap to secure.
Calibration
Figure 1Electrode overview
1Electrode soaker bottle 4Filing-hole and tape
2Reference junction, platinum and temperature sensor 51 or 3 meter cable
3Filling-hole cap 6Electrode storage cap lid
Before calibration:
The electrode must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter before attaching the
electrode.
It is not necessary to recalibrate when moving a calibrated probe from one HQd meter to another if the additional meter is
configured to use the same calibration options. If the additional HQd meter uses different calibration options (e.g. standard
calibration routine), calibrate the probe or change the method settings/select a different method.
To view the current calibration, select the DATA LOG key, View Probe Data, then View Current Calibration.
If two probes are connected the meter, push the UP or DOWN arrow to change to the single display mode to show the
Calibrate option.
ORP/Redox standards should not be diluted. Always use fresh ORP/Redox standard for calibration.
Stir gently. Avoid resting the electrode on the bottom or sides of the container.
Refer to the troubleshooting section for calibration errors (Troubleshooting on page 12).
The filling-hole must be open during calibration for the proper flow of the filling solution. Close the cap when not in use.

DOC272.53.80026 3
Calibration notes
•Probes are initially calibrated at the factory. However, regular calibration by the user is
recommended for best measurement accuracy.
•Additional standards can be selected in the MTC101 Calibration Options.
•ZoBell’s redox potential is temperature dependent. The HQd calibration routine
factors in this temperature dependency allowing accurate calibrations within the
temperature range of 0 - 30 ºC. Light’s solution should be read at 25 ºC. Custom
ORP/Redox calibration solution values and temperature are user defined.
•The calibration is recorded in the electrode and the data log. The calibration is also
sent to a PC, printer, or flash memory stick if connected.
1. Connect the
electrode to the
meter.
2. Add fresh
ORP/Redox
standardtoabeaker
or appropriate
container.
3. Select
Calibrate. The
display will show the
required
ORP/Redox
standard solution.
4. Rinse the
electrode with
deionizedwater,blot
dry, and place it in
the standard
solution.
5. Push Read. Stir
gently. The display
will show
Stabilizing... and a
progress bar as the
electrode stabilizes
in the standard.
6. The display will
show the standard
solution value and
the mV offset when
the reading is
stable. Select Done
to view the
calibration
summary.
7. The display will
show the calibration
summary. Select
Store to accept the
calibration and
return to the
measurement
mode.

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Run check standard
The run check standard feature validates instrument performance between sample
measurements. Use the run check standard feature for periodic or user-defined interval
measurement of a traceable standard solution. Set the criteria for check standards from
the MTC301 settings menu.
Note: Access control must be off or a valid password entered before any of the check standard
method options can be changed.
1. Select Run Check Standard from the Meter Options menu.
Note: Select the appropriate probe if two probes are connected to the meter.
2. Obtain the standard solution specified in the display.
3. Place the electrode in the standard solution and select READ. The display will show
Stabilizing... and a progress bar as the electrode stabilizes in the standard. The
display shows the value of the check standard and either Check Standard Passed or
probe Check Standard Failed.
If the display reads Check Standard Passed, the check standard measurement is
within the accepted limits defined by the administrative user. Select DONE to proceed
with sample measurement.
If the display reads Check Standard Failed, the measurement is outside of accepted
limits defined by the administrative user and a recalibration is suggested. If the
acceptance criteria is set to Cal Expires on Failure: Yes, the display will show the
calibrate icon with a question mark until the electrode is recalibrated. Recalibrate the
electrode to correct the status indicator (Calibration on page 2).
Figure 2: Measurement method
1Sample container 3Filling solution level
2electrode body 4Sample level

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Measurement–Direct Method
Measurement notes
•Data is stored automatically in the data log when Press to Read or Interval is
selected in the Setup Measurement Mode. If Continuous is selected, data will be
stored only when the STORE key is pushed.
•The filling-hole must be open during measurement for the proper flow of the filling
solution.
•The filling solution must be above the sample level during measurement. Refer to
Figure 2.
•To significantly reduce the response time for reducing-type samples:
•The platinum disc must be clean and smooth.
•Immerse the platinum disc for 3-10 minutes in Reducing Solution for ORP
Electrodes prior to sample analysis.
•Rinse the electrode with sample, then measure.
Before measurement:
The electrode must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter
before attaching the electrode.
The electrode is factory calibrated and ready for use. For applications that require greater
accuracy and precision, verify the calibration with check standards or perform a user calibration.
Routine calibrations are required (Calibration on page 2).
Make sure that the platinum electrode is clean before sample measurement (Clean the probe on
page 8).
If complete traceability is required, enter a sample ID and operator ID before measurement.
For measurement errors refer to Troubleshooting on page 12.
Stir samples gently during measurement.
The filling-hole must be open during measurement for optimal response time. Close when not in
use.
1. Prepare the
electrode for use.
Referto Preparation
for use on page 2.
2. Connect the
electrode to the
meter.
3. Rinse the
electrode with
sample and place
the electrode in
fresh sample.
4. PushRead.The
display will show
Stabilizing... and a
progress bar as the
electrode stabilizes
in the sample. If
required by the
application, also
record the sample
pH and
temperature.
5. Repeat steps 3
and 4 for additional
measurements.

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Measurement - conversion to SHE reference
For some applications it is customary to report redox potential readings relative to the
standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), also called normal hydrogen electrode (NHE). To do
this, select the value in Table 1 Standard potential of reference electrode that
corresponds to the temperature of the solution measured. Substitute that value Eref into
the equation and solve for Eh:
Eh= E + Eref
where:
Eh = oxidation reduction potential of the sample relative to the SHE
E = potential developed by the ORP/Redox electrode
Eref = potential developed by the reference electrode portion relative to the SHE (refer to
Table 1 Standard potential of reference electrode).
Table 1 shows the potentials, Eref, developed by the reference electrode portion relative to
the SHE at various temperatures.
Measurement - Oxidation Titrations
Oxidation-reduction, or redox titrations, provide a simple, reliable method for determining
many substances in solution. A redox titration consists of adding to an unknown sample
small increments of a titrant that converts the unknown to a different oxidation state. After
each addition of titrant, the ORP/Redox electrode develops a potential proportional to the
logarithm of the ratio of the activities of the two oxidation states.
At the inflection, or end point, the titrant has completely oxidized or reduced the unknown,
causing a sharp change in the logarithm of the ratio of the activities of the two oxidation
states. A corresponding sharp change in the potential is developed by the platinum
electrode. Often several oxidizing or reducing species can be precisely determined in the
same solution by a single titration with several inflection points.
The following directions represent a general procedure for performing a redox titration
once the sample is prepared for measurement.
Table 1 Standard potential of reference electrode
Temperature (ºC) Electrode Potential in mV (Eref)
80 163.1
75 167.7
70 172.1
65 176.4
60 180.3
55 184.4
50 188.4
45 192.3
40 196.1
35 199.8
30 203.4
25 207.0
20 210.5
15 214.0
10 217.4
5 220.9
0 224.2

DOC272.53.80026 7
1. Fill a 10 ml
burette with a
standard titrant
solution with a
normality that is 5-10
times that of the
sample.
2. Connect the
electrode to the
meter.
3. Pipet a 50 mL
sample into a
150-mL beaker. Stir
with a magnetic
stirrerthroughoutthe
titration.
4. Begin by adding
titrant in 0.5 - 1 mL
increments,
recording the
potential after each
addition. Near the
end point, when
large potential
changesappear,add
increments of 0.1 -
0.2 mL. Continue the
titration 3-4 mL past
the end point.
5. Plot the
electrode potential
versus volume of
addedtitrantandfita
smooth curve
through the points.
The end point is the
point of inflection
(the point of greatest
slope).
6. Calculate the
normality of the
sample, Nx, in
equivalents per liter:
Nx= (Vtx Nt) / Vx
where:
Nt= normality of
titrant (Eq/L)
Vt= volume of titrant
at end point (mL)
Vx= Volume of
sample (mL)

8DOC272.53.80026
Maintenance Clean the probe if the response time becomes slow (Clean the probe on page 8).
Storage
Note: For optimal performance the reference junction must not dry out.
Short term storage
Store the electrode in Hach Electrode Storage Solution or 3M potassium chloride
(KCl) solution. The electrode can also be stored for up to 2 hours in a sample (if the
sample pH is not extreme).
Long-term storage
1. Rinse the electrode with deionized water. Dry the electrode with a lint-free cloth.
2. Fill the electrode storage cap halfway with Hach Electrode Storage Solution or 3M
potassium chloride (KCl) solution.
3. Install the electrode storage cap. Make sure that the storage cap covers the reference
junction completely.
Fill the probe
1. Open the filling-hole cap.
2. Remove the cap from the tip of the filling solution bottle.
3. Insert the dispensing tip into the filling hole and position downward.
4. Slowly squeeze the filling solution container and fill the electrode.
Note: Fill the electrode completely for optimum performance.
5. Close the filling-hole cap until use and save the filling solution container and cap for
later use.
Note: If the dispensing tip becomes clogged, remove luer lock dispensing tip and soak in warm
water. Dry thoroughly and reassemble.
6. Install the filling-hole cap.
Clean the probe
For general cleaning (including oils, greases and organics):
•Rinse the electrode with deionized water and blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
•Immerse the sensor array and platinum disc in Electrode Cleaning Solution or
warm detergent solution for up to 15 minutes.
Note: The platinum disc can be polished using a soft cloth or cotton swab with detergent
solution.
•Rinse the electrode sensor array and platinum disc with deionized water. Blot dry
with a lint-free cloth.
For inorganic deposits:
•Immerse the platinum disc in a solution of 0.1M hydrochloric or nitric acid solution
and soak for up to 15 minutes.
•Rinse the electrode sensor array and platinum disc with deionized water. Blot dry
with a lint-free cloth.
After cleaning is performed, condition the platinum electrode in representative
sample prior to use.

DOC272.53.80026 9
Advanced operations
Parameter-specific settings can be changed through the Full Access Options menu.
Details about menu navigation, available options and how to change them are given in the
screens, tables, and procedures throughout this section.
The settings that can be changed are shown in Table 2.
Change measurement options
Methods are groups of default or user defined settings relevant to specific applications. If
the meter is set to the default method and the Modify Current Settings option is chosen, a
prompt will display to name the method after changes are entered. The settings are saved
with this name to distinguish them from the default method settings, which cannot be
changed. A saved method can be used instead of repeatedly adjusting individual settings.
Changes made to a user defined method are automatically saved with the existing name.
Multiple methods can be saved for the same probe.
1. Make sure an electrode is connected to the meter.
2. Push the METER OPTIONS key and select (MTC301) Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
4. Select Measurement Options.
5. Update the settings. Refer to Table 3.
Table 2 Parameter-specific settings
Setting Options
Measurement options • Response time
• Upper and lower range limits (defines pH limits per method)
Calibration options • Standard
• Offset limits
Check standard options
• Standard (temperature compensated for ZoBell’s and Light’s
solutions)
• Check standard reminder
• Acceptance criteria
• Standard value (at 25 ºC if custom standard selected)

10 DOC272.53.80026
.
6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
7. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
Change calibration options
1. Make sure an electrode is connected to the meter.
2. Push the METER OPTIONS key and select (MTC301) Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
4. Select Calibration Options.
5. Update the settings. Refer to Table 4.
Table 3 Measurement options settings
Setting Options Description
Response time Fast Medium (default)
Slow
The response time affects the speed of the measurement by
adjusting the stabilization criteria.
Fast: 2 mV/min
Medium: 1 mV/min
Slow: 0.5 mV/min
Measurement limits
Lower limit (default: -1200.0
mV)
Upper limit (default: 1200.00
mV)
The measurement limits can be set to match the acceptable
values for the sample. When the measurement is above the
upper limit setting or below the lower limit setting, the meter
will show an "Out of limits" message.
This message is an alert to a potential problem with process
conditions.
Table 4 Calibration options settings
Settings Option Description
Standard ZoBell’s (221mV -- 25ºC)
Light’s (468mV -- 25 ºC)
Custom
Temperature compensated for ZoBell’s
solution.
Standard values will appear on
Calibration Options screen.
Light’s solution is characterized at 25
ºC. Custom standard values and
temperature are user defined.
Calibration reminder
Reminder repeat: Off (default), 1 d, 7 d, 30 d Meter will make an audible sound when calibration is due. and repeat the sound
at selected interval.
Expires: Immediately, Reminder + 30 min,
Reminder + 1 hr, Reminder + 2 hr, Continue
Reading
Calibration expires after a specified
time.
Note: The meter cannot be used to read
samples after calibration has expired
unless Continue Reading is selected.

DOC272.53.80026 11
6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
7. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
Change check standard options
1. Make sure an electrode is connected to the meter.
2. Push the METER OPTIONS key and select (MTC301) Settings.
3. Select Modify Current Settings.
4. Select Calibration Options.
5. Update the settings. Refer to Table 5.
6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.
7. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.
Offset limits ± 1 mV - 250 mV (± 25 mV default) Offset must fall within set limits for
successful calibration.
Standard value (for custom
standard option) Enter standard value using up/down arrow keys.
Range -1200.0 mV to 1200.0 mV Custom standard value. Custom standards are characterized at 25 ºC.
Table 4 Calibration options settings
Settings Option Description
Table 5 Check standard options settings
Settings Options Description
Standard ZoBell’s (221 mV -- 25 ºC) (default) Light’s (135 mV -- 25 ºC)
Custom
Temperature compensated for ZoBell’s
solution.
Standard value for check standard.
Standard value will appear on Check
Standard Options screen.
Light’s solution is characterized at 25
ºC. Custom standard values and
temperature are user defined.
Check standard reminder Reminder: On or Off (default)
Allow Defer:Yes
Meter automatically displays check
standard screen if reminder is on.
Measurement of check standard can be
delayed if Allow defer: is set to Yes.
Acceptance Criteria
Acceptance Limits: ± 1 mV to 25 mV
(default: ± 10 mV)
Cal Expires on Failure:Yes or No
(default)
Values (as mV) that check standard
must fall within in order to pass.
Calibration expires if check standard
fails.
Standard value (for Custom Standard
option)
Enter standard value using up/down
arrow keys. Range -1200.0 mV to
1200.0 mV
Value and temperature for custom check
standard are user defined.

12 DOC272.53.80026
Troubleshooting
Message or
symptom Possible cause Action
Probe not supported Software not updated Update the HQd software to the newest revision at
www.hach.com/SoftwareDownloads. Refer to the HQd
Series Meter Manual.
HQd meter does not support IntelliCAL
probe. Contact a Hach Technical Support Representative.
Connect a probe or
Probe requires
service
Electrode not connected properly Disconnect, then connect the electrode. Tighten the
locking nut.
Software not updated Update the HQd software to the newest revision at
www.hach.com/download-resources.
Damaged electrode Verify connectivity with another electrode or meter to confirm isolated issue with the electrode. Contact a Hach
Technical Representative.
Large number of methods stored on
probe. Continue to let probe connect. Do not disconnect probe.
Standard not
recognized error Storage cap not removed. Remove storage cap.
Incorrect or contaminated standard
solution Use fresh standard solution as specified in
the method.
mV reading is same
for all solutions Storage cap not removed Remove the storage cap.
Electrical issue Contact a Hach Technical Support Representative.
Slow response time
Tape not removed from the filling-hole Remove the tape.
Contaminated platinum sensor Clean the electrode.
Contaminated filling solution Drain and replace the filling solution with fresh solution.
Filling hole closed Open filling hole cap while in use.
Electrode not conditioned/pre-treated
for reducing type samples
To significantly reduce the response time for reducing type
samples the platinum disc must undergo the following:
--The platinum disc must be clean and smooth.
--Immerse the platinum disc for 3-10 minutes in Reducing
Solution for ORP Electrodes prior to sample analysis.
--Rinse the electrode with sample, then measure.
Low sample temperature or
temperature difference between
samples.
Check the sample temperature. The lower the
temperature or the greater the difference of temperatures
between samples, traditionally the longer the response
time.
Platinum electrode not conditioned for
reducing-type samples
The platinum disc must be clean and smooth.
Immerse the platinum disc for 3-10 minutes in Reducing
Solution for ORP Electrodes prior to sample analysis.
Rinse the electrode with sample, then measure.
Out of range Measure value is outside the calibration/measurement range of the
electrode.
Recalibrate using freshly prepared standards
Clean the electrode and recalibrate
Verify that the sample is within the range of the electrode

DOC272.53.80026 13
Drifting/Inaccurate
readings
Contaminated platinum disc Clean the electrode.
Clogged reference Rinse reference junction holes with deionized water thoroughly and gently tap the electrode with hand or
shake the electrode down to remove any air bubbles.
Improper storage conditions
Clean or condition the electrode and attempt
recalibration.The electrode may not function correctly if
the electrode has been left dry for extended periods of
time. Attempt to recondition the reference junctions by
soaking the electrode tip in a 3.0 M KCl storage solution
for 1-2 hours. Rinse with deionized water prior to use.
Electromagnetic Forces (EMF) such as
voltaic cells, thermoelectric devices,
electrical generators, resistors and
transformers.
Avoid testing in areas where EMF is present. For testing
in process units (i.e. spot checking), make sure the
equipment is grounded.
Air bubbles around inner reference
electrode Gently tap the electrode with hand or shake the electrode downward to remove any air bubbles
Out of limits
Check standard value is outside of limits
set in the current method
Verify that the standard is within the limits of the current
method.
Create a new method that expands the acceptable limits.
Measurement value is outside of the
measurement limits set in the current
method.
Verify that the sample is within the limits of the current
method.
Create a new method with an expanded range.
Calibration adjustment offset value
outside the limits set in the current
method.
Verify that the standard is within the limits of the current
method.
Create another method that expands the acceptable
limits.
Storage cap not removed Remove storage cap
Temperature out of
range
Calibration temperature value is outside
of range
Verify that the sample temperature is within the range of
the electrode.
Verify that the temperature sensor is working correctly.
Measured temperature is outside range
of the electrode
Verify that the standard temperature is within the range of
the electrode.
Verify that the temperature sensor is working correctly.
Check standard temperature value is
outside of range Verify that the Check Standard temperature is within the range of the electrode.
Troubleshooting (continued)
Message or
symptom Possible cause Action

HACH Company World Headquarters
P.O. Box 389
Loveland, Colorado 80539-0389 U.S.A. International customers:
Tel (800) -227-4224 (U.S.A. only) Tel [phone]
Fax [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.hach.com [email protected]
Parts
Description Quantity Catalog Number
IntelliCAL ORP/Redox refillable
electrode, standard, with 1 m cable 1 MTC30101
IntelliCAL ORP/Redox refillable
electrode, standard, with 3 m cable 1 MTC30103
Accessories
Description Quantity Catalog Number
Citizen PD-24 USB handy printer,
120-220 VAC 1 2960100
Color coded electrode clips (5 color
coded sets) 10/pkg 5818400
Electrode storage cap 5/pkg 5857305
Electrode storage cap lid 1 5829800
Field kit (Includes glove kit, and 5 120
mL sample cups) 1 5825800
Glove kit only for HQd meters 1 5828700
IntelliCAL probe stand (for standard
probes) 1 8506600
Meter stand 1 4754900
Printer paper for PD-24, thermal 5/pk 5836000
Standard probe holder (use with
protective glove) 1 5829400
USB and AC power adapter for HQd
meters (included w/HQ40d) 1 5826300
USB keyboard for HQd meters (must
have and 5826300) 1LZV582
Consumables
Electrode cleaning solution 500 mL 2965249
Electrode storage solution (3M KCl) 500 mL 2756549
Light’s solution (10 mL ampules) 20/pkg 2612520
Reducing solution for ORP electrodes 500 mL 2965349
ZoBell’s ORP standard solution 1 2316949
© Hach Company, 2009. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Edition 1 May 2009.