Hach TSS Portable User manual

TSS Portable Troubleshooting Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scope and Principle ............................................................................................................... 2
Presale Information............................................................................................................... 2
Accessories/Replacement Parts ............................................................................................. 2
Product Contents................................................................................................................... 4
Software ............................................................................................................................... 6
Calibration .......................................................................................................................... 14
Measurement...................................................................................................................... 15
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 16
FAQ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Scope and Principle
1. Scope: The TSS Portable is a handheld measurement instrument for the analytical determination
of turbidity, suspended solids, and sludge blanket level in aqueous media.
2. Measuring principle: The measuring principle is based on a combined infrared absorption stray
light process, which determines the lowest turbidity value according to DIN EN 27027 just as
precisely and continuously as the high sludge content. In so doing, the light scattered sideways
by the turbidity particles is measured at an angle of 90°. In the case of solid material, the
measurement occurs at an angle of 90° and 120°. Sludge blanket level is assessed by lowering
the calibrated sensor into the sample and monitoring the depth when the suspended solids
concentration significantly increases. The cable is marked every meter to assist with the actual
depth from the water surface.
3. Application: The Hach TSS Portable handheld instrument is ideal for remote monitoring of
turbidity and suspended solids/blanket level in municipal and industrial wastewater, drinking
water and river monitoring. (same as SOLITAX sc)
4. Specific applications
a. Municipal Wastewater: Control of waste water intake, Biology, Sludge Treatment,
Control of discharge
b. Industrial Wastewater: Pulp & Paper, Dairy, Beverages, Filtration, flocculation, Industrial
waste water, Aluminum oxide production
c. Drinking water: Spring Water, Drinking Water Reservoir, Filtering Station, Ground Water
Pumping
Presale Information
1. Only TSS portable instrument on the market that can measure all three parameters: suspended
solids, sludge blanket level, and turbidity.
2. Ability to store 1 turbidity calibration curve and 4 calibration curves for suspended solids
a. The meters comes with a default turbidity curve
b. The meter comes with a default suspended solids curve but it is recommended to create
a user curve.
3. Probe is manufactured with polished stainless steel and sapphire windows for long life and
reliability.
4. See specifications contained in manual for concentration ranges.
5. Air bubble compensation is built into the software for better accuracy and lower measuring
range.
Accessories/Replacement Parts
1. Standard Case -LZY605

2. Probe Only - LZV321.99.00001
3. Meter Only - LXV320.99.00001
4. Rechargeable NiMH Batteries - LZY604
5. Battery Holder - LZY606
6. Charger - LZY607
7. Protective Beaker - LZI-66.11487

Product Contents
1. Complete kit: LXV322.99.00002
2. TSS portable handheld instrument
3. Probe with 10m cable
4. Adapter plugs:
a. Charger with EU adapter plug installed, USA adapter plug, UK adapter plug, AUS/China
adapter plug
5. Carrying Case
6. Quick Start guide (DOC013.53.90141)
7. User manual (DOC023.53.90050)

RECOMMENDED CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT
1. Black container (dark bucket) To avoid reflections of the measurement beam on the base and
walls during calibration.
2. Container should hold at least 1L of sample
3. The probe must swirl inside the bucket and have a clearance of 2 inches from the side walls and
3 inches from the bottom of the container.
4. Gravimetric measurement of sample
KEYPAD FUNCTION:
1. Turning on the meter: Press and hold the ENTER ON key
2. Turning off the meter: Press and hold the CLEAR OFF key
3. To select desired function: Press the ENTER ON key

4. To go back one screen: Press the CLEAR OFF key
5. Entering multi-digit numbers: Use left or right key navigation keys to move curser to the correct
place (1,10,100,1000nds). Then use the up or down navigation keys to select the desired
number.
SYSTEM START (Recommendation)
1. Install rechargeable batteries and fully charge using the battery charger
2. Switch on the meter
3. Set the Date/Time, Display, Units, Language, and Integration time under MENU
4. Connect the probe to the meter
5. Select the desired curve (turbidity or suspended solids) under MENU
6. Calibrate the suspended solids curve following calibration instructions
Software
1. New software was released March 5th 2012 from serial number 1426375
a. Changes in the software included a simplified 3 sub-menu format: MEAS, DATA, MENU.
The MEP menu was removed.

b. The measurement is continuous
SOFTWARE MENU
1. Main Menu structure overview
2. Display Menu

3. Menu Structure “MEAS” with function
a. Use up and down Navigation key to move through the “MEAS” menu

4. Menu structure “DATA” with function
a. Display Data
b. Delete Data: *YES will delete all data points for that curve

5. Menu structure “MENU” with function
a. “Calibration” menu with function

b. “Time/Date” menu with function
c. “Display” menu with function

d. “Units” menu with function
e. “Extras” menu with function

f. “Language” and “System” menu with function
SOFTWARE ERROR MESSAGES
1. Error Messages: As taken from the manual 3rd edition section 7
a. MEAS OVERRANGE: Concentration too high Action: Medium cannot be measured
b. ZERO: Calibration pint too close to zero Action: Delete calibration and start again

c. LED FAILURE: Faulty LED Action: Send the probe for repair
d. EE RSRVD ERR/EE SETUP ERR: Meter fault Action: Send the meter for repair
e. ACCU FLAT: old software version for a low battery
2. Informative Messages:
Calibration
(Turbidity and Suspended Solids)
1. Instrument can save one turbidity curve and up to four solids calibration curves
2. Turbidity is factory calibrated but a user calibration can be saved
3. Single-point calibration draws a straight line to zero. Recommended to select a sample that is in
the upper third of the expected measuring range.
4. Multiple-point calibration
a. Firs calibration point is recommended to be a low concentration.
b. Second calibration point is recommended to be as high a concentration as possible.
c. Multiple calibration points can be created from a single sample by creating dilutions.
5. Deleting calibration points: Set the concentration of the calibration point to the value 0.0 and
then ENTER.
6. Steps for multipoint calibration (overview)
1. Fill a black container wit
is mixed evenly. It is best to try to achieve 100 % homogeneous. The distance between the
probe head and the walls and base of the container must always be more than 70 mm (2.76 in.)
2. Use a part of the sample for the solids analysis in the laboratory using a gravimetric method.
3. Clean the probe.
4. Place the probe into the container.
5. Select MENU, ENTER, and CALIBRATION, ENTER. In the calibration menu select desired
CURVE, ENTER.

6. Select MEMORY, ENTER, and the desired POINT. Once the point is selected and ENTER is
pressed the probe will start to measure the sample.
7. Stir the probe in the sample at a steady rate. “Wait” is visible with MEMORY on the display.
8. After the measurement the software will return to the CALIBRATION menu.
9. The POINT will now have an asterisk (*) *POINT in display.
10. The probe can be rinsed and placed in other samples and other calibration points can be
saved following steps 6-9.
11. Enter the laboratory result for each of the saved *POINTS by selecting the *POINT, ENTER.
The keypad can be used to enter the laboratory measurement value.
12. After entering the laboratory select ENTER. “POINT SAVE” will be displayed briefly.
13. The instrument can automatically sort the saved calibration points. Point 1 is always
Point 3 is allocated the largest calibration value.
14. The laboratory measurement can be corrected at any time by overwriting the saved POINT.
Measurement
1. Turbidity measurements can utilize the factory set default calibration
2. Precise solids measurement will need a user calibration.
3. Setting the curve for measurement.
a. Recommended to STOP measurement under MEAS
b. Then select MENU, confirm with ENTER.
c. Select CALIBRATE, confirm with ENTER.
d. Select the curve shown and confirm with ENTER.
e. Select the desired curve with the navigation key UP/DOWN and confirm with ENTER.
f. Select CLEAR/OFF twice to return to the main menu.
4. Retrieving / Deleting Data
a. Select the desired curve under MENU, CALIBRATE, CURVE, ENTER
b. Select CLEAR/OFF twice to return to the main menu

c. Select DATA, ENTER, DISPLAY DATA, ENTER
d. Use the navigation key UP/DOWN to select the desired point
e. Selecting DATA. ENTER, DELETE DATA, YES will delete all data for that curve.
SLUDGE BLANKET LEVEL
1. Select appropriate suspended solids curve
2. Select appropriate units
3. Select integration time to zero.
4. Insert probe in sample and start measurement. Once the sludge blanket level is reached, the
solids concentration will increase significantly. The distance of the sludge blanket from the
surface of the water can then be determined by reading the depth markings on the probe cable.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning the measurement windows on the probe depends on the application. If required, they
can be cleaned with any conventional cleaning agent and a soft cloth. In the case of stubborn
deposits on the window, it can be wiped with a soft cloth soaked in the 5% hydrochloric acid.
2. Replacement of the batteries

FAQ
Q: What is the system code to register a new probe?
A: The code is 390. Navigate from Menu to System to enter code.
Q: What is the system reset code?
A: The code is 4711. Navigate from Menu to System to enter code.
Q: How can all the stored calibration curves be deleted?
A: The code is 379. Navigate from Menu to System to enter code.
Q: Does the TSS portable probe come in longer lengths?
A: No, the probe currently only comes in 10meter cable lengths.
Q: Is the TSS portable system EPA approved?
A: No, the EPA has not approved either the turbidity or suspended solids measurement using
this device.
Q: What is the expected battery life expectancy?
A: Using new rechargeable (6 NiMH) batteries, the expected life of the charge is 4 hours
continuous use. This expected life will shorten as the batteries age.
Q: Is the there a power cord available for the TSS portable system?
A: No, the TSS portable system will only come with a battery charger. It is recommended to turn
the meter off while charging the batteries.

Q: What is the product warranty?
A: The warranty is 2 years for both meter and probe.
Q: What is the meter’s water resistance rating?
A: The meter is rated IP55 and cannot be immersed.
Q: Can the meter be connected to a computer for downloading data?
A: No, the meter does not have a way to connect to a storage device or a computer.
Q: What do I do if Hach changes the software version of the meter?
A: The meter will have to be sent to the appropriate service center for the software update.
Q: Is there any precaution to switching curves while still taking a continuous measurement?
A: When switching curves during a measurement, the next measurement is done with the new
calibration curve. The respective data set is stored respectively. Data sets consist of Calibration
curve name/Meas. Value/date and time. If an individual measurement site at the plant is
assigned to one calibration curve, data may easily be identified. If you have two measurement
points using the same calibration curve, you may distinguish the measurement sites only by the
time the measurement was taken. In the field this should work fine since measurements are
done in a predefined order.
Q: How does the DELETE function work under MEMORY?
A: This function deletes memorized measurement data that were performed within the course
of a calibration. In case you have not assigned concentrations or turbidity values (points marked
with *), the calibration measurement can be deleted and retaken.
Q: Is setting a calibration point to zero, the only way to remove the point from a calibration curve?

A: For DS calibration curves, setting the point to zero is the only way of removing it from the
calibration curve. If you intent to delete stored data for all calibration curves please enter code
379 in the system menu.
Q: How does the RESET function work under CALIBRATION?
A: The RESET function is used to reset changes in the C-TU curve. To return the C-TU curve to
default the calibration points will also need to be set to zero.
Q: What are the default calibration points for turbidity entered into the meter?
A: Default calibration is factory set after an individual calibration of the probe. There are no
fixed FNU values as the calibration standards may vary slightly depending on the stock solution
used in manufacturing. They are in the range of : < 0.1 FNU; 400 FNU; 2000 FNU
Q: Is there a factory default calibration for suspended solid DS curves?
A: The factory DS calibration is based on the probe response of a single point at 4 g/L, obtained
from a comprehensive analysis of many different sludge types. It is a kind of mean value that fits
many types of sludge. A user calibration is recommended for accuracy.
Q: What could be the cause of the error messages: Calibration insufficient - or Calibration insufficient
+?
A: errors “calibration insufficient -” means: Further calibration point with lower concentration is
missing in order to receive good results.
error “Calibration insufficient +” means: Further calibration point with greater concentration is
missing in order to receive good results.
Q: How do the errors “calibration insufficient +” and “overflow area” differ in how they are
generated?
A: Error: “overflow area” designates that a probe is measuring in an unsuitable medium – It may
be necessary to recalibrate. This error accurse when the sludge concentration is at the upper
end of the measurement range and almost no light is reflected back to the sensors detector.
Setting up a new calibration curve is recommended. If the problem continues, the sludge
concentration is too high to be measured with the TSS portable probe; the value is beyond the
probes measurement range.

Q: Is there general guidance for creating the most accurate calibration curve for suspended solids?
A: Hach recommends selecting a calibration point with a value in the upper third of the range
expected. Start with a single point calibration in that range. In case a single point calibration is
not sufficient, the error “message Calibration insufficient –“or “Calibration insufficient +” will
guide you to set up an appropriate curve, thus will provide a more accurate measurement.
Q: Does Hach have a general statement that explains how the solids calibration correlates to
measured value?
A: Yes, A single point calibration draws a straight line from the probes zero point to the point of
calibration; however the mathematical transformation of the different signals of the different
detectors is nonlinear. When a calibration curve consists of 3 points the curve is created by
connecting the straight lines. The course may not hit the zero e.g. because the medium itself is
colored and absorbs light. \
Q: Is there any difference how the probe is operating when selecting between the turbidity units
FNU, NTU, and EBC?
A: FNU and NTU are equal and are just a different name for the unit of turbidity. EBC is the unit
for turbidity defined by the European Brewery Convention. It is meant to be used by breweries:
1 FNU = 0.25ECB
Q: Does the specification of 290 measurement values only include what is stored in the DATA menu?
A: The 290 measurement values are the summed values that can be stored in the calibration
and data menus.
Q: Does the air bubble compensation apply to both the turbidity and suspended solids measurement?
A: Yes, the software applies air bubble compensation to both types of measurements.
Q: How should the homogeneity % be interpreted?
A: The % homogeneity is an indicator for the quality of your sludge measurement. Between 80%
and 100% the result of your measurement is authentic. Homogeneity has nothing to do with the