Hanna Instruments 96728 User manual

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Instruction Manual
HI 96728
Nitrate ISM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION ................................................................................................ 3
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 4
ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................. 4
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................... 5
PRECISION AND ACCURACY .................................................................................................. 5
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION ................................................................................................... 6
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 7
ERRORS AND WARNINGS .................................................................................................... 9
GENERAL TIPS FOR AN ACCURATE MEASUREMENT ............................................................. 11
STARTUP ........................................................................................................................... 12
MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE ............................................................................................. 12
VALIDATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................... 15
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 17
GLP ................................................................................................................................... 20
BATTERY MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 21
BATTERY REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................... 22
ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................... 22
WARRANTY........................................................................................................................ 23
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a Hanna product. This manual will provide you with the necessary
information for the correct use of the instrument. Please read it carefully before using the meter. If
you need additional technical information, do not hesitate to e-mail us at [email protected].
All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written consent of the copyright owner,
Hanna Instruments Inc., Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 02895 , USA.

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PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
Please examine this product carefully. Make sure that the instrument is not damaged. If any
damage occurred during shipment, please notify your Dealer.
Each HI 96728 Ion Selective Meter is supplied complete with:
• Two Sample Cuvettes and Caps
• 9V Battery
• Instrument quality certificate
• Instruction Manual
Note:Save all packing material until you are sure that the instrument works correctly. Any
defective item must be returned in its original packing.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ABBREVIATIONS
The HI 96728 is an auto diagnostic portable microprocessor meter that benefits from Hanna’s
years of experience as a manufacturer of analytical instruments. It has the advanced optical
system based on a special Tungsten Lamp and a narrow band interference filter that allows most
accurate and repeatable readings. All instruments are factory calibrated and the electronic and
optical design minimizes the need of frequent calibration.
With the powerful CAL CHECKTM validation function, you are able to validate good performance
of your instrument at any time. The validation procedure is extremely user friendly. Just use the
exclusive HANNA ready-made, NIST traceable standards to verify the performance of the
instrument and recalibrate if necessary.
All instruments are splash waterproof and the lamp and filter units are protected from dust or dirt
by a transparent cup. This makes the instruments fulfill field applications. Display messages aid
the user in routine operation. The meter has an auto-shut off feature that will turn off the
instrument after 10 minutes of non use in
measurement mode
or after 1 hour if left in
calibration mode
.
The meter uses an exclusive positive-locking system to ensure that the cuvette is in the same
position every time it is placed into the measurement cell. It is designed to fit a cuvette with a
larger neck making it easier to add both sample and reagents. The cuvette is made from special
optical glass to obtain best results.
The HI 96728 meter measures the nitrate-nitrogen content in water samples in the 0.0 to 30.0 mg/
L(ppm) range. The method is an adaptation of the cadmium reduction method.
The reagent is in powder form and is supplied in packets. The amount of reagent is precisely
dosed to ensure the maximum repeatability.
degree Celsius
degree Fahrenheit
micrograms per liter. mg/L is equivalent to ppm (parts per million)
milliliter
millivolts
°C:
°F:
mg/L:
mL:
mV:

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SPECIFICATIONS
PRECISION AND ACCURACY
Range 0.0 to 30.0 mg/L
Resolution 0.1 mg/L
Accuracy ±0.5 mg/L ±10% of reading@ 25°C
Typical EMC Deviation ±0.1 mg/L
Light Source Tungsten lamp
Light Detector Silicon Photocell with narrow band interference filter @ 525 nm
Method Adaptation of the cadmium reduction method. The reaction between nitrate-
nitrogen and the reagent causes an amber tint in the sample.
Battery Type 1 x 9 volt
Auto-Shut off After 10' of non-use in
measurement mode
;
after 1 hour of non-use in
calibration mode
;
with last reading reminder.
Dimensions 192 x 104 x 69 mm (7.6 x 4.1 x 2.7 ”)
Weight 360 g (12.7 oz.).
REQUIRED REAGENTS
Code Description Quantity/test
HI93728-0 Powder Reagent 1 packet
Precision is how closely repeated measurements
agree with each other. Precision is usually
expressed as standard deviation (SD).
Accuracy is defined as the nearness of a test
result to the true value.
Although good precision suggests good accuracy,
precise results can be inaccurate. The figure
explains these definitions.
In a laboratory using a standard solution of
10.0 mg/L nitrate and a representative lot of
reagent, an operator obtained with a single
instrument a standard deviation of 0.3 mg/L.

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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Absorption of Light is a typical phenomenon of interaction between electromagnetic radiation and
matter. When a light beam crosses a substance, some of the radiation may be absorbed by
atoms, molecules or crystal lattices.
If pure absorption occurs, the fraction of light absorbed depends both on the optical path length
through the matter and on the physical-chemical characteristics of the substance according to the
Lambert-Beer Law:
-log I/Io= ελc d
or
A = ελc d
Where:
-log I/Io=Absorbance (A)
Io=intensity of incident light beam
I=intensity of light beam after absorption
ελ=molar extinction coefficient at wavelength λ
c=molar concentration of the substance
d=optical path through the substance
Therefore, the concentration "c" can be calculated from the absorbance of the substance as the
other factors are known.
Photometric chemical analysis is based on the possibility to develop an absorbing compound
from a specific chemical reaction between sample and reagents. Given that the absorption of a
compound strictly depends on the wavelength of the incident light beam, a narrow spectral
bandwidth should be selected as well as a proper central wavelength to optimize measurements.
The optical system of Hanna's HI 96 colorimeter is based on special tungsten lamp and narrow-band
interference filters to guarantee both high performance and reliable results.
HI 96 block diagram (optical layout)

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1) GLP/ key
2) CAL CHECK key
3) ZERO/CFM key
4) READ/ /TIMER key
5) ON/OFF key
6) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
7) Cuvette alignment indicator
8) Cuvette holder
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A microprocessor controlled special tungsten lamp emits radiation which is first optically
conditioned and beamed to the sample contained in the cuvette. The optical path is fixed by the
diameter of the cuvette. Then the light is spectrally filtered to a narrow spectral bandwidth, to
obtain a light beam of intensity Ioor I.
The photoelectric cell collects the radiation Ithat is not absorbed by the sample and converts
it into an electric current, producing a potential in the mV range.
The microprocessor uses this potential to convert the incoming value into the desired measuring
unit and to display it on the LCD.
The measurement process is carried out in two phases: first the meter is zeroed and then the
actual measurement is performed.
The cuvette has a very important role because it is an optical element and thus requires
particular attention. It is important that both, the measurement and the calibration (zeroing)
cuvettes, are optically identical to provide the same measurement conditions. Whenever possible
use the same cuvette for both. It is necessary that the surface of the cuvette is clean and not
scratched. This to avoid measurement interference due to unwanted reflection and absorption of
light. It is recommended not to touch the cuvette walls with hands.
Furthermore, in order to maintain the same conditions during the zeroing and the measuring
phases, it is necessary to close the cuvette to prevent any contamination.
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

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KEYPAD DESCRIPTION
•ON/OFF: to turn the meter on and off.
•ZERO/CFM: this is a bi-functional key. Just press to zero the meter prior to measurement,
or confirm edited values. In
calibration mode
press to confirm factory calibration restore.
•READ/ /TIMER: this is a multi-functional key. In
measurement mode
, press to make a
measurement, or press and hold for three seconds to start a pre-programmed countdown prior
to measurement. In
GLP mode
press to view the next screen.
•CAL CHECK: this is a bi-functional key. Just press to perform the validation of the meter, or
press and hold for three seconds to enter
calibration mode
.
•GLP/: this is a bi-functional key. Just press to enter
GLP mode
. In
calibration mode
press
to edit the date and time.
OPERATING MODES
•
Measurement mode:
default operation mode, enables both validation and measurement.
•
Calibration mode:
may be entered by keeping CAL CHECK pressed for three seconds (the
“CAL” tag appears), it enables calibration of the instrument.
•
GLP mode
may be entered by pressing GLP/ (“GLP” appears), it enables consulting of
user calibration date or restore factory calibration.
DISPLAY ELEMENTS DESCRIPTION
1) The measuring scheme (lamp, cuvette, detector), appears during different phases of zero or
reading measurement
2) Error messages and warnings
3) The battery icon indicates the charge state of the battery
4) The hourglass appears when an internal check is in progress
5) Status messages
6) The chronometer appears when the reaction timer is running
7) The month, day and date icons appear when a date is displayed
8) Four digit main display
9) Measuring units
10) Four digit secondary display

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ERRORS AND WARNINGS
The instrument shows clear messages when erroneous condition appears. Messages are also
displayed when the obtained values are outside expected range. The beeper is playing a beep on
errors.
a) on zero reading
Light High: There is too much light to perform a measurement.
Please check the preparation of the zero cuvette.
Light Low: There is not enough light to perform a measurement.
Please check the preparation of the zero cuvette.
No Light: The instrument cannot adjust the light level. Please
check that the sample does not contain any debris.
Inverted cuvettes: The sample and the zero cuvette are inverted.
Zero: A zero reading was not taken. Follow the instructions of
the measurement procedure for zeroing the meter.
b) on sample reading
Under Range: A blinking “0.0” indicates that the sample
absorbs less light than the zero reference. Check the procedure
and make sure you use the same cuvette for reference (zero) and
measurement.

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Over Range: A flashing value of the maximum concentration
indicates an over range condition. The concentration of the
sample is beyond the programmed range: dilute the sample and
re-run the test.
c) during calibration procedure
Standard Low: The standard reading is less than expected.
Standard High: The standard reading is higher than expected.
Cap error: Appears when external light enters in the analysis
cell. Assure that the cuvette cap is present.
Cooling lamp: The instrument waits for the lamp to cool down.
d) other errors and warnings
Battery low: The battery must be replaced soon.
Dead battery: This indicates that the battery is dead and must
be replaced. Once this indication is displayed, normal operation
of the instrument will be interrupted. Change the battery and
restart the meter.

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The instructions listed below should be carefully followed during testing to ensure best accuracy.
•Color or suspended matter in large amounts may cause
interference, therefore these should be removed by
treatment with active carbon and by prior filtration.
•For a correct filling of the cuvette: the liquid in the
cuvette forms a concavity on the top; the bottom of this
concavity must be at the same level of the 10 mL mark.
•Proper use of the powder reagent packet:
(a) use scissors to open the powder packet;
(b) push the edges of the packet to form a spout;
(c) pour out the content of the packet.
GENERAL TIPS FOR AN ACCURATE MEASUREMENT
•It is important that the sample does not contain any debris. This would corrupt the reading.
•Each time the cuvette is used, the cap must be tightened to the same degree.
•Whenever the cuvette is placed into the measurement cell, it
must be dry outside, and completely free of fingerprints, oil
or dirt. Wipe it thoroughly with HI 731318 or a lint-free
cloth prior to insertion.
•Shaking the cuvette can generate bubbles in the sample, causing higher readings. To obtain
accurate measurements, remove such bubbles by swirling or by gently tapping the cuvette.
•Do not let the reacted sample stand too long after reagent is added, or accuracy will be lost.
•It is possible to take multiple readings in a row, but it is recommended to take a new zero
reading for each sample and to use the same cuvette for zeroing and measurement.

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MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
•After the reading it is important to discard immediately the sample, otherwise the glass
might become permanently stained.
•All the reaction times reported in this manual are referred to 20°C (68°F). As a general rule
of thumb, they should be doubled at 10°C (50°F) and halved at 30°C (86°F).
•In order to maximize accuracy, prior to a measurement follow the validation procedure to
be sure that the instrument is properly calibrated. If necessary, calibrate the instrument.
STARTUP
Prepare the instrument for measurement as follows:
•Unpack the instrument by removing the dust protection sleeve from the instrument cuvette
holder.
•Place the battery in the instrument as described in the “BATTERY REPLACEMENT” chapter.
•Place the instrument on a flat table.
•Do not place the instrument under direct sun light.
To compensate the meter for the sample turbidity or color, the measurement takes place in two
phases. First, the meter is zeroed using the unreacted sample. After the reagents are added the
reacted sample is measured.
•Turn the meter on by pressing ON/OFF.
The display briefly shows all tags on.
•When the beeper sounds briefly and the
LCD displays dashes, the meter is ready.
The blinking “ZERO” indicates that the
instrument needs to be zeroed first.
•Fill one cuvette with 10 mL of unreacted
sample, up to the mark.

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•Place the cuvette into the cuvette holder
and ensure that the notch on the cap is
positioned securely into the groove.
•Press ZERO/CFM and the lamp, cuvette
and detector icons will appear on the
display, depending on the measurement
phase.
•After a few seconds, the display will show
“-0.0-”. The meter is now zeroed and
ready for measurement. Remove the cuvette.
•Add one packet of the HI 93728-0
reagent.
•Replace the cap and immediately shake
vigorously for exactly 10 seconds by
moving the cuvette up and down. Continue
to mix by inverting the cuvette gently
and slowly for 50 seconds, while taking
care not to induce air bubbles. A deposit
could remain but it dose not affect the
measurement. Time and way of shaking
could sensitively affect the measurement.
•Replace the cuvette into the holder and
ensure that the notch on the cap is
positioned securely into the groove.
•Press and hold READ/ /TIMER for three
seconds. The display will show the
countdown prior to measurement. An
audible “beep” indicates the end of the
countdown period.

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•Alternatively, wait for 3minutes then just
press READ/ /TIMER.In all cases, the
lamp, cuvette and detector icons will
appear on the display, depending on the
measurement phase.
•At the end of measurement, the instrument
directly displays concentration in mg/L of
nitrate-nitrogen on the LCD.
•To convert the reading to mg/L of nitrate
(NO3
-), multiply by the factor 4.43.
INTERFERENCES:
Interference may be caused by:
Ammonia and amines, as urea and primary aliphatic amines. Chloride above 100 mg/L (negative
interference). Chlorine above 2 mg/L (positive interference). Copper (it must be absent). Iron
(III) (positive interference). Strong oxidizing and reducing substances. Sulfide (it must be
absent).
Note:To ensure accurate results, preform the tests at room temperature, between 18 °C and 28
°C (65 °F to 83 °F).
For best result: Intensely colored samples or suspended matter in large amounts will cause
interference. Therefore sample should be adequately treated before performing the test.

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VALIDATION PROCEDURE
Use the validation procedure to ensure that the instrument is properly calibrated.
Warning:Do not validate the instrument with any standard solutions other than the HANNA CAL
CHECKTM Standards, otherwise erroneous results will be obtained.
•Turn the meter on by pressing ON/OFF
.
•When the beeper sounds briefly and the
LCD displays dashes, the meter is ready.
The blinking “ZERO” indicates that the
instrument needs to be zeroed first.
•Place the CAL CHECKTM Standard
HI 96728-11 Cuvette A into the cuvette
holder and ensure that the notch on the
cap is positioned securely into the groove.
•Press ZERO/CFM and the lamp, cuvette
and detector icons will appear on the
display, depending on the measurement
phase.
•After a few seconds, the display will
show “-0.0-”. The meter is now zeroed
and ready for validation.
•Remove the cuvette.
•Place the CAL CHECKTM Standard
HI 96728-11 Cuvette B into the cuvette
holder and ensure that the notch on the
cap is positioned securely into the groove.
Use the opional CAL CHECK cuvettes(see "assessories")
to vilidate or calibrate instruments

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•Press CAL CHECK and the lamp, cuvette
and detector icons together with “CAL
CHECK” will appear on the display,
depending on the measurement phase.
•At the end of the measurement the display
will show the validation standard value.
The reading should be within specifications as reported in the CAL CHECKTM Standard
Certificate. If the value is found out of the specifications, please check that the cuvettes are free
of fingerprints, oil or dirt and repeat validation. If results are still found out of specifications,
then recalibrate the instrument.

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CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
Note: It is possible to interrupt calibration procedure at any time by pressing CAL CHECK or
ON/OFF keys.
Warning: Do not calibrate the instrument with standard solutions other than the HANNA CAL
CHECKTM Standards, otherwise erroneous results will be obtained.
•Turn the meter on by pressing ON/OFF
.
•When the beeper sounds briefly and the
LCD displays dashes, the meter is ready.
•Press and hold CAL CHECK for three
seconds to enter
calibration mode
. The
display will show “CAL” during
calibration procedure. The blinking
“ZERO” asks for instrument zeroing.
•Place the CAL CHECKTM Standard
HI 96728-11 Cuvette A into the cuvette
holder and ensure that the notch on the
cap is positioned securely into the groove.
•Press ZERO/CFM and the lamp, cuvette
and detector icons will appear on the
display, depending on the measurement
phase.
Use the opional CAL CHECK cuvettes(see "assessories")
to vilidate or calibrate instruments

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•After a few seconds the display will
show “-0.0-”. The meter is now zeroed
and ready for calibration. The blinking
“READ” asks for reading calibration
standard.
•Remove the cuvette.
•Place the CAL CHECKTM Standard
HI 96728-11 Cuvette B into the cuvette
holder and ensure that the notch on the
cap is positioned securely into the groove.
•Press READ/ /TIMER and the lamp,
cuvette and detector icons will appear on
the display, depending on the
measurement phase.
•After measurement the instrument will show
for three seconds the CAL CHECKTM
Standard value.
Note:If the display shows “STD HIGH”,
the standard value was too high. If
the display shows “STD LOW”, the
standard value was too low. Verify
that both CAL CHECKTM Standards
HI 96728-11 Cuvettes, A and B are
free from fingerprints or dirt and that
they are inserted correctly.
•Then the date of the last calibration
(e.g.: ”01.08.2009”) appears on the
display, or “01.01.2009” if the factory
calibration was selected before. In both
cases the year number is blinking, ready
for date input.

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•Press GLP/ to edit the desired year
(2009-2099). If the key is kept pressed,
the year number is automatically
increased.
•When the correct year has been set, press
ZERO/CFM or READ/ /TIMER to
confirm. Now the display will show the
month blinking.
•Press GLP/ to edit the desired month
(01-12). If the key is kept pressed, the
month number is automatically increased.
•When the correct month has been set,
press ZERO/CFM or READ/ /TIMER
to confirm. Now the display will show
the day blinking.
•Press GLP/ to edit the desired day
(01-31). If the key is kept pressed, the
day number is automatically increased.
Note:It is possible to change the editing
from day to year and to month by
pressing READ/ /TIMER.
•Press ZERO/CFM to save the calibration
date.
•The instrument displays “Stor” for one
second and the calibration is saved.
DATE INPUT
or
or

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To display the calibration date:
•Press GLP/ to enter GLP mode . The
calibration month and day will appear on
the main display and the year on the
secondary display.
•If no calibration was performed, the
factory calibration message, “F.CAL” will
appear on the main display and the
instrument returns to measurement mode
after three seconds.
It is possible to delete the calibration and
restore factory calibration.
•Press GLP/ to enter GLP mode .
In GLP mode, the last calibration date can be verified and the factory calibration can be restored.
LAST CALIBRATION DATE
FACTORY CALIBRATION RESTORE
GLP
•The instrument will return automatically
to measurement mode by displaying
dashes on the LCD.