LaMotte 2020 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Packaging and Delivery ..........................3
General Precautions ...........................3
Safety Precautions ............................3
Limits of Liability .............................3
Specifications ...............................4
Parts & Accessories ............................5
EPA Compliance .............................5
Warranty .................................5
CE Compliance..............................6
INTRODUCTION
What is Turbidity? ............................7
How is Turbidity Measured?.......................8-9
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
Overview...............................10-11
The Keypad ...............................12
The Display ...............................12
Turbidity Tubes ...........................13-14
CALIBRATION
Standard Solutions ...........................15
Calibration Procedure ..........................16
ANALYSIS PROCEDURES WITH THE 2020
Selecting the EPA Mode.........................17
Turbidity Measurement .........................18
Preparation of Turbidity-Free Water................. 19-20
Dilution Procedures ...........................21
Testing Tips ...............................21
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .................22
RS232 PORT..........................23
MAINTENANCE OF THE 2020
Replacing the Battery ..........................24
Replacing the Lamp ...........................24
Repairs to the 2020 ...........................24
2

GENERAL INFORMATION
PACKAGING & DELIVERY
Experienced packaging personnel at LaMotte Company assure adequate
protectionagainstnormalhazardsencountered in transportationof shipments.
Aftertheproduct leaves the manufacturer,all responsibility for safedelivery is
assured by the transportation company. Damage claims must be filed immediately
withthe transportation company toreceive compensation fordamaged goods.
Shouldit be necessaryto return theinstrument for repairor servicing, packthe
instrument carefully in a suitable container with adequate packing material.
Areturnauthorization number mustbe obtained from LaMotteCompany by
calling1-800-344-3100 or faxing 1-410-778-6394.Attach a letterwith the
authorizationnumber to theshipping cartonwhich describesthereason forthe
return.This informationwill enablethe servicedepartment tomake therequired
repairsmore efficiently.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Readthe instruction manualbefore attempting tosetup oroperatethis
instrument. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or damage to the
instrument.
The 2020 Turbidimeter should not be stored or used in a
wet or corrosive environment. Care should be taken to
prevent water from wet turbidity tubes from entering the
turbidimeter light chamber.
NEVERPUT WET TUBES INTHE TURBIDIMETER.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Readthelabel on allreagent containers. Some labelsinclude precautionary
noticesand first aid information.Certain reagents areconsidered hazardous
substancesand are designated witha * inthe instruction manual.MaterialSafety
DataSheets (MSDS)are suppliedfor thesereagents.ReadaccompanyingMSDS
beforeusing these reagents. Additionalemergency information forall LaMotte
reagentsis available 24hours aday from thePoison Control Centerlisted inthe
frontof the phonebook.Be prepared tosupply the nameand four digitLaMotte
code number found on the container label or at the top of the MSDS. LaMotte
reagentsare registered withPOISONDEX, a computerizedpoison control
informationsystem availableto alllocalpoison controlcenters.
LIMITS OF LIABILITY
Undernocircumstances shall LaMotte Companybe liable for lossof life,
property,profits, orother damagesincurredthrough theuse ormisuse oftheir
products.
3

SPECIFICATIONS
Instrument Type Nephelometric turbidity, calibrated in NTU
Range: 0.00 -1100 NTU
Accuracy: .05 or ±2% for readings below 100 NTU, whichever is
greater
±3% above 100 NTU
Resolution: Standard Mode
0.01 from 0.00 -10.99 NTU
0.1 from 11.0 -109.9 NTU
1 from 110 -1100 NTU
EPA Mode
NTU Reported to the nearest NTU
0 - 1.0 0.05
1.0 - 10 0.1
10 - 40 1
40 - 100 5
100 - 400 10
400 - 1000 50
1000 100
Display: 3½ digits
Response Time: 5 seconds
Warm-up time: Not required
Automatic Shut Off: 2 minutes
Lamp: Tungsten Filament bulb (approximate life 800 hours)
Sample: 15 mL in capped tube
Sample Chamber: Accepts 25mm diameter flat-bottomed tubes (capped)
Power source: Battery Operation: 9 Volt Alkaline
Line Operation: 120V/50Hz, 220V/60Hz*, with supplied
adapter
Size (L X W X H): 8.5 x 16.2 x 6.7 cm, 3.4 X 6.4 X 2.6 inches
Shipping Weight: Meter only: 11 oz. (312g)
Kit: 3 lb. 7 oz. (1560g)
Serial Interface: RS232, 8 pin mDIN, 9600b, 8, 1, n
*CE Mark: The devise complies to the product specifications for the Low Voltage Directive
when furnished with the 220V AC Adapter (Code 1774). The 120V AC adapter
is not CE approved.
4

PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Includedin the Model2020 Turbidity Meter Kit (Code 1799 OR 1799-EX2):
Code Item
26856 2020 Turbidity Meter
1726-110 AC Adapter, 9V (or 1726-220 with 1799-EX2)
1476 AMCOTM 2020 Turbidity Standard, 1.0 NTU, 60 mL
1477 AMCOTM 2020 Turbidity Standard, 10 NTU, 60 mL
0286-4 Turbidity tubes, set of 4
Optional Accessories:
1478 AMCOTM 2020 Turbidity Standard, 100 NTU, 60 mL
1479 AMCOTM 2020 Turbidity Standard, 250 NTU, 60 mL
1800 High Turbidity Dilution Kit includes:
Syringe, Filter Holder, Membrane Filters
0943 Syringe
0598 Filter holder
1103-6 Membrane Filters, 0.45 micron, pkg of 6
5115PS Deionized Water
6195-H Formazin Turbidity Standard, 4000 NTU
EPA COMPLIANCE
This instrument meets or exceeds EPA design
specifications for NPDWR and NPDES turbidity
monitoring programs as specified by the USEPA
method 180.1. There is also a compliance reading
mode which rounds the reading to meet EPA
reportingrequirements.
WARRANTY
This instrument is guaranteed to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for one year from
original purchase date. If within that time the
instrument is found to be defective, it will be repaired
withoutcharge except fortransportation costs.The
guarantee does not cover batteries.
5

CE COMPLIANCE
The 2020 Turbidimeter has been independently tested
andhas earned the EuropeanCE Mark ofcompliance
forelectromagnetic compatibilityand safety.
6

WHAT IS TURBIDITY?
Turbidity, cloudiness in water, can be interpreted as an absence of clarity or
brilliance. It is caused by suspended and colloidal matter such as clay, silt, organic
and inorganic matter and microscopic organisms. Turbidityshould notbe
confusedwith color sincea darklycolored water canstill be clearand notturbid.
Turbidwater is often anindicator of conditionsthat could causedamageto
manufacturing equipment. Water clarity is especially important to the producers
of consumer products such as beverage producers, food processors and water
treatment plants. The particulates that cause turbidity may not always be harmful
to human health, but are considered an undesirable characteristic.
Turbidityinindustrial water usedfor boiler and coolingsystems should beaslow
as possible. In boilers, the particles may become concentrated and settle out as a
sludgethat will damageequipment and causefoaming.In coolingwatersystems,
particles can interfere with corrosion inhibitors. Water clarity is improved with
fluid-particle separation processes such as sedimentation, coagulation and
filtration.
In swimming pools, cloudy water is a common problem. The usual causes for poor
waterclarity arecorrosion, improperfiltration and/orimproperly balancedwater.
Analgae condition orsevere chloramine conditioncanalso cloudpoolwater.
Innatural waters,turbidityis anindicator ofquality and productivityand canbe
used to monitor the health of streams and lakes. Turbid water may indicate runoff
from construction, agriculture or other types of pollution. Suspended sediment
can carry nutrients and pesticides throughout the water system. Suspended
particles near the surface absorb additional heat from
sunlight, raising the water temperature and blocking out
the light needed by submerged aquatic vegetation
andbottom dwellingcreatures.
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HOW IS TURBIDITY MEASURED?
Lightpassingthrough clear waterwill travel in astraight line. Particlesin turbid
water will cause the light to scatter giving it a “cloudy” appearance. The turbidity
ofa sample isdetermined bymeasuring the amountof scatter whena lightis
passed through a sample. The higher the turbidity, the greater the amount of
scatter.
Turbiditycan be measuredin many ways.Visual methods include,the
comparativemethods, the Secchidisk method andthe Jackson Candlemethod.
Comparativemethods are usedin shallow waterand determine turbidityby
matchingthe turbidityofa watersample toa standard ofknown turbidityeither
witha “target” atthe bottom ofa tube orwith aturbiditycomparator. Inthe
deeperwatersof lakes, ponds,riversand estuaries theSecchi disk is oftenused to
measureturbidity. The Secchidiskis a diskabout eight inchesin diameter thatis
eitherwhite or ismarked with blackand white quadrants.The disk islowered
intothe waterona calibratedline andthe depth isnoted wherethe diskjust
disappears from sight. The disk is then raised until it is visible. The average of
these two distances is known as the “Secchi depth”.
8

Atwaterworks and wastewatertreatment plantsthe Jackson Candleapparatus
was a standard instrument for measuring turbidities of incoming raw waters and
treated wastewater effluents for many years. The equipment was modified over
timebutoriginally it consistedof a long glasstube supported overa “standard
candle.” Water was added to or removed from the tube until the image of the
candle flame became indistinct. The depth of the water in the tube was read off a
calibratedscale etched intothe side ofthe tube,and results werereported
numericallyas Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU). The lowest turbidity that can be
determinedwiththis method is25Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Since
the EPA’sSurface Water Treatmentrequirements statethat,finishwaterfrom
municipaltreatmentplants will have aturbidity less than 1NTU, indirect
methodswere developedto measureturbidity.Turbidimetersarethepreferred
method.
Nephelometers, such as the 2020, are turbidimeters that measure the scattered
lightat90 degrees fromthe light source. Areference beam passesthroughthe
sample and is measured at 180 degrees. The ratio of these two readings is
electronicallyconvertedto a turbiditymeasurementin NTU.
9

GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The 2020 Turbidimeter is a portable, microprocessor controlled nephelometer.
A multi-detector optical configuration assures long term stability and minimizes
straylight and color interferences.All readings aredetermined by theprocessof
signal averaging over a 5 second period, minimizing fluctuations in readings
attributedto large particlesand enabling rapid,repeatablemeasurements. Ithasa
sealedkeypad. The microprocessorenables auto-rangingover thefullrange of0
to1100 NTUandprovides directdigital readoutwith a resolutionof 0.01NTU
forthe lowest range.
The optics feature a tungsten bulb light source with a life expectancy of 800
hours.The light isdetected bya silicon photodiode.
The 2020 is supplied with a 9 volt alkaline battery and an AC power adapter.
A RS-232 serial port on the back of the meter allows an interface of the
turbidimeter with an IBM compatible computer for real time data acquisition and
datastorage using thePC.This portalsoallows an interfacewith a RS-232serial
printer.
10

11

THE KEYPAD
12

TURBIDITY TUBES
Turbiditytubesshould always bewashed prior to use.Use a milddetergentto
removeany dirtor fingerprints.Dry theoutside ofthe turbiditytubes witha
clean, lint-free cloth or disposable wipe. Allow the turbidity tubes to air-dry in an
inverted position to prevent dust from entering the tube.
Thehandling of theturbidity tubes isof utmost importance.Scratches,
fingerprints and water droplets on the turbidity tube or inside the light chamber
can cause stray light interference leading to inaccurate results. It is imperative
thatthe turbiditytubesand lightchamber becleanand dry.Scratches and
abrasionswill permanentlyaffectthe accuracyof thereadings.Tubes can beacid
washed periodically and coated with special silicon oil to mask imperfections in
theglass.After a tubehasbeen filled and capped,it should be heldby the cap and
the outside surface should be wiped with a clean, lint-free absorbent cloth until it
isdryand smudge-free. Handlingthe tube only bythe cap willavoid problems
from fingerprints. Always set the clean tube aside on a clean surface that will not
contaminate the tube.
Variability in the geometry and quality
ofthe glassware is thepredominate cause
of variability in results. The special
anti-reflectivearea onthe2020 tubesallows
moreaccurate turbidityreadingsfor lowNTU
samples. Only 2020 tubes
shouldbe usedwith the2020
turbidimeter. Orientation
of the tube in the chamber
willgreatly affectthe test
results. Toobtain themost
accurate results, the tubes
mustbe positionedso that
the arrow-shaped index mark
on the tube is aligned with
the arrow-shaped index mark
moldedinto the housing
in front of the light chamber.
This will ensure that the most
accurate results are obtained.
13

The2020 turbiditytubes areopticallyselected butvery smallvariations inthe
tubesmay cause differentreadings on thesame sample inlow turbidity water.If
greateraccuracyis required, such asfor Drinking Water requirements,the tubes
suppliedwith the 2020should be individuallycalibrated. This procedureis
importantfor reading below 10NTU but isprobably not neededforsamples
above 10 NTU.
14

CALIBRATION
STANDARD SOLUTIONS
The2020 has beenpre-calibratedin the rangeof 0 to1100 NTU withAMCOTM
primarystandards manufactured by AdvancedPolymer Systems, Inc.This allows
the 2020 to be used for treated water, natural water or wastewater. Recalibration
ofthe2020 by theuseris not required.However, a procedure tostandardize the
calibrationshouldbe performed to obtainthe most accurate readingsover a
narrow range.
Two AMCOTM standards of 1.00 NTU and 10.0 NTU are supplied with the 2020.
Standardsofother valuesareavailableasaccessories. Thestandardsare a
suspensionofuniformly sized plastic “microspheres” in ultra purewater, which
requireno preparationand arestablefor longperiods oftime. Thesestandards
weremanufacturedspecifically as areference to calibrate the2020. Only
LaMotte specific AMCOTM standardsshould beused with the2020. These
standardsareguaranteed to be accurateto within ±1%, ifthe following
precautionsare observed:
uThe standards will remain stable for up to 4 years prior to opening if stored
between 10 and 40°C.
uOnce the seal of the bottle is broken, the stability of the standard is only
guaranteed for 1 year if stored between 10 and 40°C.
uNever pour any unused or used standard back into the primary standard
bottle.
uDo not open the bottle in a dusty or dirty environment. Dust and
contaminants from the air can ruin the quality of the standard solutions.
uBefore filling a tube with a standard, rinse the inside of the tube with a small
amount of standard.
uCap the standard bottle and the tube immediately after filling.
With proper preparation techniques, freshly prepared Formazin standards should
be equivalent to the AMCOTM standardsand can beused formeter calibration. A
4000 NTU Formazin Standard is available from LaMotte Company for use in
preparing calibration standards. (See “Optional Accessories,” pg. 6.) Correct
proceduresand approved methods forthe use ofFormazin standards canbefound
in the current edition of Standard Methods for Examination of Water and
Wastewater.
15

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
16

ANALYSIS PROCEDURES
SELECTING THE EPA MODE
The2020 turbidity meterhas twooperating modes,thestandard operatingmode
andthe EPA mode.The meter canonly be switchedfrom onemodeto theother
while turning the 2020 on, from the OFF state. The 2020 will remain in which
ever mode it was last used, even if the meter has been turned OFF.
To switch from one mode to the other mode:
Thestandard operating modedisplays the measuredturbidity to thefull
resolution of the meter. The EPA mode displays the measured turbidity rounded
tothereporting requirements ofthe EPA and StandardMethods compliance
monitoring programs. This greatly simplifies the reporting requirements by
eliminating the need for the user to manually round off the results according to
EPA specifications. The EPA requires these reporting requirements because it
recognizesthe inherent accuracyof turbiditymeasurements within thespecified
ranges.
Note:The calibration ofthe meter isindependentof theoperatingmode.
17

TURBIDITY MEASUREMENT
18

PREPARATION OF TURBIDITY FREE WATER
An accessory package(Code 1800,not included)isavailable forpreparing
turbidityfree water fordilution ofhigh turbidity samples.
The preparation of turbidity free water requires careful technique. Introduction of
any foreign matter will affect the turbidity reading. A filtering device with a
specialmembrane filteris usedto prepareturbidity-free water.The filter,filter
holder,and syringemustbe conditionedby forcingat least twosyringes fullof
deionized water through the filtering apparatus to remove foreign matter. The
firstand second rinsesshould bediscarded. Turbidity-free water as prepared below
may be stored in the dark at room temperature in a clean glass bottle with a screw
capand usedas required.The storagecontainer shouldbe rinsedthoroughlywith
filtered deionized water before filling. The water should be periodically inspected
for foreign matter in bright light.
Seeprocedure onnext page...
19

PROCEDURE:
Periodicallyexamine themembrane filterto insurethat noholes orcracksare
present.Depending onthenature ofthe unfilteredwater, it ispossible toprepare
a liter or more of turbidity-free water using a single filter. The membrane filter
maybestored in theholder indefinitely and usedas required.
20