LaMotte DC1500 FLUORIDE User manual

DC1500 FLUORIDE
Fluoride Colorimeter Kit
Code 3243
ACCEPTED

CONTENTS
DC1500 Fluoride Kit
Kit Contents.........................................3
Accessories..........................................3
Test Method Specifications
Introduction.........................................3
Application ...........................................3
Range ....................................................3
Method..................................................3
Handling & Preservation .................4
Interferences.......................................4
Analysis
Fluoride.................................................4
Calibration
Standards.............................................6
Calibration Procedure ......................7
Set Up
Setting the Clock............................. 10
Logging Data.................................... 10
Factory Setup................................... 11
Setting Power Save........................ 11
Setting Backlight Time.................. 12
Selecting A Language.................... 13
Looping Menus ................................ 14
Computer Connection
Output ................................................ 15
Computer Connection................... 15
WaterLink® Connect 2 .................. 15
Battery
Battery/AC Operation..................... 15
Battery Replacement .................... 16
Maintenance
Cleaning............................................. 16
Returns .............................................. 16
Meter Disposal................................. 16
General Operating Information
Overview............................................. 17
General Operating Information .. 17
The Keypad ....................................... 17
The Display and Menus ................. 17
Tubes and Chambers..................... 19
Sample Dilution Techniques........ 19
General Information
Packaging and Delivery................. 20
General Precautions ...................... 20
Safety Precautions......................... 20
Limits of Liability............................. 21
Specifications.................................. 21
CE......................................................... 21
IP67..................................................... 21
Warranty............................................ 22
Troubleshooting Guide
Error Messages................................ 22
Calibration......................................... 22
Stray Light......................................... 22
Troubleshooting Guide .................. 23

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DC1500 FLUORIDE KIT
Kit Contents
QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE
2 x 100 mL *Acid-Zirconly-SPADNS Reagent *3875-J
2 x 60 mL *Sodium Arsenite Solution *4128-H
1Pipet, 0.5 mL, plastic 0353
1Pipet, 1 mL Plastic 0354
1Colorimeter Tubes, w/caps,set of 6 0290-6
1Water Sample Collecting Bottle 0688
11500 Colorimeter for Fluoride 27926-FL
1USB Wall Adapter 1721
1USB Cable 1720-01
1DC1500-FL Fluoride Colorimeter, Manual 3243-MN
1DC1500-FL Fluoride Colorimeter, Quick Start Guide 3243-QG
*Reagent is a potential health hazard.
READ SDS: lamotte.com. Emergency information:
Chem-Tel USA 1-800-255-3924
Int’l, call collect, 813-248-0585
To order individual reagents or test kit components, use the specified code number.
Accessories
DESCRIPTION CODE WARNING: Only use the USB Cable
(1720-01) that is supplied with the kit.
Make no substitutions.
Test Tubes, with Caps 0290-6
Replacement Chamber 3-0038
USB Cable 1720-01
USB Wall Adapter 1721
Car Charger 5-0132
TEST METHODS SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Fluoride may occur naturally in some ground waters or it may be added to public
drinking water supplies to maintain a 1.0 mg/L concentration to prevent dental cavities.
At higher concentrations, fluoride may produce an objectionable discoloration of
tooth enamel called Fluorosis, though levels up to 8 mg/L have not been found to be
physiologically harmful.
APPLICATION
Drinking and surface waters; domestic and industrial waters.
RANGE
0.0 to 2.0 ppm Fluoride
METHOD
Colorimetric test based upon the reaction between Fluoride and zirconium dye lake. The
Fluoride reacts with the dye lake, dissociating a portion of it into a colorless complex
ion and dye. As the Fluoride concentration increases, the color produced becomes
progressively lighter.

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HANDLING & PRESERVATION
Samples may be stored and refrigerated in plastic containers.
INTERFERENCES
The following substances produce a positive interference at the concentration given:
Chloride (Cl-)7000 mg/L
Phosphate (PO4
-3)16 mg/L
Hexametaphosphate (NaPO3)61 mg/L
The following substances produce a negative interference at the concentration given:
Alkalinity (CaCO3)5000 mg/L
Aluminum (Al+3)0.1 mg/L
Iron (Fe+3)10 mg/L
Sulfate (SO4
-2)200 mg/L
Color and turbidity must be removed or compensated for in the procedure. Temperature
should be maintained within 5 degrees Celcius of room temperature.
ANALYSIS
PROCEDURE
1. Fill the Water Sample Collecting
Bottle (0688) with sample water.
2. Press and hold until
colorimeter turns on.
Main Menu
Testing Menu
Editing Menu
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press ENTER to select Testing Menu.All Tests
045 Fluoride
12:00:00 001/500

5
4. Scroll to and select 045 Fluoride
from menu.
045 Fluoride
Scan Blank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
5. This test requires a reagent blank.
Rinse a clean colorimeter tube
(0290) with clear, colorless, Fluoride
free water. Fill to the 10 mL line with
clear, colorless, Fluoride free water.
6. Use the 0.5 mL pipet (0353) to add
0.5 mL of *Sodium Arsenite Solution
(4128). Cap and mix.
7. Use the 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to
add 2 measures of *Acid-Zirconyl
SPADNS Reagent (3875). Cap and
mix thoroughly. (This is the reagent
blank.) Dry the tube with a lint-free
cloth.
8. Insert tube into chamber, close lid
and select Scan Blank.
9. Rinse a clean colorimeter tube
(0290) with sample water. Fill to the
10 mL line with sample water.

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10. Use the 0.5 mL pipet (0353) to add
0.5 mL of *Sodium Arsenite Solution
(4128). Cap and mix.
11. Use the 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to
add 2 measures of *Acid-Zirconyl
SPADNS Reagent (3875). Cap and
mix thoroughly. (This is the reagent
blank.) Dry the tube with a lint-free
cloth.
12. Insert tube into chamber. Close lid.
Select Scan Sample. Record result
as Fluoride.
045 Fluoride
0.9 ppm
Scan BLank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
NOTE: Zeroing the meter with the sample water will result in an error. Meter must be
zeroed with a reagent blank.
NOTE: The meter will remember the last scanned blank reading. It is not necessary to
scan a blank each time the test is performed. To use the previous blank reading, instead
of scanning a new one, scroll to Scan Sample and proceed. For the most accurate
results, the meter should be blanked before each test and the same tube should be
used for the blank and the reacted sample.
CALIBRATION
STANDARDS
The meter should be calibrated with fluoride standards. The calibration should be
done with a distilled or deionized water blank and one fluoride standard of known
concentration. The concentration of the calibration standard should be similar to the
expected concentration of the sample that will be tested.

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CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Press and briefly hold to
turn the meter on. The LaMotte
logo screen will appear for about
3 seconds and the Main Menu will
appear.
Main Menu
Testing Menu
Editing Menu
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press ENTER to select Testing Menu.All Tests
045 Fluoride
12:00:00 001/500
3. Scroll to and select 045 Fluoride
from menu.
045 Fluoride
Scan Blank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
4. This test requires a reagent blank.
Rinse a clean colorimeter tube
(0290) with clear, colorless, Fluoride
free water. Fill to the 10 mL line with
clear, colorless, Fluoride free water.
5. Use the 0.5 mL pipet (0353) to add
0.5 mL of *Sodium Arsenite Solution
(4128). Cap and mix.

8
6. Use the 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to
add 2 measures of *Acid-Zirconyl
SPADNS Reagent (3875). Cap and
mix thoroughly. (This is the reagent
blank.) Dry the tube with a lint-free
cloth.
7. Insert tube into chamber, close lid
and select Scan Blank.
8. Rinse a clean colorimeter tube
(0290) with sample water. Fill to the
10 mL line with sample water.
9. Use the 0.5 mL pipet (0353) to add
0.5 mL of *Sodium Arsenite Solution
(4128). Cap and mix.
10. Use the 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to
add 2 measures of *Acid-Zirconyl
SPADNS Reagent (3875). Cap and
mix thoroughly. (This is the reagent
blank.) Dry the tube with a lint-free
cloth.
11. Insert tube into chamber. Close lid.
Select Scan Sample.
045 Fluoride
0.9 ppm
Scan BLank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500

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12. Press to scroll to Calibrate.045 Fluoride
0.9 ppm
%T/Abs
Calibrate
12:00:00 001/500
13. Press ENTER to select Calibrate.
A reverse font (light background
with dark characters) will appear
to indicate that the reading can be
adjusted.
045 Fluoride
0.9 ppm
∧, ∨=Edit, ENTER=Save
∧ +ENTER=Default
12:00:00 001/500
14. Press or to adjust the
value shown to the concentration
of the prepared standard, 1.0 in this
example.
NOTE: A maximum adjustment of
25% is possible.
045 Fluoride
1.0 ppm
∧, ∨=Edit, ENTER=Save
∧ +ENTER=Default
12:00:00 001/500
15. Press ENTER to save the value.
To leave the Calibration procedure
without saving the adjustment,
press EXIT .
Press and ENTER at any time
to return to the default value.
The calibration has now been
standardized and can be used for
testing. Scroll to Scan Blank and
begin testing.
045 Fluoride
1.0 ppm
%T/Abs
Calibrate
12:00:00 001/500

10
SET UP
SETTING THE CLOCK
Setting the clock allows the correct time and date stamp to be stored with each reading
in the data logger.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Set Clock.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press ENTER to select Set Clock.
The year is displayed. Press
or to scroll to the appropriate
character. Press ENTER to select
the character. The month, day, hour,
format hour, minute, second, AM/PM
will be dislpayed. Repeat for each.
Set Time
Year: 2000
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press ENTER to select the final
character. The time and date will be
saved and the meter will return to
the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
LOGGING DATA
The default setting for the data logger is enabled. The meter will log the last 500 data
points. The counter in the center bottom of the display will show how many data points
have been logged. The display will show 500+ when the data logger has exceeded 500
points and the data points are being overwritten.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Logging.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500

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2. Press ENTER to select Logging. Logging
Display Test Log
Logging Enabled
Logging Disabled
Erase Log
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired function.
Logging
Display Test Log
Logging Enabled
Logging Disabled
Erase Log
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press ENTER . The screen will display
Storing... for about 1 second and
return to the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
FACTORY SETUP
The Factory Setup menu is used in manufacturing of the colorimeter. This menu is not
for use by the operator in the field.
SETTING POWER SAVE
The power saving Auto Shutoff feature will turn the meter off when a button has not
been pushed for a set amount of time. The default setting is disabled. To change the
setting:
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Set Power
Save.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500

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2. Press ENTER to select Set Power
Save.
Set Power Save
Disable
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired function.
Set Power Save
Disable
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press ENTER . The screen will display
Storing.... for about 1 second and
the meter will retun to the Editing
Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
SETTING THE BACKLIGHT TIME
The backlight illuminates the display for enhanced viewing. The default setting is 10
seconds. If Button Control is chosen the backlight button on the key pad will act as
an on/off switch and the backlight will remain on or off when the meter is being used.
When one of the other settings – 10, 20 or 30 seconds – is chosen, the display will be
illuminated for the specified amount of time after any button is pressed.
NOTE: The backlight feature uses a significant amount of power. The longer the
backlight is on, the more frequently the battery will have to be charged if the USB/Wall
Adapter is not being used.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Backlight Time.
Editing Menu
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
12:00:00 001/500

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2. Press ENTER to select Set Backlight
Time.
Set Backlight Time
Button Control
10 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired option.
Set Backlight Time
Button Control
10 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press ENTER . The screen will display
Storing... for about 1 second and
the meter will return to the Editing
Menu.
Editing Menu
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
12:00:00 001/500
SELECTING A LANGUAGE
There are eight languages available: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian,
Chinese, Japanese, and Turkish.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Select
Language.
Editing Menu
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
Select Language
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press ENTER to select Select
Language.
Select Language
English
Spanish
French
Portugese
12:00:00 001/500

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3. Press or to scroll to
desired language.
Select Language
English
Spanish
French
Portugese
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press ENTER . The screen will display
Storing... for about 1 second and
the meter will return to the Editing
Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
Bluetooth Menu
Select Language
12:00:00 001/500
NOTE: If meter unintentionally switches to another language, use the procedure above
to reset the meter to the desired language. For example, to reset the meter to English:
Turn meter on.
1. Press one time. Press ENTER .
2. Press five times. Press ENTER .
3. Press ENTER .
LOOPING MENUS
Long menus, such as the Tsting Menu, incorporate a looping feature which allows the
user to quickly reach the last choice in the menu from the first choice. In a looping
menu the last choices in the menu are above the first choice and scrolling upward
moves through the menu in reverse order. Scrolling downward moves through the
menu from first choice to last but the menu starts over following the last choice. So
all menu choices can be reached by scrolling in either direction. The diagrams below
demonstrate a looping menu.
AND SO ON AND SO ON AND SO ON
: : : : : : : : :
: : : : : : : : :
THIRD TO LAST LAST CHOICE LAST CHOICE
SECOND TO LAST AND SO ON AND SO ON
LAST CHOICE : : : : : :
TESTING MENU TESTING MENU TESTING MENU
FIRST CHOICE : : : : : :
SECOND CHOICE THIRD TO LAST THIRD TO LAST
THIRD CHOICE SECOND TO LAST SECOND TO LAST
ANOTHER LAST CHOICE LAST CHOICE
12:00:00 001/500 12:00:00 001/500 12:00:00 001/500

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AND ANOTHER FIRST CHOICE FIRST CHOICE
AND SO ON SECOND CHOICE SECOND CHOICE
: : : THIRD CHOICE THIRD CHOICE
: : : ANOTHER ANOTHER
LAST CHOICE AND ANOTHER AND ANOTHER
The feature called Looping Menu can be turned on and off in the Editing Menu. The
default setting is ON.
COMPUTER CONNECTION
OUTPUT
USB
COMPUTER CONNECTION
USB Type A, USB mini B, Order Cable Code 1720-01.
WATERLINK CONNECT 2
The meter may be interfaced with any Windows-based 64-bit computer by using
the LaMotte WaterLink Connect 2 program and a USB cable. The program will store
test information and results in a local database and allow for exporting this data to a
comma separated value (CSV) file. The meter will send the following data: name of test,
sample value, sample units, time/date stamp, and meter name. To download WaterLink
Connect 2 go to http:// softwarecenter.lamotte.com/. Select “WaterLink Connect 2
FREE Download”.
BATTERY
BATTERY/AC OPERATION
The meter may be operated on battery power using a USB wall adapter or USB
computer connection. If using the meter as a bench top unit, use the wall adapter if
possible to extend the battery life. The meter will remain on when the USB adapter is
used.
To charge the lithium ion battery with the wall adapter, plug the smaller end of the USB
cable (USB mini B connector) into the meter and the larger end of the USB cable (USB
type A connector) into the wall adapter. Plug the wall adapter into an AC outlet. Reinsert
the rubber USB port plug after charging. Failure to insert the USB port plug when the
meter is not connected to a computer by USB or actively charging by USB could result
in damage to internal components.
To charge the battery from a computer, plug the smaller end of the USB cable (USB
mini B connector) into the meter and the larger end of the USB cable (USB Type A
connector) into a USB port on a computer. Reinsert the USB port plug after charging.
Failure to insert the USB port plug when the meter is not connected to a computer by
USB or actively charging by USB could result in damage to internal components.
The battery icon will show no bars and flash when the unit first turns on. Then the
indicator will indicate the battery status by showing 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 bars. It will take
6 hours to fully charge a low battery. The battery icon will flash when the battery is
charging. The battery icon will show four bars and stop flashing when it is fully charged.
The charging circuit will automatically switch to a float charge when the battery is
fully charged. The charger may remain connected. Some computers will NOT supply
power to their USB ports during standby operation. The wall adapter will charge the unit
continuously. Storing the meter above ambient room temperature will decrease the

16
battery charge more quickly than storage at room temperature. If the meter does not
turn on, it means that the battery is at a very low charge. Charging the battery with the
wall adapter in this state may take up to 10 hours. At low temperatures, approaching 0
°C, the battery will charge more slowly. It will not charge at all below 0 °C.
The battery icon will show no bars and continuously flash if the battery is getting low
but the unit will still operate normally. A “Low Battery” message on the status bar of the
display will replace the time when the battery voltage is too low for proper operation
and accuracy may be degraded. A “Shutdown Low Batt” message on the display will
appear for a few seconds before the power is switched off when the battery is too low
to operate the unit. When the battery icon simultaneously flashes bars 1 and 2 followed
by bars 3 and 4, it is an indication that the battery is damaged and technical support
should be contacted.
To extend the life of the battery:
• Shut down the unit with the power switch when not taking measurements or use
the power save option to have the unit automatically turn off after 5 minutes.
• Store the unit at a moderate temperature.
• Fully charge the battery before storing the unit for extended periods of time.
• Fully charge the battery at least once per year. Failure to do so may result in a
permanently drained battery.
• Limit backlight use. The unit consumes three times the normal power when the
backlight is on. Set the backlight time option to 10 seconds or select “Button
Control” and keep the backlight off.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The lithium ion battery used in this unit should last for many years with normal use.
When it no longer powers the unit long enough to meet testing requirements it should
be replaced. Contact LaMotte Company by phone [phone]) or email (tech@
lamotte.com) for more information.
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING
Clean the exterior housing with a damp, lint-free cloth. Do not allow water to enter the
light chamber or any other parts of the meter. To clean the light chamber and optics
area, point a can of compressed air into the light chamber and blow the pressurized air
into the light chamber. Use a cotton swab dampened with Windex®window cleaner to
gently swab the interior of the chamber. Do not use alcohol; it will leave a thin residue
over the optics when dry.
RETURNS
Should it be necessary to return the meter, pack the meter carefully in a suitable
container with adequate packing material. A return authorization number must be
obtained from LaMotte Company by calling 800-344-3100 (US only) or 410-778-3100,
faxing 410-778-6394, or emailing [email protected]. Often a problem can be resolved
over the phone or by email. If a return of the meter is necessary, attach a letter with the
return authorization number, meter serial number, a brief description of problem and
contact information including phone and FAX numbers to the shipping carton.
METER DISPOSAL
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Natural resources were used in the production of this equipment. This equipment may
contain materials that are hazardous to health and the environment. To avoid harm to

17
the environment and natural resources, the use of appropriate take-back systems is
recommended. The crossed out wheeled bin symbol on the meter encourages the use
of these systems when disposing of this equipment.
Take-back systems will allow the materials to be reused or recycled in a way
that will not harm the environment. For more information on approved
collection, reuse, and recycling systems contact local or regional waste
administration or recycling services.
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The meter is a portable, microprocessor controlled, direct reading colorimeter. It has
a graphical liquid crystal display and 6 button keypad. These allow the user to select
options from the menu driven software, to directly read test results or to review stored
results of previous tests in the data logger. The menus can be displayed in eight
different languages.
The LaMotte tests are precalibrated for LaMotte reagent systems.The colorimeter
displays the result of these tests directly in units of concentration.
The optics feature a colored LED. The LED has a corresponding silicon photoiode with
an integrated interference filter. The interference filter selects a narrow band of light
from the corresponding LED for the colorimetric measurements.
A USB wall adapter, USB computer connection or lithium battery powers the
colorimeter.
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
The operation of the colorimeter is controlled by the menu driven software and user
interface. A menu is a list of choices. This allows a selection of various tasks for the
colorieter to perform, such as scan blank and scan sample. The keypad is used to make
menu selections that are viewed on the display.
THE KEYPAD
The keypad has 6 buttons which are used to perform specific tasks.
This button will scroll up through
a list of menu selections.
ENTER The button is used to select
choices in a menu viewed on the
display.
This button controls the backlight
on the display.
This button will scroll down
through a list of menu selections.
EXIT This button exits to the previous
menu.
This button turns the meter on
or off.
THE DISPLAY AND MENUS
The display allows menu selections to be viewed and selected. These selections instruct
the colorimeter to perform specific tasks. The menus are viewed in the display using
two general formats that are followed from one menu to the next. Each menu is a list of
choices or selections.
EXIT
ENTER

18
The display has a header line at the top and a footer line at the bottom. The header
displays the title of the current menu. The footer line displays the time and the date, the
data logger status and the battery status. The menu selection window is in the middle
of the display between the header and the footer.
The menu selection window displays information in two general formats. In the first
format only menu selections are displayed. Up to 4 lines of menu selections may be
displayed. If more selections are available they can be viewed by pressing the arrow
buttons to scroll the other menu selections into the menu selection
window. Think of the menu selections as a vertical list in the display that moves up
or down each time an arrow button is pressed. Some menus in the
colorimeter are looping menus. The top and bottom menu choices are connected in
a loop. Scrolling down past the bottom of the menu will lead to the top of the menu.
Scrolling up past the top of the menu will lead to the bottom of the menu.
Header Menu Title
Main Window Selection First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
Another
Footer 12:00:00 001/500 P
And Another
And So On
A light bar will indicate the menu choice. As the menu is scrolled through, the light bar
will highlight different menu choices. Pressing the ENTER button will select the menu
choice that is indicated by the light bar.
In the second format the menu choice window takes advantage of the graphical
capabilities of the display. Large format graphic information, such as test results or
error messages or the LaMotte logo is displayed. The top two lines of the display are
used to display information in a large, easy to read format. The menus work in the same
way as previously described but two lines of the menu are visible at the bottom of the
display.
Header Menu Title
Message or Result Window Result or
Message
Another
Main Window Selection And Another
Footer 12:00:00 001/500
And So On
Last Choice
As described previously, the EXIT button allows an exit or escape from the current
menu and a return to the previous menu. This allows a rapid exit from an inner menu to

19
the main menu by repeatedly pushing the EXIT button. Pushing at any time will
turn the colorimeter off.
The display may show the following messages:
Battery Status
More choices are available and can be viewed by scrolling up and/or down
through the display.
Header Identifies the current menu and information on units and reagent systems
if applicable.
Footer In the data logging mode the number of the data point is displayed and the
total number of data points in the memory will be shown. The footer also
shows current time and battery status.
TUBES AND CHAMBERS
The colorimeter uses one type of tube (Code 0290) for all test factors.
The handling of the tubes is of utmost importance. Tubes must be clean and free from
lint, fingerprints, dried spills and significant scratches, especially the central zone
between the bottom and the sample line.
Scratches, fingerprints and water droplets on the tube can cause stray light
interference leading to inaccurate results. Tubes that have been scratched in the light
zone through excessive use should be discarded and replaced with new ones.
Tubes should always be washed on the inside and outside with mild detergent prior to
use to remove dirt or fingerprints. The tubes should be allowed to air-dry in an inverted
position to prevent dust from entering the tubes. Dry tubes should be stored with the
caps on to prevent contamination.
After a tube has been filled and capped, it should be held by the cap and the outside
surface should be wiped with a clean, lint-free absorbent cloth until it is dry and
smudge-free. Handling the tube only by the cap will avoid problems from fingerprints.
Always set the clean tube aside on a clean surface that will not contaminate the tube.
It is imperative that the tubes and light chamber be clean and dry. The outside of the
tubes should be dried with a clean, lint-free cloth or disposable wipe before they are
placed in the meter chamber.
Tubes should be emptied and cleaned as soon as possible after reading a sample to
prevent deposition of particulates on the inside of the tubes.
Variability in the geometry of the glassware and technique is the predominate cause
of variability in results. Slight variations in wall thickness and the diameter of the tubes
may lead to slight variations in the test results. To eliminate this error the tubes should
be placed in the chamber with the same orientation each time.
Chambers which have been scratched through excessive use should be discarded and
replaced with a new one.
SAMPLE DILUTION TECHNIQUES
If a test result is out of the range of the meter, it must be diluted. The test should then
be repeated on the diluted sample. The following table gives quick reference guidelines
for dilutions of various proportions.

20
Amount of Sample Deionized Water to Bring Final
Volume to 10 mL
Multiplication Factor
10 mL 0 mL 1
5 mL 5 mL 2
2.5 mL 7.5 mL 4
1 mL 9 mL 10
0.5 mL 9.5 mL 20
All dilutions are based on a final volume of 10 mL, so several dilutions will require small
volumes of the water sample. Graduated pipets should be used for all dilutions. If
volumetric glassware is not available, dilutions can be made with the colorimeter tube.
Fill the tube to the 10 mL line with the sample and then transfer it to another container.
Add 10 mL volumes of deionized water to the container and mix. Transfer 10 mL of
the diluted sample to the colorimeter tube and follow the test procedure. Repeat the
dilution and testing procedures until the result falls within the range of the calibration.
Multiply the test result by the dilution factor. For example, if 10 mL of the sample water
is diluted with three 10 mL volumes of deionized water, the dilution factor is four. The
test result of the diluted sample should be multiplied by four.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PACKAGING AND DELIVERY
Experienced packaging personnel at LaMotte Company assure adequate protection
against normal hazards encountered in transportation of shipments.
After the product leaves LaMotte Company, all responsibility for safe delivery is assured
by the transportation company. Damage claims must be filed immediately with the
transportation company to receive compensation for damaged goods.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SET UP OR OPERATE THE
METER. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or damage to the meter. The
meter should not be used or stored in a wet or corrosive environment. Care should be
taken to prevent water from wet tubes from entering the meter chamber.
NEVER PUT WET TUBES IN THE METER.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read the labels on all LaMotte reagent containers prior to use. Some containers include
precautionary notices and first aid information. Certain reagents are considered
hazardous substances and are designated with a * in the instruction manual. Safety
Data Sheets (SDS) can be found at www.lamotte.com. Read the SDS before using these
reagents. Additional emergency information for all LaMotte reagents is available 24
hours a day from the National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 or by contacting
the 24 hour emergency line for ChemTel 1-800-255-3924 (USA, Canada, Puerto
Rico); locations outside the North American Continent 813-248-0585 (call collect).
Be prepared to supply the name and four-digit LaMotte code number found on the
container label or at the top of the SDS or in the contents list of the procedure. LaMotte
reagents are registered with a computerized poison control information system
available to all local poison control centers.
Keep equipment and reagent chemicals out of the reach of young children.
Ensure that the protection provided by this equipment is not impaired. Do not intall or
use this equipment in a manner that is not indicated in this manual.