Megger KF-LAB Mk II User manual

Megger KF-LAB Mk II
Moisture Meter
User Guide
(v0816)

Megger KF-LAB Mk II
2

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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.1 Instrument Description-----------------------------------------------------5
1.2 Principle of Measurement-------------------------------------------------6
1.3 Instrument Connections--------------------------------------------------- 7
Chapter 2 Safety Information--------------------------------------------------------------- 8
2.1 General Safety Points------------------------------------------------------8
2.2 Electrical Safety------------------------------------------------------------- 8
2.3 Solvent and Chemical Safety-------------------------------------------- 8
2.4 Recycling and Disposal----------------------------------------------------8
Chapter 3 Instrument Setup-----------------------------------------------------------------9
3.1 Receiving a Megger KF-LAB---------------------------------------------9
3.1.1 Packaging---------------------------------------------------------9
3.1.2 Checks-------------------------------------------------------------9
3.1.3 Location----------------------------------------------------------- 9
3.2 Connecting the Power Supply------------------------------------------- 9
3.3 Setting Up the Glassware-------------------------------------------------10
3.3.1 Glassware Assembly-------------------------------------------10
3.3.2 Connecting to the Megger KF-LAB-------------------------10
3.3.3 Filling and Changing Reagents------------------------------11
3.4 Loading the Printer----------------------------------------------------------13
3.5 Connecting a USB Device------------------------------------------------ 14
Chapter 4 Basics of Operation-----------------------------------------------------------15
4.1 Switching ON and OFF---------------------------------------------------15
4.2 Setting the Date and Time-----------------------------------------------15
4.3 Preconditioning------------------------------------------------------------- 16
4.4 Program Functions---------------------------------------------------------17
4.5 Programming a Method---------------------------------------------------18
Chapter 5 Running a Test----------------------------------------------------------------- 24
5.1 Example Applications----------------------------------------------------- 24
5.2 Water Standard Test------------------------------------------------------ 26
5.3 How to Run a Test--------------------------------------------------------- 26
5.4 Drift Rate Compensation------------------------------------------------- 28
5.5 Overtitration------------------------------------------------------------------29
Chapter 6 Results---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
6.1 Printout Explanation------------------------------------------------------- 30
Chapter 7 Results Manager---------------------------------------------------------------32
7.1 Description--------------------------------------------------------------------32
7.2 Installation---------------------------------------------------------------------32
7.3 Running Results Manager------------------------------------------------ 33
7.4 Display Explanation---------------------------------------------------------34
7.5 Closing and Uninstalling---------------------------------------------------36

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Chapter 8 Maintenance--------------------------------------------------------------------37
8.1 Reagent Life-----------------------------------------------------------------37
8.2 Cleaning the Glassware--------------------------------------------------37
Chapter 9 Technical Specifications--------------------------------------------------- 39
Chapter 10 Parts List-------------------------------------------------------------------------40
Chapter 11 Troubleshooting---------------------------------------------------------------41
Chapter 12 Conformity and Warranty-------------------------------------------------- 42
12.1 Declaration of Conformity--------------------------------------- 42
12.2 Quality Control----------------------------------------------------- 42
12.3 Customer Support and Service--------------------------------42
12.4 Warranty-------------------------------------------------------------43
12.5 Warranty Exemptions---------------------------------------------43

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Ch pter 1 Introduction
1.1 Instrument Description
The KF-LAB model has a small footprint, is easy to use, and supplied complete with a
specifically designed low drift cell which is also suitable for outdoor use. The built-in
battery and optional carry case, provide the versatility required by the laboratory and also
the ease of use and portability required by the field engineer.
Aquamax KF reagents have been specially formulated for use with KF-LAB titrators.
Reagent A (anode) is suitable for most routine applications and is especially useful for
water content determination of oil samples, e.g. transformer oils, crude oils, etc. This
anode reagent is supplied in “single shot” bottles of 100ml – No measuring of volumes
required – No mixing of other solvents required. Reagent C (cathode) is supplied in
“single shot” 5ml vials.
The carry case provides the portability required by the field engineer. The KF-LAB can be
transported, complete with glassware assembled, ready for immediate use on arrival at
destination. Power cords, syringes, etc., can all be carried inside the carry case lid which
has a special compartment for this purpose.
To obtain the full benefits that this instrument can offer it is recommended that you read
this user manual before assembling the unit.
(All KF-LAB power supplies are double insulated units that do not need an earth (ground)
connection. These units are sealed and conform to CSA(LR84459), UL listings and CE
requirements. KF-LAB titrators only require a low voltage 15V input to the electronic /
control circuitry. The moulded plastc casing of the instrument also provides additional
insulation.)

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1.2 Principle of Measurement
Karl Fischer titration is simply a means to measure water content of samples. Modern
instruments, such as the Megger KF-LAB, use the Coulometric principle, whereby the water
present in the sample is coulometrically titrated to a predefined end point at which there is a
minute excess of free iodine present. Stoichiometrically, 1 mole of water will react with 1
mole of iodine, so that 1 milligram of water is equivalent to 10·71 coulombs of electricity.
Combining the Coulometric technique with Karl Fischer titration, Megger KF Titrators
determine the water content of the sample by measuring the amount of electrolysis current
necessary to produce the required iodine. This is an absolute technique which does not
require calibration of the reagents.
SO
2
I
2
+SO
2
+3C
5
H
5
N+H
2
O → 2C
5
H
5
N.HI+C
5
H
5
N
O
SO
2
SO
4
CH
3
C
5
H
5
N +CH
3
OH → C
5
H
5
N
O H
2l ¯ - 2e →l
2
Using the latest pulse current technology and our patented “ACE” control system, (Patent
No.GB2370641), the Megger KF-LAB automatically selects the appropriate titration speed
dependent upon the amount of water present in the sample. The titration speed is reduced
as the end point is approached, and when the titration is completed the instrument prints out
and displays the results.

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1.3 Instrument Connections
Various ports are located on the back plate of the instrument. Below is a list of ports that can
be found:
(1) Power Supply Port
The power supply port is for connecting to an 18V mains power supply, using the
supplied power adaptor.
(2) RS232 Port
For updating Titrator software, connecting to other equipment for remote controlling
(software specific protocols to be provided).
(3) USB/A Port
For exporting results data to a Removable Flash Drive (memory stick), when running
sample tests in the field or remote locations, and subsequent transfer to PC at a later
date for loading onto Results Manager files.
(4) USB/B Port
For connecting directly to PC to export data to Results Manager and enable results to be
saved on files for future reference. (See Results Manager User Manual section).

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Ch pter 2 S fety Inform tion
2.1 General Safety Points
This product is in conformity with the EU Directives 2004/108/EC and
2006/95/EC. This is based upon the compliance of the products with the
harmonised standards: BS EN 61000-6-1:2007; BS EN 61010-2-030:2010;
and BS EN 61326-1:2013.
This product is manufactured in accordance to RoHS following the EU
Directive 2011/65/EU; it does not contain any of the restricted substances in
concentrations and applications banned by this directive.
2.2 Electrical Safety
The Megger KF-LAB Moisture Meter complies with the international
standard IEC 61010. Only operate this instrument within the mains
voltage supply that is specified on the back of the instrument, an
incorrect mains supply can damage the instrument. Never open the
housing of the instrument, only GR Scientific personnel who are trained
to service the instrument can open the housing. There is risk of
electrocution if live components are touched.
Always ensure the instrument is disconnected from the mains power supply when
connecting or disconnecting cables from the back of the instrument, as electrostatic
discharge can build up.
2.3 Solvent and Chemical Safety
When using flammable or irritant solvents and chemicals, follow suitable
safety measures to protect yourself and others around. Always use the
instrument in a well ventilated area, clean up spilled fluids immediately,
and keep flame sources away from the work area. Always follow the
safety instructions of the chemical manufacturer and apply the correct
countermeasures that are required.
2.4 Recycling and Disposal
This instrument is covered by the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical
Equipment) Directive 2012/19/EU to prevent the negative and harmful
effects on the environment and public health. For more information on
how to dispose of the instrument safely, please contact your local
authority, your local waste disposal company or Megger directly.

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Ch pter 3 Instrument Set Up
3.1 Receiving a Megger KF-LAB
3.1.1 Packaging
The Megger KF-LAB is packaged in suitable protective packaging to ensure that no damage
occurs during transit, only this packaging is suitable for the safe transportation during transit.
Please keep this packaging as transit of the instrument may need to occur in the future.
3.1.2 Checks
Once you have received the instrument, immediately check to make sure that there is no
damage and no parts are missing. A delivery note will be included within the package to use
to compare with the shipment.
Ensure that inside the shipment has a calibration certificate for the instrument, if not please
request this from the manufacturer.
3.1.3 Location
Locate the instrument within the work area where it is free from excessive:
−vibrations
−direct sunlight
−contamination from chemicals
−explosive environments
−corrosive atmospheres
−major temperature fluctuations
3.2 Connecting the Power Supply
The Megger KF-LAB is powered by an external mains source, with a power pack to ensure
this connection is the correct voltage of 18V DC for the instrument.
Damage may occur beyond repair and the user may be subjected to electric static shocks if
the incorrect power is supplied.
Note: Refer to Chapter 2 for more safety information.
To avoid risk of electrocution, make
sure the I/O switch is set to OFF
before connecting the power supply.

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3.3 Setting Up the Glassware
3.3.1 Glassware Assembly
3.3.2 Connecting to the Megger-KF LAB Moisture Meter
(1) Position the titration vessel on the Titrator.
(2) Position the electrodes on the
titration vessel and tighten by
hand.
Note: The glass joints do not require PTFE
sleeves or grease. The special screw fittings
seal the vessel from the atmosphere and are
easily released, even after several weeks.