Merck RQflex 10 User manual

RQflex 10
Manual English

Contents
1Introduction 3
2Description of the instrument 5
display, keys 6
technical data 8
3Setting up the instrument 9
insertion of batteries 10
setting the time and date 11
4Coding 13
reasons for coding 14
coding procedure 14
5Measurement 15
method procedures A, B, C, D 16
6Handling measurement results 21
storing measurement results 22
displaying stored data 23
data transfer to a PC 23
deleting data 24
7Maintenance of the instrument 25
handling 26
cleaning the adapter 26
recalibration 27
8 Trouble-shooting 29
error messages, problems, solutions 30
9Service/Warranty 31
service department, warranty conditions 32

Introduction
1Introduction

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Introduction
Please read the RQflex 10 instruction manual carefully before operating.
The manual is well structured and illustrated. We recommend that you read
the manual in conjunction with using your instrument.
For the analysis procedure please follow the detailed description in the
package insert of the respective Reflectoquant® tests.

Description of the instrument
2Description

Description of the instrument
Your RQflex 10 is a versatile, precise instrument. It is part of the
Reflectoquant® system with the components:
• Instrument RQflex 10
• Reflectoquant® strips
• Test- and batch-specific bar-code strip
According to the principle of reflectometry (remission photometry), reflected
light from the strip is measured. Just as in classical photometry, the difference
in intensity of emitted and reflected light allows a quantitative determination
of the concentration of specific analytes.
Display and operation keys (buttons)
Operation keys (buttons) 1
Display for the display of messages and information 2
Interface, connection to PC 3
For RQdata only (see p. 23)
Do not use to connect an external power supply!
Lid 4
Method register 5
Up to five analytical methods, e.g. nitrate, pH value, can be stored simulta-
n e o u s l y. Methods are loaded by means of the bar-code strip.
Bar-code scanner 6
All information necessary to run the instrument is communicated via the
bar-code strip. The bar code contains information for wavelength correction
and for the batch-specific calibration curve.
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After switching on the RQflex 10 a self-diagnosis is performed for about 1
second. Ensure that all functions, especially the multifunctional digit display,
are shown correctly.
Time 1
LOW BATTERY change of batteries 2
Date 3
Symbols for measurement procedure 4
Methods 5
Multifunctional display 6
Instrument, tests, and bar-code strips are tuned to each other. Ensure that the
reference number (code) for all three components matches.
Technical data
D i m e n s i o n s : 19 x 8 x 2 cm
We i g h t : 275 g
M e m o r y : 5 methods, 50 measur ements results
External output: Ye s
Light source: 4 LEDs (5 70 / 657 ± 10 nm), double optics
Power source: 4 AAA batteries (> 1000 measurements)
D i s p l a y : L C D
System diagnosis: Ye s
Measurement range: 4 - 90% rel. remission
Reflection area: 4 x 6 mm
R e s o l u t i o n : 0 .1% rel. remission
Photom. accuracy: 0 .5% rel. remission (measurement to measurement, instrument to instrument)
Operating temperature: 5 - 40°C for ideal measurements
Operating humidity: Below 90 % for ideal measurements
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F:50
413 CODE
1 2 3 4 5
AM 88:88 88:88.
8.8.8 CODE
M E M
S E C
1
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1 3
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5
2 3 4 5

Setting up the instrument
3Operation

Setting up the instrument
Insert the four supplied batteries into the instrument (AAA).
Insertion of batteries
When?
Before first use or when the LOW BATTERY sign
is shown in the display.
How?
1 . Remove the lid of the battery compartment on the back of the instrument
by pressing carefully in the indicated direction.
2 . Insert the batteries into the compartment, heeding the + and – pole signs.
3 . Close the battery compartment.
Important
When the LOW BATTERY sign first appears, approximately 20
measurements can still be performed. Afterwards the instrument
cannot be switched on.
After screen shutdown, data will be safe for at least two minutes.
To avoid losing stored data, replace batteries immediately.
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Setting the time and date
When?
1 . With a new instrument.
2 . With the change of summer/winter time.
3 . Check after replacement of batteries.
How?
1 . Switch off instrument.
2 . Press the MEM button and simultaneously press the ON/OFF key.
The time and date display blinks after 2 seconds.
3 . To select the international or American date press the START button.
4 . Press the TEST button to access hour, minute, day, and month.
5 . Press the START button to adjust the time (hour, minute) and the date
( d a y, month).
6 . The clock is then activated by pressing the MEM or ON/OFF key.
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12:55
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PM 12:55
07:12
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Merck RQflex 10
RQflex 10 uniquely combines the simplicity of test strips and test kits
with the accuracy of instrumental mobile on-site analysis.
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Coding
4Coding

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Coding
When?
1 . With a new instrument.
2. With a new batch of Reflectoquant® strips.
3 . When overwriting an existing method.
4 . When loading a new method (test).
How?
1 . Remove the specific bar-code strip from the Reflectoquant® pack.
Certain tests require two bar-code strips.
2 . Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button and open the lid.
The display of F:50 indicates that all 50 memory slots are available.
3 . Press the TEST button until the arrow points to the corresponding method
where you wish to store the new code.
4 . Insert the bar-code strip along the bar-code reader in one uninterrupted
movement from left to right (indicated direction) as far as it will go.
Then remove it.
5 . The coding process is successfully finished when the left-hand three digits of
the batch number are displayed. In addition a beeper sounds. The small arrow
in the display indicates the memory place (1– 5) where the test data are stored.
6 . Repeat this procedure until the beeper sounds. Entry is now complete.
7 . Return the bar-code strip to the Reflectoquant® pack. (Keep it safe, but do
not put the bar-code strip into the aluminium tube!)
Important
Overwriting a method
•A coded (memorized) method is overwritten when a new bar code is scanned in.
• All measurement data stored for a given method is lost when it is overwritten.
• The blinking MEM in the display indicates that measurement data are stored.
If these data are still required they must be recorded separately by pressing
the MEM button (see data handling).
Methods that require two bar-code strips
• After scanning in the first bar-code strip, methods needing two bar-code
strips show the three-digit reference number and the symbol --- in the
display alternately.
• As soon as the second bar code has been scanned in (the sequence is of
no importance) only the batch reference number is shown.
F:50
---
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F:50
352 CODE
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Measurement
5Measurement

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Measurement
There are four distinct measurement pro-
cedures, A, B, C, D. The four procedures are
very similar and differ only in the first steps.
Each measurement procedure is test-spe-
cific. The procedure cannot be selected by
the user, but instead is transferred to the
instrument via the bar code. All steps
involved to obtain the result are displayed
on the screen by different symbols. Please
also refer to the respective Reflectoquant®
package insert.
Procedure A
In this procedure, only the reaction time of the Reflectoquant® strip has to be
considered.
How?
1 . Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button.
2 . Press the TEST button until the pointer indicates the desired method.
3 . Compare the first three digits of the batch
number of the Reflectoquant® pack. This
reference number must be the same as the
one displayed (if not, see Coding).
4 . Press the START button. The test-specific
reaction time is shown (seconds).
5 . Immerse the strip into your sample as
described in the Reflectoquant® instruction
leaflet and at the same time press the
S TART button (A). Allow excess liquid to run
off via the long edge of the strip onto an
absorbent paper towel. The stopwatch
function of the instrument is now activa-
ted. The remaining reaction time is shown
as it counts down (B).
6 . Five seconds before the end of the reaction
time the beeper sounds and the blinking strip
symbol is displayed. Now insert the strip
all the way into the measurement chamber.
7 . The measurement result is shown in the
display in the units for the respective test,
e.g. (mg/l), and is automatically stored in
s e q u e n c e .
F:50
352 C O DE
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60 S E C
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60 S E C
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43 S E C
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5S T A R TM E M
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5A
5B
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Procedure B
Besides the reaction time of the Reflectoquant® strips this procedure also
considers the reaction times of auxiliary reagents.
Procedure B is indicated by the watch symbol.
How?
1 . Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button.
2 . Press the TEST button until the pointer indicates the desired method.
3 . Compare the first three digits of the batch number of the Reflectoquant®
pack. This reference number must be the same as the one displayed
(if not, see Coding).
4 . Press the START button. The reaction time of the auxiliary reagent appears
in the display, e.g. 120 sec (A). Proceed as described in the respective
Reflectoquant® package insert. Press the START button again to activate the
stopwatch function (B). When the reaction time of the auxiliary reagent
has expired, a strip symbol appears in the display and the reaction time of
the strip, e.g. 60 sec., is shown (C).
5 . Immerse the strip into your sample as described in the Reflectoquant®
instruction leaflet and at the same time press the START button (A).
Allow excess liquid to run off via the long edge of the strip onto an absor-
bent paper towel. The stopwatch function of the instrument is now activated.
The remaining reaction time is shown as it counts down (B).
F:50
263 CODE
S T A R TM E M
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120 S E C
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120 S E C
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60 S E C
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60 S E C
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4A
4B
4C
5A
5B
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6 . Five seconds before the end of the reaction time the beeper sounds and the
blinking strip symbol is displayed. Now insert the strip all the way into the
measurement chamber.
7 . The measurement result is shown in the display in the units for the respective
test, e.g. mg/l, and is automatically stored in sequence.
Procedure C
With this procedure the instrument is calibrated by means of an unused
Reflectoquant® strip.
How?
1 . Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button.
2 . Press the TEST button until the pointer indicates the desired method.
3 . Compare the first three digits of the batch number of the Reflectoquant®
pack. This reference number must be the same as the one displayed
(if not, see Coding). The blank square symbol prompts you to insert a
dry unused Reflectoquant® strip.
4 . Press the START button. The instrument is now calibrated. For measurement
follow the respective procedure A or B.
F:50
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S T A R T
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T E S T
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S T A R T
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1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
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C O D E
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73 S T A R TM E M
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Procedure D
This procedure is used to calibrate the instrument by means of an already
used Reflectoquant® strip.
How?
1 . Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button.
2 . Press the TEST button until the pointer indicates the desired method.
3 . Compare the first three digits of the batch number of the Reflectoquant®
pack. This reference number must be the same as the one displayed
(if not, see Coding).
4 . Press the START button. The test-specific reaction time is shown (seconds).
5. Immerse the strip into your sample as described in the Reflectoquant®
package insert and at the same time press the START button. Allow excess
liquid to run off via the long edge of the strip onto an absorbent paper towel.
6. The stopwatch function of the instrument is now activated. The remaining
reaction time is shown as it counts down.
7 . Five seconds before the end of the reaction time the beeper sounds and
the blinking strip symbol is displayed. Now insert the first strip all the way
into the measurement chamber.
8 . Two alternately blinking strip symbols in
the display prompt you to remove the
first strip and to insert the second strip
into the measurement chamber.
9 . After inserting the second strip press the
S TART button anew. The measurement
result is shown on the display in the units
for the respective test, e.g. mg/l, and is
automatically stored in sequence.
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60 S E C
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43 S E C
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S E C
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60 S E C
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Important
Interrupting the measurement procedure (menu guidance)
When?
1 . To repeat a measurement e.g. when the strip was inserted incorrectly
or too late.
2 . For serial measurements.
How?
Once the first measurement has been completed, a further measurement
can be carried out simply by pressing the START button. In the case of
procedure D the START button has to be pressed twice in brief succession.
In all these cases the instrument makes the measurements immediately.
The result is displayed and stored automatically.
Remarks regarding serial measurements
If you wish to measure e.g. several nitrate samples, it is advisable to follow
the procedure below. For repeat serial measurement the countdown function
is not available and an additional stopwatch is needed.
1 . Run the standard measurement (Procedure A) once.
2 . Immerse separate Reflectoquant® strips into your sample at 15-second
intervals. Shake off any excess liquid and allow each strip to react outside
the instrument.
3 . After completion of the reaction time (60 seconds) insert each strip into
the instrument. Press the START button to perform the measurement
(i.e. a strip is inserted and measured every 15 seconds).
Warning
The reaction times of the strips must be monitored precisely. Differences
from the default value may cause (false-low) errors in the result due
to changes in strip colour with time.
To save batteries the instrument switches off after 2 minutes if no key is
pressed within this time period.
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