NDT James Instruments Chlorimeter C-CL-3000 User manual

Contents
C-CL-3000
Chlorimeter™
Operator’s Manual
Original Instructions: Revision June 2021

Notice
The Chlorimeter™ has been tested in accordance with the EU regulations
governing Electro-Magnetic compliance and it meets required directives.
Chlorimeter™ is a registered trademark of James® Instruments Inc. and is
property of its respective owner.
© 2021 James® Instruments Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, mechanical, electronic,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of
James® Instruments.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information
contained herein. Moreover, because James® Instruments is constantly
striving to improve its high-quality products, the information contained in
this manual is subject to change without notice. Every precaution has been
taken in the preparation of this manual. Nevertheless, James® Instruments
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability
assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
in this publication.
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Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Instrument Contents List 6
Contents List 7
Chlorimeter™ Overview 8
Instrument Functions 9
Obtaining a Concrete Sample 10
Tips for Successful Chloride Testing 12
Preparation of Electrode for Calibration 13
Calibration 14
Measurement 17
Maintenance 18
General Maintenance 18
Electrode Disassembly and Cleaning 19
Electrode Storage 19
Safety 20
Specifications 21
Warranty Information 22
Repair Policy 27
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Safety
We: James® Instruments Inc.
Of: Chicago, IL
In accordance with the following Directive(s):
2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive
hereby declare that:
Equipment Chlorimeter™
Model Number C-CL-3000
is in conformity with the applicable requirements of the following
documents
Ref. No. Title Edition/date
EN 61000-6-3 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Generic 2007
standards. Emission standard for residential,
commercial and light-industrial environments.
EN 61000-6-2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 1999
Part 6-2: Generic Standards—Immunity
for Industrial Environments.
I hereby declare that the equipment named above has been designed to
comply with the relevant sections of the above referenced specifications.
The unit complies with all applicable Essential Requirements of the
Directives.
Signed:
Name: Michael Hoag
Position: President, James® Instruments, Inc.
Location: Chicago, IL
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Maintenance
On: 8/1/2018
Introduction
The CL Test System offers a fast, accurate and in-place (in-situ)
determination of the total content (or more precisely the acid
soluble content) of chlorides contained in concrete.
The test is easy to perform and requires only the test equipment
contained entirely in a small briefcase.
Using a masonry drill bit, concrete is pulverized at the required
sample depth and collected in the dustpan provided. An accurately
weighed 3 gram sample is dissolved in 20 ml of extraction liquid;
consisting of a precisely measured acid concentration. The
chloride ions in the sample then react with the acid in the digestive
solution; in an electrochemical reaction.
An electrode, with an integral temperature sensor, is inserted into
the liquid solution and the electrochemical reaction is measured.
This uniquely designed instrument then converts the voltage
generated by the chloride concentration, and automatically applies
a temperature correction factor. The percentage of chloride by
weight of the 3g sample (or the lbs. of chloride per cubic yard); can
then be viewed on the LCD display. The CL unit displays the Free
CL Ions in an acid solution.
When performed on-site, the test provides immediate and direct
information regarding the chloride content in critical locations prior
to surface repair.
In the laboratory, the test may be used to measure the chloride
content of materials. These materials must first be pulverized to a
consistency (or fineness) equal to that of concrete powder; as
obtained with a masonry drill. The CL-3000 test is designed to
correlate to a water soluble titration method.
(Note: This test may also be used on fresh concrete mix.)
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Safety
Instrument Contents List
Each James® Instruments Chlorimeter™ comes with the following
items included in the carrying case.
Figure 1: Chlorimeter™ Contents
+
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Maintenance
Contents List
Item
#
Description
1
Carrying Case.
2
Chlorimeter™ Test Unit.
3
Software Disk and USB Cable.
4
Calibration Certificate.
5
Instruction Manual.
6
Distilled Water with Spray Cap.
7
Electrode Wetting Agent.
8
Digital Scale.
9
3/8” Drill Bit.
10
3/4” Drill Bit.
11
Sampling Pan.
12
Clamping Pliers
13
Blower.
14
7/16” Combo Wrench.
15
Anchor Set Tool.
16
Chloride Electrode with Polish Strip.
17
20 Anchors with 4 Nuts and Bolts.
18
AA Batteries.
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Safety
Chlorimeter™ Overview
The following is an overview of all of the external features of the
Chlorimeter™.
Figure 2: Chlorimeter™ Overview
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Maintenance
Instrument Functions
Item
#
Description
1
On-Off Power Button.
2
Escape Button.
3
Enter Button.
4
Up / Plus Arrow Button.
5
Down / Minus Arrow Button.
6
DC Input Jack.
7
Electrode Connector (BNC).
8
Temperature Input Jack.
9
USB Port.
10
LCD Display.
11
Battery Compartment (on back).
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Safety
Obtaining a Concrete Sample
Locate the position and depth of any reinforcement bars using a
James® Rebar Locator. When drilling for a concrete sample,
attention should be paid to avoid the reinforcement bars found. With
the clamping pliers (fig.4), mark the surface location for the
bolt-hole in the pliers’ base and remove. Using the 3/8 inch
masonry bit supplied, insert it into a masonry drill and drill a hole
1_1/16” (or 1.0625”) deep at the marked location (fig. 3-1). Place a
drop-in anchor and tap the anchor flush to the surface (fig. 3-2).
Expand and secure anchor using the set tool supplied (fig. 3-3).
Place the clamping pliers back in the desired position. Prepare a
clamp bolt, using a hex nut and washer, and insert this through the
pliers down into the anchor (fig.4). Drive the bolt completely into the
anchor using the supplied wrench. The clamping pliers are set in
place by tightening the hex nut.
Set the dust collecting pan in the test area and clamp it down in
place. Now, using the larger 3/4 inch masonry bit, drill down to the
required depth and collect the concrete dust. (Note: Friction from
drilling will remove excessive water from the concrete dust. This
dust should immediately be protected, and placed in plastic bags.)
Figure 3: Anchor Setup
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Maintenance
It is advisable to select at least three test locations, and drill ¼ inch
down for a concrete sample. This will produce approximately 20
grams of dust, which is a common sample size.
To produce a chloride profile through a concrete slab, it is advisable
to drill at three different levels. For example, near the top surface,
close to the rebar position and 1.5 inches below the reinforcement
bars. Then, mix the dust samples on a flat clean surface, and
quarter carefully to ensure the sample’s homogeneity. Weigh two
separate 3 gram samples, using the digital scale provided in the kit.
Keep one sample in a sealed plastic bag marked with the test
location, and the other sample to be used for the chloride field test.
Add the 3g field test sample to one of the 12 plastic jars containing
20 ml of chloride extraction liquid. (Warning: Add the dust sample
SLOWLY into the liquid, and in stages to avoid excessive fizzing
from the limestone present in concrete.)
When testing several locations by this method, be careful to avoid
cross-contamination of the samples taken.
Figure 4: Clamping Pliers
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Safety
Tips for Successful Chloride Testing
Exert only moderate pressure on the drill when drilling for the
sample dust. This keeps the dust particles fine, and ensures they
will dissolve easily in the extraction liquid.
Do not test wet dust, or the water weight will be included in the CL
calculations. If the dust collected is wet, it should be dried prior to
proceeding. One way of doing this is to place it on blotting paper.
When collecting dust samples at different depths, be sure the drill
bit is perpendicular to the surface. This will ensure the dust comes
from the bottom of the drilled hole, and not from the sides of the
hole.
Avoid drilling only one hole when collecting a dust sample. The
reason being, you may drill through a coarse aggregate particle,
and the test sample will not be representative of the test area.
Instead, drill three holes about four inches apart, and mix the
collected dust samples together; creating a homogeneous mix.
Upon adding the dust sample to the extraction liquid jars, close the
container and shake vigorously for about 1 minute. Stop. Wait
several minutes for the solution to stabilize. Carefully open the
cover, and release any built-up pressure. Again wait 2-3 minutes
before inserting the CL electrode.
Inspect the electrode tip for scratches and etching. If seen, use the
polishing paper to remove them. (See p.18, in Maintenance section)
If the tip is OK, lower the electrode gently into the test bottle(s).
Keep the electrode tilted, and avoid touching the concrete dust
particles at the bottom. This will prevent scratching the tip.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended users wait until
the readings in the sample bottles stabilize. This is because James®
uses a mild acid solution, and it may take a short time for the
chlorides in the sample to completely dissolve. The CL unit then
displays the Free CL Ions in the mild acidic solution; as a
percentage of weight (of the 3g sample).
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Maintenance
Note: Although the electrode can be used at temperatures ranging
from 0 – 60 deg. C, when used at temperatures substantially
different than room temperature (or ~ 72 deg. F / 22 deg. C), the
user should allow for an equilibrium time period. At the extremes of
this temperature range, a time frame of one hour is recommended.
Also, if temperature changes occur between the test unit and the
electrode, the system should be recalibrated before use.
Preparation of Electrode for Calibration
The CL Electrode is shipped without filling solution in the reference
chamber. To fill this chamber, use the bottle marked “Electrode
Wetting Agent” (aka Filling Solution), and proceed as follows:
1. Add the Wetting Agent to a plastic syringe, or if possible, use
the flip spout on the wetting agent bottle.
2. Insert the syringe (or flip spout) into the Fill Hole on the outer
sleeve (see p.18, fig. 5), and add a small amount of Wetting
Agent in the reference chamber.
3. Holding the electrode at an angle with one hand, push down
the top White cap, and allow the wetting agent to wet the
cone-shaped tip. (Note:The tip must be wet with “Wetting
Agent” before using.) The black (rubber) cap should be
removed to allow for sufficient travel of the cone-shaped tip.
The user may need to slightly un-screwed the White cap to
allow for movement. Although, during testing, the white cap
should be screwed down; finger tight is good.
4. After wetting the tip, release the White cap, and the cone tip
should quickly return to its original “closed” position.
5. Now, fill the reference chamber with Wetting Agent up to the
Fill Hole location. (To ensure a proper flow rate, and avoid
erratic electrode potentials; this level should be maintained
throughout the testing process.)
(Do not substitute Distilled Water for the Wetting Agent. If this is
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Safety
done, the display readings will all be negative numbers.)
Calibration
Upon Power Up the meter will display the main menu:
MEASURE
Use the (plus arrow) or (minus arrow) buttons to
navigate to the CALIBRATE menu screen.
Press (enter) to select.
Meter will now display: 0.005% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Remove Black Cover Cap and place the probe filled with the
electrode wetting agent in the 0.005% solution. Wait until the mV
value (xxx.x in above diagram) is stable and OK appears in lower
right corner of the display.
Press (enter)
Meter will now display: Saving Value
Then: 0.01% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Rinse the probe in distilled water and thoroughly blot dry. Now
place the probe filled with the electrode wetting agent in the 0.01%
solution. Wait until the mV value (xxx.x in above diagram) is stable
and OK appears in lower right corner of the display.
Press (enter)
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Maintenance
Meter will now display Saving Value
Then: 0.05% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Rinse the probe in distilled water and thoroughly blot dry. Place the
probe filled with electrode wetting agent in the 0.05% solution. Wait
until mV value (xxx.x in above diagram) is stable and the same as
above.
Press (enter)
Meter will now display: Saving Value
Then: 0.1% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Rinse the probe in distilled water and thoroughly blot dry. Place the
probe filled with electrode wetting agent in the 0.1% solution. Wait
until mV value (xxx.x in above diagram) is stable.
Press (enter)
Meter will now display: Saving Value
Then: 0.3% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Rinse the probe in distilled water and thoroughly blot dry. Place the
probe filled with electrode wetting agent in the 0.3% solution. Wait
until mV value (xxx.x in above diagram) is stable.
Press (enter)
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Safety
Meter will now display: Saving Value
Then: 0.005% Solution
xxx.x mV NOTOK
Finally press (escape)
Your meter is now properly calibrated and ready for operation.
Note: If at any time, during the calibration procedure an error was
made, use the following…
Press the (plus arrow) or (minus arrow) to repeat a
solution procedure.
Also, pressing the (escape) key at any time, will return you
to the main menu.
Note: This Calibration procedure should be performed prior to any
actual measurements, and should be repeated after every two
hours of testing.
Also, over time, the calibration liquids may become contaminated or
weakened; especially the lower concentrations. This can affect the
unit’s calibration. To avoid this, follow the rinsing and blotting
procedures above, and/or discard the calibration liquid –
recommended after about 12 calibration tests.
Contact James® Instruments for replacement Calibration solutions
(C-CL-2012 or C-CL-2096).
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Maintenance
Measurement
Upon Power Up the meter will display the main menu:
MEASURE
Press the (enter key)
The CL-3000 will now display your chosen : Units
% Lb/cu. yd. Or % Cl
The meter will now display: zz.z deg. C
y.yyy ( Cl or lb./yd.3)
Where zz.z is the temperature display, and y.yyy is the value of the
chloride ion content expressed in either percentage by weight or
lbs. per cubic yard.
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Safety
Maintenance
General Maintenance
● A ‘Low battery’ indication on the display indicates a battery
change is needed. Replace batteries with two fresh “AA”
size batteries.
● To remove scratches from electrode tip, cut off a 1 inch
length of polishing strip. Hold the electrode with the
membrane facing upwards and place a few drops of
distilled water on the membrane surface. Lightly press the
strip on the membrane with the abrasive side facing
downward and rotate the electrode for about 30 seconds.
Rinse and soak in distilled water for about two minutes
before use.
Figure 5: Electrode Overview
Note: The electrode tip may suffer etching if stored for a long period
of time in the extraction liquid bottles. To avoid etching, clean the
electrode tip carefully with distilled water, or place it in a container
of distilled water when not in use.
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Maintenance
Electrode Disassembly and Cleaning
Disassembly of the electrode is not normally required. Yet, if the
area between the electrode sleeve and the inner electrode tip has
become clogged with sample or impurity buildup, the interior
reference chamber should be cleaned out and flushed with distilled
water.
If a more detailed cleaning is required, the electrode can be
disassembled using the following steps:
1. Hold the electrode body above a disposable container and
push down on the top white cap. This will drain the electrode
reference chamber of filling solution from the bottom.
2. Completely unscrew the white cap (CCW), and slide it up
along the test cable.
3. Now firmly hold the outer sleeve of the electrode and push
down on the (threaded) cable end to remove the inner electrode
from the outer sleeve.
4. When possible, grab the electrode’s cone-shaped tip, and
slowly pull out completely. (Note: Do not touch the inner wire, as
this may cause damage to it.) Rinse off all body parts of the
electrode with distilled water, and allow to air dry.
5. Reassemble electrode for storage or before using again.
(Refer to Figure 5)
Electrode Storage
For short periods, like 2 – 3 days, store the electrode (without the
Black Cap) with the tip submerged in a cup of distilled water. For
longer storage periods, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the
electrode to prevent any impurity buildup. (Follow procedure above)
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Safety
Safety
The Chlorimeter™ is a relatively safe product with minimal risk, but
the operator should be aware of the potential chemical hazards
listed below:
● Some of the included chemicals are poisonous, and should
not be ingested at any time. (i.e. the extraction liquid)
● In case of accidental eye or skin contact with the
chemicals, the user should immediately rinse or wash off
with water. Continue to wash with water if an itching or
burning sensation is felt.
● The chemicals included will stain both concrete and
clothing.
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