Oakton pH 10 Series User manual

Operating Instructions
OAKTON®pH 10 series
pH/mV/°C Meter
Printed in Singapore 8/00 rev 1
pH • mV • °C Meter
HOLD MODE
ON
OFF
CAL
MEAS
°C
pH
MEAS pH
ATC
READY
pH 10 series
CON

Table of Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................Page 4
Getting started • Maintenance, troubleshooting
2. Display and keypad functions.................................................Page 5
3. Preparation...............................................................................Page 6
• Inserting the batteries • Connecting the electrode and
temperature probe • Attaching the electrode holder to the
meter • Inserting the electrode into the electrode holder
• Connecting the AC adapter
4. pH calibration...........................................................................Page 8
• 1-point pH calibration • 2- or 3-point pH calibration
5. pH measurement....................................................................Page 10
• Measurement with Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Measurement with Manual Temperature Compensation
6. mV measurement...................................................................Page 12
7. HOLD feature .........................................................................Page 13
8. Temperature calibration........................................................Page 14
• 1-point temperature calibration • Two point temperature
calibration
9. Electrode care and maintenance .........................................Page 17
• Storage • After measuring • To reuse the electrode
Electrode cleaning • Reactivating the electrode
10. Error messages.....................................................................Page 19
11. Troubleshooting....................................................................Page 20
12. Specifications........................................................................Page 20
13. Accessories...........................................................................Page 21
14. Warranty ................................................................................Page 22
15. Return of items......................................................................Page 22
Page 3
Page 2

2. Display and Keypad functions
The water-resistant membrane
keypad makes the instrument easy
to use. Each button, when
pressed, has a corresponding
graphic indicator on the large liquid
crystal display. The LCD has a
primary and secondary display.
The primary display shows the
readings for pH and mV. The
secondary display shows the
temperature readings
simultaneously with the primary display. Both the primary and secondary
displays show special indicators such as error messages, measurement units,
and modes of operation.
Keypad functions (see Figure A).
ON/OFF Powers the unit on and shuts the unit off.
Meter directly enters measurement mode when you
turn it on.
HOLD Freezes the measured readings. To activate,
press HOLD while in pH or mV mode. To release,
press HOLD again.
MODE Selects the parameter of measurement. pH is
the default mode. Pressing MODE lets you scroll first to
temperature mode, then to mV mode, then back to pH
mode again.
NOTE: Temperature mode is used for temperature
calibration; temperature readings are always
displayed on the secondary display.
CAL/MEAS Enters CAL mode for the calibration
function. You can access CAL only in the pH or temperature modes. pH buffer
values are 4.01, 7.00, and 10.01. To end calibration and return to measurement
mode, press CAL/MEAS again. Press OFF to end all functions. To confirm
calibration, press the CON key.
▲Use to scroll up the buffer calibration values provided by the calibration
program. It will scroll one value up from the present calibration value displayed
on the LCD with each key press. When the highest calibration value is reached,
it will scroll around to the lowest value.
▼Similar to ▲, except with each key press, the value scrolls one step down.
CON Press CON to confirm the calibration point. “CON” will flash on the screen.
Page 5
1. Introduction
Thank you for selecting an OAKTON®meter. The OAKTON®pH 10 series
meters are economical, microprocessor-based meters that deliver high ±0.01 pH
accuracy. They also read millivolts for taking ORP measurements. The pH 10 has
many user-friendly features that are completely accessible through the water-
resistant membrane keypad.
Getting started (sections 1 to 8)
To perform the basic functions of this meter, read sections 1 through 8 of this
manual. These sections include basic instructions (about keypad functions,
connecting the electrodes, calibration, taking readings, etc.) that will get you up
and running quickly.
Maintenance, troubleshooting, etc (sections 9 to 15)
The remaining sections of the manual deal with electrode maintenance, error
messages, and troubleshooting. This part of the manual also includes the
Specifications, Accessories, Warranty, and Return of Items sections.
Page 4
HOLD MODE
ON
OFF
CAL
MEAS CON
A
mV
°C
pH
ATC
READY
MEAS
pH
CAL CON
mV
pH
Temp
HOLD
ERR

Page 7
3. Preparation
Inserting the batteries (included)
1. If the electrode cable is wound
around the the cable winder,
unwind it.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to
remove the two screws holding
the battery cover. See Figure B.
3. Lift meter stand to expose
battery cover.
4. Remove battery cover.
5. Insert batteries. Make sure
polarity is correct.
6. Replace the battery cover into
its original position using the
two screws removed earlier.
Place the meter stand in the
folded position.
Connecting the electrode and the
temperature probe
Meter accepts any pH, ORP or ISE
electrode with a BNC connector.
The temperature sensor connects to
the meter using a phono jack for the
temperature probe.
Connecting the pH electrode. Hook up
the electrode to the male BNC jack on the
top of the meter as shown in Figure C.
Make sure connector is clean and dry.
Temperature probe. The temperature
probe uses a phono jack to connect with the socket on the meter. Insert the
jack into socket as shown in Figure C. If you are using an OAKTON “All-In-One”
electrode, the temperature sensor is built in to the pH electrode and the one
electrode cable will have both a BNC connector for pH and a phono jack for
temperature.
Page 6
These 2 screws hold the
battery cover in place.
B
Meter
stand
BNC
connector phono
jack
C
Attaching the electrode holder to the meter
1. Place the electrode holder with the flange
facing the slot on the meter.
2. Gently slide the flange of the holder in the slot
(See Figure Dat left). Make sure holder is fixed
properly into the slot.
You can attach the electrode holder in different
positions, as shown in Figure E. This flexibility
facilitates one-hand operation.
Inserting electrode into the electrode holder
The meter includes one electrode holder. Make
sure to insert the electrode into the holder
gently, or the electrode may break.
1. Insert the electrode into the opening of the
holder until the top housing of the electrode
touches the top of the holder as shown in
Figure E. Do not force the electrode into the
opening.
NOTE: If you substitute the electrode, you
need to use an electrode with a 12 mm
diameter. Otherwise, the electrode may
not fit properly.
Connecting the AC adapter (not
included; order on page 21)
1. Insert the AC jack as shown in
Figure Fat right.
2. Switch off the meter before plugging
the adapter into the power source.
This safety precaution protects the
software in your meter.
3. Switch on the meter power.
F
E
D

Page 9
4. pH Calibration
This instrument is capable of up to 3-point calibration to ensure accuracy
across the entire range of the meter. You can perform 1-, 2,-, or 3-point
calibration with standard pH buffers 4.01, 7.00 and 10.01.
We recommend that you perform at least a 2-point calibration using standard
buffers that bracket (one above and one below) the expected sample range.
You can also perform a 1-point calibration, but make sure that the buffer value
is close to the sample value you are measuring.
All new calibrations will over-ride existing stored calibration data.
NOTE: Do not reuse solutions after calibration. Contaminants in the solution
can affect the calibration, and eventually the accuracy of the
measurements.
NOTE: Be sure to remove the protective rubber cap of the electrode before
measurement.
1. Select pH mode (automatic when meter is
switched on). See Figure G.
2. Rinse the electrode thoroughly with
deionized water or a rinse solution.
Do not wipe the electrode; this causes a
build-up of electrostatic charge on the
glass surface.
3. Dip the electrode into the sample. The
glass bulb of the electrode must be
completely immersed into the sample.
Stir the electrode gently to create a
homogeneous sample.
4. Press CAL/MEAS. The display will show
CAL—see Figure H. The primary display
will show the measured reading while the
smaller secondary display will indicate the
pH standard buffer solution.
NOTE: If using a buffer other than pH 7, press the ▼ or ▲keys to scroll up
or down until the secondary display value is the same as your pH
buffer value.
5. Wait for the measured pH value to stabilize. The READY indicator will
display when the reading stabilizes.
Page 8
°C
pH
MEAS pH
ATC
READY
G
pH
pH
pH
ATC
CAL
H
6. Press CON to confirm calibration. A
confirming indicator flashes for one second
and disappears. See Figure I. The meter is
now calibrated at the buffer indicated in the
primary display.
The secondary display automatically scrolls
to the next buffer calibration option. See
FIgure I. If you are performing a 1-point
calibration, go to step 8.
NOTE: The electrode and buffer icon blink
and the ERR annunciator lights up
if the selected buffer value is not
within ±0.50 pH from the
measured pH value. These
indicators also flash if the buffer
used is not the same as the buffer
value on the secondary display.
7. Press the ▼or ▲key to select the second buffer value you want to
calibrate. The buffer values are shown on the secondary display (pH 4.01,
7.00, and 10.01). See Figure J.
8. Follow steps 2 through 6 for additional calibration points (up to 3 values).
Do not press CAL/MEAS until all calibration is completed.
9. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
pH
pH
pH
ATC
READY CONCAL
I
pH
pH
pH
ATC
CONCAL
J

Page 11
5. pH Measurement
During measurement, you can hold the electrode in your hand or insert it in the
electrode holder for one-hand operation.
NOTE: Be sure to remove the protective rubber cap of the electrode before
measurement.
Measurement with automatic temperature compensation (ATC)
Automatic temperature compensation requires an OAKTON “All-in-One”
electrode or a separate temperature probe. The ATC indicator will appear on
the display to indicate ATC mode.
1. Rinse the electrode with deionized or distilled water. This will remove
impurities that have adhered to the electrode body. If the electrode has
dehydrated, soak it for 30 minutes in a 2M–4M KCl solution.
2. Turn the meter on. Make sure the meter is in the Measurement Mode
(MEAS indicator shows on the top center of the LCD). If the meter is not in
the measurement mode, press the CAL/MEAS
key until the MEAS indicator shows on the top
center of the display.
3. Dip the “All-in-One” electrode (or electrode
and temperature probe) into the sample. The
glass bulb of the electrode must be completely
immersed into the sample. Stir the electrode
gently to create a homogeneous sample.
See Figure K.
4. When the reading stabilizes, the READY
indicator will display. See Figure L.
The READY indicator appears on the top left
corner of the display when the reading is
stable within a range of ±0.01 pH (±0.8 mV <
400 mV; ±1.2 mV > 400 mV). The reading is
held until the variation of the reading exceeds
the specified range, and then the READY
display vanishes. Therefore, the READY
indicator assures you of stable readings.
Page 10
°C
pH
ATC
READY
MEAS
pH
L
Measurement with manual temperature compensation
These meters allow you to compensate for temperature effects even without a
temperature probe attached to the meter. However, you will need an external
thermometer to check the temperature of your sample.
1. Rinse the electrode with deionized or distilled water. This will remove
impurities that have adhered to the electrode body. If the electrode has
dehydrated, soak it for 30 minutes in a 2M–4M KCl solution.
2. Turn the meter on. Make sure the meter is in the Measurement Mode
(MEAS indicator shows on the top center of the LCD). If the meter is not in
the measurement mode, press the CAL/MEAS key until the MEAS indicator
shows on the top center of the display.
3. Dip the electrode into the sample. The glass bulb of the electrode must
be completely immersed into the sample. Stir the electrode gently to create
a homogeneous sample.
4. Check the temperature of your sample using an accurate thermometer.
5. Press the mode key until the TEMP
indicator appears at the bottom of the
display.
7. Press the CAL/MEAS key. The CAL
indicator appears at the top of the display.
See Figure M.
8. Press the ▲ or ▼key to adjust the
temperature on the lower display.
Scroll in the temperature value noted in
step 4.
9. Once you have selected the correct
temperature, press the CON key. A
confirming indicator (CON) flashes on the
display for one second, then disappears.
See Figure N.
10.When the reading stabilizes, the READY indicator will display.
The READY indicator appears on the top left corner of the display when the
reading is stable within a range of ±0.01 pH (±0.8 mV < 400 mV; ±1.2 mV > 400
mV). The reading is held until the variation of the reading exceeds the specified
range, and then the READY display vanishes. Therefore, the READY indicator
assures you of stable readings.
°C
Temp
pH
CAL
°C
pH
CONCAL
Temp
N
M
K

Page 13
Page 12
6. mV measurement
The pH 10 series meter allows you to read the absolute mV output of your pH,
ORP or Ion Selective Electrode (ISE). For ORP or ISE electrodes contact your
OAKTON distributor.
1. Connect your ORP or Ion Selective Electrode as shown in section 3
2Rinse the electrode with deionized or distilled water. This will remove
impurities that have adhered to the electrode body. If the electrode has
dehydrated, soak it for 30 minutes in a 2M–4M KCl solution.
3. Turn the meter on. Make sure the meter is in the Measurement Mode
(MEAS indicator shows on the top center of the LCD). If the meter is not in
the measurement mode, press the CAL/MEAS key until the MEAS indicator
shows on the top center of the display.
4. Press the MODE key until the mV
indicator appears in the lower right
corner of the display.
5. Dip the electrode into the sample.
The glass bulb of the electrode must be
completely immersed into the sample.
Stir the electrode gently to create a
homogeneous sample.
6. When the reading stabilizes, the READY indicator will display.
See Figure O.
NOTE: The pH 10 series meter does not have a relative mV mode. We have
other meters that can take relative mV readings—contact your
OAKTON distributor for information.
7. HOLD feature
This feature lets you freeze the value of
the pH or mV reading for a delayed
observation. HOLD can be used any
time when in MEAS mode.
1. To hold a measurement, press the
HOLD key while in measurement
mode. "HOLD" will appear on the
display. See Figure P.
2. To release the held value, press
HOLD again. Continue to take
measurements.
NOTE: This meter will hold a reading for
up to 20 minutes, because it
features automatic shutoff after
20 minutes to conserve batteries.
mV
°C
ATC
READY
MEAS
mV
°C
pH
ATC
READY
MEAS
pH
HOLD
O
P

Page 15
Page 14
8. Temperature calibration
1-point temperature calibration
1. Connect ATC probe (or temperature connector of the “All-in-One”
electrode) to the phone jack. The ATC annunciator will appear at the right-
hand side of the LCD.
2. Press the MODE key to select
temperature mode (Temp).
3. Press the CAL/MEAS key to enter
calibration mode. The primary display
shows the measured pH value and the
secondary display shows the
temperature. See Figure Q.
4. Dip the “All-in-One” electrode into a
solution of known temperature (i.e. a
temperature bath). Allow some time for
the temperature probe to stabilize.
5. Scroll up or down with the ▼and ▲
keys to set the correct temperature value
(i.e. the temperature of the temperature
bath). You can adjust the reading in
increments of 0.1°C. Note that the
current input reading can only vary ±5°C
from the reading originally displayed on
the meter.
6. Once you have selected the correct
temperature, press the CON key. A
confirming indicator (CON) flashes on the
display for one second, then disappears.
See Figure R.
7. Press the CAL/MEAS key to return to
pH measurement mode.
See Figure S.
2-point temperature calibration
In most cases 1-point temperature calibration will give you accurate
temperature measurement and compensation. If you notice inaccurate
measurements at high or low temperatures after 1-point calibration, perform the
following procedure.
A. Preparing Temperature Baths
1. Prepare two temperature baths for temperature calibration.
2. Set the temperature of the baths. Using a good reference thermometer,
preferably certified, set one bath at 0°C ±3.0°C and the second bath at 77-
80°C .
NOTE: Make sure to set the baths within the pH electrode operating
temperature. For the epoxy-body All-in-One probe (included with meter),
do not set the high temperature bath above 80°C. If you are using a
glass-body All-in-One electrode or a separate electrode and metal ATC
probe, set bath to 90.0°C ±3.0°C.
B. Entering 2-point Calibration Mode
1. Attach the temperature probe or electrode to the meter.
2. Turn the meter off.
3. Press the CAL/MEAS key.
4. Without releasing the CAL/MEAS key, press the ON/OFF key.
5. When the LCD lights up, release the ON/OFF key.
6. Wait for 2 seconds, then release the
CAL/MEAS key. The upper display
will show "EPH.3" or "EPH.4"
(depending on the software version
number). The meter is now in 2-point
Calibration Mode. See Figure T.
7. Press the CON key three times to
enter temperature low point calibration.
°C
Temp
pH
ATC
CAL
°C
Temp
pH
ATC
CONCAL
°C
pH
ATC
READY
MEAS
pH
Q
R
S
Temp
T

Page 16
C. Temperature Low Point Calibration
The primary display will show "0.0" and
the secondary display will show "r2.0".
See Figure U.
1. Insert the temperature sensor or
electrode with built-in temperature
sensor into the low temperature bath.
2. Press the ▼and ▲keys to set the
primary display temperature to
match the low temperature bath’s
temperature.
3. Press the CON key to store the selected value. The display will show the
A/D value for the temperature. This value appears as a number on the
display.
4. Press the CON key to store the A/D value when the number stabilizes.
D. Temperature High Point Calibration
The primary display will show "100.0"
and secondary display will show "r2.1".
See Figure V.
1. Insert the temperature sensor or
electrode with built-in temperature
sensor into the high temperature bath.
NOTE: To avoid breaking the electrode
with temperature shock, allow your electrode to reach room temperature
before putting it in a high temperature bath.
2. Press the ▼and ▲keys to set the primary display temperature to match the
high temperature bath’s temperature.
3. Press the CON key to store the selected value. The display will show the
A/D value for the temperature. This value appears as a number on the
display.
4. Press the CON key to store the A/D value when the number stabilizes..
The meter displays all LCD segments.
5. Press the ON/OFF key to switch off the meter.
9. Electrode care and maintenance
Because your pH electrode is susceptible to dirt and contamination, clean it
every one to three months depending on the extent and condition of use.
Storage
For best results, keep the pH bulb wet. Store the pH bulb in the protective
rubber cap filled with electrode storage solution. Or, you can store the
electrode in a pH 4 buffer with 1/100 part of saturated KCl. Other pH buffers
are also suitable for storage, but NEVER use distilled water.
After measuring
1. Rinse the electrode and reference junction in deionized water,
2. Store the electrode as recommended above in “Storage,” or as
recommended by the manufacturer.
To reuse the electrode
Rinse the liquid junction with deionized water and tap dry (never wipe dry).
NOTE: If this does not restore the electrode to normal response, see
“Reactivating the electrode” below.
Electrode cleaning
Salt deposit: dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in tap water for
ten to fifteen minutes. Then thoroughly rinse with distilled water.
Oil/grease film: wash electrode pH bulb gently in some detergent and water.
Rinse electrode tip with distilled water.
Clogged reference junction: heat a diluted KCl solution to 60-80°C. Place the
sensing part of the electrode into the heated solution for about 10 minutes.
Allow the electrode to cool in some unheated KCl solution.
Protein deposits: prepare a 1% pepsin solution in 0.1M of HCl. Set the
electrode in the solution for five to ten minutes. Rinse the electrode with
distilled water.
Reactivating the electrode
If stored and cleaned properly, your pH electrode should be ready for
immediate use. Sluggish response, however, might be caused by a dehydrated
bulb. Immerse the electrode in a pH 4 buffer solution for 10 to 30 minutes to
rehydrate the bulb. If this fails, the electrode requires reactivation.
Never touch or rub the glass bulb. Contact builds up an electrostatic charge.
Page 17
CAL
Temp
mV
CAL
Temp
U
V

Electrode Reactivation: For glass bodied electrodes only!
WARNING: This procedure should only be attempted by qualified persons
proficient with the safe handling of dangerous chemicals. Provide
proper containers, fume hoods, ventilation, and waste disposal.
Safety goggles and protective clothing must be worn while
performing this procedure. If possible, replace the electrode
instead of performing this reactivation procedure.
1. Dip or stir the electrode in freon or alcohol for 5 minutes.
2. Leave the electrode in tap water for 15 minutes.
3. Dip and stir the electrode in concentrated acid (such as HCl or H2S04) for
five minutes.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Dip and stir in strong base (NaOH) for five minutes.
6. Leave for 15 minutes in distilled or de-ionized water.
7. Now test with standard calibration buffer solutions to see if the electrode
yields acceptable results.
You may repeat steps 3 through 7 up to three times. If electrode response does
not improve, then your electrode is no longer functioning. Replace with a new
electrode. Call your OAKTON distributor for more information.
Page 18
10. Error messages
LCD Indicates Cause Solution
Display
Release key. Select
ERR Wrong keypad Wrong input in valid operations
annunciator input selected mode depending on mode.
Check if right buffer
Electrode selected. Key in
and buffer icon Wrong buffer used correct buffer value
blink, ERR Calibration error during calibration or use fresh buffer
Annunciator solution.
is ON.
Bad electrode Change electrode
Replace batteries
Battery Icon Low battery Battery power with a fresh set as
is lit up is low soon as possible.
”Or” or "ur" in Temperature Faulty ATC Replace “All-in
secondary error element One” or ATC probe
display Turn meter off and
Err 1 in Memory write error Hardware failure then on. Return if
primary display necessary. *
Memory Turn meter off and
Err 2 in Checksum Hardware failure then on. Return
primary display error if necessary. *
Turn meter off and
Err 3 in ADC error Hardware failure then on. Return if
primary display necessary. *
Turn meter off and
Err 4 in Keypad error Fault in keypad then on. Return
primary display if necessary. *
See "Return of Items", page 22.
Page 19
mV
°C
pH
ATC
READY
MEAS
pH
CAL CON
mV
pH
Temp
HOLD
ERR
Primary
display
Secondary
display
Battery icon
Electrode icon
Buffer icon
ERR
annunciator