pyroscience FireStingO2 User manual

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FireStingO2
FIBER-OPTIC OXYGEN &TEMPERATURE METER
USER MANUAL

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Document Version 3.081
Refers to Pyro Oxygen Logger Software version >3.3
The FireStingO2 is manufactured by
PyroScience GmbH
Hubertusstr. 35
52064 Aachen
Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]
Internet www.pyroscience.com
Registered: Aachen HRB 17329, Germany

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TABLE OF CONTENT
1OVERVIEW ..............................................................................5
2SAFETY GUIDELINES...............................................................7
3INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRESTING METER...........................10
4SOFTWARE INSTALLATION...................................................12
5OPTICAL OXYGEN & TEMPERATURE SENSORS .....................13
5.1 OVERVIEW OF SENSOR TYPES .................................................... 13
5.2 CONNECTING THE SENSORS....................................................... 14
5.3CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SENSORS........................... 15
6THE SOFTWARE "PYRO OXYGEN LOGGER" ........................... 17
6.1 FIRESTING SETTINGS ................................................................ 18
6.1.1 Channel Tab: Optical Oxygen Sensors ................................ 19
6.1.2 Channel Tab: Optical Temperature Sensors ........................ 24
6.1.3 Temperature Tab ............................................................... 24
6.1.4 Options Tab....................................................................... 26
6.2 MAIN WINDOW........................................................................ 28
6.2.1 Chart Recorder .................................................................. 29
6.2.2 Warnings........................................................................... 32
6.2.3 Measurement and Logging................................................. 33
6.2.4 Raw Data Window..............................................................37
6.3 OVERVIEW PANEL ....................................................................40
6.4 DATA FILE PANEL..................................................................... 41
7SENSOR CALIBRATION .........................................................42
7.1 OPTICAL OXYGEN SENSOR CALIBRATION..................................... 43
7.1.1 Calibration Mode: Factory .................................................. 45
7.1.2 Calibration Mode: 1-Point in Ambient Air ............................ 46
7.1.3 Calibration Mode: 1-Point in Water or Humid Air ................. 49
7.1.4 Calibration Mode: 2-Point in Ambient Air............................ 51
7.1.5 Calibration Mode: 2-Point in Water or Humid Air................. 55
7.1.6 Calibration Mode: Custom Mode ........................................ 59
7.2 OPTICAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR CALIBRATION ............................ 65

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8OXYGEN CALIBRATION STANDARDS ....................................68
8.1 THE AIR CALIBRATION STANDARD ..............................................68
8.1.1 Ambient Air ....................................................................... 70
8.1.2 Water-Vapor Saturated Air .................................................71
8.1.3 Air Saturated Water............................................................71
8.2 THE 0% OXYGEN STANDARD..................................................... 72
8.2.1 Water Mixed with a Strong Reductant ................................ 72
8.2.2 Water Flushed with Nitrogen Gas........................................73
8.2.3 Nitrogen Gas ......................................................................73
9CALIBRATION OF CONTACTLESS SENSORS ..........................74
9.1 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE......................................................... 74
9.2 MANUAL BACKGROUND COMPENSATION .................................... 75
10 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT............................................ 77
10.1 EXTERNAL (PT100) TEMPERATURE SENSORS................................77
10.2 INTERNAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR ...............................................77
10.3 OPTICAL TEMPERATURE SENSORS .............................................. 78
10.4 AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION................................ 78
11 ANALOG OUTPUT AND AUTO-MODE ....................................81
11.1 ANALOG OUTPUT .................................................................... 81
11.2 AUTO-MODE...........................................................................84
11.3 ADVANCED AUTO-MODE ..........................................................86
12 APPENDIX............................................................................ 88
12.1 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FIRESTINGO2.........................................88
12.2 EXTENSION PORT X1 ................................................................90
12.2.1 Connector X1 (Power, Digital Interface, Analog In).......... 90
12.2.2 Connector X2 (Analog Output) ....................................... 95
12.3 TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................96
12.4 OXYGEN MEASURING PRINCIPLE ................................................ 97
12.5 OPERATING SEVERAL FIRESTINGO2 IN PARALLEL...........................99
12.6 DEFINITION OF OXYGEN UNITS................................................. 100
12.7 TABLE OF OXYGEN SOLUBILITY ................................................ 102
12.8 EXPLANATION OF THE SENSOR CODE ........................................ 104

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1Overview
The compact USB-powered fiber-optic meter FireStingO2 with 1,
2, or 4 channels unifies several innovative technological
improvements making it the new standard of oxygen sensing with
fiber-optical oxygen sensors (optodes). The FireStingO2 utilizes a
measuring principle based on red light excitation and lifetime
detection in the near infrared using luminescent oxygen indicators
(REDFLASH technology, see Appendix 12.4). It is a multifunctional
oxygen meter working
•for oxygen measurements in water as well as in gas phases,
•with fiber-based sensors comprising several size classes
like microsensors, minisensors, or robust probes,
•with contactless sensors for oxygen and temperature like
sensor spots, flow-through cells or respiration vials, and
•with full range and trace oxygen sensors,
•with optical temperature minisensors.
The FireStingO2 has integrated atmospheric pressure and
humidity sensors for a precise and easy sensor calibration, but also
for automatic pressure compensation of the oxygen
measurements. Furthermore, the FireStingO2 offers 4 analog
outputs and a built-in temperature port for an external PT100
temperature probe for automatic temperature compensation of
the oxygen measurement. If independent temperature
compensation for all oxygen channels is needed, a USB-powered
temperature extension module TeX4 can be easily fixed below the
FireStingO2 meter with a smart docking mechanism. Or the new
optical temperature sensors can be connected to any channel of
the FireStingO2 meter. By placing the same sensor type for
oxygen and temperature into the sample, true temperature
compensation of the oxygen measurements can be achieved.

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The user-friendly Pyro Oxygen Logger software allows operation
of several FireStingO2 meters in parallel as a scalable multi-
channel system.
Along with the FireStingO2 we offer turnkey motorized setups for
measurements of depth-profiles in semi-solid environmental
samples and along micro-gradients at high temporal and spatial
resolution. And several customized OEM solutions are available for
application in industry and underwater.
More information concerning our products can be found at
www.pyroscience.com
or contact us at [e-mail].
Your PyroScience Team

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2Safety Guidelines
The FireStingO2 is a laboratory instrument to be used with fiber-
optic oxygen and temperature sensors (optodes) from
PyroScience. In order to guarantee an optimal performance of the
FireStingO2, please follow these operation instructions and safety
guidelines.
If any problems or damage evolve, disconnect the instrument
immediately, mark it to prevent any further use and consult
PyroScience for repair or maintenance service. The FireStingO2
should not be manipulated or opened by unauthorized persons,
only by PyroScience or persons advised directly from PyroScience.
Please note that opening the housing will void the warranty. There
are no serviceable parts inside the device.
The FireStingO2 and sensors should be kept and stored outside the
reach of children in a secure place under dry and clean conditions
at room temperature, avoiding moisture, dust, corrosive
conditions and heating of the instrument. This device and the
sensors are not intended for medical, military or other safety-
relevant areas. They must not be used for applications in humans;
not for in vivo examination on humans, not for human-diagnostic
or therapeutic purposes. The sensors must not be brought in direct
contact with foods intended for consumption by humans.
The FireStingO2 should be used in the laboratory by qualified
personal only, following the operation instructions and safety
guidelines of this manual. Please follow the appropriate laws and
guidelines for safety, like EEC directives for protective labor
legislation, national protective labor legislation, safety regulations
for accident prevention and safety data-sheets from
manufacturers of chemicals used during the measurements.

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Calibration and application of the sensors, data acquisition, data
processing and data publication is on the user's authority.
When used in the field, the environmental conditions (like high
humidity, dust, exposure to direct solar radiation) may cause
damage or interference of the FireStingO2, which is on the user's
authority.

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Before using the FireStingO2 and its sensors, read carefully the
instructions and user manual for the oxygen meter FireStingO2.
In case of problems or damage, disconnect the instrument and
mark it to prevent any further use! Consult PyroScience for
advice! There are no serviceable parts inside the device. Please
note that opening the housing will void the warranty!
The FireStingO2 is not watertight, is sensitive to corrosive
conditions and to changes in temperature causing
condensation. Avoid any condition (e.g. direct sun light) causing
a heating of the device above 50°C (122°F) or below 0°C (32°F).
Avoid any elevated humidity causing condensing conditions.
Handle the sensors with care especially after removal of the
protective cap! Prevent mechanical stress to the fragile sensing
tip! Avoid strong bending of the fiber cable! Prevent injuries
with needle-type sensors!
Calibration and application of the sensors is on the user’s
authority, as well as data acquisition, treatment and
publication!
The sensors and the oxygen meter FireStingO2 are not intended
for medical, diagnostic, therapeutic, or military purposes or any
other safety-critical applications. The sensors must not be used
for applications in humans and must not be brought in direct
contact with foods intended for consumption by humans.
The FireStingO2 and sensors should be used in the laboratory by
qualified personnel only, following the user instructions and the
safety guidelines of the manual, as well as the appropriate laws
and guidelines for safety in the laboratory!
Keep the sensors and the oxygen meter FireStingO2 out of
reach of children!

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3Introduction to the FireSting Meter
The FireStingO2 is an optical oxygen meter that is compatible with
a broad range of optical oxygen and temperature sensors from
PyroScience:
microsensors and minisensors (retractable needle-type,
fixed needle-type, or bare fiber),
robust probes and
contactless sensors (sensor spots, respiration vials, flow-
through cells)
Most oxygen sensors are available in versions for the full range (0-
50% O2, max. range 0-100% O2) and for the trace range (0-10%
O2). The optical detection technology is based on the oxygen-
sensitive REDFLASH indicators which use red light excitation and
lifetime detection in the near infrared (see Appendix 12.4 for more
details).
The FireStingO2 is a compact USB-powered fiber-optic oxygen
meter with 1, 2 or 4 channels for oxygen and temperature
measurements in the laboratory. The optical temperature sensors
can be used for true automatic temperature compensation of the
oxygen measurements. Additionally, one external PT100
temperature probe can be connected for calibration of the optical
temperature sensors and for automatic temperature
compensation of the oxygen measurements. The integrated
sensors for atmospheric pressure (mbar) and relative humidity (%
RH) of the ambient air enable a precise and easy sensor calibration,
as well as automatic pressure compensation of the oxygen
measurements.
The FireStingO2 is operated via a Micro-USB connection to a PC /
tablet with a Windows operation system. The included logging
software Pyro Oxygen Logger provides comfortable calibration
and logging functionality.

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The FireStingO2 is a laboratory instrument. Use in the field is on
the user´s authority and then it is recommended to protect the
FireStingO2 from heating, moisture and corrosion.
The FireStingO2 comes with 1, 2, or 4 channels (connectors 1to 4)
for up to 4 fiber-optic sensors and one connector (T) for an external
PT100 temperature probe.
The Micro-USB connector on the left side panel provides the
energy supply and the data exchange with the PC. Right-hand side
of it, a connector X1 for power and digital interface (7-pins) and a
connector X2 for analog output (5 pins) is located. The holes
function as air inlet for the internal temperature, pressure and
humidity sensors. Avoid covering these holes to ensure free air
circulation towards the internal sensors.

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4Software Installation
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the FireStingO2 to your PC before
the Pyro Oxygen Logger software has been installed. The software
will install automatically the appropriate USB-drivers.
System requirements:
PC with Windows 7 / 8 / 10 (but not Windows RT) and min.
700 MB free disk space
Installation steps:
download the installer package for the newest version of
the Pyro Oxygen Logger software from the PyroScience
homepage: www.pyro-science.com/downloads.html
unzip and start the installer and follow the instructions
connect the FireStingO2 with the Micro-USB cable to the
computer. The red logo will flash shortly indicating the
correct startup of the FireStingO2 meter.
After successful installation, a new program group "Pyro Oxygen
Logger" is added to the start menu, and a short-cut named
"Oxygen Logger" can be found on the desktop.

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5Optical Oxygen & Temperature Sensors
For an overview of available optical oxygen and temperature
sensor types, please see http://www.pyro-science.com/products.html.
5.1 Overview of Sensor Types
Sensor
Type
Fiber-Based
Available
Versions
Analyte
Application
Robust
Probes
OXROB3
O2
stirred water, gas
& semi-solid
samples
OXROB10
O2
Retractable
Needle-Type
OXR50
O2
water, gas &
semi-solid
samples -
for profiling &
small volumes,
puncturing septa
OXR230
O2
OXR430
O2
TPR430
Temp.
Fixed
Needle-Type
OXF50
O2
gas & water -
gas-tight housing,
sensor insertion
through a port
OXF1100
O2
TPF1100
Temp.
OXF500-PT
O2
gas -
gas-tight housing,
puncturing septa,
packing material
OXF900-PT
O2
Bare Fiber
Sensors
OXB50
O2
water, gas &
semi-solid
samples -
integration into
custom housings
OXB230
O2
OXB430
O2
Solvent-
Resistant
Probes
OXSOLV
O2
approved polar
and non-polar
solvents
OXSOLV-
PTS
O2

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Sensor
Type
Contactless
Available
Versions
Analyte
Application
Nanoprobes
OXNANO
O2
aqueous solutions
- microfluidics,
cultures,
enzymatic react.
Sensor Spots
OXSP5
O2
water & gas* -
measurements in
closed containers
with transparent
window
TPSP5*
Temp.
Respiration
Vials
OXVIAL4
O2
water & gas -
measurements in
closed vials, of
respiration / net
photosynthesis
rates
OXVIAL20
TOVIAL4
Temp. &
O2
TOVIAL20
Flow-
Through
Cells
OXFTC
O2
water & gas*
pumped through
the cell
OXFTC2
TPFTC*
Temp.
TPFTC2*
TOFTC2
Temp. &
O2
*Gas measurements only in combination with corresponding contactless
O2 sensor for true temperature compensation
For details on the different sensor types, please see their
respective websites.
5.2 Connecting the Sensors
The fiber-optic oxygen and temperature sensors, including needle-
type and bare fiber micro- and minisensors, robust probes, as well
as optical fibers needed for read-out of contactless sensors (sensor

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spots, flow-through cells, respiration vials) are connected to the
ST-connectors of the FireStingO2 (1to 4) with a male fiber plug.
First, remove the black caps from the plug of the sensor / fiber.
Then remove the red caps from the sensor ports at the FireStingO2
(the red caps should be put on again if the FireStingO2 is not in use
anymore to protect the optics). Insert the male fiber plug of the
sensor cable into the ST-port (female fiber connector) of the
FireStingO2 and turn the bayonet coupling gently clockwise until
the plug is locked firmly.
5.3 Cleaning and Maintenance of the Sensors
The oxygen sensors can be sterilized with ethylene oxide (EtO) and
can be cleaned with peroxide (3% H2O2), soap solution or ethanol
(do not use bleach!). They can be applied in gas phases, aqueous
solutions and in ethanol, methanol and isopropanol (robust probes:
only short-term application in diluted ethanol, methanol or
isopropanol). Other organic solvents and gaseous chlorine (Cl2)
induce interferences with the sensor reading. No cross-sensitivity
is found for pH 1-14, CO2, CH4, H2S and any ionic species.
For application in organic solvents, a special solvent-resistant
oxygen probe (item no. OXSOLV or OXSOLV-PTS) is available.
The optical temperature sensors can be applied in water / aqueous
samples and gas. If required, soap solution or 3% H2O2 can be
used for cleaning, as specified on the sensor website.

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A signal drift of the sensor can indicate photo-bleaching of the
oxygen-sensitive REDFLASH indicator or the temperature
sensitive THERMOGREEN/THERMOBLUE indicator depending on
the ambient light intensity, as well as the intensity of the excitation
light and the sample frequency. This can necessitate a new
calibration of the sensor and possibly also a re-adjustment of the
Sensor Settings (LED intensity; see also chapter 6.1). In case of
sensor spots, this could require a re-positioning of the optical fiber
on the sensor spot and a subsequent new calibration. If the signal
intensity is getting too low, as indicated by the horizontal indicator
bar in the Pyro Oxygen Logger software and by the respective
warning (see chapter 6.2), the sensor needs to be replaced.
A reasonable optical sensor shows signal intensities well above 50.
After finalization of the measurements, the sensor tip of the
needle-type and bare fiber sensors, as well as the robust probes
should be rinsed carefully with demineralized water, let dry and
put on the protective cap / tubing for storage in a dry, dark and
secure place at room temperature. For all sensors and fibers, put
the black caps on the plug of the fiber to prevent that light is
entering the fiber possibly causing photo-bleaching of the
indicator.
In case of retractable sensors and application in seawater / aqueous
samples with dissolved salts, the sensor has to be cleaned
thoroughly with demineralized water to prevent salt crystallization
in the needle which can cause breaking of the sensor tip. After
drying, retract the sensor tip into the needle and put on the
protective cap onto the needle to protect the sensor tip and to
avoid injuries.
Store the sensor in a dry, dark and secure place at room
temperature.

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6The Software "Pyro Oxygen Logger"
This chapter describes all functions of the Pyro Oxygen Logger
software excluding the calibration. Refer to the chapters 7-9 for a
detailed description of the calibration procedure of optical oxygen
and temperature sensors.
If the Pyro Oxygen Logger software is opened for the first time, the
FireSting Settings window opens automatically:
Activate each connected sensor in the respective channel tab of
the Settings window, corresponding to the channel number at the
FireStingO2 meter (see chapter 3). Enter the Sensor Code and all
relevant parameters (Units, Measuring Mode, Conditions in the
Sample) into each channel tab before calibration and
measurements, as described in detail in chapter 6.1.

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6.1 FireSting Settings
Each channel (1-4) of the connected FireStingO2 meter has its own
tab (channel 1-4) in the FireSting Settings window.
For all optical sensors, enter first the sensor code of each
connected optical sensor into the field Sensor Code in the
corresponding channel panel of the Settings window. It includes
information for optimal sensor settings and for calibration. The
first letter of the sensor code defines the sensor type. A detailed
explanation of the sensor code is given in chapter 12.8.
The channels can be activated independently by clicking on the
button Activate.Activation is indicated by a change from dark to
light green of the arrow in the button.
A text describing the connected sensor type appears on the right-
hand side of this button after the Sensor Code (see label on
sensor) has been entered. This description will be shown in the
description display of the main window (see chapter 6.2) and also
in the data file (see chapter 6.4).
Depending on the optical sensor type and analyte, there are
different parameters which need to be adjusted in the respective
channel tab of the Settings window (see chapter 6.1.1 for oxygen
and 6.1.2 for optical temperature sensors).
If the same sensor type (with the same Sensor Code) is connected
to all channels (e.g. 4 sensor spots from the same packaging unit),
the settings adjusted in the active channel tab can be pasted to all
other channels by clicking on Copy these Settings to all other
channels.

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After the first start, the dialog window FireSting Settings opens
automatically. For later adjustments, it can be opened by clicking
on the Settings button in the Main Window.
Settings can only be adjusted if data logging is not active (see
chapter 6.2.3).
6.1.1 Channel Tab: Optical Oxygen Sensors
Enter the Sensor Code of each connected oxygen sensor (see label
on sensor) and define for each channel (1) the Sensor Settings
(Measuring Mode), (2) the environmental Conditions in the
Sample under investigation and (3) the oxygen Units for the
measurements.
(1) Sensor Settings
The Sensor Settings can be adjusted
in a Basic or an Advanced mode.
Ensure that the correct sensor code
attached to the sensor has been
entered in the field Sensor Code.
The first-time user is advised to work with the Basic Sensor
Settings.
Basic Settings
For contactless sensors (sensor spots, flow-through cells,
respiration vials, nanoprobes; sensor type: S, W, T, P) and for
robust probes (sensor type: X, U), the Fiber Length (m) of the
connected optical fiber (e.g. SPFIB) or of the connected robust
probe (e.g. OXROB10) must be entered additionally (for interested
users: the entered fiber length is used for automatic background
compensation; refer to chapter 9.2 for more details).
The Measuring Mode can be adjusted gradually between low drift
(1) and low noise (5) of the sensor signal by moving the arrow with

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the mouse along the scale, thereby changing the measuring time.
An intermediate mode (3) is default.
NOTE: Ensure that the correct sensor code has been entered.
Advanced Settings (for advanced users/applications only)
If Advanced Sensor Settings are
chosen, more complex setting controls
get visible. Ensure that the correct
Sensor Code has been entered.
The Advanced Sensor Settings
comprise the LED Intensity for
excitation of the REDFLASH indicator (in %) and the Amplification
of the sensor signal. As a rule of thumb, the LED Intensity should
be 10-30% for microsensors, minisensors and robust probes, but
can be increased up to 100% for contactless sensors (sensor spots,
flow-through cells, respiration vials). The Amplification is typically
200x or 400x and should not be changed. Note, that varying the
LED Intensity and the Amplification has direct influence on the
signal intensity and therefore on the signal-to-noise-ratio!
The Oxygen Measuring Time (default: 10 ms) defines the
integration time for the acquisition of a single data point. Shorter
measuring times provide low long-term drift, whereby longer
measuring times assure less noise. The maximum value is 250 ms.
For background compensation of robust probes (sensor type: X),
the Fiber Length (m) of the connected robust probe must be
entered.
For background compensation of contactless sensors (sensor
spots, flow-through cells, respiration vials, nanoprobes; sensor
type: S, W, T, P), the Fiber Length (m) of the connected optical
fiber must be entered. Alternatively, it is possible to select Manual
Background Compensation, which is described in detail in chapter