Pyxis SP-400 User manual

SP-400 Portable Water Analyzer
Operation Manual
Rev. A
Firmware version 1.02

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Pyxis Lab, Inc
120 Jeffrey Ave
Holliston, MA 01746
USA
www.pyxis-lab.com
[e-mail]
1Contents
1 General Description .................................................................................3

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1.1 Specification.....................................................................................3
1.2 Pyxis SP-400 Major Features............................................................2
1.3 Unpackaging the Instrument ...........................................................3
1.4 Standard Accessories .......................................................................3
1.5 Optional Accessories........................................................................3
1.6 Light Shield Cover.............................................................................3
2 Start Pyxis SP-900.....................................................................................4
2.1 Battery Installation...........................................................................4
2.2 Description of the Navigational Control Keys..................................5
2.3 Turning On/Off Pyxis SP-400............................................................6
3 PTSA and Conductivity Measurement .....................................................6
4 Calibration................................................................................................7
4.1 PTSA Stand Alone Calibration (2 point with Zero) ...........................8
4.2 Standard Conductivity Calibration (500, 1000, 2500, 5000 µS).....12
4.3 User Defined Conductivity Calibration Procedure.........................15
4.4 Combined Calibration Procedure...................................................20
5 Device Information and Diagnosis .........................................................24
6 Wireless Connection ..............................................................................25
Confidentiality

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The information contained in this manual may be confidential and proprietary and is
the property of Pyxis Lab Inc. Information disclosed herein shall not be used to
manufacture, construct, or otherwise reproduce the goods disclosed herein. The
information disclosed herein shall not be disclosed to others or made public in any
manner without the express written consent of Pyxis Lab Inc.
Standard Limited Warranty
Pyxis Lab warrants its products for defects in materials and workmanship. Pyxis Lab
will, at its option, repair or replace instrument components that prove to be defective
with new or remanufactured components (i.e., equivalent to new). The warranty set
forth is exclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or
implied.
Warranty Term
The Pyxis warranty term is thirteen (13) months ex-works. In no event shall the
standard limited warranty coverage extend beyond thirteen (13) months from original
shipment date.
Warranty Service
Damaged or dysfunctional instruments may be returned to Pyxis for repair or
replacement. In some instances, replacement instruments may be available for short
duration loan or lease.
Pyxis warrants that any labor services provided shall conform to the reasonable
standards of technical competency and performance effective at the time of delivery.
All service interventions are to be reviewed and authorized as correct and complete at
the completion of the service by a customer representative, or designate. Pyxis
warrants these services for 30 days after the authorization and will correct any
qualifying deficiency in labor provided that the labor service deficiency is exactly
related to the originating event. No other remedy, other than the provision of labor
services, may be applicable.
Repair components (parts and materials), but not consumables, provided in the
course of a repair, or purchased individually, are warranted for 90 days ex-works for
materials and workmanship. In no event will the incorporation of a warranted repair
component into an instrument extend the whole instrument’s warranty beyond its
original term.
Shipping
A Repair Authorization Number (RA) must be obtained from the Technical Support
([email protected]) before any product can be returned to the factory. Pyxis will
pay freight charges to ship replacement or repaired products to the customer. The
customer shall pay freight charges for returning products to Pyxis. Any product
returned to the factory without an RA number will be returned to the customer.
1General Description
1.1 Specification

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PTSA
Measurement Range
0 to 300 ppb
Excitation Wavelength
365 nm LED
Emission Wavelength
410 nm
Wavelength Accuracy
±1 nm
Resolution
0.1 ppb
Accuracy
±1% or ±1.0 ppb
Calibration Solution Point
0, 100, 200, and 300 ppb
Conductivity
Measurement Range
0-15000 S/cm
Accuracy
±10% or ±0.5uS (0 to20 S/cm)
±1% (20 to 10000 S/cm)
±2% (10000 to 15000 S/cm)
Resolution
1 S/cm
Time to Reading Stabilization
5 seconds
Calibration Solution Point
Combined, 1000S/cm with 100ppb PTSA
500,1000,2500, and 5000 S/cm
User defined (500-5000 S/cm)
Temperature
Measurement Range
5 –45 °C (42-112 ℉)
Resolution
0.1 °C (0.2 ℉)
Accuracy
±1% of reading
Compensation Method
Automatic to 25 ℃
Others
Battery
9V alkaline battery
Typical Battery Life
3200 readings(480mAh battery)
Display
320x240 TFT-LCD, visible under direct sunlight
Dimension
L160 W74 H33 (mm)
Weight
310g (without battery)
Temperature Range
40 to 106 ℉(4 to 41 ℃)
Humidity
85% at 106 ℉(41 ℃)
Environmental
IP67, dustproof and waterproof
1.2 Pyxis SP-400 Major Features
The Pyxis SP-400 analyzer simultaneously measures the electrical conductivity value
and the concentration of fluorescent tracer PTSA of a water sample. Main features
include:

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The SP-400 is pre-calibrated for measuring PTSA (pyrenetetrasulfonic acid) in the
range of 0 to 300 ppb. The fluorescence PTSA measurement is automatically
compensated for sample color and turbidity interference.
Conductivity and PTSA fluorescence can be calibrated using a single combined
standard through a user-friendly menu-driven procedure.
Large color graphic screen that can be read in direct sunlight.
A single conductivity calibration using a single standard covers the whole
measurement range of 0 to 15000 S/cm.
1.3 Unpacking the Instrument
Remove the instrument and accessories from the shipping container and inspect each
item for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Verify that all items
listed on the packing slip are included. If any items are missing or damaged, please
contact Pyxis Customer Service at [e-mail].
1.4 Standard Accessories
Quick instruction guide
9V alkaline battery
Full instrument manual is available from www.pyxis-lab.com
1.5 Optional Accessories
Carrying case for SP-400 (MA-400B)
100 ppb PTSA + 1000 S/cm (KCl) combined standard in a 500 ml brown
plastic bottle (MA-1010C)
1.6 Light Shield Cover
The light shield cover is shown in Figure 1. It should be in the closed position during
PTSA measurement.

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Figure 1 Light Shield in the Open Position
2Start Pyxis SP-400
2.1 Battery Installation
The SP-400 is powered by a 9 volt alkaline battery. Do not use rechargeable nickel
cadmium (NiCad) or lithium batteries. A typical 9V battery lasts for two months and
enables about 3000 measurements. When the battery capacity is critically low, the
SP-400 will display a LOW BATTERY warning for 5 seconds and then automatically
turn off.
Replace the battery to resume operation of the SP-400 after the battery warning. The
SP-400 will automatically turn on in the measurement mode after new battery
installation.
The SP-400 battery compartment, shown in Figure 2, is on the back side of the
instrument.
Install battery as follows:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover by loosening two screws.
2. Make sure that the smaller circular terminal (positive) of the battery is aligned with
the hexagonal socket (positive) of the battery holder and the hexagonal socket
(negative) of the battery with the circular terminal of the holder. Snap the battery
firmly into the battery holder.
Light Shield
Three keys
Measurement Cell

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3. Replace the battery compartment cover, making sure that the sealing O-ring is
lying flat on the battery holder. To prevent the SP-400 from accidently being turned
on due to vibration, please firmly tighten the two screws.
Figure 2 Install Battery
2.2 Description of the Control Keys
The SP-400 has three keys as shown in Figure 1. The left (<), right (>) and OK keys
are used to launch an action indicated on the screen directly above the keys. Please
note that the screen is not a tough screen. The labels above the keys indicate the
function associated with the keys and can change according to the screen modes.

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Figure 3 Keys and associated functions
2.3 Turning On/Off Pyxis SP-400
To turn on the SP-400, press OK momentarily and release.
To turn off the SP-400, press and hold the OK key. Release the OK key when the LCD
display turns off (after about 3 seconds). The SP-400 will turn itself off after 60
seconds without user interaction through the keys.
3PTSA and Conductivity Measurement
3.1 Measurement
When powered on, the SP-400 will be in the measurement (read) mode (see figure 3).
The water sample can be transferred to the measurement cell using a pipette or filled
directly from a faucet, sample bottle, or sample valve.
The light shield should be in the closed position in order to measure PTSA. If only
conductivity is measured, the light shield can be left in the open position.
Allow 5 seconds for the SP-400 to reach stable PTSA and conductivity readings. The
time required to reach a stable reading may be slightly longer if the water sample
>
Keys
Key Functions
<
OK

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temperature is significantly different than the environmental temperature at which
the SP-400 had been equilibrated (stored). For a sample with conductivity in the
range of 100 to 6000 S/cm, the measured conductivity value should be stabilized in
the range of 98 –102 to 5940 –6060 S/cm, respectively. For a sample containing
100 ppb PTSA, the measured PTSA should be stabilized within the range of 98 to 102
ppb.
The SP-400 does not need to be turned off between measurements of two samples.
Rinsing the measurement cell several times is recommended, especially when
switching to a sample with conductivity significantly different than the previous
sample.
3.2 Conductivity Temperature Compensation
The displayed conductivity value is automatically corrected to the nominal value at
the reference temperature 25.0°C with using the sample temperature measured. The
commonly used linear correction equation is used:
Conductivity at 25°C = (Conductivity at Tmeasure)/ [1 + 0.02(Tmeasure –25)], where
Tmeasure is the sample temperature in Celsius.
3.3 High Color and Turbidity Warning
The SP-400 has extra channels to measure sample turbidity and color to automatically
compensate sample color and turbidity interference. If sample turbidity and color
values determined are too high, a PTSA measurement warning will be displayed. In
such a case, the user should filter the sample for PTSA measurement.
4Calibration
The SP-400 fluorescence PTSA measurement and conductivity measurement can be
calibrated separately. To calibrate PTSA measurement requires the 100, 200, or 300
ppb PTSA standard solution. A standard with conductivity value 500, 1000, 2500, or
5000 µS can be used to calibrate conductivity. Optionally, the user can use a standard
with any conductivity value in the range of 500 to 5000 µS, such as the commonly
used 1412 (or 1413) µS standard, to calibrate the SP-400.
For convenience, the SP-400 can be calibrated using a combined standard with 100
ppb PTSA + 1000 µS KCl conductivity.

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It is highly recommended to use the PTSA standalone calibration procedure if the user
desires to achieve higher accuracy for low range PTSA measurements (< 20 ppb). The
Combined PTSA/Conductivity Calibration procedure yields the PTSA calibration slope
only and does not change the zero point.
PTSA Standalone Calibration (2 Point with Zero)
1) Rinse sample cell with DI water. Fill sample cell with DI water. Close the light
shield.
NOTE: In emergency, “non-PTSA” water, such as city water, may be used, but re-
calibrate using DI water for the zero step as soon as it is available.
2) Power on by a short press of OK key. Allow 5-10 seconds for meter to stabilize.
3) A screen similar to Figure 4 appears. The unit is actively reading and displaying
both PTSA and Conductivity. The values will be very low if DI water is used;
conductivity value is not critical but PTSA value should be near zero. A low non-zero
value (e.g. 0.2 or 0.4, etc.) is not problematic.
Figure 4
4) Press P-Cal labeled key (<).
5) Figure 5, the first screen of the PTSA (alone) calibration, appears.

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Figure 5
6) Press Zero labeled key (<) to set the zero point.
7) After successful zero set, a checkmark symbol will appear next to “Press Zero
Button” to confirm success. The screen will also update to show the Slope steps,
as in Figure 6. The Cycle command replaces Zero on the black bar and the
possible PTSA selection is displayed in red. The default is 100 ppb.
Figure 6

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8) Rinse the sample cell out thoroughly (twice at least) with the desired PTSA
standard and with the measurement cell near full, close the light shield.
9) If the 100 ppb PTSA default is not the desired PTSA for calibration, press the Cycle
labeled key (<) to cycle between the PTSA standards 100-200-300 ppb (it
repeats). The value in red will update as the setting is changed. If the default of
100 is desired then the use of Cycle (<) is not required. Ensure the value selected
matches the standard actually present.
10) Press the Slope labeled key (>) to set the slope of the standard desired and
complete PTSA calibration.
11) If calibration is successful, the screen will update with a second checkmark for the
Slope setting as in Figure 7, and the message Calibration Succeed will appear.
Figure 7
12) Press the Exit labeled key (OK) to return to the measurement screen. The screen will
be similar to Figure 8. Slight variance in the PTSA value is not problematic. If Exit is
done before the second checkmark appears, the calibration will not be completed
and must be re-done.

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Figure 8
Quick Tips
1) If the 100 ppb PTSA concentration (the default) is the desired calibration and it is
what has been added to the measurement cell for the slope (step 9), then the key
presses from the beginning, including the power on, are: OK, <, <, {refill with PTSA
standard}, >, then after completion, Exit to return to Measurement Mode.
2) If screen darkens, the timer will shortly power down the meter. Any key press
will reset the timer, but this press does not perform any activity other than timer
restart. The next key press needed must still be done after this timer re-set press.
The timer is set to help maximize battery life. After the key press to set the zero
point, there is 40 seconds to rinse and refill the measurement cell with PTSA
standard (and close the light shield), before the next key press of either “Cycle”
(<) to change PTSA setting or “Slope” (>) to execute the final part of the
calibration.
3) After returning to read mode after calibration, rinse several times with the first
sample. The unit will continue to read the sample values without any further key
presses if it has not powered off. If there are no key presses for 20 seconds the
screen will darken (40 seconds in a calibration mode), and after another 20
seconds without key activity will power down. If you have multiple samples a
quick press on OK or the other keys will keep the timer going, giving you time to
add the next one. To ensure accurate results and avoid sample carry-
over/contamination, rinse at least twice with the next sample before closing light
shield.
4) Always rinse the unit with clean water after use and dry by clean tissue or paper
towel. Be gentle handling the open light shield.

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5) After a successful calibration, the unit does not automatically return to the
measurement mode. If Exit is held down too long the unit will power down
rather than returning to the measurement mode.
4.1 Standard Conductivity Calibration (500, 1000, 2500, or 5000 µS)
Example based on 1000 µS
1) Rinse sample cell with desired conductivity standard.
2) Power on by a press of OK key. Allow 5-10 seconds for meter to stabilize.
3) A screen similar to Figure 9 will appear. The unit is reading both conductivity and
PTSA if the light shield is in the closed position. For conductivity measurement or
calibration, the light shield is not required to be closed. The conductivity reading
should be close but not necessarily the same as the value of the standard added.
Figure 9
4) Press C-Cal labeled key (>).
5) A screen similar to Figure 10 will appear. This is the default conductivity
calibration mode, which is a Combined Calibration (this requires a combined
standard with both PTSA and Conductivity). It is easily changed to the other
calibration modes as desired.

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Figure 10
6) Use the > key to cycle to the desired calibration, e.g. 1000 µS. The Standard
Conductivity selections are 500, 1000, 2500 or 5000 µS. For other conductivity
values the User Defined calibration mode must be used. With each press of >,
various elements of the display will update, such as the calibration title, the type
(“Target”), and the black bar. When the 1000 µS calibration is selected the screen
will appear as in Figure 11.
Figure 11

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7) Press OK key (labeled Calib) to confirm the specific Conductivity calibration
desired. The screen will update as in Figure 12.
Figure 12
8) Start the calibration by a press of OK key (skip 9 and 10).
9) Or, press Cancel (< key) to return to the Conductivity calibration selection screen
(as in Figure 10). If desired, the conductivity calibration type can be changed with
use of “>” or “<”.
10) Or, press Exit (> key) to abandon calibration, and return to the basic read mode
(Figure 1). No calibration will be done.
11) After successful conductivity calibration, the meter will read the sample and
display the value in the measured section. A slight variance from the target is not
problematic. A message will display in red “Calibration Succeed”. The meter
display will appear similar to Figure 13.

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Figure 13
12) After successful calibration, press and hold OK key for 3 seconds (labeled Calib),
to return to the basic read (measurement) screen. Return to read mode is not
automatic, except through a power-off cycle.
13) The unit will auto-read the conductivity and PTSA of a fresh sample in the
measurement cell without further key presses. Allow 5-10 seconds for the meter
to stabilize after closing the light shield. The new sample should be rinsed at least
twice in and out of the chamber to ensure no carryover from the standard or
other samples. If the display darkens, press any key to re-set the timer. If
multiple samples are being done this will be necessary to prevent the automatic
power down that protects the battery life.
Quick Tips
6) If the 1000 µS Conductivity is the desired calibration, then the key presses from
the beginning (including power on) are: OK, > (C-CAL), > and > (to move to 1000
µS), OK (confirm 1000), and OK (start calibration). A final long press of OK (3
seconds) exits to read.
7) 500, 2500 and 5000 µS all work like 1000 µS except there will be different
numbers of > presses to cycle to the one desired. The screens will appear as
above except for the value of the target.
8) Other conductivity values can be calibrated. The User Defined procedure will be
required, and the appropriate conductivity solution desired. Ensure the value set
matches the conductivity standard used. See the User Defined procedure.
4.2 User Defined Conductivity Calibration Procedure

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1) Rinse sample cell with desired conductivity standard.
2) Power on by a press of OK key. Allow 5-10 seconds for meter to stabilize.
3) A screen similar to Figure 14 will appear. The unit is reading both conductivity
and PTSA. The PTSA will be low or zero if the standard is solely a conductivity
one. The conductivity reading should be close but not necessarily the same as
the value of the standard added.
Figure 14
Press C-Cal labeled key (>).
4) A screen similar to Figure 15 will appear. The normal default conductivity
calibration mode is the Combined Calibration, but is easily changed to the other
calibration modes as desired.

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Figure 15
5) Use the < or > keys to cycle to the User Defined calibration. With each press
various elements of the display will update, such as the calibration title, the type
(“Target”), and the black bar. When the User Defined calibration is selected the
screen will appear similar to Figure 16.
Figure 16