Pyxis SP-910 User manual

SP-910 Portable Water Analyzer
Operation Manual
Rev. A
Firmware version 1.0.170
Pyxis Lab, Inc 2016
All Rights Reserved

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Pyxis Lab, Inc
PO Box 802
Hopkinton, MA 01748
USA
www.pyxis-lab.com
[e-mail]

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1 Contents
1 General Description....................................................................................... 6
1.1 Pyxis Major Features...............................................................................6
1.2 Unpackaging the Instrument.................................................................. 7
1.3 Standard Accessories.............................................................................. 8
1.4 Optional Accessories...............................................................................8
1.5 Sample Vial Compartment......................................................................8
1.6 Light Shield Cover................................................................................... 8
2 Start Pyxis SP-910.........................................................................................10
2.1 Battery Installation............................................................................... 10
2.2 Description of the Navigational Control Pad........................................ 10
2.3 Turning On Pyxis SP-910....................................................................... 11
2.4 Main Page............................................................................................. 11
2.5 Turning Off Pyxis SP-910.......................................................................12
2.6 Pyxis SP-910 Auto Power Off................................................................ 12
2.7 Auto LCD Power Saving.........................................................................12
3 PTSA Measurement..................................................................................... 13
3.1 PTSA Measurement.............................................................................. 13
3.2 PTSA calibration.................................................................................... 13
4 Fluorescein Measurement...........................................................................14
4.1 Fluorescein Measurement............................................................... 14
4.2 Fluorescein calibration......................................................................15
5 Colorimetric Measurement......................................................................... 17
5.1 Supported Methods..............................................................................17
5.2 Select a Method....................................................................................19
5.3 Single Timing Step Method...................................................................19
5.4 Single-Vial Procedure............................................................................20
5.5 Two-Vial Methods.................................................................................20
5.6 Multiple Timing Steps........................................................................... 21

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5.7 Advanced Methods...............................................................................22
5.8 Method Setup and Calibration............................................................. 23
6 Turbidity Measurement............................................................................ 25
6.1 Operation..............................................................................................25
6.2 Turbidity Calibration............................................................................. 25
7 Absorbance Measurement...................................................................... 27
8 Bluetooth Interface................................................................................... 28
8.1 Install Software..................................................................................... 28
8.2 Open SP-910 Bluetooth Interface.........................................................28
8.3 Scan and Connect................................................................................. 28
8.4 Device Configuration............................................................................ 29
Setup Device Name.................................................................................29
Setup Product......................................................................................... 29
Add User Defined Colorimetric Methods............................................... 29
9 Maintenance.............................................................................................. 30
10 Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 32
11 Appendix A.............................................................................................. 33

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Figures
Figure 1 Insert the Sample Vial.........................................................................7
Figure 2 Open and Close the Light Shield Cover...............................................9
Figure 3 Replace Batteries.............................................................................. 10
Figure 4 Main Menu........................................................................................11
Figure 5 PTSA Measurement.......................................................................... 13
Figure 6 PTSA Calibration................................................................................14
Figure 7 Fluorescein Measurement................................................................15
Figure 8 Fluorescein Calibration..................................................................... 15
Figure 9 Method Selection..............................................................................19
Figure 10 Single Timer Method...................................................................... 20
Figure 11 Concentration as a Function of Time..............................................20
Figure 12 Multiple Timer Method.................................................................. 22
Figure 13 Method Form Selection.................................................................. 24
Figure 14 Method Unit Selection....................................................................24
Figure 15 Slope Calibration.............................................................................24
Figure 16 Turbidity Calibration-1....................................................................26
Figure 17 Turbidity Calibration-2....................................................................26
Figure 18 Absorbance Measurement............................................................. 27
Figure 19 Nebula Scans Bluetooth Device......................................................28
Figure 20 Change Device Name......................................................................29
Tables
Table 1 Feature Groups on Main Menu................................................................11
Table 2 List of Supported Colorimetric Methods..................................................17
Table 3 Wavelength of each channel....................................................................27
Table 4 Contact Information................................................................................. 32

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Trademarks and Patents
Hach ® is a registered trademark of the Hach Company, Loveland, CO USA
Confidentiality
The information contained in this manual may be confidential and proprietary and is the property of
Pyxis Lab. Information disclosed herein shall not be used to manufacture, construct, orotherwise
reproduce the goods disclosed herein. The information disclosed herein shall not be disclosed
toothers or made public in any manner without the express written consent of Pyxis Lab.
Standard Limited Warranty
PyxisLab warrants its products for defects in materials and workmanship. PyxisLab 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 isexclusive 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 (service@pyxis-
lab.com) before any product can be returned to the factory. Pyxis will pay freight chargesto 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.

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1 General Description
Specification
Colorimeter Wavelength: 365, 420, 455, 525, 560, 570, and
630nm
Turbidity Excitation Wavelength: White LED Infrared LED/90 degree
scattering
Fluorescence Excitation Wavelength: 365 nm LED 460nmLED
Fluorescence Emission Wavelength: 410 nm 520nm
Wavelength Accuracy: ±1 nm
Absorbance Reproducibility: 0.005 au in the range of 0 to 1.0 au
(3sigma)
Absorbance Linearity Range: 0 to 1.0 au
PTSA Fluorescence Reproducibility: 1 ppb PTSA (3 sigma)
PTSA Fluorescence Detection Limit: 1 ppb
Fluorescein Fluorescence Reproducibility:0.1ppb
Fluorescein Fluorescence Detection Limit:0.1ppb
Turbidity Reproducibility: 1 NTU (3 sigma)
Turbidity Detection Limit: 1 NTU
Battery: 4 AA alkaline
Typical Battery Life: 2 months
Display: Graphical LCD 192x128 pixels,
visible under direct sunlight
Instrument Dimension: L 265mm W 88mm H 62mm
Instrument Weight: 600 g without batteries
Storage Temperature Range: 0 to 140°F (-18 to 60°C)
Operation Temperature Range: 40 to 120 °F (4 to 49°C)
Humidity: 85% at 106 °F (41 °C)
Environmental: IP67, dustproof and waterproof
Note:
1. Specifications are subject to change without notice with Pyxis’ continuous
development.
1.1 Pyxis Major Features
The Pyxis SP-910 analyzer shown in Figure 1 is a combination of photometer and
fluorometer. It provides colorimetric measurements at 6 LED wavelengths, fluorometric
measurement of fluorescent tracer PTSA and fluorescein, and nephelometric turbidity
measurement using white LED and infrared LED as the excitation sources. Pyxis SP-

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910 is pre-calibrated for colorimetric measurements of analyses common in industrial
water treatment and other water testing in the laboratory or in the field, such as
chlorine, phosphate, iron, and copper. Main features include:
Pyxis SP-910 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.
Pyxis SP-910 is pre-calibrated for measuring fluorescein in the range of 0 to 20
ppb.
Pyxis SP-910 is pre-calibrated for measuring turbidity in the range of 0 to 500 NTU.
Automatically select the primary wavelength according to the method selected and
switches to the secondary wavelength to extend the primary measurement range.
Navigational Control Pad
LCD
Sample Vial Compartment
Light Shield Cover
Sample Vial
Figure 1 Insert the Sample Vial
Display a concentration-time profile curve during the last time period in a
colorimetric measurement. The user can terminate the timing process and take a
reading if the displayed concentration reaches a plateau before completing the
predefined time period.
The user can update the calibration parameter of any pre-calibrated colorimetric
method by testing a standard solution first and then following a setup procedure to
update the calibration parameters.
1.2 Unpackaging 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].

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1.3 Standard Accessories
Sample Vials – two 10 ml, round, 0.78 inch (20 mm) pathlength, glass vials,
which can be used for all measurements including turbidity and fluorescence
measurements.
16 mm adapter
4 AA alkaline batteries
Instrument Manual, also available from www.pyxis-lab.com
1.4 Optional Accessories
Silica desiccant gel pack
100 ppb PTSA standard in a 500 ml brown plastic bottle
20 ppb fluorescein standard in a 500 ml brown plastic bottle
1.5 Sample Vial Compartment
The sample vial compartment is shown in Figure 1, along with a 10-ml sample vial.
When the sample vial is inserted into the sample vial compartment, the triangular mark
on the sample vial should be aligned approximately with the 6 o’clock position of the
sample vial compartment or any position consistently.
The sample vial compartment should be kept clean. A small amount foreign material
could significantly affect turbidity and fluorescence measurement results. Use a soft
cloth or lint free paper tissue to clean sample vial compartment periodically. Remove
debris, scale, and deposit promptly.
1.6 Light Shield Cover
The light shield cover is shown in Figure 2. The light shield cover can be conveniently
slid between the open and closed positions. The light shield cover is held firmly at the
rest positions by permanent magnets.
The light shield cover should be in the closed position during storage, transportation,
and measurements, especially during the turbidity and fluorescence measurements.
When turned on, Pyxis SP-910 carries out self-diagnosis including checking the
performance of a variety of optical devices. The light shield door shall be at the closed
position to shield interference from ambient light during self-diagnosis.
Care should be taken to avoid water or debris being trapped in the track of the light
shield door.

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Figure 2 Open and Close the Light Shield Cover
Warning
Magnetic sensitive devices, including but not limited to, credit cards, watched, hard
disks, should be keep at a distance of at least 2 inches from the Light Shield Door to
avoid possible damage and/or loss of information recorded.

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2 Start Pyxis SP-910
2.1 Battery Installation
Pyxis SP-910 is powered by four AA-size alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable
nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries or any AA-size lithium batteries. A set of batteries
typically lasts for two months. When the batteries capacity is low, Pyxis SP-910 will
prompt a LOW BATTERY warning. Replace all four batteries to resume operation of
Pyxis SP-910 after the battery warning.
The Pyxis SP-910 battery compartment, shown in Figure 3, is on the back side of the
instrument. Insert a small pad underneath the screen area to make the back surface
level when the instrument is turned upside down. Install batteries as followings:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover by loosening four screws.
2. Insert four batteries into the battery holder as shown in Figure 3. Make sure the
positive battery polarity marker (+) is aligned with the positive marker (+) on the
battery holder.
3. Replace the battery compartment cover, making sure that the sealing O-ring is
lying flat on the battery holder and tighten the four screws.
Figure 3 Replace Batteries
2.2 Description of the Navigational Control Pad
The Pyxis SP-910 navigational control pad consists of five keys as shown in Figure 1.
The left, right, up, and down keys are navigational keys that are used to select an icon,
a button, or other items in various pages. The center key is the OK key. Press the OK
key on a selected item to launch the action associated with the selected item. The OK

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key is also used to accept the current selection, like the return key in a computer
keyboard.
2.3 Turning On Pyxis SP-910
To turn on SP-910, press and hold on the OK key for 3 seconds, and release the OK
key when the LCD is lit.
After new batteries installation,Pyxis SP-910 will be automatically turned on, and its
LCD backlight will be on. You can navigate the main page menu and launch an
operation by pressing on an icon. If battery voltage is too low for the instrument to work
properly, Pyxis SP-910will show a low battery warning message for 5 seconds and
turn off automatically. If this happens, replace all four batteries.
2.4 Main Page
Pyxis SP-910provides intuitive icon menu-assisted user operations. On the main page,
eight major feature groups are illustrated as below:
Figure 4 Main Menu
A brief description of each feature group is given in Table 1.Detailed operation instructions
can be found in the following chapters.
Table 1 Feature Groups on Main Menu
No.
Title
Description
1
M-P
PTSA measurement
2
M-F
Fluorescein measurement
3
COLOR
Colorimetric measurement methods
4
TURB
Turbidity measurement
5
Power
Turn off SP-910
6
ABSB
Absorbance measurements
7
CAL
Calibration routines
8
SYS
System information

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2.5 Turning Off Pyxis SP-910
Turn Pyxis SP-910 off by navigating to Power icon and press the OK key.
2.6 Pyxis SP-910 Auto Power Off
Pyxis SP-910 automatically turns itself off with no-key activity, except for during a
measurement.The auto power off time can be set. Pressing and holding the OK key for
3 seconds will wake up the instrument, and return to the original page if it has any
measurement data.
2.7 Auto LCD Power Saving
During a colorimetric method measurement, Pyxis SP-910 automatically turns LCD
backlight off with no-key activity. The auto LCD power time can be set.Pressing any
key will turn on the LCD backlight. Under normal ambient lighting condition, icons and
other contents shown on Pyxis SP-910LCD are readable without backlight being on.

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3 PTSA Measurement
3.1 PTSA Measurement
1. Fill the 10 ml sample vial with the test solution and tightly cap the sample vial.
2. Place the sample vial into the sample vial compartment and slide the light shield
cover to the closed position.
3. Press the M-P on the main page, then press the ok button,Pyxis SP-910 will start
to measure the PTSA concentration in the sample.
4. PyxisSP-910 will display the PTSA concentration in ppb as PTSA.
Figure 5 PTSA Measurement
During the fluorescence measurement to determine the PTSA concentration, Pyxis
SP-910 checks the sample turbidity. If the sample turbidity value detected is greater
than 40 NTU, Pyxis SP-910 will display a warning.For best results, the sample should
be filtered if turbidity exceeds 40 NTU.
Sample color causes a lower PTSA concentration to be measured. Pyxis SP-910
automatically compensates for sample color. If the sample color is too intense, Pyxis
SP-910 will display a warning.
For best results, ensure that the sample vial is clean. Wipe off water on the outside
wall of the sample vial using a lint-free tissue paper. Fill the sample vial to the 10 ml
mark. If the sample contains air bubbles, tap the sample vial gently to remove the
bubbles before placing the sample vial to sample vial compartment.
3.2 PTSA calibration
Deionized water (DI) as the blank calibration solution and the 100 ppb PTSA calibration
standard solution are needed.
1. Press the CAL on the main page, then choose the M-P and press the OK key to
launch the PTSA calibration page.
2. Follow the message prompts, insert the DI blank into the sample vial compartment
and press the OK key.

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3. Follow the message prompts, and insert the 100 ppb standard into the sample vial
compartment and press the OK key.
4. Press the OK key to return to the main page.
Figure 6 PTSA Calibration
If calibration fails, the followings should be checked:
The DI blank is being contaminated.
The 100 ppb PTSA standard solution is decayed or being contaminated.
The light shield cover is not in the closing position.
The sample vial compartment is blocked with debris, water, or other materials.
The 100 ppb standard solution shall be stored in a brown or black opaque bottle.
Exposing the PTSA standard to light will cause the standard losing the PTSA
concentration. Many substances, such as quaternary amine cause a negative
interference. Many other substances such laundry detergents that contain optical
brightener will cause a significant positive interference.
4 Fluorescein Measurement
4.1 Fluorescein Measurement
1. Fill the 10 ml sample vial with the test solution and tightly cap the sample vial.
2. Place the sample vial into the sample vial compartment and slide the light
shieldcoverto the closed position.
3. Press the M-F on the main page, then press the ok button,Pyxis SP-910 will start
to measure the fluorescein concentration in the sample.
4. Pyxis SP-910 will display the fluorescein concentration in ppb as fluorescein.

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Figure 7 Fluorescein Measurement
For best results, ensure that the sample vial is clean. Wipe off water on the outside
wall of the sample vial using a lint-free tissue paper. Fill the sample vial to the 10 ml
mark. If the sample contains air bubbles, tap the sample vial gently to remove the
bubbles before placing the sample vial to sample vial compartment.
4.2 Fluorescein calibration
Deionized water (DI) as the blank calibration solution and the 20 ppb fluorescein
calibration standard solution are needed.
1. Press the CAL on the main page, then choose the M-F and press the OK key to
launch the fluorescein calibration page.
2. Follow the message prompts, insert the DI blank into the sample vial compartment
and press the OK key.
3. Follow the message prompts, and insert the 20 ppb standard into the sample vial
compartment and press the OK key.
4. Press the OK key to return to the main page.
Figure 8 Fluorescein Calibration
If calibration fails, the followings should be checked:
The DI blank is being contaminated.
The 20 ppb fluorescein standard solution is decayed or being contaminated.
The light shield cover is not in the closing position.

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The sample vial compartment is blocked with debris, water, or other materials.
The 20 ppb standard solution shall be stored in a brown or black opaque bottle.
Exposing the fluorescein standard to light will cause the standard losing the fluorescein
concentration. Many substances, such as quaternary amine cause a negative
interference. Many other substances such laundry detergents that contain optical
brightener will cause a significant positive interference.

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5 Colorimetric Measurement
5.1 Supported Methods
A wide range of colorimetric methods is supported by the Pyxis SP-910 analyzer and
the number of them keeps increasing with continuous development of Pyxis. See
corresponding Hach® methods in Appendix A.
Table 2 List of Supported Colorimetric Methods
Abbreviated
Method
Name
Method Name
Description
Range
CL-F
F-Chlorine
Free chlorine, DPD method
2.2 ppm
CL-T
T-Chlorine
Total chlorine, DPD method
2.2 ppm
CL2H
CL2High
High range, DPD method
6.0ppm
CuBi
Cu_Bicinch
Bicinchoninate, EPA approved
for reporting wastewater
analysis
5.0 ppm
DEHA
DEHA
Method for N,N-
diethylhydroxylamine and other
oxygen scavengers
0.5 ppm
Ca
Ca
Calmagite method for calcium
4.00 ppm as
CaCO3
Mg
Mg
Calmagite method for
magnesium
4.00 ppm as
CaCO3
FePh
Fe_phenanth
Total iron using 1,10-
phenanthroline, USEPA
approved for reporting
wasterwater analysis
3.00 ppm
FeZi
FeZine
FerroZine method
1.300 ppm
FeTp
FeTptz
Total iron using TPTZ
1.80 ppm
MoHR
Mo_HighRange
High range molybdate
40.0 ppm
MoLR
Mo_LowRange
Low range molybdate using
ternary complex method
3.0 ppm
NO2H
NO2H
High range nitrite, ferrous
sulfate method
150 ppm as
NO2
NO2L
NO2L
Low range nitrite, diazotization
method, USEPA approved for
reporting wastewater and
drinking water analysis
0.350 ppm
as NO2
PMoV
OPO4-MoV
Reactive phosphate using
molybdovanadate method
30.0 ppm as
PO4
OPO4
OPO4
Reactive phosphate using
ascorbic acid molybdenum blue
method, USEPA accepted for
wastewater analysis
2.5 ppm as
PO4
OrgP
Phosphonate
UV digestion and ascorbic acid
reduction molybdenum blue
7.1 ppm as
PBTC

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Abbreviated
Method
Name
Method Name
Description
Range
method
PAmi
OPO4-Amino
Reactive phosphate, amino
acid reduction method
30.0 ppm
ClO2
ClO2-DPD
DPD method, USEPA accepted
for reporting drinking water
analysis
5.00 ppm
ClO2D
ClO2Direct
Direct method for chlorine
dioxide
35.0 ppm
SiHR
SiHR
High range silica
75.0 ppm as
SiO2
SiLR
SiLR
Low range silica
1.60 ppm as
SiO2
AZOL
Azole
UV digestion for tolyltriazole
and benzotriazole
16.0 ppm
SO4
SO4
Barium sulfate turbdimetric
method
70.0 ppm
POLY
Polymer
Turbidimetric method for
anionic polymeric dispersant
13.0 ppm as
PAA
FeMo
FeMo
Total iron method for water
containing molybdate
1.80 ppm
Cr6
Cr6
1,5-Diphenylcarbohydrazide
method for chromium
hexavalent,USEPA accepted
for wastewater analyses
0.6ppm
CrT
CrTot
Alkaline hypobromite Oxidation
method for chromium total
0.6ppm
NH3S
NH3Sal
Salicylate method for
nitrogen,ammonia
0.5ppm
NH2C
NH2CL
Indophenol method for
chloramine mono
3.0ppm
N2H4
N2H4
p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde
method for hydrazine
0.5ppm
MnL
MnLow
Low range manganese
0.7ppm
MnH
MnHigh
High range manganese
20.0ppm
BLCH
Bleach
Direct Method measuring
sodium hypochlorite
concentration
AL
Alumi
Aluminon method for aluminum
0.8ppm
F
Floride
SPADNS method for fluoride
2.0ppm
CuL
CuPorp
Porphyrin Method for copper
0.2ppm
Zn
Zinc
Zincon method for zinc,USEPA
approved for wastewater
analysis
3.0ppm
S2-
Sulfide
Methylene blue method for
sulfide,USEPA accepted for
reporting wastewater analysis
0.7ppm

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Abbreviated
Method
Name
Method Name
Description
Range
CN
Cyanide
Pyridine-Pyrazalone method for
cyanide
0.2ppm
NO3M
NO3M
Middle range nitrate
5ppm as N
NO3H
NO3H
High range nitrate
30ppm as N
Ni
Ni
PAN method for nickel
1ppm
CYAN
CYAN
Turbidimetric method for
cyanuric acid
55ppm
pH
pH
Phenol red method for pH
8.5
5.2 Select a Method
Move the icon focus to the method icon Mthd using the navigational (left, right, up, or
down) keys. Press OK on the icon to launch the first method selection page. The
methods shown on the top row of the page are the most frequently selected methods.
Figure 9 Method Selection
The followings are the operations associated with this page:
1. Use the navigational keys and the OK key to select and launch a method.
2. Press the arrow icon

at the end of the favorite methods row to return to the main
page.Press the arrow icon at the lower right corner of the page to display the
second method selection page if the device is loaded with more than 23 methods.
Note: Methods shown in the method selection pages include Hach© equivalent
methods and Pyxis specific advanced methods. The table in Appendix A provides a
brief description of Pyxis method names and their corresponding Hach® program
number. Hach® reagents for 10 ml sample can be used for the test.
5.3 Single Timing Step Method
Most of colorimetric methods have only one timing step. As an example, in the DPD
freechlorine method, it takes three minutes for the DPD powder reagent to completely
react with chlorine in the water sample. The DPD free chlorine method has a single