Santacary BE500 User manual

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Instruction Manual R1.0
Santacary Technology Co., Ltd.
Portable pH Meter BE500

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the BE500 portable pH meter. This meter is an
outstanding combination of advanced electronics design and sensor
technology. It's the most economical choice of a precise pH meter.
Please read this manual carefully to properly use and maintain the meter.
Santacary Technology reserves the right to update the contents of this
manual without giving prior notices.
DESCRIPTION
Features
Measuring principle: Glass electrode method
pH Range: 0.00 to 14.00 pH with max accuracy of ±0.01 pH
Support 1, 2 and 3 points pH calibration
Automatic and Manual Temperature Compensation provides accurate
reading over the entire range
Selectable pH buffer group (USA / NIST)
Equipped with a large backlit LCD display
Battery indicator shows the remaining battery capacity
Comes with a carrying case convenient for in-field use
Powered by Li-ion battery of 4.2V, 1500mAh
Includes a Mini USB cable with Wall USB charger
Device

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1. pH electrode input BNC jack
2. Temperature probe input jack
3. Mini USB port on top of the meter
4. LCD Display
5. Keypad and Panel
6. Tilt stand is located on the rear of the meter
LCD Display

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1. Low Battery Indicator
2. Mode Status Icon
3. pH Measuring Value
4. pH Unit
5. Temperature
6. Temperature Unit
7. ATC or MTC Icon
ATC--Auto Temperature Compensation
MTC--Manual Temperature Compensation
Materials Supplied
1. Meter
2. pH Electrode
3. Temperature Sensor
4. Buffer Powder Set
5. Portable Bag for Meter
6. Instruction Manual
7. Mini USB Cable with Wall USB Charger

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OPERATION
The BE500 pH meter is powered by a built-in 4.2V lithium battery.
Keypad Operation
There are six buttons on the BE500 panel (see below Figure). Their
functions are described in table 1.
Table 1 Keypad Operation and Functions
Keypad
Operation
Functions
Short Press
Power on and enter MEASUREMENT
mode when meter is power off
Long Press
(>3s)
Power off
Short Press
In MEASUREMENT mode : toggles the
Temperature Units of measure (°C or °F)
In FREEZE mode : release the held reading
to return to MEASUREMENT mode

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Short Press
Momentarily press the button to
enter MENU mode. There are six menu
items by pressing the button
shortly to loop. The menu items are
described in the table x.
Short Press
In the MEASUREMENT mode the user
presses it to manually log one pH reading
onto the meter memory.
Note that the new data will automatically
overwrite the old data in memory
In the MENU mode :
In MTC (manual temperature
compensation) menu item: press to
increase temperature value
In USA/NIST menu item: press to
toggles between USA and NIST pH
Standard Calibration Solution Series
Short Press
In the MEASUREMENT mode the user
presses it to enter DATA mode and view
the latest data log.
In the MENU mode :
In MTC (manual temperature
compensation) menu item: press to
decrease temperature value
In USA/NIST menu item: press to
toggles between USA and NIST pH
Standard Calibration Solution Series

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Short Press
In the MEASUREMENT mode,
momentarily press the button to
freeze a displayed reading on the LCD and
enter FREEZE mode. The FREEZE display
icon will appear.
In the MENU mode, save and implement
the Menu item then returns to
MEASUREMENT mode.
Note:
When LCD backlight is off, press any button to turn on the backlight before
operation. LCD backlight will turn off automatically after 60 seconds of
button inactivity.
Changing the Operation Mode
BE500 pH meter has four operation modes: MEASUREMENT, MENU, DATA
and FREEZE mode (see table 2). Change the operation mode from four
available modes depending on the purpose of use. The status icon
indicates the current mode.
Table 2 Operation Modes
Mode Name
Mode Status Icon
Functions
MEASUREMENT mode
(None)
Performs measurement
MENU mode
(None)
Performs calibration
setup, calibration and
MTC setup
DATA mode
DATA
Displays the saved data
FREEZE mode
FREEZE
Data is frozen

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Users can change the operation mode using the corresponding key.
However changing to the MENU mode, DATA mode, or FREEZE mode is
possible only from the MEASUREMENT mode. When changing to a
different mode, first change to the MEASUREMENT mode and then
change to the desired mode.
Menu Mode Operations
By pressing the button, the meter enters into MENU mode. There
are six menu items by pressing the button shortly to loop. The
menu items are described in table 3.
Table 3 Menu Operations
Menu Items
Functional Description
St. Buffer: USA or St. Buffer:
NIST
Setting the pH Standard Calibration
Solution Series: USA or NIST series.
User presses or to
toggle the settings. Press
button to confirm the setting and
return to the MEASUREMENT mode.
PH Calibration 1 7.00 pH
(USA) or PH Calibration 1
6.86 pH (NIST)
To make the first point pH Calibration.
User presses the button to
implement the first point pH Calibration
PH Calibration 2 4.01 pH
(USA) or PH Calibration 2
4.01 pH (NIST)
To make the 2nd point pH Calibration.
User presses the button to

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implement the 2nd point pH Calibration
PH Calibration 2 10.01 pH
(USA) or PH Calibration 2
9.18 pH (NIST)
To make the 3rd point pH Calibration.
User presses the button to
implement the 3rd point pH Calibration
MTC : xx°C
Setting the MTC (Manual Temperature
Compensation) temperature. User
presses or button to
adjust temperature compensation
accordingly. Press button to
confirm the setting and return to the
MEASUREMENT mode.
EXIT
User presses the button to
exit the MENU mode and return to the
MEASUREMENT mode.
Connecting Electrodes and Temperature Sensor
The pH electrode connects to the BNC jack on the top left of the meter.
Align the BNC connector slots with the posts of meter's jack and rotate
connector clockwise until it locks. Do not force it. To remove, rotate the
connector in counter-clockwise direction until it unlocks, and slide the
connector off the jack.
The temperature Sensor connects to the micro aviation jack on the top
middle of the meter.
When measurements have been completed, be sure to store the pH
electrode in its protective vial/cap.

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Operating Hints
This section gives some brief operating hints and good laboratory
practices to help assure trouble free pH measurements.
1. If you are measuring hot or cold samples without the use of an ATC
probe, the values displayed are not accurate. You should be calibrating
and measuring at room temperature.
2. When transferring from one sample to another, always rinse the
electrode with distilled water and blot dry. Handle the electrode carefully
and do not use it as a stirring rod.
3. Use new calibration buffers.
4. For small sample volumes, make sure that the pH bulb is in contact with
the sample.
5. Response time is a function of both the electrode and the solution.
Some solutions have very fast response while others, particularly those
with low ionic strength, may take several minutes.
6. Samples must be in solution (water). Users cannot measure the pH of a
dry sample.
7. See the next sections for general pH electrode maintenance.
PH ELECTRODE
The pH electrode contains polycarbonate silicone rubber material and
glass components at the part contacting the sample. Before measuring the
sample, please confirm that your sample solution does not harm the
above materials.
There is a vial stored with KCL (potassium chloride) storage solution on top
of the electrode. The electrode use procedure are below:
1. Before using, loosen the cap of the vial, take out the electrode.

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2. Put the electrode measuring end down, hold the electrode and shake
it for several times to make the electrode bulb full of solution
without bubbles.
3. Keep the electrode filling port open, connect the electrode plug with
the pH meter. When connecting the electrode into the meter, please
slowly rotate the connector, identify the location of the mount to
insert it, and then screw it on. Please note that do not pull on the
cables in case of poor contact. Please keep the connector clean and
dry.
4. Rinse electrode in distilled water and then do measurement. When
the electrode is dipped into the test sample solution, stir it for a few
seconds to remove potential air bubbles inside the probe to help the
measurement get stabilized quickly.
5. During the electrode calibration and measurement, ensure that the
external reference liquid level is more than 10 mm higher than the
measured liquid level.
6. When not in use, clean the electrode in time after use and place the
electrode back to the vial and tighten the cap so that the pH
electrode can be stored in the best condition. Please keep an
appropriate amount of 3.0mol/l KCL (potassium chloride) solution in

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the electrode protection bottle, insert the electrode and make the
measuring end of the electrode completely immersed in the KCL
solution. Remember to close the filling port and put the electrode
back into the packaging bag for room temperature storage.
PH CALIBRATION
The BE500 pH meter allows 1 to 3 points calibration. We recommend that
you perform at least 2 points calibration for high accuracy measurement.
The meter adopts two series of standard buffer solutions: USA and NIST as
shown in Table 4. Users can select which one to use in Menu Operation.
Press the button one times and "St. Buffer: USA" or "St. Buffer:
NIST" appears on the display.
Press the button or button to switch between "St.
Buffer: USA" and "St. Buffer: NIST”.
Press button to confirm the setting and return to the
measurement screen.
Table 4 Calibration Mode
USA Standard
Buffers
NIS Standard
Buffers
When to adopt
1-Point
Calibration
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
accuracy≤±
0.1 pH
2-Point
Calibration
7.00 pH and
4.01 pH
6.86 pH and
4.01 pH
Measuring
range: 0 to 7.00
pH

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7.00 pH and
10.01 pH
6.86 pH and
9.18 pH
Measuring
range: >7.00 pH
3-Point
Calibration
7.00 pH, 4.01
and 10.01 pH
6.86 pH, 4.01
and 9.18 pH
Wide measuring
range
pH Calibration Considerations
The pH Electrode must be calibrated with the companion meter as often
as possible for best results.
The frequency that you need to calibrate your meter depends on the
tested samples, performance of electrodes, and the requirement of the
accuracy.
1) For High-Accuracy measurements (≤±0.02pH), the meter should
be calibrated before test every time;
2) For ordinary-accuracy Measurements (≥±0.1pH), once calibrated,
the meter can be used for about a week or longer.
In the following cases, the meter must be re-calibrated:
1) The electrode hasn't been used for a long time or the electrode is
brand new.
2) After measuring strong acid (pH<2.00) or strong base (pH>12.00)
solutions.
3) After measuring fluoride-containing solution and strong organic
solution
4) There is a big difference between the temperature of the test sample
and the temperature of the buffer solution that is used in the last
calibration.
pH Calibration Procedure
Prepare buffer solutions for 7.00 pH and either 4.01 pH or 10.00 pH. (6.86
pH, 4.01 pH or 9.18 pH if using NIST). Each pH buffer powder should be
dissolved in 250ml pure water or deionized water in volumetric flask.

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To eliminate temperature errors associated with the pH electrode, attach
the Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) probe for best accuracy.
Without temperature compensation, pH accuracy will worsen as samples
deviate from 25 ºC and pH 7.00.
The 1st point must be 7.00 pH (or 6.86 if using NIST). Then choose other
calibration solutions to conduct 2nd and 3rd points.
Step 1. To make the first point calibration
1) Rinse the pH electrode with distilled water, place the electrode and
temperature sensor into the pH7.00 (or 6.86 if using NIST) buffer
solution. The end of the electrode must be completely immersed into
the calibration solution. Stir the electrode gently to create a
homogeneous solution. Let it stand still and wait for the reading to
stabilize or wait for >3 minutes.
2) Press the button twice to select the item "PH Calibration 1
7.00 pH" (or "PH Calibration 1 6.86 pH" if using NIST) in the MENU
mode.
3) Press button to calibrate the meter (first point). The device
automatically save the calibration data and returns to the
MEASUREMENT mode after it finishes the process.
Step 2. To make the 2nd point calibration
1) Take out pH electrode, rinse it in distilled water, and dry it. Place
the electrode (and temperature probe) into the pH 4.01 (or pH 4.01 if
using NIST) buffer solution. The end of the electrode must be
completely immersed into the calibration solution. Stir the electrode
gently to create a homogeneous solution. Let it stand still and wait
for the reading to stabilize or wait for >3 minutes.

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2) Press the button third times to select the item "PH
Calibration 2 4.01 pH" (or "PH Calibration 2 4.01 pH" if using NIST)
in MENU mode.
3) Press button to calibrate the meter (2nd point). The device
automatically save the calibration data and returns to the
MEASUREMENT mode after it finishes the process.
Step 3. To make the 3rd point calibration
1) Take out pH electrode, rinse it in distilled water, and dry it. Place
the electrode (and temperature probe) into the 10.01 (or pH 9.18 if
using NIST) buffer solution. The end of the electrode must be
completely immersed into the calibration solution. Stir the electrode
gently to create a homogeneous solution. Let it stand still and wait
for the reading to stabilize or wait for >3 minutes.
2) Press the button fourth times to select the item "PH
Calibration 3 10.01 pH" (or "PH Calibration 3 9.18 pH" if using
NIST)
3) Press button to calibrate the meter (3rd point). The device
automatically save the calibration data and returns to the
MEASUREMENT mode after it finishes the process.
Single point calibration should only be carried out with pH 7.00, or pH
6.86 : Perform Step 1.
For highest accuracy, perform a multiple-point calibration.
2-point calibration:
1) Use the 7.00 pH and 4.01 pH (or 6.86 pH and 4.01 pH if using NIST)

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solutions for measurements that are expected to be on the lower side of
the scale : Perform Step 1 and Step 2.
2) Use the 7.00 pH and 10.00 pH (or 6.86 pH and 9.18 pH if using NIST)
solutions for measurements that are expected to be on the higher side of
the pH scale : Perform Step 1 and Step 3.
3-point calibration: all three ranges can be calibrated for a full 3-point pH
calibration ：Perform Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3.
The pH calibration summary is as table 5.
Table 5 pH Calibration Procedure
Calibration Step(s)
When to adopt
1-Point Calibration
Step 1
accuracy≤±0.1 pH
2-Point Calibration
Step 1 -> Step 2
Measuring range: 0 to
7.00 pH
Step 1 -> Step 3
Measuring
range: >7.00 pH
3-Point Calibration
Step 1 -> Step 2 -> Step
3
Wide measuring range
All new calibration values will automatically override existing calibration
data. The non-volatile memory will retain calibration values upon power
shut-off.
Calibration buffer solution
For calibration accuracy, the pH of the standard buffer solution must be
reliable. Always use fresh pH buffer solutions for calibration. Do not reuse
buffer solutions as they change with prolonged exposure to air (especially
pH 10 buffer) resulting in decreased measurement accuracy.

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PH MEASUREMENT
To measure the sample pH, rinse the pH electrode in distilled water, dry it,
and dip it into sample solution. Immerse at least 3 cm from the tip of the
pH electrode in the sample solution. Swirl or stir the solution gently and
let it stand still in the sample solution. Wait for the reading to stabilize for
a while. The reading is the pH value.
pH measurements are displayed in the range of 0.00 to 14.00 in the
middle, larger digit display area of the meter's LCD. Measurements made
outside of this range will yield dashes (--) on the LCD. The temperature
value is shown below the pH reading on the LCD.
Automatic/Manual Temperature Compensation
pH measurements are most accurate when the temperature of the
solution under test is known and a temperature compensation factor is
applied to the measurement. This is achieved using Automatic or Manual
Temperature Compensation (ATC/MTC).
If a temperature electrode is used, ATC and the sample temperature are
displayed on the LCD screen.
If the meter does not detect a temperature electrode or one is not used,
the meter automatically switches to MTC mode and MTC appears on the
screen.
MTC can be set as described in below:
1. Press the button five times until "MTC : 25°C" appears on the
display.
2. Press the button to switch between °C and °F .
3. Then press or button to adjust temperature

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compensation accordingly
4. Press button to confirm the setting and return to the
measurement screen.
The default MTC temperature value setting is 25 °C (77°F).
Note: °C = 5/9 (°F - 32)
pH isothermal measurement principle
According to the pH isothermal measurement principle, the closer the test
sample's temperature is to the calibration solution's, the higher the
accuracy of the measurement. So this principle is recommended to follow
when conducting tests.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
This section describes the specifications of the meter and the technical
information.
pH Specification:
pH Range
0.00 to 14.00 pH
Measuring principle
Glass electrode
Resolution
0.01 pH
Accuracy
±0.01 pH
Calibration Points
1 to 3 points
Buffer Groups
4.01, 7.00, 10.01 (USA)
4.01, 6.86, 9.18 (NIST)
Temperature Compensation
Automatic / Manual (0 to 100 °C)

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Temperature Specification:
Temperature Range
0 to 100.0 °C (32.0 to 212.0 °F)
Resolution
± 0.1°C (± 0.1°F)
Display Options
°C /°F switchable
Accuracy
± 0.5°C (± 0.9°F)
General Specification:
Operating Temperature
5 to 60.0 °C (41.0 to 140.0 °F)
Power Supply
Li-ion battery (4.2V,1500mAh),Mini
USB cable with Wall USB charger
Dimensions
90x175x42mm (3.54x6.89x1.65")
Weight
258 grams (9.1 oz.)
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning and Storage
The BE500 pH Meter needs no maintenance except for an occasional wipe
with a damp cloth. It is good laboratory practice to wipe away any spills as
soon as they occur.
The front panel and case can be cleaned with a mild solution of detergent
and water. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and allow drying completely
before using. Do not use aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents
for cleaning.
pH Electrode Maintenance
1. Daily maintenance
The KCL soaking solution contained in the supplied protective vial is used

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to maintain the sensitivity of the glass bulb. Loosen the vial, remove the
electrode and rinse in distilled water before taking a measurement. Insert
the electrode and tighten the vial after measurements to prevent the
reference solution from leaking. If the soaking solution is turbid or moldy,
replace it with KCL solution.
The electrode should NOT be soaked in pure or distilled water, protein
solution or acid fluoride solution. In addition, do not soak the electrode in
organic lipids.
If the electrode response has become sluggish or inaccurate, change the
external reference solution. If that does not improve the response then
the pH sensing glass has probably become coated with some of the
samples being tested. The procedure of preparing external reference
solution are
1) A plastic bottle with powder is attached to the packing box. Please
add a proper amount of deionized aquatic products at the 20 ml scale
and shake well before use.
2) Users can also strive for 55.9g of analytical pure potassium chloride
and prepare 250ml solution with deionized water.
2. Protect glass bulb
The sensitive glass bulb at the front of the composite electrode should not