SBS SBS-3500 User manual

SBS-3500
Portable Density Meter
From Firmware Version V1.54
Instruction Manual

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While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Storage Battery
Systems, Inc. (SBS) assumes no responsibility for technical or printing errors or omissions. Nor
is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained in this
instruction manual. SBS does not make a commitment to update the information in this
manual. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be translated, reproduced, or distributed in
any form (print, photocopy, microfilm or any other process) without the prior written
permission of SBS. Trademarks may be used in this instruction manual without being marked as
such. These are the property of their respective owners and are legally protected.
Contact: Storage Battery Systems, Inc.
N56 W16665 Ridgewood Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Date: August 11, 2009

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Contents
1 About the Instruction Manual .............................................................................................................. 6
2 Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................ 7
3 Measuring Principle .............................................................................................................................. 9
4 SBS-3500 – An Overview.....................................................................................................................10
5 Checking the Supplied Parts ............................................................................................................... 11
6 Description of the Instrument ............................................................................................................13
6.1 Front View...................................................................................................................................13
6.2 Rear View ....................................................................................................................................15
6.3 Display.........................................................................................................................................16
7 Operating the SBS-3500......................................................................................................................18
7.1 Connecting the Filling Tube ........................................................................................................ 18
7.2 Attaching the Syringe Adapter.................................................................................................... 18
7.3 Switching the Instrument On ...................................................................................................... 19
7.4 Switching the Instrument Off...................................................................................................... 19
8 Defining the Basic Settings.................................................................................................................. 20
8.1 Language Settings ....................................................................................................................... 20
8.2 Units ............................................................................................................................................ 20
8.3 Sound Settings ............................................................................................................................ 20
8.4 Energy Saving Mode....................................................................................................................20
8.5 Backlight......................................................................................................................................21
8.6 Contrast Settings.........................................................................................................................21
8.7 Allocation of the Softkey Function..............................................................................................21
8.8 Password Protection...................................................................................................................22
8.9 Date and Time Settings ...............................................................................................................23
8.10 Exporting the System Settings to a PC ........................................................................................ 24
9 Performing a Measurement................................................................................................................ 25
9.1 Selecting the Measuring Unit...................................................................................................... 26
9.1.1 Categories of Measuring Units............................................................................................ 26

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9.1.2 Calculating a Temperature Coefficient ...............................................................................28
9.1.3 Importing Custom Functions............................................................................................... 28
9.2 Selecting Measuring Methods ....................................................................................................29
Application of the method selection ......................................................................................................29
9.2.1 Entering a New Method......................................................................................................29
9.2.2 Entering Method Lists .........................................................................................................30
9.2.3 Editing a Method................................................................................................................. 32
9.2.4 Deleting a Method ..............................................................................................................32
9.2.5 Deleting All Methods ..........................................................................................................32
9.2.6 Selecting a Method .............................................................................................................32
9.3 Assigning a Sample ID .................................................................................................................33
9.3.1 Entering the Sample ID ....................................................................................................... 33
9.3.2 Entering Sample ID Lists......................................................................................................33
9.3.3 Changing the Sample ID ...................................................................................................... 34
9.3.4 Deleting a Sample ID ...........................................................................................................34
9.3.5 Deleting all Sample IDs........................................................................................................34
9.3.6 Selecting a Sample ID..........................................................................................................35
9.4 Using the RFID Function..............................................................................................................35
9.4.1 Preconditions for using RFID...............................................................................................35
9.4.2 Allocating RFID Tags............................................................................................................35
9.4.3 Selecting a Method and/or Sample ID via RFID .................................................................. 36
9.4.4 Application Examples of RFID ............................................................................................. 36
9.5 Filling Sample .............................................................................................................................. 36
9.5.2 Filling with the Plastic Syringe............................................................................................. 37
9.6 Performing a Measurement........................................................................................................ 38
9.6.1 Deleting the Measured Value .............................................................................................38
9.6.2 Printing the Measured Value ..............................................................................................38
9.6.3 Emptying the Measuring Cell ..............................................................................................38
9.7 Accessing Saved Measuring Data................................................................................................ 39
9.8 Exporting Measuring Data to a PC .............................................................................................. 39
9.9 Printing the Saved Measuring Data ............................................................................................41
9.10 Deleting the Saved Measuring Data ...........................................................................................41

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10 Cleaning and Storing the Instrument..............................................................................................42
10.1 Cleaning the Measuring Cell .......................................................................................................42
10.2 Cleaning the Filling Pump............................................................................................................42
10.3 Cleaning the Pump Housing........................................................................................................ 42
10.4 Cleaning the Housing and Display...............................................................................................43
10.5 Storing the Instrument................................................................................................................ 43
11 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 44
11.1 Changing the Batteries................................................................................................................ 44
11.2 Carrying out a Firmware Update ................................................................................................ 46
11.3 Device Information ..................................................................................................................... 47
11.3.1 Accessing Device Information.............................................................................................47
11.3.2 Exporting Device Information .............................................................................................47
11.4 Exporting Adjustment Date.........................................................................................................48
12 Readjustment.................................................................................................................................. 49
12.1 Check Measurement................................................................................................................... 49
12.2 Water Adjustment ......................................................................................................................49
12.3 Custom Adjustment .................................................................................................................... 50
12.4 Defining an Offset .......................................................................................................................50
12.5 Restoring to Factory Adjustment................................................................................................ 50
13 Error Messages and Warnings ........................................................................................................51
14 Technical Data.................................................................................................................................52
15 Wetted Parts ...................................................................................................................................53
Appendix A: Density of Water (0ºC to 40ºC)...............................................................................................54
Appendix B: Measuring Unit Details ...........................................................................................................55
Appendix C: Menu Tree .............................................................................................................................. 58

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1 About the Instruction Manual
This instruction manual informs you about the installation and the safe handling and use of the product.
Pay special attention to the safety instructions and warnings in the manual and on the product.
This instruction manual is a part of the product. Keep this instruction manual for the complete working
life of the product and make sure it is easily accessible to all people involved with the product.
Conventions for Safety Messages
The following conventions for safety messages are used in this instruction manual:
DANGER
Danger indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
Warning indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Caution indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Notice indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in damage to property.
TIP Tip gives extra information about the situation at hand.
Typographical Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used in this instruction manual:
Convention Description
<key> The names of keys and buttons are written
inside angle brackets
“Menu Level 1 > Menu Level 2” Menu paths are written in bold, inside
straight quotation marks. The menu levels
are connected using a closing angle bracket

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2 Safety Instructions
•Read this instruction manual before using the portable density meter SBS-3500.
•Follow all hints and instructions contained in this instruction manual to ensure the correct use
and safe functioning of the SBS-3500.
Liability
•This instruction manual does not claim to address all safety issues associated with the use of the
instrument and samples. It is your responsibility to establish health and safety practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations.
•SBS only warrants the proper functioning of the SBS-3500 if no adjustments have been made to
the mechanics, electronics, and firmware.
•Only use the SBS-3500 for the purpose described in this instruction manual. SBS is not liable for
damages caused by incorrect use of the SBS-3500.
Installation and Use
•The SBS-3500 is not an explosion-proof instrument and therefore must not be operated in areas
with risk of explosion.
•Never remove the pump lock and battery cover in hazardous areas. Only exchange the batteries
outside of hazardous areas.
•The installation procedure shall only be carried out by authorized personnel who are familiar
with installation instructions.
•Do not use any accessories or wearing parts other than those supplied or approved by SBS.
•Make sure all operators are trained to use the instrument safely and correctly before starting
any applicable operations.
•In case of damage or malfunction, do not continue operating the SBS-3500. Do not operate the
instrument under conditions which could result in damage to goods and/or injuries and loss of
life.
•Check the SBS-3500 for chemical resistance to the samples and cleaning liquids.
•Do not expose the instrument to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) if water is contained in the
measuring cell or pump (freezing water will cause rupture of the measuring cell).
Maintenance and Service
•The results delivered by the SBS-3500 not only depend on the correct functioning of the
instrument, but also on various other factors. We therefore recommend you have the results
checked (e.g. plausibility tested) by skilled personnel before consequential actions are taken
based on the results.
•Service and repair procedures may only be carried out by authorized personnel or by SBS.

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•If your instruments need repair, contact your local SBS representative.
Disposal
•Concerning the disposal of the SBS-3500 observe the legal requirements in your country.
Precautions for Highly Flammable Samples and Cleaning Liquids
•Observe and adhere to your national safety regulations for handling the measured samples (e.g.
use of safety goggles, gloves, respiratory protection, etc.)
•Only store the minimum required amount of sample, cleaning liquids and other inflammable
materials near the SBS-3500.
•Do not leave sample/rinsing containers uncovered. Clean all spillages immediately.
•Make sure that the setup location is sufficiently ventilated. The environment of the SBS-3500
must be kept free of flammable gases and vapors.
•Supply a fire extinguisher.

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3 Measuring Principle
Definition of Density
The density ρof a sample is defined as its mass divided by its volume:
Density is a temperature-dependant measuring unit.
The Oscillating U-Tube Principle
The sample is introduced into a U-shaped borosilicate glass tube that is being excited to vibrate at its
characteristic frequency electronically. The characteristic frequency changes depending on the density
of the sample. Through determination of the characteristic frequency the density of the sample can be
calculated. Due to the temperature dependency of the density value, the temperature of the sample
has to be determined precisely.
Concentration Measurement
In binary mixtures, the density of the mixture is a function of its composition. Thus, by using
density/concentration tables, the density value of a binary mixture can be used to calculate its
composition.
This is also possible with so-called quasi binary mixtures. These are mixtures containing two major
components and some additional ones which are present in very small concentrations compared to the
two main components. Many decarbonated soft drinks, for example, can be considered to be quasi
binary mixtures of sugar in water because the concentration of flavors and acids are very small
compared to sugar and water. Thus, the sugar concentration can be measured with a density meter.

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4 SBS-3500 – An Overview
The portable density meter SBS-3500 measures the density of liquids in g/cm3 or kg/m3 according to the
oscillating U-tube principle. Apart from density you can select various further measuring units (relative
density, density at reference temperature, concentrations). A temperature senor measures the sample
temperature right at the measuring cell. The temperature is displayed and can be used internally for
automatic temperature compensation of the density reading if required.
Owing to the lightweight and compact design one can easily perform measurements of usually difficult
accessible samples. The backlight of the display ensures clear visibility of results, even in dark
surroundings. The backlight of the oscillator at the same time enables to observe the filling process in
detail.
Samples are filled into the measuring cell using the built-in pipette-style pump or a syringe. You can
allocate sample IDs to your samples for easier identification. You can also define and store different
measuring methods allowing acceleration of repeatedly performed standard measurements.
The SBS-3500 is operated via seven keys. 1024 measuring data including date, time and sample ID can
be stored in the memory of the SBS-3500 density meter and can be recalled, exported to a PC or printed
later. The transfer of the stored measuring data to a printer or PC is done wireless using an infrared
interface (IrDA).
The produce version SBS-3500 Tag&Log is additionally equipped with an RFID interface. Via this
interface data can be read in from an RFID tag and allocated to a sample ID and/or method. Later on, by
reading the RFID tag, you can switch fast and easily between different sample IDs and methods which
further increases the efficiency of your measuring process.