Supelco Reflectoquant RQflex 20 User manual

Operating manual
Reflectoquant®
RQflex®20
Reflectometer
EN
Analytical
10/2017

3
Table of contents
1 Intended use ..................5
2 Getting started ...............5
2.1 Description of the instrument ............ 5
2.2 Package contents ......................6
2.3 Inserting the batteries ..................7
2.3.1 Replacement of batteries .............8
2.3.2 Saving data – Important notes .........8
2.4 Operation buttons and display ............9
2.4.1 Operation buttons ...................9
2.4.2 Display .........................10
2.4.3 Menu items ......................10
2.5 Starting the RQflex®20 the first time .....11
2.6 Settings ............................12
2.6.1 Overview .......................13
2.6.2 Setting the language ...............14
2.6.3 Setting the date format .............15
2.6.4 Setting the time format .............16
2.6.5 Setting the date ..................17
2.6.6 Setting the time ..................18
2.6.7 Setting the auto power off time .......19
2.6.8 Setting the audible signal (ON or OFF) ..20
2.6.9 Setting the acoustical countdown warning ..21
2.6.10 Setting the memory capacity warning
(ON or OFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
2.7 Initial calibration .....................23
3 Measurement.................27
Method list ..............................27
3.1 Add a new method ....................28
3.1.1 Guided way .....................28
3.1.2 Shortcut........................30
3.2 Measuring with test kits................31
Continue with the last used method .........31
Choose from method list .................31
Shortcut.............................32
Measurement procedures .............. 33
3.2.1 Measurement procedure A ...........33
3.2.2 Measurement procedure B ...........35
3.2.3 Skip the timer....................39
3.2.4 Serial measurements ...............39
3.2.5 General notes on measurement .......40
3.3 Method details .......................40
3.4 Delete all methods ....................42

54
4 Result ..........................43
Result list ..............................43
5 Quality assurance ...........46
5.1 Recalibration ........................46
5.1.1 Procedure.......................47
5.1.2 Calibration results .................50
5.2 Checking the instrument ...............51
5.2.1 Analytical quality assurance (AQA) .....51
Monitoring of the instrument .........51
Total system monitoring.............51
5.2.2 RQcheck procedure ................52
5.2.3 RQcheck results ..................54
6 System information ........57
7 Maintenance of the
instrument ....................59
7.1 Handling............................59
7.2 Cleaning the strip adapter ..............60
7.2.1 Procedure .......................60
8 Trouble-shooting ............61
8.1 User messages on the display ...........61
8.2 Error messages ......................63
8.3 Other faults .........................65
9 Technical data................66
10 Accessories ...................67
11 Service / Warranty .........68
1Intented use
The Reflectoquant® RQflex®20 reflectometer is intented to be used exclusively according to
the operating manual.
The reflectometer was developed for performing analyses of chemical parameters in water,
food & beverage samples, and environmental samples using Reflectoquant®test strips in
the laboratory, on the production line or in the field.
Any other use is considered to be unauthorized.
2Getting started
2.1 Description of the instrument
Your RQflex®20 is a versatile, precise instrument. It is part of the
Reflectoquant®system with the components:
• instrument RQflex®20
• Reflectoquant®tests
• test- and batch-specific barcode strip
According to the principle of reflectometry (remission photometry),
reflected light from the test strip is measured. Just as in classical photo-
metry, the difference in intensity of emitted and reflected light allows a
quantitative determination of the concentration of specific analytes.

76
2.2 Package contents
The standard contents of the Reflectoquant®
RQflex®20 Reflectometer package comprise the
following items:
1 Reflectometer inclusive strip adapter,
Cat. No. 1.17246.0001
1 Recalibration set
1 Quick Guide
4 1.5-V batteries (AAA)
1 Safety Instructions
2.3 Inserting the
batteries
Before operating the system for the first time,
the batteries included in the package must be
installed.
1. Remove the lid of the battery compartment
on the back of the instrument by pressing
carefully in the indicated direction.
2. Insert the batteries into the compartment,
heeding the + and – pole indicators.
3. Close the battery compartment.
Dispose of used batteries in
accordance with the local
regulations.

98
2.4 Operation buttons
and display
2.4.1 Operation buttons
2.3.1 Replacement of batteries
Refer to page 7 for how to replace used
batteries.
Recommendation
Do not use rechargeable batteries!
2.3.2 Saving data - Important notes
Before changing the batteries, please shut down
the instrument first. Otherwise the date and time
settings are lost.
During battery change, data in the RQflex®20
reflectometer is saved for 60 seconds. If the
change time exceeds 60 seconds only date and
time are lost, all stored data and settings are still
stored.
Recommendation
Replacement batteries (AAA non-rechargeable
alkaline batteries, 1.5 V) must be on hand for
immediate insertion. Barcode
reader
Left (Back) Right (Next)
Menu
OK
START
measure-
ment
Power
On/Off
Display
Down Up

1110
2.5 Starting the
RQflex®20
the first time
Before working with the RQflex®20 insert the
batteries (delivery contents). See chapter 2.3
"Inserting the batteries".
Switch on the reflectometer by pressing the
[Power On/Off] button.
The unit runs an electronic self-check test.
The serial number of the RQflex®20 is displayed
at the bottom right.
The display then shows the main menu:
Pressing the [Up] and [Down] buttons takes the
RQflex®20 to the different submenus.
The RQflex®20 is supplied with English preset
as the standard language setting. Before making
the first measurement you should therefore reset
the unit to the language of your choice (see sec-
tion 2.6.2, "Setting the language").
The date and time should be set (see sections
2.6.3 and 2.6.4, "Setting the date" and
Setting the time").
The instrument needs to be calibrated before the
first measurement is performed (see section 2.7,
"Initial calibration").
2.4.2 Display
General structure
Example
2.4.3 Menu items
The following items are displayed in the main menu:
Method List list of all stored methods
Result List list of all stored results
Settings list of instrument settings
Quality Assurance list of all Analytical Quality
Assurance options
Information list of instrument information
Battery
status
Time
Menu item
Method
number
Timer area
Status bar
Content
area
Info bar

1312
2.6 Settings
Switch on the reflectometer by pressing the
[Power On/Off] button.
The unit runs an electronic self-check test.
The display then shows the main menu:
Select [Settings] in the [MAIN MENU] using
the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
2.6.1 Overview
The following items are displayed in the settings menu:
Languages for setting the desired language
(EN - DE - FR - ES - PT - JP - CN)
Date Format for setting the desired date format
(yyyy-mm-dd - dd.mm.yyyy - mm/dd/yyyy)
Time format for setting the desired time format
(24 h - am/pm)
Date for setting the current date
Time for setting the current time
Auto Power for setting the desired power off time
Off Time (00 (= Off) - 15 - 30 - 45 - 60 min)
Audible Signal for setting the audible alert
(On / Off)
Acoustic. for setting the desired duration of the
Countdown warning signal for the countdown
Warning (00 (= Off) - 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 sec)
Memory for setting the memory capacity warning
Capacity (On / Off)
Warning

1514
2.6.2 Setting the language
Select [Languages] using the [Up] and [Down]
buttons if necessary.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired language using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].
2.6.3 Setting the date format
Select [Date Format] using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired date format using the [Up]
and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].

1716
2.6.4 Setting the time format
Select [Time Format] using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired time format using the [Up]
and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].
2.6.5 Setting the date
Select [Date] using the [Up] and [Down]
buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired date using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
Change the column with the [Left (Back)] and
[Right (Next)] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].

1918
2.6.6 Setting the time
Select [Time] using the [Up] and [Down]
buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired time using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
Change the column with the [Left (Back)] and
[Right (Next)] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].
2.6.7 Setting the auto power off
time
Select [Auto Power Off Time] using the [Up]
and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Possible selections:
(00 (= Off) - 15 - 30 - 45 - 60 min)
Select the desired auto power off time in
minutes using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].

2120
2.6.8 Setting the audible signal
(ON or OFF)
Select [Audible Signal] using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired audible alert mode (On or Off)
using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].
2.6.9 Setting the acoustical
countdown warning
Select [Acoustic. Countdown Warning] using
the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Possible selections:
(00 (= Off) - 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 sec)
Select the desired duration of the warning signal
in seconds using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].

2322
2.6.10 Setting the memory
capacity warning (ON or OFF)
Select [Memory Capacity Warning] using the
[Up] and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Select the desired memory space warning mode
(On or Off) using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)] and return to [SETTINGS].
Press the [Left (Back)] button to return to
[MAIN MENU].
Abort:
Press the [Left (Back)] button to abort if
desired, and return to [SETTINGS].
2.7 Initial calibration
The instrument needs to be calibrated before the
first measurement is performed. This is required
to set the correct baseline for the reflectome-
tric optics. For this purpose, a Reflectoquant®
Recalibration Set is delivered with the instru-
ment. Please use the barcode and the pla-
stic test strip for calibration (for details of
the Recalibration Set see section 5, "Quality
assurance").
Keep the instrument at room temperature for at
least 30 minutes.
Switch on the reflectometer by pressing the
[Power On/Off] button.
The unit runs an electronic self-check test.
The display then shows the main menu:
Select [Quality Assurance] in the [MAIN
MENU] using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].

2524
The display shows:
Pressing the [Left (Back)] button takes you back
to [MAIN MENU].
Select [Calibration] using the [Up] and [Down]
buttons if necessary.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Remove the barcode strip for calibration from
the pack (included in the scope of delivery of
RQflex®20).
Insert the barcode all the way into the barcode
reader in the direction of the arrow in a smooth
motion from left to right, and then remove it
again.
The display shows:
Make sure that no test strip is inserted in the
test strip adapter, then press [OK].
The display shows:
Insert the calibration strip of the recalibration
set (included in the scope of delivery of
RQflex®20) into the strip adapter with the
beveled edge outwards and upwards and press
the [START measurement] button.
The calibration is carried out.
The display shows:
Pressing the [OK] button leads you forward to
[Calibration Results] (see "Calibration Results",
5.1.2).
Abort:
For abort press the [Menu] button.

2726
The display shows:
Select the desired action using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons:
No: return to [CALIBRATION]
Yes: return to [QUALITY ASSURANCE]
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
3Measurement
Method list
Switch on the reflectometer by pressing the
[Power On/Off] button.
The unit runs an electronic self-check test.
The display then shows the main menu:
Press [START measurement] button to return to
the last used method
or
select [Method List] in the [MAIN MENU]
using the [Up] and [Down] buttons if necessary.
The display shows:

2928
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows for example:
Pressing the [Left (Back)] button takes you back
to [MAIN MENU].
3.1 Add a new method
There are two scenarios for adding a method:
1. Guided way
2. Shortcut
3.1.1 Guided way
Select [Add new Method] in the [METHOD
LIST] using the [Up] and [Down] buttons.
The display shows:
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:
Remove the specific barcode strip from the
Reflectoquant®pack. Certain tests require two
barcode strips.
Insert the barcode all the way into the barcode
scanner in the direction of the arrow in a smooth
motion from left to right, and then remove it
again.
In the case of requiring two barcode strips the
display shows now:
Insert the second barcode the same way before.
Adding a new method is successfully finished
when the display shows:
Press [OK].
Store the barcode strip in the supplied packaging
material of the Reflectoquant®test (not in the
test-strip tube)
The display shows the new added method in
the first row. The first number corresponds to
the code number of the barcode strip resp. the
first three digits of the batch number of the
Reflectoquant®pack:

3130
Abort:
For abort press the [Menu] button.
The display shows:
Select the desired action using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons:
No: return to [Insert Barcode!]
Yes: return to [METHOD LIST]
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
3.1.2 Shortcut
A method can be started directly at any menu
item by inserting the barcode strip of the
Reflectoquant®test.
Follow the instruction in the package insert of
the corresponding Reflectoquant®test, e. g.
"Preparation", "Procedure".
3.2 Measuring with
test kits
There are three ways to measure with test kits:
1. Continue with last used method
2. Choose from method list
3. Shortcut
Continue with last used method
The method number shows the last used
method, measurement is started immediately
after pressing the red [START measurement]
button.
Choose from method list
If another stored method is needed, select
[Method List] in the [MAIN MENU] using the
[Up] and [Down] buttons.
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
The display shows:

3332
Measurement procedures
There are two distinct measurement procedures.
The both procedures are very similar and differ
only in the first steps. Each measurement proce-
dure is test-specific. The procedure is transferred
to the instrument via the barcode strip. All steps
involved to obtain the result are displayed on
the screen. Please also refer to the respective
Reflectoquant®package insert!
3.2.1 Measurement procedure A
This procedure has only one reaction time.
For choosing the right method compare the
first three digits of the batch number of the
Reflectoquant®pack. This reference number
must be the same as the one displayed.
If not, perform a method calibration (see section
3.2, "Add a new method".
Confirm your selection by pressing [START
measurement].
The display shows for example:
Select the desired method using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons.
Confirm by pressing the [START measurement]
button
and follow the instruction in the package insert
of the corresponding Reflectoquant®test, e. g.
"Preparation", "Procedure".
Shortcut
A method can be started directly at any menu
item by inserting the barcode strip of the
Reflectoquant®test.
Follow the instruction in the package insert of
the corresponding Reflectoquant®test, e. g.
"Preparation", "Procedure".

3534
Immerse the test strip into the sample as
described in the Reflectoquant®package insert
(Reflectoquant®pack) and at the same time
press the [START measurement] button to start
the timer.
Carefully allow excess liquid to run off via the
long edge of the strip onto an absorbent paper
towel. If the countdown function of the instru-
ment is activated, the remaining reaction time is
shown (countdown).
Note
You can perform the measurement immediately
by pressing the [START measurement] button
again to skip the countdown. In this case the
strip must be inserted into the strip adapter.
To repeat a measurement e. g. when the test
strip was inserted incorrectly or too late.
An acoustic signal (if warning signal is set
> 0 sec, see section 2.6.9, "Setting the acou-
stical countdown warning") starts before the
end of the reaction time requests you to insert
the strip all the way into the strip adapter. The
strip can also be inserted before the warning
signal time have expired (see the corresponding
package insert).
The measurement starts automatically after the
end of the reaction time.
The measurement result is displayed and auto-
matically stored.
The save hint is shown only if memory space
warning is on (see section 2.9.10, "Setting the
memory capacity warning").
Abort:
For abort press the [Menu] button.
The display shows:
Select the desired action using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons:
No: return to [MEASUREMENT]
Yes: return to [METHOD LIST]
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
3.2.2 Measurement procedure B
Besides the reaction time of the Reflectoquant®
tests this procedure also considers other waiting
times.
For chosing the right method compare the
first three digits of the batch number of the
Reflectoquant®pack. This reference number
must be the same as the one displayed.
If not, perform a method calibration (see section
3.2, "Add a new method".

3736
Confirm your selection by pressing [START
measurement].
The display shows:
Immerse the test strip into the sample as
described in the Reflectoquant®package insert
(Reflectoquant®pack) and press the [OK]
button.
Carefully allow excess liquid to run off via the
long edge of the strip onto an absorbent paper
towel and press the [OK] button.
Immerse the test strip into the corresponding
solution as described in the Reflectoquant®
package insert (Reflectoquant®pack) and at the
same time press the [OK] button to start the
timer.
The display shows for example:
After the reaction time the display shows
Carefully allow excess liquid to run off via the
long edge of the strip onto an absorbent paper
towel and press the [OK] button.
The display shows:
Insert the test strip into the test strip adapter
and press the [START measurement] button.
The display shows for example:
The measurement starts automatically after the
end of the reaction time.

3938
The measurement result is displayed and auto-
matically stored.
The save hint is shown only if memory space
warning is on (see section 2.9.10, "Setting the
memory capacity warning").
Abort:
For abort press the [Menu] button.
The display shows:
Select the desired action using the [Up] and
[Down] buttons:
No: return to [MEASUREMENT]
Yes: return to [METHOD LIST]
Confirm your selection by pressing [OK] or
[Right (Next)].
3.2.3 Skip the timer
It is possible to interrupt the timer, to perform
measurements directly without the countdown
function of the instrument.
The timer function can be skipped by pressing
the [START measurement] button again while
the timer is running.
The instrument makes the measurement imme-
diately.
The result is displayed and automatically stored.
Always make sure that the reaction time of the
test method is met, e. g. with an external stop-
watch.
3.2.4 Serial measurements
It is possible to skip the timer, to perform mea-
surements directly without the countdown func-
tion of the instrument.
Once the first measurement has been completed,
a further measurement can be carried out simply
by pressing the [START measurement] button. In
all these cases the instrument makes the measu-
rements immediately.
If you wish to measure e. g. several nitrate
samples, it is advisable to follow the procedure
below. For repeat serial measurement the count-
down function is not available and an additional
stopwatch is needed.
Run the standard measurement (procedure A)
once.
Immerse separate test strips into your sample at
e. g. 15-second intervals. Carefully allow excess
liquid to run off via the long edge of the strip
onto an absorbent paper towel and allow each
strip to react outside the instrument.
After completion of the reaction time (e. g.
60 sec) of the first test strip insert each strip
into the instrument in e. g. 15-second intervals.
Press the [START measurement] button to per-
form the measurement.
The results are stored automatically.