Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C User manual

Russell RL060C
User Guide

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Table of Contents
Chapter I
Introduction ........................................................ 1
Chapter II
GettingStarted...................................................... 2
Chapter III
Preparation......................................................... 4
Chapter IV
Calibration..........................................................10
Chapter V
Measurement.......................................................19
Chapter VI
AdvanceSetupFunctions............................................. 22
Chapter VII
ProbeandMaintenance.............................................. 30
Chapter VIII
TroubleshootingGuide............................................... 31
Chapter IX
ErrorMessages .................................................... 32
Chapter X
Specification....................................................... 33

Chapter XI
OrderingInformation ................................................ 34
Chapter XII
ConductivityTheory ................................................. 35
Chapter XIII
AssistanceandWarranty ............................................. 38
Chapter XIV
DeclarationofConformity............................................. 39
Chapter XV
WEEECompliance.................................................. 40
Addendum 1
CalibrationTips..................................................... 41
Addendum 2
Calculating Temperature Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

1Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Chapter I
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Russell RL060C portable conductivity meter. These
economy microprocessor-based handheld meters deliver up to ± 1% full-scale
accuracy. It has a large custom LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for clear and easy reading.
The RL060C measures conductivity (μS/mS) and temperature (°C). This sturdy meter
measures up to 5 different ranges with auto-ranging capability that switches to
appropriate measuring range automatically.
Your meter includes a conductivity electrode (cell constant K = 1.0) with built-in
temperature sensor (Cat. No. 014005), 4 alkaline AAA batteries, user guide and
warranty card.
Please read this user guide thoroughly before operating your meter.
To order other accessories and calibration standard solutions, please refer to the
Ordering Information section for more information.
Figure 1: RL060C

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide2
Chapter II
Display & Keypad Functions
Display
The meter has a large custom LCD that consists of 4-digit segments and operation
annunciators for µS/mS and °C (temperature). Other annunciators include “HO”
(when the HOLD function is activated) and “LO” (low battery condition).
See Figure 2 below.
LCD and Customized Annunciators for RL060C meter
1. Primary display
2. mS/cm (milli-Siemens/cm) or
μS/cm (micro-Siemens/cm) indicator.
3. Temperature indicator
4. Percentage indicator for temperature coefficient.
5. Low battery indicator.
6. Hold (frozen) reading indicator.
Figure 2: RL060C Display

3Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Keypad
The conductivity meter has 6 keys on its splash-proof keypad; , , , ,
and . Some buttons have several functions depending on its mode of
operation.
• Powers on and shuts off the meter. Takes
you directly into measurement mode when
meter is switched on.
•
•
Enters into calibration mode for
conductivity and temperature.
To abort calibration or setup mode without
confirming any set value.
•
•
HOLD: Freezes the measured reading. To
activate, press while in measurement
mode. To release, press again.
ENTER: Press to confirm values in
calibration mode, and to confirm selections
in setup mode.
•
•
•
In calibration mode: Press to scroll through
calibration values.
In setup mode: Press to scroll through the
setup sub-group programs.
Press during conductivity measurement
mode to activate manual ranging function.
Each key press will move up higher
conductivity range.
•
•
Selects measurement mode for
conductivity and temperature.
When pressed together with , it will
take you into the setup mode. This allows
you to customize meter preferences such
as selecting an electrode’s cell constant,
normalization temperature, temperature
coefficient factor, automatic (only
conductivity) or manual calibration, single-
point or multi-point calibrations, and to
reset meter to factory default.
Figure 3: RL060C Keypad

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide4
Chapter III
Preparation
Inserting & Removing Rubber Armor
(Armor on Cat. No. 5124002 only)
1. To remove the meter from rubber armor, push the
bottom edges of the meter out until it is completely
separated from the armor. Ensure that the cables of
conductivity electrode or temperature probe are not
connected.
2. To insert meter into rubber armor, slide in from
the top of meter before pushing the bottom edges
down and set it into position. Lift up the stand at
the back of the meter for bench top applications if
necessary.
Figure 4: RL060C Rubber Armor

5Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Inserting the Batteries
The battery compartment is found at the back
of instrument as shown. To open the battery
compartment, push in the direction of the arrow
and lift up the cover. Note the polarity of the battery
before inserting it into position. Place the cover back
and press down until it locks tight.
Battery Replacement
A “LO” annunciator in the LCD alerts you when
the battery power is running low. The replacement
batteries are 4 alkaline AAA.
Caution: Power off the meter when changing
battery.
Figure 5:
Battery Compartment

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide6
Conductivity Electrode Information
The Russell RL060C hand-held meter is supplied with a conductivity electrode with
a BNC connector. This conductivity electrode (Cat. No. 014005) comes with stainless
steel rings, cell constant of K = 1.0, and a built-in temperature sensor for automatic
temperature compensation (ATC). Its specially designed Ultem-body housing has good
chemical resistant properties. It provides fast temperature response and reduces air
entrapment, which makes it easy to obtain accurate, stable readings.
The probe materials used which have good chemical durability include:
1. Polyetherimide (Ultem) – protective probe guard
2. Polybutylterphalate (Valox) – sensor housing
3. Stainless Steel (SS 304) – 2 steel bands
Proper use of the probe is essential to ensure that the optimum measurement is taken
in a short time.
The removable protective plastic probe guard is meant for simple periodic
maintenance and it must be kept intact during measurement and calibration.
Always immerse the probe beyond the upper steel band.
Note:
• DO NOT remove the protective probe guard during
measurement and calibration as it may affect your
readings.
• We recommend that you do not submerge
the probe above the protective guard. You can
submerge the cable for brief periods of time, but
not continuously.
See the Probe Care and Maintenance section for
more information.
Figure 6: Conductivity Electrode

7Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Connecting the Probe to Meter
1. To connect electrode into the meter, align the
connector slots with the posts of the meter’s
socket and rotate the connector clockwise until it
locks.
2. To remove, simply rotate the connector in anti-
clockwise direction until it unlocks, and slide the
connector off the socket.
3. Insert the mini phono jack of the temperature
sensor into the socket on the meter as shown
below.
4. Unplug the phono jack when not in use or when
you want to measure conductivity without any
temperature compensation. See the Manual
Temperature Compensation section.
Caution: Do not pull or force on the probe cord or
the probe wires might disconnect.
Note: Keep the connectors clean. Do not touch the
connector with soiled hands.
Figure 7: Meter Connections

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide8
Switching the Meter On
Press to power up your meter.
It will then go through a series of displays, showing the various setup parameters.
1. The first screen shows [Con6].
2. Second screen shows [C 1.0] which is the conductivity cell constant, k. Default
value is k=1.0. You can select different cell constants of 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0. Refer to
the Advance Setup Functions section.
3. Third screen shows [t 25.0 °C], which is the normalization temperature. You can
set the normalization temperature to either 25 °C or 20 °C. Refer to the Advance
Setup Functions section. Default value is 25 °C.
4. Fourth screen shows [t 2.1%] which is the temperature coefficient. You can
customize the meter with a temperature coefficient value from 0.0 to 3.0 %/°C.
Refer to the Advance Setup Functions section. Default value is 2.1 %/°C.
5. All LCD segments will light up for 2 seconds, and change into measurement mode.
6. You are now ready for conductivity measurement.
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9Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Change Conductivity to Temperature Measurement Mode
To switch between conductivity measurement mode and temperature measurement
mode, simply press .
The customized annunciator helps indicate the measurement parameter you are in.
Annunciator
S
µ
C°

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide10
Chapter IV
Calibration
Important Information on Meter Calibration
Your meter has five measuring ranges. You can calibrate one point in each of the
measuring ranges (up to five points). If you are measuring values in more than one
range, make sure to calibrate each of the ranges you are measuring.
The following table lists the corresponding conductivity ranges. You should calibrate
each range using a solution that falls between the values in the Recommended
Calibration Solution Range column
Conductivity Range Recommended Calibration Solution Range
0.00 to 20.00 μS 6.00 to 17.00 μS
0.0 to 200.0 μS 60.0 to 170.0 μS
0 to 2000 μS 600 to 1700 μS
0.00 to 20.00 mS 6.00 to 17.00 mS
0.0 to 200.0 mS 60.0 to 170.0 mS
When you recalibrate your meter, old calibrations are replaced on a range basis. For
example, if you previously calibrated your conductivity meter at 1413 μS in the 0 to
2000 μS range and you recalibrate at 1500 μS (also in the 0 to 2000 μS range), the
meter will replace the old calibration data (1413 μS) in that range. The meter will retain
all calibration data in other ranges.
To completely recalibrate your meter, or when you use a replacement probe, it is best
to clear all calibration data. To erase all the old conductivity calibration data completely,
see the Restore Factory Default Values section.

11Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Preparing the Meter for Calibration
Before starting a calibration, make sure you are in the correct measurement mode.
For best results, select a standard value close to the sample value you are measuring.
Alternatively use a calibration solution value that is approximately 2/3 the full-scale
value of the measurement range you plan to use. For example, in the 0 to 2000 μS
conductivity range, use a 1413 μS solution for calibration.
Calibrate to all measurement ranges to ensure the highest accuracy throughout all
measurement range. Note that RL060C will not accept calibration values that are
less than 40 μS/cm. All new calibration values will automatically override existing data.
If you are measuring in solutions with conductivity lower than 100 μS/cm, calibrate
the meter at least once a week to get good accuracy. If you are measuring in the mid
ranges and you wash the probe in deionized water and store it dry, calibrate the meter
once a month. If you take measurements at extreme temperatures, calibrate at least
once a week.
Ensure that you use new conductivity standard solutions or sachets during calibration.
Do not reuse standard solutions as it may be contaminated and affect the calibration
and accuracy of measurements. Use fresh calibration solution each time you calibrate
your meter. Store solutions in a dry and cool environment.
Always rinse the probe with either deionized water or rinse solution before and after
each calibration/sample measurement to avoid cross-contamination. For details, refer
to the Probe Care and Maintenance section.
Note: These meters are factory set to a temperature coefficient of 2.1%/°C. For
most applications this will provide good results. To set the temperature coefficient to
different value, see the Temperature Coefficient section. Also, see Addendum 2
- Calculating Temperature Coefficient to determine the appropriate temperature
coefficient for your solution.
Note: The factory default value for normalization temperature is 25 °C. If you need
to normalize to a value other than 25 °C, see the Normalization Temperature
section.

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide12
Selection of Automatic or Manual Calibration
This meter is capable of performing either automatic or manual calibration.
In the automatic calibration mode, the meter automatically detects and verifies the
appropriate known calibration standards solutions being calibrated before accepting
these particular calibration standards as one of its calibration values in a specific
measurement range. This automatic calibration mode frees you from cumbersome
calibration procedure.
The known calibration standards used for automatic calibration are:
Table 1
Conductivity Calibration Standards for Automatic Calibrations
Meter Normalization
Temperature
Calibration Standards (Range)
RL060C 25 °C 1. 84 μS (for 0 – 200 μS/cm)
2. 1413 μS (for 0 – 2000 μS/cm)
3. 12.88 mS (for 0.00 – 20.00 mS/cm)
4. 111.8 mS (for 0.0 – 200.0 mS/cm)
20 °C 1. 76 μS (for 0 – 200 μS/cm)
2. 1278 μS (for 0 – 2000 μS/cm)
3. 11.67 mS (for 0.00 – 20.00 mS/cm)
4. 102.1 mS (for 0.0 – 200.0 mS/cm)
In the manual calibration, non-standard calibration values can be used for calibration.
You can manually input the appropriate values as your desired calibration standards in
each specific range. This is useful when you have a customized calibration standard
specifically unique for your application.
To select automatic or manual calibration settings, refer to the Automatic
Calibration section for more information.

13Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Automatic Calibration
In the automatic calibration mode, the meter is capable of accepting one to four points
for multi-point calibration with maximum of one point per specific measurement range.
For the known calibration standard values refer to Table 1.
1. If necessary, press to select conductivity mode.
2. Rinse the probe thoroughly with deionized water or
a rinse solution, then rinse with a small amount of
calibration standard.
Note: For automatic calibration you must use one of the
calibration standards listed in Table 1.
3. Dip the probe into the calibration standard. Immerse the
probe tip beyond the upper steel band (see Figure 6).
Stir the probe gently to create a homogeneous sample.
Allow time for the reading to stabilize.
4. Press to enter conductivity calibration mode. The
[CA] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds, and a value will
appear flashing.
Note: To exit calibration without confirmation, press
again to go back to measurement mode.
5. Wait for the value to stabilize (the display will continue
flashing) and press . The calibration standard value
will appear for 3 seconds. If the calibration is successfully
performed, donE will be displayed for about 3 seconds,
and the meter will return to the measurement mode.
mS
mS
mS
mS

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide14
6. To perform the next point calibration in the multi-point calibration, repeat steps 1-5
until all points have been calibrated.
Important Notes:
1. Meter allows a tolerance range of ±40% of its calibration standard. An error
message “Err 1” will be displayed for 3 seconds if you attempt to calibrate with a
solution whose value is outside the tolerance range.
For instance: For 1413 μS conductivity calibration standard, 40% tolerance is from
848 μS to 1978 μS.
2. If the temperature (t °C) of the conductivity calibration solution is below 0 °C or
above 50 °C (0 °C < t °C > 50 °C), an error message “Err 2” will be displayed
when performing the auto calibration, and meter will return to measurement
mode.
3. All new calibration data will over-ride existing stored calibration data for each
measuring range calibrated.
4. It is important to use new conductivity calibration standards.
5. Low conductivity standard solution (less than 20 μS /cm) cannot be obtained
easily. Such low conductivity standard will be contaminated as soon as it is
exposed to air, therefore you must exercise caution during calibration in the first
measurement range (0.00 to 20.0 μS /cm).

15Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide
Manual Calibration
In manual calibration mode, you can use customized conductivity calibration standards
(specific to your own application) and calibrate the meter. The following example
shows calibration sequence to 12.00 mS conductivity calibration standard.
1. If necessary, press to select conductivity mode.
2. Rinse the probe thoroughly with deionized water or
a rinse solution, then rinse with a small amount of
calibration standard.
3. Dip the probe into the calibration standard. Immerse the
probe tip beyond the upper steel band (see Figure 6).
Stir the probe gently to create a homogeneous sample.
Allow time for the reading to stabilize.
4. Press to enter conductivity calibration mode. The
[CA] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds, and a value will
appear flashing.
Note: To exit calibration without confirmation, press
again to go back to measurement mode.
5. Wait for the value to stabilize (the display will continue
flashing) and press or and adjust the value to the
calibration standard used.
6. Press . The [CO] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds,
and the calibration is successfully performed. The meter
returns to measurement mode.
7. To perform the next point calibration in the multi-point
calibration for next range, repeat step 1-6 again until all
points have been calibrated.

Thermo Scientific Russell RL060C Conductivity Meter User Guide16
Temperature Calibration
The conductivity electrode (Cat. No. 014005) has a built-in temperature sensor for ATC.
The temperature sensor is factory calibrated to the meter. Calibrate your sensor only if
you suspect temperature errors that may have occurred over a long period of time or if
you have a replacement probe.
1. Make sure that the phono jack (for temperature
measurement) is properly connected to the meter. See
Figure 7.
2. Switch on the meter and if necessary, press
to select temperature measurement mode. See
the Change Conductivity to Temperature
Measurement Mode section.
3. Press to start the temperature calibration process.
4. Dip the probe into a solution with known temperature
(for example, a temperature bath). Allow time for the
temperature to stabilize.
5. Wait for the value to stabilize and press or and
adjust the value to the solution temperature.
6. Press . The [CO] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds,
and the reading will stop flashing. The temperature
calibration is successfully performed. The meter returns
to measurement mode.
Note: To exit calibration without confirmation, press
again to go back to measurement mode.
Note: You can offset the temperature reading up to ±5 °C
from the original (default) reading.
C°
C°
C°
° C