TPS WP Series User manual

Congratulations !
With your new TPS Automatic Conductivity Sensor Replatiniser, you
now have the ability to fully maintain your TPS Conductivity sensors.
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your sensors
are replatinised correctly.
NOTE
Replatinising Solution is Chloroplatinic Acid, which is a
dangerous, highly acidic solution. Take care when handling this
solution and avoid contact with skin, eyes or any other part of the
body. Correct safety equipment as would be used for any other
strong acids should be worn.
An MSDS for Chloroplatinic Acid from the Buffers and Standards
section of the TPS Web Site :
http://www.tps.com.au/products/standards
TPS Automatic
Replatiniser
Version : 1.1
Date : 11/10/2004
Author : MS

Page 2
TPS Pty Ltd
ABN 30 009 773 371
4 Jamberoo Street
Springwood, Brisbane,
Australia, 4127
Phone : [phone]
International : 61 7 32 900 400
Fax : [phone]
International : 61 7 3808 4871
Email : [email protected]
Web :www.tps.com.au

Page 3
Contents
1. Introduction...........................................................................................4
1.1 Platiniser Illustration......................................................................................................4
1.2 Unpacking Information..................................................................................................5
1.3 Specifications.................................................................................................................5
2. Replatinising Procedure........................................................................6
2.1 Notes Regarding Replatinising....................................................................................7
3. Care and Cleaning of Conductivity Sensors..........................................8
3.1 Care of Conductivity Sensors......................................................................................8
3.2 Cleaning Conductivity Sensors...................................................................................8
4. Troubleshooting....................................................................................9
5. Warranty.............................................................................................. 10

Page 4
1. Introduction
1.1 Platiniser Illustration
Start Button
Press to start platinising a Conductivity sensor (see section 2).
Sensor Socket
Suitable for WP, Aqua and MC Series Conductivity sensors.
For sensors with connectors to suit other models, an adaptor must be
used. See section 1.2 for details.
Power Socket
Use only a genuine TPS AC/DC adaptor to avoid damage to your
Platiniser.

Page 5
1.2 Unpacking Information
Before using your new Platiniser, please check that the following
accessories have been included: Part No
1. TPS Automatic Replatiniser........................................................122160
2. Platinising Solution, 20mL..........................................................122300
3. 12V AC/DC Power Adaptor, 240V for Australia.........................130044
4. Platiniser Handbook....................................................................130050
The Platiniser’s connector is suitable for WP, Aqua & MC Series sensors.
Adaptors are available for sensors to suit other models…
1. Platiniser Adaptor for 90 Series, 9 Pin .......................................130149
2. Platiniser Adaptor for labCHEM & smartCHEM Series, 7 Pin ...130147
3. Platiniser Adaptor for 900C & 2102A, 6 Pin DIN........................130146
4. Platiniser Adaptor for 2100, LC84 & LC81, 5 Pin DIN...............130145
(also suitable for other meters using the 5 Pin DIN plug)
Power adaptors to suit countries other than Australia..
1. 12V AC/DC Power Adaptor, 220V for Europe/Asia ...................130065
2. 12V AC/DC Power Adaptor, 240V for UK ..................................130066
3. 12V AC/DC Power Adaptor, 120V for USA................................130067
1.3 Specifications
Power..................................................12V DC, via AC/DC Adaptor.
Adaptor to can be supplied to suit
any country of destination.
Output.................................................60 mA DC (high) or 10 mA DC
(low), changing polarity at a
frequency to suit the k factor being
replatinised. Duration of platinising
is automatically adjusted for the k
factor being platinised.
Dimensions.........................................125 x 85 x 55 mm
Mass....................................................Instrument only :Approx 200g
Full Kit :Approx 1 kg
Environment........................................Temperature :0 to 45 OC
Humidity :0 to 90 % R.H.

Page 6
2. Replatinising Procedure
1. Clean the sensor by rubbing off any old platinum-black that may still
be in place with a nylon scouring pad. DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL.
2. Soak the sensor in a solution of 1 part Concentrated HCl and 3 parts
distilled water for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Rinse the sensor well in distilled water.
4. Connect the AC/DC Adaptor to the Platiniser. The green Power On /
Finished LED will light up to indicate that the unit is switched on. The
internal beeper will sound for a few seconds and then fade away
when the unit is first switched on.
5. If the sensor is fitted with a removable plastic cover, remove it before
platinising.
6. Immerse the sensor in platinising solution so that both plates or wires
are fully immersed. For sensors that have a fixed plastic cover,
immerse the sensor up to the vent hole.
If the volume of Platinising solution is too small to immerse the
sensor correctly, dilute the solution as required.
Platinising solution (part no 122300) is supplied with the Platiniser.
Alternatively, platinising solution can be prepared by dissolving 1g of
Hydrogen Chloroplatinate (H2PtCl16) in 30mL of distilled water, and
including about 0.01g of Lead Acetate ((CH3COO)2Pb) and a drop or
two of concentrated HCl.
Platinising Solution is a dangerous, highly acidic solution. Take
care when handling this solution and avoid contact with skin,
eyes or any other part of the body. Correct safety equipment as
would be used for any other strong acids should be worn.
7. Press the Start button. The Platinising LED will start to blink slowly.
8. When platinising is complete, the Power ON / Finished LED will light
up and the beeper will sound for a few seconds and then fade away.
9. Remove the sensor from the Platinising solution immediately.
Sensors with stainless steel tips may be damaged if left in Platinising
solution for extended periods.
10. After platinising, soak the sensor in distilled water for 30 minutes
before use.

Page 7
2.1 Notes Regarding Replatinising
1. Platinising solution can be re-used many times. As long as there is
sufficient mass of Platinum dissolved in the solution, it will continue to
Replatinise sensors correctly. 20mL of solution, as supplied by TPS,
would normally suffice for approximately 30 uses.
2. When replatinising the pipette style TPS Naturopathic sensor, it is
necessary to set the Platiniser to LOW output. Remove the plastic lid
and locate the HI / LOW jumper (see diagram below). Change the
jumper from HI to LOW.

Page 8
3. Care and Cleaning of Conductivity Sensors
3.1 Care of Conductivity Sensors
The conductivity section of the sensor supplied with TPS instruments
consists of two platinum plates or wires that are plated with a layer of
“platinum-black”. This is quite a soft layer and is required for stable,
accurate measurements. In time, the platinum-black layer may wear off in
some applications, at which time the sensor will require replatinising (see
section 2). You can help to maintain the platinum-black layer by following
these simple rules:
1. NEVER touch or rub the sensor plates or wires with your fingers, cloth
etc.
2. Avoid using the sensor in solutions that contain a high concentration of
suspended solids, such as sand or soil, which can abrade the sensor
wires. Filter these types of solutions first, if possible.
3. Avoid concentrated acids. If you must measure acids, remove the
sensor immediately after taking the measurement and rinse well with
distilled water.
Conductivity sensors can be stored dry. Ensure that the sensor is stored
in a covered container, to avoid dust and dirt build-up.
3.2 Cleaning Conductivity Sensors.
Platinised platinum Conductivity sensors can only be cleaned by rinsing in
a suitable solvent. DO NOT wipe the sensor wires, as this will remove
the platinum-black layer.
1. Rinsing in distilled water will remove most build-up of material on the
sensor wires.
2. Films of oil or fat on the sensor wires can usually be removed by
rinsing the sensor in methylated spirits.
3. Stubborn contamination can be removed by soaking the sensor in a
solution of 1 part Concentrated HCl and 3 parts distilled water. The
sensor should not be soaked for more than approximately 5 minutes,
otherwise the platinum-black layer may start to dissolve.
4. If all of these methods fail, then the last resort is to physically scrub the
sensor wires, which will remove the contaminant and the layer of
platinum-black. Use only a cloth or nylon scouring pad. DO NOT USE
STEEL WOOL. The sensor will then need to be cleaned in HCl, as per
step 3 and replatinised, as per section 2.

Page 9
4. Troubleshooting
Fault Possible Causes Remedy
Power connected,
but Power On /
Finished LED
does not light up.
1.Faulty AC /DC adaptor.
2.Faulty Platiniser
Replace AC/DC Adaptor with
a genuine TPS adaptor.
Return to TPS for service.
Platinising LED
does not light up
when Start button
is pressed.
Faulty Platiniser Return to TPS for service.
Unit appears to
operate correctly,
but sensor does
not platinise
correctly.
1.Sensor has oily or other
build-up on plates or wires.
2.Faulty Sensor
3.Faulty Platiniser
Clean the sensor, as per
details in section3.2.
Return to TPS for service.
Return to TPS for service.

Page 10
5. Warranty
TPS Pty. Ltd. guarantees all instruments and sensors to be free from
defects in material and workmanship when subjected to normal use and
service. This guarantee is expressly limited to the servicing and/or
adjustment of an instrument returned to the Factory, or Authorised
Service Station, freight prepaid, within twelve (12) months from the date
of delivery, and to the repairing, replacing, or adjusting of parts which
upon inspection are found to be defective. Warranty period on sensors is
three (3) months.
There are no express or implied warranties which extend beyond the face
hereof, and TPS Pty. Ltd. is not liable for any incidental or consequential
damages arising from the use or misuse of this equipment, or from
interpretation of information derived from the equipment.
Shipping damage is not covered by this warranty.
Please note
A guarantee card is packed with the instrument or sensor. This card must
be completed at the time of purchase and the registration section
returned to TPS Pty. Ltd. within 7 days. No claims will be recognised
without the original guarantee card or other proof of purchase. This
warranty becomes invalid if modifications or repairs are attempted by
unauthorised persons, or the serial number is missing.
Procedure for service
If you feel that this equipment is in need of repair, please re-read the
manual. Sometimes, instruments are received for "repair" in perfect
working order. This can occur where batteries simply require replacement
or re-charging, or where the sensor simply requires cleaning or
replacement.
TPS Pty. Ltd. has a fine reputation for prompt and efficient service. In just
a few days, our factory service engineers and technicians will examine
and repair your equipment to your full satisfaction.

Page 11
To obtain this service, please follow this procedure
Return the instrument AND ALL SENSORS to TPS freight pre-paid and
insured in its original packing or suitable equivalent. INSIST on a proof of
delivery receipt from the carrier for your protection in the case of shipping
claims for transit loss or damage. It is your responsibility as the sender to
ensure that TPS receives the unit.
Please check that the following is enclosed with your equipment:
•Your Name and daytime phone number.
•Your company name, ORDER number, and return street address.
•A description of the fault. (Please be specific.)
(Note: "Please Repair" does NOT describe a fault.)
Your equipment will be repaired and returned to you by air express where
possible.
For out-of-warranty units, a repair cost will be calculated from parts and
labour costs. If payment is not received for the additional charges within
30 days, or if you decline to have the equipment repaired, the complete
unit will be returned to you freight paid, not repaired. For full-account
customers, the repair charges will be debited to your account.
•Always describe the fault in writing.
•Always return the sensors with the meter.