TPS Aqua-CPA User manual

Congratulations !
You have purchased the latest in Handheld Conductivity-TDS-Salinity-
pH-Temperature instrumentation. We trust that your new Aqua-CPA will
give you many years of reliable service.
The Aqua-CPA is a breeze to operate. This manual has been designed
to help you get started, and also contains some handy application tips. If
at any stage you require assistance, please contact either your local
TPS representative or the TPS factory in Brisbane.
The manual is divided into the following sections:
1. Table of Contents
Each major section of the handbook is clearly listed. Sub-sections
have also been included to enable you to find the information you
need at a glance.
2. Introduction
The introduction has a diagram and explanation of the display and
controls of the Aqua-CPA. It also contains a full listing of all of the
items that you should have received with your Aqua-CPA. Please
take the time to read this section, as it explains some of items that
are mentioned in subsequent sections.
3. Main Section
The main section of the handbook provides complete details of the
Aqua-CPA, including operating modes, calibration, troubleshooting,
specifications, and warranty terms.
4. Appendices
Appendices containing background information and application notes
are provided at the back of this manual.
Model Aqua
-
C
PA
Cond, TDS, Salinity,
pH, Temp. Meter
Version : 2.0
Date : 20/09/2011

Page
2
TPS Pty Ltd
ABN 30 009 773 371
Unit 6 / 253 Leitchs Road
Brendale, QLD,
Australia, 4500
Phone : [phone]
International : 61 7 32 058 027
Fax : [phone]
International : 61 7 3808 4871
Email : [email protected]
Web : www.tps.com.au

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Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Aqua-CPA Display and Controls........................................................................ 5
1.2 Unpacking Information....................................................................................... 7
1.3 Specifications .................................................................................................... 8
2. Operating Modes........................................................................................ 10
2.1 Mode Selection................................................................................................ 10
2.2 Setting TDS Factor .......................................................................................... 10
2.3 Display Combination Selection ........................................................................ 11
3. Conductivity (TDS/Salinity) Calibration................................................... 13
3.1 Calibration Procedure...................................................................................... 13
3.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................. 15
3.3 Calibration Messages ...................................................................................... 15
4. pH Calibration ............................................................................................ 16
4.1 Calibration ....................................................................................................... 16
4.2 pH Calibration Notes ....................................................................................... 18
4.3 pH Calibration Messages................................................................................. 18
5. Temperature Calibration ........................................................................... 19
5.1 Calibration ....................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................. 19
5.3 Calibration Messages ...................................................................................... 20
5.4 Manual Temperature Setting ........................................................................... 20
6. Selecting k=10 or k=0.1 sensor ................................................................ 21
7. Selecting Buffers for Auto Buffer Recognition....................................... 22
8. Battery......................................................................................................... 23
8.1 Battery Saver Function .................................................................................... 23
8.2 Changing the Battery....................................................................................... 24
9. Initialising the Aqua-CPA .......................................................................... 25
10. Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 26
10.1 General Error Messages.................................................................................. 26
10.2 Conductivity, TDS and Salinity Troubleshooting.............................................. 27
10.3 pH Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 29
10.4 Temperature Troubleshooting ......................................................................... 30
11. Appendices............................................................................................. 31

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4
11.1 Care, Cleaning and Maintenance of Conductivity Sensors ............................. 31
11.2 Replatinising Conductivity Sensors ................................................................. 32
11.3 pH Sensor Fundamentals................................................................................ 33
11.4 Instrument software version number. .............................................................. 36
12. Warranty.................................................................................................. 37

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5
1. Introduction
1.1 Aqua-CPA Display and Controls

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6
 Display
24 character alpha-numeric display. The following combinations of
parameters can be displayed simultaneously…
Conductivity + pH + Temperature Conductivity + Temperature
TDS + pH + Temperature TDS + Temperature
Salinity + pH + Temperature Salinity + Temperature
pH + Temperature Temperature
A “Large Digit” mode nearly doubles the size of the digits (section 2).
User-friendly prompts and error messages are also provided.

Used to calibrate all parameters. See sections 3, 4 and 5.
Also used to select buffers for automatic buffer recognition. See
section 7.

Switches between Conductivity or TDS or Salinity, pH and
Temperature. See section 2.
Used to select k=10 or k=0.1 sensor at turn-on. See section 6.

Switches the Aqua-CPA on and off.
Hold this key for 3 seconds to invoke Battery Saver mode. See
section 8.
 and 
These keys toggle the Aqua-CPA between Large Display mode and
Dual Display mode. See section 2.
NOTE: The digits in Large Display mode are made by combining the
two rows of the display. This results in a small gap
approximately half way up the digits.

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1.2 Unpacking Information
Before using your new Aqua-CPA, please check that the following
accessories have been included:
Part No
1. Aqua-CPA Cond-TDS-Salinity-pH-Temperature, Auto-ranging 121135
2. k=1/ATC/Temperature Sensor, plastic body ............................ 122201
3. pH Sensor, plastic body........................................................... 121207
4. 2.76mS/cm Conductivity Standard, 200mL .............................. 122306
5. pH7.00 Buffer, 200mL.............................................................. 121387
6. pH4.01 Buffer, 200mL.............................................................. 121381
7. 9V Battery
8. Aqua-CPA Manual
Options that may have been ordered with your Aqua-CPA:
1. k=10/ATC/Temperature Sensor, plastic body .......................... 122221
2. k=0.1/ATC/Temperature Sensor, plastic body.......................... 122235
3. k=1/ATC/Temperature Sensor, glass body .............................. 122216
4. k=10/ATC/Temperature Sensor, glass body ............................ 122212
5. k=0.1/ATC/Temperature Sensor, glass body ........................... 122229
6. Aluminium Carry Case............................................................. 130057

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1.3 Specifications
Ranges Resolution
Accuracy
Conductivity
k=0.1 cell 0 to 2.000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 µS/cm
0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
k=1 cell 0 to 20.00 µS/cm
0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 mS/cm
k=10 cell 0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 mS/cm
0 to 200.0 mS/cm
0.001µS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 mS/cm
±0.5% of full
scale of selected
range at 25
O
C
TDS
k=0.1 cell 0 to 1.000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
k=1 cell 0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
k=10 cell 0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
0 to 100.0 ppK
0.001ppM
0.01 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.01 ppM
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppK
±0.5% of full
scale of selected
range at 25
O
C
Salinity
k=0.1 cell 0 to 0.10 %
0 to 1.0 PSU
k=1 cell 0 to 1.19 %
0 to 11.9 PSU
k=10 cell 0 to 8.00 %
0 to 80.0 PSU
0.01 %
0.1 PSU
±0.5% of full
scale of selected
range at 25
O
C
pH
0 to 14.00 pH 0.01 pH ±0.01 pH
Temperature
-10.0 to 120.0
O
C
(Cond sensor limit 60
O
C)
0.1
O
C ±0.2
O
C

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Additional Conductivity/TDS/Salinity Specifications
Temperature Compensation.............. Automatic, -5 to 70.0
O
C
Conductivity Sensor Span Range...... 75 to 133 %
Auto Standard Recognition................ Cond : 150µS/cm, 1413µS/cm,
2.76mS/cm, 12.88mS/cm,
58.0mS/cm
TDS Factor........................................ 0.40 to 1.00 user selected
Additional pH Specifications
Temperature Compensation.............. Automatic, -5 to 100.0
O
C
pH Input Impedance.......................... >3 x 10
12
Ω
pH Asymmetry Range ....................... -1.00 to 1.00 pH
pH Slope Range................................ 85.0 to 105.0%
Auto pH Buffer Recognition ............... pH4.01, pH6.86, pH7.00, pH9.18,
pH10.01
Additional Temperature Specifications
Temperature Sensor Offset Range.... -10.0
o
C to +10.0
o
C
General Specifications
Display .............................................. 24 Character alphanumeric LCD,
with full text prompts and error
messages.
Power................................................ 9V Alkaline Battery for 70 hours
operation.
Battery Saver .................................... On: Auto switch-off after 5
minutes
Off: Continuous use
Dimensions ....................................... 165 x 85 x 35 mm
Mass ................................................. Instrument only : Approx 280g
Full Kit : Approx 2.0kg
Environment...................................... Temperature : 0 to 45
O
C
Humidity : 0 to 90 % R.H.

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2. Operating Modes
2.1 Mode Selection
To select Conductivity, TDS or Salinity modes…
1. Press the key until the Aqua-CPA is the mode selection menu.
For example…
Mode: Cond ↑
↑↑
↑↓
↓↓
↓
2. Press or to select the required from the following choices…
•Conductivity
•TDS
•Salinity
3. Press when the required display mode has been selected.
If TDS mode has been selected the user can now enter the TDS
Factor.
2.2 Setting TDS Factor
To set the TDS Factor…
1. Press the key until the Aqua-CPA is the mode selection menu.
Select the TDS Mode.
2. Press the key and the currently selected TDS Factor is
displayed. For example…
TDS Factor ↑
↑↑
↑.65↓
↓↓
↓
Press the key to increase the Factor.
Press the key to decrease the Factor.
Press the key when the desired value is displayed.
The new TDS Factor will be now displayed.
The TDS Factor can be set from 0.40 to 1.00.
The TDS Factor will be reset to 0.65 when the meter is initialized.

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2.3 Display Combination Selection
Press the key to select the desired combination of displayed
parameters. The sequence is shown in the following table…
Conductivity or TDS or Salinity
plus pH and Temperature Mode
2.76mS
7.00 25.0
Conductivity, TDS or Salinity data is shown on the top line with pH and
Temperature data is shown on the bottom line.
Manual Temperature setting with an “m” is shown if no Conductivity or
Temperature sensor is connected.
↓
↓↓
↓
Conductivity or TDS or Salinity
plus Temperature Mode
2.76mS
25.0
Conductivity, TDS or Salinity data is shown on the top line and Temperature
data is shown on the bottom line.
Manual Temperature setting with an “m” is shown if no Conductivity or
Temperature sensor is connected.
Press or to toggle between regular readout or large digit readout.
↓
↓↓
↓
pH plus Temperature Mode
7.00pH
25.0
pH data is shown on the top line and Temperature data is shown on the
bottom line.
Manual Temperature setting with an “m” is shown if no Conductivity or
Temperature sensor is connected.
Press or to toggle between regular readout or large digit readout.
↓
↓↓
↓
Temperature Mode
25.0
Temperature data only is shown.
Manual Temperature setting with an “m” is shown if no Conductivity or
Temperature sensor is connected.
Press or to toggle between regular readout or large digit readout.
↓
↓↓
↓

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Mode selection, continued…
Mode Selection
Mode: Cond ↑
↑↑
↑↓
↓↓
↓
See Mode selection Section 2.1.
↓
↓↓
↓
Back to Conductivity or TDS or Salinity plus pH and Temperature mode
Notes: The decimal point is replaced by a ” ∗
∗∗
∗“ if a Conductivity, pH or
Temperature calibration has failed (see sections 3, 4 and 5), if the unit is
initialised (see section 9), or if the unit has lost its factory calibration (see
section 10.1).

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3. Conductivity (TDS/Salinity) Calibration
To achieve accurate Conductivity/TDS/Salinity results, the Aqua-CPA
requires calibration to an allowable Conductivity standard. The TDS and
Salinity values are derived from the Conductivity reading and do not
require a separate calibration. The conductivity of a solution varies with
temperature. The Aqua-CPA uses Automatic Temperature
Compensation (ATC) referenced to the fixed temperature of 25
o
C.
A “∗” in place of the decimal point indicates that the Conductivity or TDS
or Salinity readout is not calibrated, or a past calibration has failed. The “
∗” will be removed once a Conductivity calibration has been successfully
performed in Conductivity standard.
3.1 Calibration Procedure
1. Switch the Aqua-CPA on.
2. Select a display mode showing Conductivity or TDS or Salinity readout
(section 0).
3. Plug the Conductivity sensor into the sensor socket. If a k=10 or k=0.1
sensor is being used, ensure that it has been correctly selected (see
section 6).
4. Rinse the Conductivity sensor in distilled water. Shake off as much
water as possible. Blot the outside of the sensor dry. DO NOT BLOT
THE SENSOR WIRES.
Zero Calibration
5. Let the sensor dry in air.
6. When the reading has stabilised at or near zero, press the key.
The Aqua-CPA will prompt the user to select the parameter if a
combination display is shown. Use the or keys to select
Conductivity.
The display will change to Conductivity during calibration if the Aqua-
CPA is in TDS or Salinity Mode.
A “ ∗
∗∗
∗” will not be removed after a zero calibration.

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Standard Calibration
7. Allowable Conductivity standards are listed in section 1.3 and should
be selected according to your range of measurement.
8. Place the sensor into a sample of Conductivity standard, so that it is
immersed at least to the vent hole in the white plastic cover. The white
plastic cover MUST be in place for correct readings.
Glass sensors must be immersed to the hole in the glass body. See
the diagrams below.
DO NOT place the sensor directly into the bottle of standard.
9. Discard the used sample of standard after use. It is advisable to use a
narrow sample vessel to minimise the use of standard solution.
10.When the reading has stabilised, Press the key to calibrate. The
Aqua-CPA will prompt the user to select the parameter if a
combination display is shown. Use the or keys to select
Conductivity.
The display will change to Conductivity if the Aqua-CPA is in TDS or
Salinity Mode during calibration.
The ∗
∗∗
∗will now be replaced by a decimal point if calibration was
successful.
The Aqua-CPA is now calibrated for Conductivity.
The TDS and Salinity values are derived from the Conductivity reading
and do not require a separate calibration.
11.Discard the used samples of standard.

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3.2 Calibration Notes
1. A Zero calibration should be performed at least monthly. In low
conductivity applications (where a zero error is particularly significant)
a zero calibration may have to be done weekly.
2. A Standard calibration should be performed at least weekly. Of
course, more frequent calibration will result in greater confidence in
results.
3. All calibration information is retained in memory when the Aqua-CPA
is switched off, even when the battery is removed.
3.3 Calibration Messages
1. If a Zero calibration has been successfully performed, the Aqua-CPA
will display zero value of the sensor. For example…
Cal. OK
Zero= 0.01uS
2. If a Standard calibration has been successfully performed, the
Aqua-CPA will display the calculated k factor of the sensor. For
example…
Cal. OK
k=1.10
3. If a Standard calibration has failed, the Aqua-CPA will display the
calculated k factor of the sensor following message, and then the
failed span value of the sensor.
Cal. Failed
k=0.60
4. The Aqua-CPA will display the following message if it fails to
recognise the calibration standard. This can occur if the calibration
standard is incorrect, or if the sensor response is incorrect by a very
large margin.
Unknown Std.
Not ReCal.
Note that the decimal point is replaced by a “ ∗“ when a Standard
calibration fails.

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4. pH Calibration
A “ ∗” in place of the decimal point indicates that the pH readout is not
calibrated, or a past calibration has failed. The “ ∗” will be removed once
a full two-point pH calibration has been successfully performed.
4.1 Calibration
1. Switch the Aqua-CPA on.
2. Select a display mode showing pH readout (see section 2).
3. Plug the pH sensor into the BNC socket (this is the metal socket). For
automatic temperature compensation, plug the Conductivity sensor
into the Conductivity socket (this is the 6-pin plastic socket). If the
Conductivity sensor is not connected, then the Aqua-CPA will use
manual temperature compensation.
4. Ensure that temperature has already been calibrated, or manually set
(see sections 5.1 and 5.4). NOTE: If the decimal point in the
temperature reading is replaced by a “ ∗“, then the temperature
readout is not calibrated.
5. Remove the wetting cap from the pH sensor.
6. Rinse the pH and Conductivity sensors in distilled water and blot
them dry.
7. Ensure that you are using the buffers which have been selected for
automatic buffer recognition. See section 7 for a detailed explanation.
8. Place both sensors into a small sample of pH7.00 (or pH6.86) buffer,
so that the bulb and reference junction are both covered. See the
diagram over the page.

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DO NOT place the sensors directly into the buffer bottle. Discard the
used buffer after use.
9. When the reading has stabilised, press the key to calibrate. The
Aqua-CPA will prompt the user to select the parameter if a
combination display is shown. Use the or keys to select pH. If
a 1 point calibration has been performed, a “∗“ will not be removed
until a full 2 point calibration has been performed.
10. Rinse the pH and Conductivity sensors in distilled water and blot
them dry.
11. Place both sensors into a small sample of pH4.01, pH9.18 or
pH10.01 Buffer, so that the bulb and reference junction are both
covered, as per the diagram in step 8. DO NOT place the sensors
directly into the buffer bottle. Discard the used buffer after use.
pH9.18 and pH10.01 buffers are unstable once the bottles have
been opened. Discard immediately after use.
12. When the reading has stabilised, press the key to calibrate. The
Aqua-CPA will prompt the user to select the parameter if a
combination display is shown. Use the or keys to select pH.
The “ ∗“ will now be replaced by a decimal point, if calibration was
successful. The Aqua-CPA is calibrated for pH and is ready for use.

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4.2 pH Calibration Notes
1. A 1-point calibration should be performed at least weekly. In
applications where the sensor junction can become blocked, such as
dairy products, mining slurries etc, a 1-point calibration may have to
be done daily.
2. A full 2-point calibration should be performed at least monthly. Of
course, more frequent calibration will result in greater confidence in
results.
3. All calibration information is retained in memory when the Aqua-CPA
is switched off, even when the battery is removed.
4. The Aqua-CPA displays the value of the pH buffer that it has
attempted to recognise at calibration. Ensure that the buffer value
displayed corresponds to the buffer that you are using.
4.3 pH Calibration Messages
1. If a 1-point calibration has been successfully performed, the
Aqua-CPA will display the following message, and then display the
asymmetry and slope of the sensor. If the meter has not been
calibrated at two points at this stage, the slope is set to 100.0%.
1 point 6.86
Cal. OK
then:
Asym= 0.10pH
Slope=100.0%
2. If a 1-point calibration has failed, the Aqua-CPA will display the
following message, then the failed asymmetry value of the sensor.
1 point 6.86
Cal. Failed
then:
Asym= 1.50pH
3. If a 2-point calibration has been successfully performed, the
Aqua-CPA will display the following message, and then the
asymmetry and slope of the sensor.
2 point 4.01
Cal. OK
then:
Asym= 0.10pH
Slope= 99.5%
4. If a 2-point calibration has failed, the Aqua-CPA will display the
following message, and then the failed slope value of the sensor.
2 point 4.01
Cal. Failed
then:
Slope= 70.0%

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5. Temperature Calibration
A “ ∗” in place of the decimal point indicates that the Temperature
readout is not calibrated, or a past calibration has failed. The “ ∗” will be
removed once Temperature has been successfully calibrated.
5.1 Calibration
1. Switch the Aqua-CPA on.
2. Plug the Conductivity sensor into the sensor socket.
3. Place the sensor into a beaker of room temperature water, alongside
a good quality mercury thermometer. Stir the sensor and the
thermometer gently to ensure an even temperature throughout the
beaker.
4. When the reading has stabilised, press the key to calibrate. The
Aqua-CPA will prompt the user to select the parameter if a
combination display is shown. Use the or keys to select
Temperature.
5. The reading from the sensor is now displayed on the top line, and the
value you are going to set is on the bottom line. For example…
Enter 25.0
Temp ↑
↑↑
↑26.0↓
↓↓
↓
6. Press the and keys until the bottom line shows the same
temperature as the mercury thermometer.
7. Press the key to calibrate the temperature readout.
Alternatively, press the key to abort temperature calibration.
5.2 Calibration Notes
1. Temperature calibration information is stored in memory when the
meter is switched off, even if the battery is removed.
2. Temperature does not need to be re-calibrated unless the
Conductivity sensor is replaced or the meter is initialised.

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5.3 Calibration Messages
1. If a temperature calibration has been successfully performed, the
Aqua-CPA will display the offset value of the sensor. For example…
Cal. OK
Offset=1.0
2. If a temperature calibration has failed, the Aqua-CPA will display the
failed offset value of the sensor.
Cal. Failed
Offset=10.5
5.4 Manual Temperature Setting
1. Switch the Aqua-CPA on.
2. Select Temperature mode (see section 2).
3. Manual temperature setting is only available if the Conductivity
sensor is not connected.
4. Press and hold the key for 2 seconds. The current Manual
Temperature Setting is now displayed, for example…
Enter Man.
Temp ↑
↑↑
↑25.0↓
↓↓
↓
5. Press the and keys until the bottom line shows the
temperature which you wish to set. This value should be the same as
the temperature of the solution you are measuring.
6. Press the key to set the temperature.