TPS Aqua-pH User manual

Congratulations !
You have purchased the latest in Handheld, Waterproof pH-mV-
Temperature instrumentation. We trust that your new Aqua-pH will give
you many years of reliable service.
The Aqua-pH 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-pH. It also contains a full listing of all of the
items that you should have received with your Aqua-pH. 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-pH, 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.
TPS Pty Ltd
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
Model Aqua-pH
pH-mV-Temp. Meter
Version : 1.0
Date : 19/02/2002
Author : MS

Page 1
Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................2
1.1 Aqua-pH Display and Controls........................................................................... 2
1.2 Unpacking Information ...................................................................................... 4
1.3 Specifications.................................................................................................... 5
2. Operating Modes......................................................................................6
3. pH Calibration .......................................................................................... 7
3.1 Calibration........................................................................................................ 7
3.2 pH Calibration Notes......................................................................................... 9
3.3 pH Calibration Messages................................................................................. 10
4. Millivolt Calibration................................................................................ 11
5. Temperature Calibration........................................................................ 12
5.1 Calibration...................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................ 13
5.3 Calibration Messages...................................................................................... 13
5.4 Manual Temperature Setting ........................................................................... 13
6. Selecting Buffers for Auto Buffer Recognition..................................... 14
7. Battery Saver Function.......................................................................... 15
8. Initialising the Aqua-pH ......................................................................... 16
9. Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 17
9.1 General Error Messages ................................................................................. 17
9.2 pH and mV Troubleshooting............................................................................ 18
9.3 Temperature Troubleshooting.......................................................................... 19
10. Appendices......................................................................................... 20
10.1 pH Sensor Fundamentals............................................................................ 20
10.2 Checking the reference junction of a pH sensor. .......................................... 23
10.3 Determining if an instrument or sensor is faulty............................................ 23
10.4 Instrument software version number............................................................ 24
11. Warranty ............................................................................................. 25

Page 2
1. Introduction
1.1 Aqua-pH Display and Controls

Page 3
¬Display
24 character alpha-numeric display. Can show any of the following
combinations readouts simultaneously (see section 2).
pH + Temperature Millivolts + Temperature Temperature only
A unique “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 3and 5.
Also used to select buffers for automatic buffer recognition. See
section 6.
®Used to select pH, mV or Temperature modes. See section 2.
¯Switches the Aqua-pH on and off.
Hold this key for 3 seconds to invoke Battery Saver mode. See
section 7.
°and ±
These keys toggle the Aqua-pH 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.

Page 4
1.2 Unpacking Information
Before using your new Aqua-pH, please check that the following
accessories have been included:
Part No
1. Aqua-pH pH-mV-Temperature Instrument ..............................121112
2. pH Sensor, Porous Teflon Double Junction, 1m ......................121207
3. Temperature Sensor, Stainless Steel , 1m...............................121247
4. pH6.88 Buffer, 200mL..............................................................121306
5. pH4.00 Buffer, 200mL..............................................................121381
6. 9V Battery................................................................................130026
7. Aqua-pH Handbook................................................................ 130050
Options that may have been ordered with your Aqua-pH:
1. Hard Plastic Carry Case.......................................................... 130057

Page 5
1.3 Specifications
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
pH 0 to 14.00 pH 0.01 pH ±0.01 pH
mV 0 to ±1500 mV 1 mV ±1 mV
Temperature -10.0 to 120.0 OC0.1 OC±0.2 OC
Additional pH Specifications
Temperature Compensation...............Automatic, 0 to 50.0 OC
pH Input Impedance...........................>3 x 1012 Ω
pH Asymmetry Range........................-1.00 to 1.00 pH
pH Slope Range.................................85.0 to 105.0%
Auto pH Buffer Recognition................pH4.00, pH6.88, pH7.00 pH9.23,
pH10.06
Additional Temperature Specifications
Temperature Sensor Offset Range ....-10.0oC to +10.0oC
General Specifications
Display...............................................24 Character alphanumeric LCD,
with full text prompts and error
messages.
Power.................................................9V Alkaline Battery for 100+ hours
operation.
Battery Saver.....................................On :Auto switch-off after 5
minutes
Off : Continuous use
Dimensions........................................157 x 78 x 35 mm
Mass..................................................Instrument only :Approx 200g
Full Kit :Approx 1.5kg
Environment.......................................Temperature :0 to 45 OC
Humidity :0 to 90 % R.H.

Page 6
2. Operating Modes
Press the key to select the desired operating mode. The sequence is
shown in the following table…
pH Mode 7.00pH
25.0oc
pH data is shown on the top line and Temperature data is shown on the
bottom line.
The Temperature reading is shown with an “M” if the Temperature sensor is
unplugged and manual Temperature compensation is being used.
Select this mode to calibrate pH.
Press or to toggle between dual readout or large digit readout.
↓↓
mV Mode 1000mV
25.0oc
mV data is shown on the top line and Temperature data is shown on the
bottom line.
No Temperature data is shown if the Temperature sensor is unplugged, as
manual Temperature compensation is not applicable to mV.
Calibration is not available in this mode.
Press or to toggle between dual readout or large digit readout.
↓↓
Temperature Mode 25.0oc
Temperature data only is shown on the top line.
Select this mode to calibrate Temperature.
Press or to toggle between regular readout or large digit readout.
↓↓
Back to pH mode
Note: The decimal point is replaced by a ” ∗∗ “ if a pH or Temperature calibration
has failed (see sections 3and 5), if the unit is initialised (see section 8),
or if the unit has lost its factory calibration (see section 9.1).

Page 7
3. 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.
3.1 Calibration
1. Switch the Aqua-pH on.
2. Select pH Mode (see section 2).
3. Plug the pH sensor into the BNC socket (this is the metal socket). For
automatic temperature compensation, plug the Temperature sensor
into the Temperature socket (this is the 6-pin plastic socket). If the
Temperature sensor is not connected, then the Aqua-pH 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 Temperature 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 6for a detailed explanation.
8. Place both sensors into a small sample of pH6.88 (or pH7.00) buffer,
so that the bulb and reference junction are both covered. See the
diagram over the page.

Page 8
DO NOT place the sensors directly into the buffer bottle. Discard the
used buffer after use.
9. When the reading has stabilised, press and hold the key for 2
seconds to calibrate. 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 Temperature sensors in distilled water and blot
them dry.
11. Place both sensors into a small sample of pH4.00, pH9.23 or
pH10.00 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.
pH9.23 and pH10.00 buffers are highly unstable. Avoid using
these buffers if possible. Discard immediately after use.
12. When the reading has stabilised, press and hold the key for 2
seconds to calibrate. The “ ∗“ will now be replaced by a decimal
point, if calibration was successful.
13. The Aqua-pH is calibrated for pH and is ready for use in this mode.

Page 9
3.2 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-pH is
switched off, even when the battery is removed.
4. The Aqua-pH 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.