Trace2O ARSENOMETER HMAS100 User manual

ARSENOMETER
HMAS100
Portable Arsenic Analyser

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION
3
2.1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ARSENOMETER
4
2.2
GETTING STARTED
11
2.3
OPERATING PROCEDURE
17
2.3.1
METHODS
17
2.3.2
PLATING
18
2.3.3
ANALYSIS
20
2.3.4
STANDARD ADDITION ANALYSES –OVERVIEW
22
2.3.5
ADDING A STANDARD ADDITION
23
2.4
TROUBLE SHOOTING
25
2.5
INTERFERENCES
26
2.6
SPECIFICATIONS
26

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
1. INTRODUCTION
The Arsenometer HMAS100 kit is ideal for testing arsenic in natural water
courses, for example lakes and rivers. The Arsenometer HMAS100 is a
rugged field kit using a well established technique for the detection of heavy
metals, Anodic Stripping Voltammetry.
The HMAS100 is very robust and has been designed to be virtually
maintenance free. The instrument is sealed against water ingress and is
housed in a waterproof Peli-case making it suitable for use at site for carrying
out field screening analysis.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
2.1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ARSENOMETER
USBConnector SondeConnectorCable
LCD
Scr een
USB
Connection Indicator
BatteryStatusIndicator
ON/OFF Button
Stirrer Icon
4-WayNavigation
Joystick (Push for OK)
CANCEL Button

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
USB Connector
The USB connector can be used to charge the battery using the supplied car
or mains charger, and also for download/upload and charging via a PC or
laptop.
LCD Screen
The LCD screen tells you what is happening as you go along. It will
continually display the current date and time as well as other useful
indicators such as battery and connection status. The screen is also
backlit enabling use of the instrument under poor lighting conditions.
ON/OFF Button
The ON/OFF is used to turn the instrument on and off, there is also an optional
ten minute auto shutdown feature should you leave the instrument unattended.
Navigation Joystick
The joystick allows you to quickly and easily navigate your way through the menus
and features of the Arsenometer. The joystick provides five controls; Up, Down, Left,
Right and OK. To navigate up, down, left and right simply push the joystick in the
required direction. To select an option or ‘OK’ a choice press the joystick in the
centre.
Cancel Button
Pressing the cancel button will return you to the previous menu or screen.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
On Screen Indicators
At the bottom of the screen thesesymbolswillappearperiodically
to provideinformation about the instrument’s status.


i




i

Battery fast charge indicator
Batterytricklecharge indicator
Batteryfault/overheat indicator
BatteryFull
Battery 3/4 Full
Battery 1/2 Full
Battery 1/4 Full
Batteryempty
Stirrer on indicator

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Components and care of components
Electrodes –your kit consists of 3 different types of electrodes:
Counter electrode –this electrode needs the least
maintenance of all. A quick visual inspection to
ensure the electrode has no physical damage.
Reference Electrode –this electrode contains a liquid filled tube,
the liquid can be replenished by using the Reference Electrode
Fill Solution provided in the kit. Perform a visual inspection to
ensure it has no physical damage and ensure there is enough
liquid in the outer tube and that there are no bubbles in the inner
tube. For best performance, the Reference Electrode tip should
be kept wet. Please remove cap before use, and replace after
use. Always place a few drops of deionised water in the cap
before replacing it on the electrode.
Working Electrode –the electrode surface should be
examined for cracks and imperfections that will affect
analysis. The electrode should be regularly polished to
remove contaminants and ensure a smooth mirror-like
surface using the supplied glass platen, polishing cloth and
polishing solution. Ensure that the protective rubber cap is
replaced during storage of the electrode to prevent damage
to the electrode surface. After polishing, Conditioning steps
needs to be undertaken before analysis.
Polishing technique
To polish the electrode, firstly make sure the glass platen and holder are clean and free of
dust or dirt which may cause scratching. Place a clean cloth on the platen and dampen the
cloth with the polishing solution provided. Hold the electrode perpendicular to the platen and
use a smooth figure of eight motion as indicated.
Polish until the surface has a mirror finish and no scratches or imperfections are
seen.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
The instrument also consists of:
Stirrer –the stirrer will not operate all the time during the different stages
of a run. The stirrer is crucial to the operation of the instrument and
needs to be checked to ensure it is working properly. During a run, look
through the translucent beaker or lightly touch the bottom of the SAB to
determine that the stirrer is rotating when indicated on the handset. The
stirrer has been designed to minimise turbulence thus ensuring
increased repeatability.
Sample Analysis Beaker (SAB) –the SAB has a fixed volume so
that when full and removed from the water course, excess
sample will empty out of the holes levelling off at a constant
volume.
Handset –the handset is waterproof and robust. A periodic visual inspection
to ensure it is not damaged and that the screen is readable will suffice.
Buffers –the buffers are powders, which should be stored in a
dark, cool, dry environment. If stored correctly, these have a
shelf life of 3 years. Refer to individual sachets for expiry dates.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Menu System
The Arsenometer is controlled via a systemof on-screen menus. The
structure of these menus is illustrated belowto assist you in navigating
them.
Main Menu
Test
Methods
→
Condition
Electrode
Used to condition the working electrode with a
Conditioning solution. When used as part of a
test it is used to prime the electrode to increase
sensitivity
→
Analyse
Sample
Used with Calibrate function. Calibration must be
undertaken before analyse sample can be used
→
Standard
Addition
Used to analyse samples and calculate the
unknown concentration by the addition of a
known standard
→
Calibrate
Used with analyse sample. Calibration must be
performed before analyse sample is used
→
Blank
subtraction
Used to set or replace a baseline if contaminants
are suspected in the buffer.
Data Log
→
View Log
Data Log viewing options
→
Last Result
Displays latest result and graph
System
→
Backlight
Backlight control options
→
Set date/time
Used to set the instrument date and time
→
Language
Used to select the display language
→
Charge
Battery charging options
→
Auto switch
off
Auto off select
→
Program
P/STAT
Program internal hardware (Not used in normal
operation)

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
The Sonde Assembly
The sonde (electrodes x 3) SAB (Sample Analysis Beaker)
In-line waterproof cable connector
Warning: Sonde head is designed for submersion up to 1 metre in
water. Lowering the head deeper than this may result in water ingress
which will require sonde head replacement.
Note: The sonde cable may be fixed to the lid of the Arsenometer box, using
the box closure tabs and the supplied cable clamp. Alternatively, the user may
attach the cable to a suitable fixture at the sample site, eg. branch, rope, fence,
barrier.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
2.2. GETTING STARTED
Charging the battery
When you first receive your Arsenometer it would be advisable to fully charge
the battery. This can be done several ways using the USB lead and
chargers provided with the kit. If a computer is used the software drivers will
need to be installed to perform a fast charge. Refer to section on software
installation.
Unscrew the blue cap Insert mini USB lead Tighten the screw cap
Connect to chosen charge system (Computer/ Mains/ 12V)
The Arsenometer is capable of charging at a fast rate taking approximately 7
hours to fully charge the battery, or a trickle charge rate which should be
used for overnight top up charge if the instrument is only used once or twice
a day.
From the system menu select Charge and you will be given three options:
100mA Trickle charge rate
500mA Fast charge rate
AUTO The instrument will automatically select the best charge rate.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
To Select the charge rate follow these steps:
•From the main menu select System
•From the system menu select Charge
•Highlight required charge rate and press <OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu
Note: The fast charge option is only available when the
instrument is switched on. The instrument will also charge at a
trickle rate if the instrument is connected for charging but not
switched on

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Software Installation
Your Arsenometer is compatible with most computers with a USB socket, but
first the USB drivers must be installed. The drivers are located on the Software
CD ROM provided for all versions of Windows post Windows 95.
•Insert the CD ROM into the CD drive
•Connect the USB cable supplied to the Arsenometer instrument as described for
battery charging. Connect the other end to an available USB port on your PC
•Windows will run the ‘install new hardware wizard’
•When asked if Windows can connect to Windows update
to search for software. Select ‘No, not this time’
•Select ‘Install from a list or specific location’, navigate to CD Rom
•Windows should install the drivers
•Once complete the wizard will run again. Use the same settings as before
•Once Windows has installed the drivers, reboot the
computer and your Arsenometer should be installed
•To verify correct installation select fast charge on the instrument and check
that the fast charge icon (see page 7) is displayed on the Arsenometer’s screen
Setting the Date and Time
The Arsenometer contains a calendar and clock which is used to date stamp the
results log. The clock may be set to UTC when you receive the instrument so may
need re-setting. It will also need re-setting if the battery is disconnected. To set the
clock follow these steps.
•From the main menu select System
•From the system menu select Set date/time and press<OK>
• Use the navigation key to alter the date and time
• Press <OK> when finished to save settings

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Backlight
Your Arsenometer is equipped with a backlight to aid viewing in poor lighting
conditions. Selecting backlight from the system menu will present the following
options.
ON The backlight will be on at all times1
OFF The backlight will be off at all times
AUTO The backlight will switch on when a key is pressed or the
screen refreshes. It will turn off after five seconds of inactivity.
1 The battery life will be shortened in this mode.
To change the backlight settings follow the steps below.
•From the main menu select System
•From the system menu select Backlight
•Highlight required setting and press <OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu
Language Selection
The Arsenometer comes with English, French and Spanish languages pre-
installed. To Change the language follow the steps below:
•From the main menu select the 3rd option System
•From the system menu select the 3rd option Language
•Highlight required language; English, French, Spanish and press <OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu
Auto switch off
The Arsenometer can be set to automatically switch off after ten minutes
of inactivity. This is recommended to extend battery life. To change this
setting select ‘Auto Switch Off’ from the System menu and then select On
or Off.
•From the main menu select System
•From the system menu select Auto switch off
•Highlight required setting and press <OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Electrodes
The Arsenometer is designed to be used out of the box. The electrodes are all pre-fitted.
Setting up the Arsenometer
The Arsenometer comes with three electrodes. The electrodes are
WE2 (Working Electrode 2), R (Reference) and C (Counter). The
electrodes are connected to the Sonde as follows:
To fit the electrode simply align the arrow on the
electrode with the arrow on the sonde head and
push the electrode. A quiet double click should be
heard. Gently pull on the top of the black holder of
the electrode to ensure it is fully connected
To remove the electrodes pull back the connector
shroud with the arrow on and the connector will pull off.
When attaching or removing electrodes be
careful to avoid touching the stirrer
To correctly identify electrodes, the Sonde
has the electrode letter reference stamped
into it..
Electrode WE2 (3 pins) is to be fitted in position
WE2.
Do not mix up the electrodes.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
Reference Electrode
The Reference Electrode cap needs to be removed prior to
analysis and replaced when the electrode is going to be stored. It
is best practice not to let the tip of the Reference Electrode dry
out.
The Reference Electrode must contain Reference Electrode fill
solution to operate. Ensure the Reference Electrode is
held vertically with the connector upwards and determine
that there is enough solution in the Reference Electrode.
Fill
solution
level at
max
Fill
solution
level too
low
1. 2. 3. 4.
The outer tube needs to be at least 1/3rd full. To top up the Reference Electrode fill
solution, slide the band down from the hole and use the pipette to drop enough solution
into the Reference Electrode to fill it up. Once topped up, replace the band to prevent the
electrode fill solution escaping. Only use the supplied Reference Electrode fill
solution.
Stirrer
The stirrer is used to ensure the sample is uniform and needs to operate
during the analysis. To test for the operation of the stirrer, choose a
Conditioning step that is under an elemental analysis section and run
without the SAB attached. To achieve this from the Main menu, choose:
Test methods => As (for example) => Condition electrode. The stirrer should rotate.
If the stirrer fails to rotate, turn the sonde head upside down, add a few
drops of the Stirrer Oil (do not use any other oil) down the stirrer
shaft at the base near the sonde head (near where it enters the sonde)
and rotate gently to ensure the lubricant coats the bottom of the shaft .

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
2.3. OPERATING PROCEDURE
2.3.1. METHODS
The Arsenometer operating procedure consists of two main steps –plating
(conditioning) and analysis. The plating step forms a plate on the surface of the
working electrode which can be seen as a yellow/gold layer on the tip of the Working
Electrode. The quality of this plate is essential to achieving reliable results.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
2.3.2. PLATING
The plating step takes a few minutes.
There are two preliminary steps required for any analysis with the Arsenometer. The
plating step uses the AU500 Au Plating Solution and forms a plate on the working
electrode, covering the black tip with a yellow/ gold colour. The conditioning of the
electrode occurs when the element of interest is selected in the Test Methods menu
and then choosing condition electrode which is at the top of the list when the element is
selected. The conditioning step should be carried out in sample water, and undertakes
a run which sensitises the Working Electrode.
Example: Overview of As (III) procedure to first plate then sensitise the electrode:
Main Menu
Choose “Test Methods”
These plating steps
deposit the plate on
the tip of the
Working Electrode
Test Methods Menu
Choose “M2&3 Conditioning”
Half-fill SAB with AU500 Au Plating Solution
After plating, check tip for yellow / gold plate
Return AU500 Au Plating Solution to bottle
These
conditioning steps
(within the metal
menus) prepare
the Working
Electrode for
analysis.
Select analysis method...
Place buffer in SAB and fill SAB with
sample
From the Test Methods Menu, choose
As(III), and then Condition Electrode
Refer to Application notes for Operating Procedures particular to each parameter.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
It is necessary to perfom the plating and then condition before a session or if the
sensitivity of the analysis decreases. If a lot of samples are to be analysed then a
plate in the morning and one in the afternoon at the beginning of the session is
recommended.
If in doubt, remove the old plate by wiping the surface, polish the tip of the
Working Electrode to a mirror smooth finish (with the polishing kit
provided) then rinse with wash bottle and perform a new plating.

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Arsenometer HMAS100 Instruction Manual v2.0
2.3.3. ANALYSIS
Before using the Arsenometer to perform a test ensure that the working
electrode has been successfully plated and conditioned first.
There are now two ways to analyse a sample, either via the Standard
Addition method or by an in-field calibration of the instrument.
1. The normal method of analysis for the Arsenometer is for the user
to add a known amount of standard to the solution giving a
known peak height, the Standard Addition method. The
instrument then determines the value for the unknown sample
previously analysed.
2. The in-field calibration method establishes a calibration curve first before
analysing a number of samples rapidly. The Arsenometer firstly needs to
establish the calibration curve using the Calibrate option in the menu of each
metal of interest. Once this has been successfully completed an Analyse
Sample can be undertaken
(Note: using Analyse Sample without establishing a new calibration curve, the
previous calibration will be used which may not be correct for the current
analysis).
The calibration needs to be established just prior to analysis and also after a
new plate has been applied to the tip of the working electrode. Many factors
affect the calibration curve and the greater the time the analysis occurs after
the calibration curve was established the greater the chance that there will be a
decrease in accuracy. This is due to a number of factors including variability
with the plate over time and even the components of the solution changing. It is
important when calibrating the instrument that it is calibrated on a similar type
of water to that being analysed, i.e. if a river sample from a particular river is
being analysed then the Arsenometer needs to be calibrated using that river
water, if a new river is to be analysed then recalibrate using a new river sample
from the new location.