Trace2O METALYSER DELUXE HM2000 User manual

METALYSER DELUXE HM2000
Portable Heavy Metals Analyser

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Metalyser®Deluxe HM2000 Instruction Manual
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CONTENTS

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Metalyser®Deluxe HM2000 Instruction Manual
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1. INTRODUCTION
The Metalyser®Deluxe HM2000 kit is ideal for testing of very low heavy metal
concentrations in natural water courses, for example lakes and rivers. The
HM2000 is a rugged field kit combining two instruments that test for a range of
12 heavy metals and can be used both as a collection and measurement
device for at-site analysis. It is very portable, using a battery as its power
source and can provide results to <10ppb rapidly.
The Metalyser®Deluxe HM2000 combines two well established techniques for
the detection of heavy metal ions in solution, Voltammetry and Photometry.
The kit contains two instruments, a Metalyser®and a Metalometer®. The
voltammetric technique is not new –it was first proposed in the 1920s –but
recent advances in electronics and software have provided a means to make
the instrument portable. The Metalyser®takes a complex idea but makes it
easy to understand and is therefore usable for a competent person not trained
in voltammetry. No complex chemical techniques need to be employed during
the course of the analysis.
The Metalyser®Deluxe HM2000 is very robust and has been designed to be
virtually maintenance free. The instruments are sealed against water ingress
and are housed in a waterproof Peli-case making them suitable for use at site
for carrying out field screening analysis.
The Metalyser®Deluxe HM200 is ready out-of-the-box and can be used after
only a charge of the battery. After a period of non-use, the Metalyser®is ready
to operate very quickly after putting the sonde head into the water sample.
Whilst both instruments analyse heavy metals, each has a different mode of
operation. Therefore this manual is in two parts, the first covering the
Metalyser®instrument and the second covering the Metalometer®.

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2. KIT CONTENT
Metalometer
Instrument
Pipette
Cable
Clamp
Electrode
Rinse Solution
Conditioning
Solutions
Metalyser®
Instrument
Sonde
Polishing
kit
Standards
Stirrer Oil and
Reference Electrode
Fill Solution
USB Power Supply
Transformers and
Adapters
Sample Analysis
Beaker (SAB)
Beakers
Buffer Kits
Instruction Manual
Standards
Sample Vials
Metalometer
Reagent Box
Buffer Kit

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3. METALYSER®
3.1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR METALYSER®

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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 Metalyser®. 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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On Screen Indicators
At the bottom of the screen thesesymbolswillappearperiodically
to provideinformation about the instrument’s status.
Battery fast charge indicator
Battery trickle charge indicator
Battery fault/overheat indicator
Battery full
Battery ¾ full
Battery ½ full
Battery ¼ full
Battery empty
USB connection to PC established
Stirrer on indicator


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Components and care of components
The Sonde
The sonde head contains the electrodes and stirrer to carry out analysis. It comes
pre-assembled with the 4 electrodes and a Sample Analysis Beaker (SAB). The
electrodes are the WE1 (Working Electrode 1), WE2 (Working Electrode 2), R
(Reference Electrode) and C (Counter Electrode). The sonde has the electrode letter
references embossed onto it to ensure they are connected in the correct positions.
To fit an electrode, simply align the arrow on the electrode with the arrowon the
sonde headand push the electrode onto its socket. A quiet double click should be
heard. Gently pullon the top of the black holder of the electrode to ensure it is fully
connected.
To remove the electrodes pullback the connector shroud with the arrowon and the
connector willpulloff.
When attaching or removing electrodes be careful to avoid touching the stirrer.
The different Working Electrodes can be identified by the number of connecting pins
and are not interchangeable.
Electrode WE1 (6 pins) is to be fitted in position WE1.
Electrode WE2 (3 pins) is to be fitted in position WE2.
Do not mix up the electrodes as this can cause damage to the instrument.
The sonde can be assembled in one of two ways. Firstly, the short cable attached to
the Sonde can be connected directly to the instrument. It can then be attached to the
clamp and stand included in the kit and fitted inside the box. The second option is to
fit the extension cable between the Sonde and the instrument. This allows the
instrument to be used to collect samples as well as analyse them.
The sonde(electrodes x 4) SAB(Sample Analysis Beaker)

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In-line waterproofcableconnector
Warning: Sondeheadis designed for submersion up to 1 metrein water. Lowering
the headdeeperthan this may result in water ingress which will require sonde head
replacement.
Note: The
sonde cable may be fixed to the lidof the Metalyser®box, using
the box closure tabs and the supplied cable clamp. Alternatively, the usermay
attach the cable to a suitable fixture at the sample site, e.g. branch, rope,
fence, barrier .

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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 slurry. Ensure that the protective
rubber cap is replaced during storage of the electrode to prevent
damage to the electrode surface. After polishing, conditioning
steps need to be undertaken before analysis. The different
Working Electrodes can be identified by the number of connecting
pins and are not interchangeable. Electrode WE1 (6 pins) is to be
fitted in position WE1.
Electrode WE2 (3 pins) is to be fitted in position WE3.
Do not mix up the electrodes.

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Refilling Reference Electrode
The Reference Electrode cap needsto 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. To ensure this, always add a few drops of deionised
water into the cap before replacing on the electrode.
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 thereis enoughsolution in the Reference Electrode.
Fill Solution at max Fill solution level too low
The outer tube needs to be at least 1/3rd full. To top up the Reference
Electrode Fill Solution:
1. Place the reference electrode horizontal with the hole facing up
2. Slide the band down from the hole
3. Usethe pipette to drop enoughsolution into the Reference Electrode to fill
it up.
4. Once topped up, replace the band to prevent the electrode fill solution
escaping.
Note: Only use the supplied Reference Electrode Fill Solution.

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Polishing technique for Working Electrode
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 slurry 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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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.
Instrument –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.
Standards - The standards should be stored in a dark, cool place and have a shelf
life of 12 months. Refer to standards for expiry dates. Should any contaminant
come into contact with the standards, they should be discarded and replaced.
Plating Solutions –The plating solutions should be stored in a dark, cool place
and have a shelf life of one year. Refer to solutions for expiry dates. Should the
efficacy of the plating solution deteriorate before this during use, they should be
discarded and replaced.

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Menu System
The Metalyser
®
instrument 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
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
Programme internal hardware (Not used in
normal operation)

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3.2. GETTING STARTED
Charging the battery
When you first receive your Metalyser®kit it is advisable to fully charge the battery. This
can be done several ways using the supplied USB lead and chargers provided with the
kit. Connect to the device as shown below, then connect to the chosen charging system
(mains/12V). 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
The Metalyser®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:
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
100mA
Trickle charge rate
500mA
Fast charge rate
AUTO
The instrument will automatically select
the best charge rate

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Driver Installation
Your Metalyser®is compatible with most computers with a USB socket, but first
the USB drivers may need to be installed. The drivers arelocated on the Software
USB stick provided for all versions of Windows post Windows 95.
Insert the USB memory stick into an available USB port on your PC
Connect the USB cable supplied to the Metalyser®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 USB memory drive
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 Metalyser®
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 Metalyser ®’s screen
Setting the Date and Time
The Metalyser®contains a calendar and clock which is used to date stamp the results
log. The clock may be set to GMT 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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Backlight
Your Metalyser®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
1The 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 Metalyser®comes with English, French and Spanish languages pre-
installed. To Change the language follow the steps below:
•From the main menu, select System
•From the system menu select Language
•Highlight required language; English, French, Spanish and press
<OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu
Auto switch off
The Metalyser®can be set to automatically switch off after ten minutes of
inactivity. This is recommended to extend battery life. To change this
setting follow the steps below:
•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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3.3. OPERATING PROCEDURE
3.3.1. METHODS
The Metalyser®operating procedure consists of two main steps –plating
(conditioning) and analysis. The plating step forms a plate on the surface of the
electrode which can be seen as either a grey or yellow/gold layer on the tip of the
Working Electrode. The quality of this plate is essential to achieving reliable results.
The following table illustrates which electrode to use for each element:
Elements
analysed
Working Electrode used
Colour of Working
Electrode after Plating
Cd, Pb
WE1
Grey
Hg
WE2
Yellow/Gold
As
WE2
Yellow/Gold
Cu
WE1
Grey
Zn
WE1
Grey
Mn*
WE1
Grey
Cr (VI)*
Chromium Electrode
Yellow/Gold
Ni*
WE3
Black (no plating required)
*Not available as standard
If WE1 is to be used in the analysis, then WE2 is not part of the circuit and has no role in
the analysis. Likewise for WE1 during analyses using WE2.
When switching between different analyses, the unused electrode needs to be removed,
otherwise results may be affected.
Procedures for each parameter are detailed in the relevant application notes.

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3.3.2. PLATING
This is a process used to form a very thin plate on the surface of the Working Electrode
and only takes a few minutes to complete. The plating step is necessary prior to the
analysis of each element, however it is possible to analyse elements consecutively if they
share a common plating solution (e.g. Cd, Pb and Zn all use HG500 Hg Plating Solution).
Before carrying out the plating step, the Working Electrode surface must be polished to
remove any scratches and imperfections (see page X).
There are two preliminary steps required for any analysis with the Metalyser®. The
plating step uses the HG500 Hg Plating Solution, HG1000 Thick Hg Plating Solution or
AU500 Au Plating Solution, added to the SAB, to form a plate on the Working
Electrode. After plating, the mirror-finish black tip is covered with a plate that is either
grey (Hg Plating Solutions) or yellow/ gold (Au Plating Solution) in colour.
The element being tested determines the plating solution required:
HG500 Hg Plating Solution –Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn
AU500 Au Plating Solution –Hg and As
HG1000 Thick Hg Plating Solution –Mn
AU1000 Thick Au Plating Solution –Cr(VI)
WE1 is used for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn analysis
WE2 is used for Hg and As analysis
WE3 is used for Ni analysis
Chromium Electrode is used for Cr(VI) analysis only
It is necessary to perform the plating and conditioning before an analysis session or if
the sensitivity of the analysis decreases. This is because, over time, the plate will
reduce in thickness and eventually come off. Typically this will be after 20+ consecutive
samples or a period of 2-3 hours. It is therefore suggested to regularly re-plate the
electrode; if analysing a lot of samples, it is recommended to plate in the morning and
again at the beginning of the afternoon session.
If in doubt, remove the old plate by wiping the surface, polishing the tip of the Working
Electrode to a mirror-finish (with the polishing kit provided), then rinse with the wash
bottle and perform a new plating.
When analysing for elements requiring a plate different to the one currently being used,
the electrode not in use will need to be removed from the sonde to prevent
interference. It is advised to group together analyses using the same plate to save
switching between them.
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 for the selected electrode. The conditioning step should be carried out in sample
water, and undertakes a run which sensitises the Working Electrode.

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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