Trace2O METALYSER FIELD PRO HM3000 User manual

METALYSER® FIELD PRO HM3000
Advanced Portable Field Heavy Metals Analyser
Metalyser® Field Pro HM3000 Instruction Manual v 5.0
www.trace2o.com
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CONTENTS
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1. INTRODUCTION
2. KIT CONTENT
3. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR METALYSER
3.1 Tablet PC
3.2 Tablet PCand Metaware software
3.3 Instrument
3.4 On Screen Indicators
3.5 Instrument Menu System
3.6 Components and care of components 3.7
The Sonde Assembly
4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 Charging the batteries
4.2 Powering up the system
4.3 Setting the Date and Time
4.4 Backlight
4.5 Auto switch off
4.6 Electrodes
4.7 Setting up the Metalyser
4.8 Reference Electrode
4.9 Stirrer
5. OPERATING PROCEDURE
5.1 Methods
5.2 Plating
5.3Analysis
5.4Adding a standard addition
5.6Results
5.7Results log
6. LINEAR REGRESSION
7. ADVANCED OPERATIONS
7.1 Background Subtraction
7.2 Variable volume standard additions
7.3 Variable Deposition time
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
9. INTERFERENCE EFFECTS
10. SPECIFICATIONS
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Metalyser® Field Pro HM3000 Instruction Manual v 5.0
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2. INTRODUCTION
The Metalyser®Field Pro HM3000 Instrument is ideal for testing of very low
heavy metal concentrations in natural water courses, for example lakes and
rivers. The HM3000 is a rugged field kit that tests for a range of 16 heavy
metals and can be used both as a collection and measurement device for at-
site analysis. The HM3000 is very portable as it uses a battery as its power
source and the embedded rugged tablet PC that runs Trace2o’s advanced
Windows based Metaware software gives the user laboratory capabilities on
site.
The Metalyser®HM3000 utilises a voltammetric analysis technique to detect
heavy metal ions in solution. The 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 instrument takes a complex
idea but makes it easy to understand and is therefore useable for a competent
person not trained in voltammetry. No complex chemical techniques need to
be employed during the course of the analysis.
The Metalyser®HM3000 is very robust and has been designed to be virtually
maintenance free. The unit is sealed against water ingress and the electrodes
are designed for as little user interaction as possible.
The Metalyser®HM3000 is ready out-of-the-box and can be factory configured
and can be used after charging the built-in battery. The software loads
automatically on start-up and the instrument is ready to go.
The Metalyser®HM3000 has two modes of operation and can be run in either
of these. The primary mode of operation is via the tablet PC and built-in
Metaware software which gives the user advanced control of the instrument to
provide greater accuracy and sensitivity. This method gives the user linear
regression capabilities and more sensitive test methods. The secondary mode
of operation is as a standalone instrument, running from the instrument’s built-
in intuitive joystick-driven menu system and graphic display interface. The
second mode of operation is ideal for quick screening work.
The Metalyser®HM3000 communicates with the tablet PC via a Bluetooth
connection which eliminates the need for trailing cables during use. It is
possible to connect the PC via the USB cable to the instrument, but this is not
advised as the instrument will drain power from the tablet PC. If this is
necessary contact Trace2o as a special cable can be supplied.
Metalyser® Field Pro HM3000 Instruction Manual v 5.0
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1. KIT CONTENT
Sonde
Tablet PC
Pipettes
Stylus
Samples Analysis
Beaker (SAB)
Beakers
Daily Buffer Kit
Accessories Kit
Metalyser®
Instrument
Instruction Manual
Sample Analysis
Beaker (SAB)
Buffer Kits
Conditioning
Solution
Standards
USB Power Supply
Transformers and
Adapters
Deionised
Water
Tablet PC
Power Cable
Stirrer Oil and
Reference Electrode
Fill Solution
Space for Additional
Consumables
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3. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR METALYSER®
3.1 Tablet PC
Control Panel
10.1”
Touchscreen
DC Connector
USB port
LAN port
Camera
Headphone
jack
Rear cover
Serial
Comms Port
Battery
USB Port
Stylus
VGA Port
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3.2 Tablet PC and Metaware software
The tablet PC is a rugged, waterproof PC with a rechargeable battery, using a
Windows 10 Enterprise operating system. A 3G SIM card can also be installed
by the user to provide remote internet connectivity. The 10.1” touch screen
can be used with the attached stylus or by hand.
The PC is pre-loaded with the Trace2o Metaware software. This is essentially
a Windows-based control panel which controls the instrument and provides a
graphical representation of the data (voltammogram) allowing the user to
accurately analyse the data. The built in linear regression function provides
the user with a comprehensive way to record results and calculate the
unknown sample concentrations.
The Metaware main window appears as shown:
Voltammogram
Stirrer Control
Test Methods
Instrument Serial No.
Connection Status
Instrument Firmware
Sample Temperature
Stirrer Status
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3.3 Instrument
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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 use the instrument when not
connected to the tablet PC. It will display the current date and time as well as other
useful indicators such as battery and connection station. The screen is also backlit,
enabling use of the instrument under poor lighting conditions.
ON/OFF Button
The ON/OFF button is used to turn the instrument on and off. There is also an optional
10 minute auto switch off 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®when the instrument is not connected to the tablet PC. The
joystick provides five controls: Up, down, Left, Right and OK. To navigate up, down, left
or 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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3.4 On Screen Indicators
At the bottom of the screen these symbols will appear periodically
to provide information 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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3.5 Instrument Menu System
If used as a standalone instrument, the Metalyser®is controlled via a
system of on-screen menus. The structure of these menus is illustrated
below to 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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3.6 Components and care of components
The Sonde
The sonde head contains the electrodes, stirrer and temperature probe 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 arrow on the
sonde head and push the electrode onto its socket. 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.
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 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: A clamp and stand are provided. The stand
slots into the hole in the right hand rear corner of
the box. This can be used to clamp the Sonde as
shown above, which improves stability during the
analysis.
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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 (see below). 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 WE2.
Do not mix up the electrodes.
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Refilling 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. 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 there is enough solution 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. Use the pipette to drop enough solution 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 carry out analysis, the Working Electrode must first be polished to give a smooth
surface to allow for plating. 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.
Metalyser® Field Pro HM3000 Instruction Manual v 5.0
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The instrument also consists of:
Stirrer– the stirrer is crucial to the operation of the instrument so it needs to be checked
to ensure it is working properly. It has been designed to minimise turbulence thus
ensuring increased repeatability. The stirrer is crucial to the operation of the instrument
and needs to be checked to ensure it is working properly. To test for the operation of the
stirrer, use Start/Stop function on the control panel.
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.
Sample Analysis Beaker (SAB) – the SAB has a fixed volume, so that when full and
removed from the water course, excess sample water will empty out of the holes,
levelling off at a constant volume.
Tablet PC – The rugged tablet PC is IP65-rated which means it can withstand low
pressure spray from all directions but not immersion in water. It is also protected against
dust which may harm the device. Periodic cleaning using nonabrasive cleaners is all that
is necessary. The tablet PC is pre-loaded with AVG Free anti-virus software which
should be updated regularly. If required this can be uninstalled and a version of your
preference installed. Windows updates should also be carried out on a regular basis.
Instrument – the instrument is waterproof and robust. A periodic visual inspection to
ensure that it is not damaged and that the screen is readable will suffice.
Buffers – the buffers should be stored in a dark, cool, dry environment. If stored correctly,
the powder buffers have a shelf life of 3 years, liquid buffers have a shelf life of one year.
Refer to individual buffers 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.
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.
Metalyser® Field Pro HM3000 Instruction Manual v 5.0
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4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 Charging the batteries
When you first receive your Metalyser®kit, it is advised to fully charge the
batteries. There are two batteries requiring charge: the tablet PC battery and
the Instrument battery.
To charge the tablet PC, open the rubber cover on the top left hand side of
the tablet and insert the power cord into the round DC socket, then fit the
plug to a mains outlet. A full charge of the tablet PC should give 6 hours of
run-time. A vehicle charging kit is available as an optional extra for the
tablet PC.
The handheld instrument can be charged using the supplied USB cable and
the chargers provided in 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 may need to be installed to perform a fast
charge. Refer to section below on driver 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:
100mA
Trickle charge rate
500mA
Fast charge rate
AUTO
The instrument will automatically select
the best charge rate
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• 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.
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 are located on the
Softwar e 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 wizar d’
•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
befor e
•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
4.2 Powering up the system
Turn on the Metalyser®instrument by pressing the power button. The
display will come on.
Next press and hold the power button on the tablet PC for 5 seconds
before releasing. The lights should now come on and the instrument will
start up. Windows will load and request a log-on. Please enter:
Username: HM3000
Password : <None>
It is recommended the password is changed to one of your personal
choosing.
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Windows will continue loading and then the Metaware software will load
up.
The box at the bottom left of the window pane should display
‘Connecting’ followed by ‘Connected’ and turn green. If this does not
happen immediately, go into the ‘Tools’ Menu and scroll down to
‘Connections’. Select your Metalyser (serial number on the reverse of the
handheld instrument) from the list of Bluetooth connections available.
A ‘Read configuration’ box should pop up and ask if you wish to ‘Read all
definitions from the unit’. It is recommended to select <Yes>. If the
instrument has been recently connected and a connection is being re-
established after a short period of inactivity, for example travelling between
sites, <No> can be selected.
When the test methods have been read, the ‘Measurements available’
drop down box should be populated as below:
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4.2 Language Selection
Metaware
The Metaware software comes with pre-installed language packs. To
select the language pack select ‘tools’ and then ‘language’ and select the
language of choice.
Instrument
The Instrument language can also be changed. To Change the language
follow the steps below:
•From the main menu, select System
•From the system menu, select Language
•Highlight required language and press <OK>
•Press <cancel> to return to main menu
4.3 Setting the Date and Time
The instrument has an internal 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. The clock can be set either through the Metaware or directly
on the instrument.
To set via Metaware, right click on the time pane at the bottom of the
Metaware window and click ‘set to computer date/time’.
To set the clock on the instrument, the instrument must first be disconnected
from the Metaware as the instrument controls are isolated when the Metaware
is running and the status is showing connected. To disconnect, navigate to
‘Metalyser’ via the tools/communications menu and click the Bluetooth logo.
The pain at the bottom left should show disconnected.
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