Turner Designs Enviro-T User manual

Version A
August 31, 2011
P/N 998-2810
TURNER DESIGNS
845 W. Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

998-2810 Rev. A Page 2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction 4
1.2 Inspection and Setup 4
2. Installation and Operation
2.1 Installation 5
2.2 Tee Installation 5
2.3 Operation 6
3. Calibration and Calculations
3.1 Calibration 7
3.2 Calculating Calibration Coefficients 9
4. Recommended Measurement Practices
4.1 Minimizing Variation in Signal 10
4.2 Temperature Considerations 10
5. Maintenance and Warranty
5.1 Visual Inspection and Cleaning 12
5.2 Maintenance Check Using Standard Solutions 12
5.3 Warranty Terms 13
5.4 Warranty Service 13
5.5 Out of Warranty Service 14
Appendices
A Fluorometer and Mounting Tee Specifications 16
B Wiring Guide 17
C In Vivo Chlorophyll Measurements 18

998-2810 Rev. A Page 3
Equipment Specified as Electrical and Electronic Waste

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 4
1. Introduction
1.1 Description
Turner Designs’ Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer is an accurate, single-channel
fluorometer designed to measure fluorescence from water samples. The Enviro-T
In-Line Fluorometer provides a 4 - 20 mA output signal proportional to the
fluorescence in the sample or source water. In a representative application, the
Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer can be used with a data collection system to monitor
and control the level of algal biomass in industrial applications. The sample water’s
fluorescence intensity is measured by passing the sample water, with chlorophyll-
containing organisms, past the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer’s optical window. An
excitation light source illuminates the solution and excites chlorophyll in the solution
which emits light at a different wavelength. The intensity of the emitted light is
proportional to the concentration of the algal biomass in the sample. Turner Designs’
Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer has a low maintenance design to provide trouble-free
performance.
1.2 Inspection and Setup
2 foot long cable with 4 bare
leads: Black, Red, Orange,
and Brown (see Appendix B).
In-Line Fluorometer with
label specifying serial
number of unit.
Non-removable, 1 in. (NPT)
threaded plastic fitting used
for connecting to the
provided mounting tee.
1 in. (NPT) mounting tee for
flow through measurements.
(Note: Only use the
mounting tee provided
when connecting the
Enviro-T in-line.)
2 stainless steel trimpots
(4 mA and 20 mA).

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 5
2. Installation and Operation
2.1 Installation
Turner Designs’ Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer is rated for light industrial
environments.
Do not install the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer:
•In direct sunlight or near heat sources (operating temperature 0-50 °C)
•On vibrating walls or surfaces that affect the flow
•Near devices that produce a strong electromagnetic field such as large
generators
It is recommended that the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer be installed in such a way
that the flow is directed upward to expel any trapped air bubbles as air trapped on
the optical window will influence signal and cause erratic readings (see section 4.0).
2.2 Tee Installation
We recommend the following installation procedure for installing the Enviro-T In-Line
Fluorometer onto the mounting tee provided for flow through applications:
1) Wrap Teflon tape around the threaded male fitting which is bonded to the
fluorometer’s housing. Note: Turner Designs applies Teflon tape prior to
shipping. For re-applications, do not wrap Teflon tape more than 3 – 4 full
turns.
2) Turning clockwise, fully hand-tighten the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer to the
mounting tee provided.
Base of
male fitting

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 6
3) After the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer is fully hand tightened onto the mounting
tee provided, use a wrench to make one more full clockwise turn.
4) Connect the mounting tee in line with your flow and start flowing water.
5) Inspect for leaks.
6) If a leak occurs, continue tightening ¼ inch at a time until the leaking stops.
Note: The base of the male fitting should not be flush with the mounting
tee; the male fitting’s threads should be visible after securing the
connection using a wrench.
7) Connect the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer to the power supply and digital
multimeter as shown below. (Note: The power ground (Black Wire) and the 4-
20 mA return (Brown Wire) are not common. These wires should not be
connected to the same point.)
2.3 Operation
Turner Designs’ Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer uses a Light Emitting Diode (LED) at a
specific wavelength to excite the fluorophore of interest in samples or source water.
Upon excitation, the fluorophore emits a different wavelength of light (fluorescence)
that will be detected by the fluorometer’s photodiode.
After power (8 - 30 VDC) is applied to the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer allow 5
seconds for the LED to stabilize. After 5 seconds measurements can be taken
continuously as current output (4 – 20 mA).
Multimeter
Common
20 mA
A
DC Power Supply
+_
12 VDC 0.2 A
BLACK
BROWN
RED
ORANGE
Direction of
flow
Multimeter
Common
20 mA
A
DC Power Supply
+_
12 VDC 0.2 A
BLACK
BROWN
RED
ORANGE
Direction of
flow

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 7
3. Calibration and Calculations
3.1 Calibration
1) Connect the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer to the mounting tee provided (see
section 2.2, steps 1-6).
2) Connect the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer to the power supply and digital
multimeter (see section 2.2, step 7).
3) Obtain a bucket with a known volume of the source water you will be measuring.
(Note: This water should represent your blank; this signal will be set as
your zero so make sure that it does not contain any fluorophore.)
4) Fully submerge the mounting tee into the bucket with water and allow water to fill
the mounting tee.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ALL BUBBLES FROM THE
MOUNTING TEE BY TILTING THE ENVIRO-T IN-LINE FLUOROMETER AND
GENTLY SHAKING WHILE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE WATER AS AIR
BUBBLES TRAPPED NEAR OR ON THE OPTICAL HEAD WILL INFLUENCE
RESULTS.)
5) Once bubbles have been removed, allow the multimeter signal to stabilize and
then use a flathead screwdriver to rotate the marked 4 mA trimpot so that the
multimeter reads a minimum of 4 mA. (Note: Allow the multimeter reading to
stabilize before adjusting the trimpot between readings; do not adjust the
trimpot more than 1 full turn at a time before allowing signal to stabilize.)
6) Make sure to log the reading (see Table 1 for example).
7) Remove the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer from the bucket.
8) In the same bucket which contains a known volume of your source water, make a
known concentration solution using your fluorophore of interest that represents
the maximum concentration you intend to measure.
9) Ensure the solution is well mixed, submerge your mounting tee into the solution,
and allow the solution to fill the mounting tee.
Multimeter
Commo
20 mA
A
4.0 mA
ORANGE
BROWN
4 mA Trimpot

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 8
(IMPORTANT NOTE: MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ALL BUBBLES FROM THE
MOUNTING TEE BY TILTING THE ENVIRO-T IN-LINE FLUOROMETER AND
GENTLY SHAKING WHILE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE SOLUTION AS AIR
BUBBLES TRAPPED NEAR OR ON THE OPTICAL HEAD WILL INFLUENCE
RESULTS)
10)Once bubbles have been removed, allow the multimeter signal to stabilize and
then use a screwdriver to rotate the marked 20 mA trimpot so that the multimeter
reads 19mA. (Note: Allow the multimeter reading to stabilize before
adjusting the trimpot between readings; do not adjust the trimpot more
than 1 full turn at a time before allowing signal to stabilize.)
11) Make sure to log the reading (see Table 1 for example).
12)You can now install the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer in line with the system you
intend to monitor following installation instructions provided (see section 2.1).
Data collected upon completing these calibration steps can be put into a table similar
to the table below to track future calibrations.
Table 1: Example of data collected from calibration steps 1-10.
Solution
Measured Concentration Multimeter current output
Blank Solution
C
b
(0 ppb) R
b
(4 mA)
Sample Solution C
s
(30 ppb) R
s
(19 mA)
Multimeter
Commo
20 mA
A
19 mA
ORANGE
BROWN
20 mA Trimpot

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 9
3.2 Calculating Calibration Coefficients
With the data collected you can find the coefficients required for calculating
concentrations using the equation:
y = mx + c (Equation 1)
Where:
y is the sample concentration,
m is the slope of your equation,
x is the sensor output in mA,
c is the x intercept (offset) when y = 0.
1. Finding the slope of your equation using example data from Table 1 and slope
from Equation 2:
m = (C
s
-C
b
) / (R
s
– R
b
) (Equation 2)
m = (30 - 0) / (19 - 4) = 30/15 = 2
2. Finding the offset for your curve using example data from Table 1:
0 = (m * R
b
) + C (Equation 3)
0 = (2 * 4) + C
c = -8
3. Substitute m and c from Equation 1 with end values from Equations 2 and 3:
y = 2x – 8 (Equation 4)
You can now calculate y (ppb) concentrations simply by substituting sensor output
(mA) values for x in equation 4.

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 10
Direction of water flowDirection of water flow
4. Recommended Measurement Practices
4.1 Minimizing Variations in Signal
Turner Designs’ Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer has a flat-surfaced optical window that
might trap air bubbles when positioned vertically. For this reason we recommend:
1) Installing the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer horizontally so that the mounting tee
is in a vertical position.
2) That the flow direction is upward through the mounting tee.
This will ensure than any trapped air bubbles will be released and will not interfere
with sample measurement.
4.2 Temperature Considerations
Fluorescence is temperature dependant. The fluorescence signal from most
fluorophores will decrease as sample temperature increases. However,
fluorescence values can be corrected for temperature effects if the temperature
correction coefficient of the fluorophore being measured is known. Table 2 lists
known temperature correction coefficients. These coefficients (for additional
information regarding chlorophyll see Appendix C) can be used with recorded
temperatures in the following equation to correct temperature effects on fluorescence
values:
Fr = Fs * e
[n (Ts-Tr)]
Where:
Fr is the calculated fluorescence at the reference temperature, Tr
Tr is the reference temperature
Ts is the sample temperature at time of reading Fs
Fs is the sample’s fluorescence at the time the temperature of the sample is
measured, Ts.
e is the base of natural log
n is a temperature coefficient for whatever dye is used (see Table 2)

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 11
For greatest accuracy, if possible, determine the temperature correction coefficient of
the dye or fluorophore being used, record the sample temperature, and correct the
sensor output for changes in temperature. Additional information on how to apply
these corrections is included in the Turner Designs Application Note: A Practical
Guide to Flow Measurements.
Table 2: Temperature correction coefficients:
In vivo Chlorophyll (See Appendix C) 1.4% / °C Linear
PTSA -0.00126 / °C Exponential
Fluorescein 0.0036 / °C Exponential
Rhodamine WT 0.026 / °C Exponential

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 12
5. Maintenance and Warranty
The Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer fluorometer is designed for light industrial monitoring
applications that require continuous measurements. It provides maximum performance
and solid state reliability with minimal maintenance.
A maintenance check should be made to ensure the optical window is free from any
chemical or biological fouling. Frequency of maintenance checks are dependent on the
fouling rate of the system being monitored. Systems that have a higher fouling rate
might require more frequent maintenance checks.
5.1 Visual Inspection and Cleaning
To visually check if the optical window has been fouled:
1) Remove the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer from the mounting tee.
2) If there is any noticeable fouling, use a soft bristle brush or non-abrasive cloth
material and soapy water to clean the optical window. Be sure to rinse
thoroughly.
3) If the fouled window is unable to be cleaned with soapy water and the soft bristle
brush, make a 10% HCL solution and use that solution, in place of the soapy
water, with the soft bristle brush to clean the window. (Note: Hydrochloric acid
is a hazardous material and should only be handled by qualified
personnel.)
4) Once the optical window has been cleaned, re-install the mounting tee back onto
the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer (Note: See section 2.2 on how to properly
install the mounting tee.)
5.2 Maintenance Check Using Standard Solutions
You may also check if the unit is responding correctly simply by running standard
solutions past the optical window.
1) Make a standard solution (solution of known concentration of the fluorophore
being measured) that is less than the maximum concentration set for the Enviro-T In-
Line Fluorometer.
2) Flow this solution past the optical window and record the mA reading.
3) Calculate the solution concentration using your equation determined via
calibration from section 3.2 and compare to the actual solution concentration.
4) If the calculated concentration varies by more than 5% of the actual solution’s
concentration, see section 5.1 for visual inspection and cleaning
Maintenance checks are important and will ensure the Enviro-T In-Line
Fluorometer is continuing to provide maximum performance and measurement
reliability.

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 13
5.3 Warranty Terms
Turner Designs warrants the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer and accessories to be
free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Turner Designs with the
following restrictions:
Turner Designs is not responsible for replacing parts damaged by accident or
neglect. Your instrument must be installed according to instructions in the User’s
Manual. Damage from corrosion is not covered. Damage caused by customer
modification of the instrument is not covered.
This warranty covers only Turner Designs products and is not extended to equipment
used with our products. We are not responsible for accidental or consequential
damages, except in those states where this limitation is not allowed. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to
state.
Damage incurred in shipping is not covered.
5.4 Warranty Service
To obtain service during the warranty period, the owner shall take the following
steps:
1. Write, email or call the Turner Designs Technical Support department and
describe as precisely as possible the nature of the problem.
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
2. Carry out any adjustments or tests as suggested by the Technical Support
Department.
3. If proper performance is not obtained you will be issued a Return Materials
Authorization number (RMA) to reference. Package the unit, write the RMA
number on the outside of the shipping carton, and ship the instrument, prepaid,
to Turner Designs. If the failure is covered under the warranty terms, the
instrument will be repaired and returned free of charge, for all customers in the
contiguous continental United States.
For customers outside of the contiguous continental United States who purchased
equipment from one of our authorized distributors, contact the distributor. If you
purchased directly, contact us. We will repair the instrument at no charge. Customer
pays for shipping duties and documentation to Turner Designs. Turner Designs pays
for return shipment (custom duties, taxes and fees are the responsibility of the
customer).

Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer
998-2810 Rev. A Page 14
5.5 Out of Warranty Service
Follow steps for Warranty Service as listed above. If our Technical Support
department can assist you by phone or correspondence, we will be glad to, at no
charge. Repair service will be billed on a fixed price basis, plus any applicable duties
and/or taxes. Shipment to Turner Designs should be prepaid. Your bill will include
return shipment freight charges.
Address for Shipment:
Turner Designs, Inc.
845 W. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

998-2810 Rev. A Page 15
Equipment Specified as Electrical and Electronic Waste

998-2810 Rev. A Page 16
Appendix A: Fluorometer and Mounting Tee Specifications
Parameter Specification
Linearity (over dynamic range) 0.99 r
2
MDL for Chlorophyll 0.03 µg/L
Dynamic Range for Chlorophyll 0-100 µg/L
Power Draw 0.96 W @ 12 VDC (1.2 W max.)
Input Voltage 8 – 30 VDC
Signal Output 4 – 20 mA
Light Source Light Emitting Diode
Detector Photodiode
Warm up time 5 seconds
Dimensions Length: 5.92 in. (15.04 cm) Diameter (housing): 1.05 in. (2.67 cm)
Diameter (Max.): 1.54 in. (3.91 cm)
Weight 3.35 oz. (95 g)
Material PVC – Type I, machined plastic
Mounting Tee Specifications
Parameter Specification
Material PVC – Type I, molded plastic
Threading 1 inch (NPT)
Length 3.44 in. (8.74 cm)
Dynamic Pressure Rating 100 PSI
Fitting Schedule 80

998-2810 Rev. A Page 17
Appendix B: Wiring Guide
Wire Color Function Connection
Red Supply Voltage
8 – 30 VDC PSU – Positive Connection
Black Supply Ground
0 VDC PSU – Ground Connection
Orange Signal out to data logger,
“A”, 4 – 20 mA DC Multimeter “A” Connection
Brown Signal out to data logger,
“Common”, 4 – 20 mA DC Multimeter “Common” Connection

998-2810 Rev. A Page 18
Appendix C: In Vivo Chlorophyll Measurements
Turner Designs’ Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer can be configured with chlorophyll optics
to determine the relative abundance of algae in water samples. The instrument provides
a 4 - 20 mA output signal proportional to the fluorescence from the sample or source
water being measured. This signal can be recorded using any data collection system
with the capability to read current data (4-20 mA) output and can be used to estimate
algal abundance.
In vivo chlorophyll measurements provide qualitative data. It is up to the user to convert
these qualitative readings into quantitative data if actual concentration estimates are
desired. Accuracy of concentration estimates is dependent on the calibration or
correlation used to convert relative readings to concentrations.
Calibrating the Enviro-T In-Line Chlorophyll Fluorometer
The following calibration will enable users to approximate algal concentrations that fall
between 0-100 ug/L using relative fluorescence responses collected from the Enviro-T.
1) Follow steps 1-7 from section 3.1 of the manual
2) In the same bucket that contains your blank sample, make a concentration of 8
ppb Rhodamine WT, which represents approximately 50 µg/L of algae (species
Duanlialla salina).
3) Ensure the solution is well mixed, submerge your mounting tee into the solution,
and allow the solution to fill the mounting tee.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ALL BUBBLES FROM THE
MOUNTING TEE BY TILTING THE ENVIRO-T IN-LINE FLUOROMETER AND
GENTLY SHAKING WHILE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE SOLUTION AS AIR
BUBBLES TRAPPED NEAR OR ON THE OPTICAL HEAD WILL INFLUENCE
RESULTS)
4) Once bubbles have been removed, allow the multimeter signal to stabilize and
use a screwdriver to rotate the marked 20 mA trimpot so that the multimeter
reads 11.5 mA. (Note: Allow the multimeter reading to stabilize before
adjusting the trimpot between readings; do not adjust the trimpot more
than 1 full turn at a time.)
20 mA Trimpot
Multimeter
Common
20 mA
A
11.5 mA
ORANGE
BROWN
20 mA Trimpot
Multimeter
Common
20 mA
A
11.5 mA
ORANGE
BROWN
Multimeter
Common
20 mA
A
11.5 mA
ORANGE
BROWN

998-2810 Rev. A Page 19
5)
Make sure to log the reading (see Table C1 for example).
6) Your Enviro-T has been adjusted to read relative algal concentration between 0-
100 µg/L and you can now install the Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer in line with the
system you intend to use for signal monitoring or control, following installation
instructions provided (see section 2.1 of manual).
Data collected upon completing these calibration steps can be put into a table
similar to the table below. To calculate the relative concentration of algae in the
sample water use Equation 5 determined from values found in Table C1:
Chl (µg/L) = [50 / (11.5 - 4)] * (mA output - 4) (Equation 5)
Table C1: Example of data collected from calibration steps 1-6.
Calculating Calibration Coefficients
To create your own calibration coefficients using in vivo algal fluorescence correlated to
an actual chlorophyll concentration estimate, determined via extraction protocol, you’ll
need to estimate the chlorophyll concentration of your sample using a chlorophyll
extraction protocol and use that sample in place of the Rhodamine WT solution (follow
calibration steps 1-6 in Appendix C). Use equation 6 below to determine your calibration
coefficient,
Chl (µg/L) = [(Chl
s
) / (R
s
– R
b
)] * (mA output - 4) (Equation 6)
This equation will allow you to calculate chlorophyll concentrations based on your
calibration using an actual algal solution and the responses recorded.
(NOTE: See the Maintenance Checks section of Appendix C prior to enabling the
Enviro-T In-Line Fluorometer for in-line measurements of your system’s source
water.)
Solution
Measured Rhodamine WT Solution Equivalent Chl Concentration Multimeter Current output
Blank Solution RWT
b
(0 ppb) Chl
b
(0 µg/L) R
b
(4 mA)
Sample Solution RWT
s
(8 ppb)
Chl
s
(50 µg/L)
R
s
(11.5 mA)

998-2810 Rev. A Page 20
Temperature Correction
Temperature Considerations
Fluorescence is temperature dependant. The fluorescence signal from most
fluorophores will decrease as sample temperature increases. However,
fluorescence values can be corrected for temperature effects if the temperature
correction coefficient of the fluorophore being measured is known. Table 2 in section
4.2 lists the temperature correction coefficient for correcting temperature effects on
chlorophyll fluorescence. The correction is linear so the following equation can be
used to make the correction:
Temperature Corrected Chlorophyll (ug/L) =
[(Sample
T
– Reference
T
) * (-0.014)] + (Signal Measured)
Where,
Sample
T
= Temperature of sample measured.
Reference
T
= Reference Temperature. The temperature at the time of calibration.
Signal Measured = (mA output – 4)
Maintenance Check Using Standard Solutions
You may also check if the unit is responding correctly simply by running standard
solutions past the optical window.
1) Make an 8 ppb Rhodamine WT standard solution using Deionized water.
2) Flow only this solution past the optical window and record the value before
measuring your source water.
3) Put the fluorometer in line with your system and allow it to start making
measurements on your source water.
4) Once a week, flow only the 8 ppb solution past the optical window and record the
value.
5) If the readings vary by more than 5% of the initial value recorded for the 8 ppb
Rhodamine Wt concentration, see section 5.1 for visual inspection and cleaning
Maintenance checks are important and will ensure the Enviro-T In-Line
Fluorometer is continuing to provide maximum performance and measurement
reliability.