Turner Designs Opti-Trace User manual

Version 1.2
December 14, 2018
P/N 998-6700
TURNER DESIGNS
1995 N. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: [phone]
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
Fluorescence Solutions for Water Monitoring
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turner Designs
Opti-Trace
Fluorometer
User’s Manual

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 3
DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................... 3
INSPECTION AND SETUP .....................................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................................4
PRE-INSTALLATION/INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................4
POWER AND UTILITIES REQUIRED......................................................................................................4
LOCATION OF OPTI-TRACE AND SAMPLING POINT.............................................................................4
MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................5
PLUMBING KIT INLET/OUTLET SIZE INFORMATION............................................................................5
CALIBRATION AND OPERATION ................................................................................................ 5
SECTION 1–CALIBRATE YOUR DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM TO THE OPTI-TRACE ..............................6
SECTION 2–ADJUSTING THE OUTPUT OF THE OPTI-TRACE ...............................................................8
SECTION 3–CHARACTERIZING FOR STANDALONE USE .....................................................................9
RECOMMENDED MEASUREMENT PRACTICES....................................................................13
1. DETERMINING THE MAINTENANCE INTERVAL........................................................................ 13
2. CLEANING THE FLOWCELL .....................................................................................................13
3. REMOVING UNWANTED BUBBLES IN THE SYRINGE.................................................................. 14
4. REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES DURING CALIBRATION ......................... 14
5. LINEAR RANGE AND QUENCHING........................................................................................... 14
6. TEMPERATURE CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................... 15
WARRANTY......................................................................................................................................16
TERMS..............................................................................................................................................16
WARRANTY SERVICE ....................................................................................................................... 14
OUT OF WARRANTY SERVICE ..........................................................................................................14
APPENDIX A..................................................................................................................................... 15
OPTI-TRACE SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX B .....................................................................................................................................16
OPTI-TRACE WIRING TABLE............................................................................................................16
APPENDIX C –PRE-INSTALLATION/INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ................................. 17
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS -CUSTOMER................................................................................... 17
CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS -PLUMBER........................................................................................... 17
CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS -ELECTRICIAN..................................................................................... 17
FINAL REQUIREMENTS -CUSTOMER ................................................................................................ 18
APPENDIX D..................................................................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 7–INLET PLUMBING KIT DETAILS...................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 8–DRAIN PLUMBING KIT DETAILS..................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 9-OPTI-TRACE FLUOROMETER,SHOWING IDENTIFICATION OF KEY PARTS ....................... 21

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 3
Introduction
Description
The Turner Designs Opti-Trace fluorometer is an accurate, single channel
fluorometer designed to measure and provide an output signal proportional to the
concentration of a fluorescent dye. In a representative application, the Opti-Trace
will be used with a data collection system to monitor and control the level of
treatment chemicals in industrial applications.
By combining the Opti-Trace with a data collection system, the exact level of a
tracer dye can be measured, which in turn can be used to control the addition of
treatment chemicals assuming the tracer dye is tagged to the chemical of interest.
The fluorescent tracer dye is measured by passing the water containing the
dye/chemical containing water through a sample cell (glass tube) in the Opti-Trace
fluorometer. An excitation light source illuminates the solution, and excites the dye
in the solution which fluoresces at a different wavelength. The intensity of the
emitted light is proportional to the concentration of the dye in the system.
The Opti-Trace is designed to provide trouble-free performance with only simple,
routine maintenance.
Inspection and Setup
The shipment package consists of :
Opti-Trace Analog Fluorometer, (P/No. 6700-000) configured and factory
scaled for the fluorophore of interest, (Rhodamine WT, etc.).
Opti-Trace User’s Manual on CD (P/No 998-6700)
Inlet Plumbing Kit (P/No. 6700-955)
Calibration Kit (P/No. 6700-900)

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 4
Installation
Pre-Installation/Installation
A pre-installation/installation checklist provides important guidelines and
information to aid in preparing for installation. See Appendix C for the Opti-Trace
checklist.
Power and Utilities Required
Power: 5 –30 VDC, Power Consumption 1.5 Watts maximum
Signal Output: 4 –20 mA DC
Water Sample: Supplied to fluorometer at 0.5 gpm minimum, and less than 100 psi.
(Note: Higher flow rates may require more frequent cleaning of the basket strainer
and sample cell).
Drain: Sample output from the Opti-Trace should be piped to a drain with no back
pressure, i.e. drain pipes must be below the unit.
The Opti-Trace should be plumbed as shown in Figures 7 and 8, see Appendix D.
The components are included as part of the plumbing accessory kit.
It is strongly recommended that the flow switch provided in the plumbing kit be
connected to an alarm system that will indicate if the flow of water through the
sample cell falls below 0.5 gpm.
Location of Opti-Trace and Sampling Point
Desiccant
Plug
Luer-
Lock
Figure 1
Opti-Trace Fluorometer
showing location of user
accessible parts
Two Way
Valve
Sample
Inlet
Sample Outlet
(on Side)

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 5
The Opti-Trace is rated for light industrial environments. Do not install within 10
feet/3 meters of devices such as large generators that generate a strong
electromagnetic field.
It is extremely important to eliminate air entrapment in the sample line. The best way
to accomplish this is to sample from the center of the pipe or from the side of the
pipe.
The unit should not be installed in direct sunlight; this could cause the internal
temperature of the unit to be significantly higher than ambient and produce errors or
damage the components (Note the maximum environment temperature is specified at
120oF/49oC).
Do not mount this instrument on vibrating walls or surfaces. Damage can occur to
critical components.
Mechanical Connections
Refer to Figure 9, Appendix D for the location of the required mechanical
connections.
Two ¼ inch NPT pipe connections are provided for ¼ inch PVC pipe hook-up. The
sample outlet line is ¼ inch female; the sample inlet line is ¼ inch male shut-off
valve.
Plumbing Kit Inlet/Outlet Size Information
The outlet line is ¼ inch NPT (female) to connect to user-supplied ¼ inch male
piping; the inlet line is ½ inch NPT (female) to connect to user-supplied ½ inch male
piping (see Figures 7 and 8 on pages 19 - 20).
IMPORTANT:
1. Sample discharge should flow to an unrestricted drain. Pipe rises greater than 10
feet [3 m] should be avoided. Ensure that the drain cell does not allow the water
to siphon off, with the potential risk of the sample water draining out faster than
the flow rate through the sample cell.
2. Draining into a pressured system is not recommended.
Calibration and Operation
This procedure is in 3 parts:
1. Section 1 will describe how to calibrate your data collection system to the signal
supplied by the Opti-Trace. It is assumed that your data collection system
provides a method to do a linear calibration.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 6
2. Section 2 will describe how to adjust your Opti-Trace if you want to use different
settings from the factory standard. The adjustment will consist of setting upper
(20 mA) and lower (4mA) output currents that correspond to known
concentration levels. These two levels will be chosen to enable a controller to
vary the strength of a chemical. It is assumed that instructions in the User
Manual for the data logging and control parts of the system will describe how to
achieve this.
3. Section 3 will describe how to characterize the Opti-Trace when the application
is to use it as a standalone sensor, and it will be required to convert the output
current to units of concentration.
Section 1 –Calibrate your data collection system to the Opti-Trace
Equipment Required:
a) Opti-Trace fluorometer configured for dye of interest
b) DC Power Supply, (Output voltage range 5 –30 VDC)
c) Data Collection system
d) Sample of de-ionized water.
e) Sample of water with dye at a concentration to give an output around 50% of the
maximum expected concentration.
Procedure:
NOTE: It is important to follow good measurement procedures when
calibrating or adjusting the Opti-Trace. See page 11 for a summary of
Recommended Measurement Practices.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 7
Measure the blanking current
1. Connect the Opti-Trace fluorometer to the Power Supply and Data Collection
System as shown in Fig 2 below.
2. Using a syringe, inject a sample of the de-ionized water through the Luer-Lock
valve. Set your data collection system to read “0’ for this sample.
Measure the Output Current for the Sample concentration
1. Inject a sample of the test solution into the sensor, Set the data collection system
to output the value of the sample. For example, if the concentration of the
solution used was 100 ppb, the data collection system could be set to read “100”
for this sample.
2. Flush the sensor through with de-ionized water.
Fig 2: Representation of configuration for calibrating a
Data Collection System to the Opti-Trace signal output.
DC Power Supply
12.00 .015
+-
1
D0
C987
B54
A32
6
0001: Fluorometer +31.23
0002: Current +12.12
Data Collection
System
Opti-Trace
Fluorometer
White with Brown Stripe
Brown with White Stripe
White with
Blue Stripe
Blue with White Stripe
Red
Black
Green
Orange

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 8
Section 2 –Adjusting the Output of the Opti-Trace
The Opti-trace is shipped from the factory calibrated to a DI water "Blank" and a
known concentration of "fluorescent dye" specific to the optical configuration
ordered. (See Test Data Results Report included with Sensor documentation).
There may be a need to adjust your Opti-Trace due to application demands that
require a different dynamic range of measurement.
The order in which these adjustments are made is important. The 4mA
measurement, the minimum output should always be adjusted first, followed by the
“System Sensitivity” (dynamic range).
Minimum Output Adjustment
Steps:
1. Turn off the process water flow
to the Opti-Trace.
2. Ensure the discharge plumbing
of the Opti-Trace is not
pressurized.
3. If required, temporarily install a
DVM capable of mA
measurements. The connection
points must be in series with the
4-20mA wiring to yield accurate
measurements. (See Appendix
B for wiring details).
4. Clean / flush the flowcell of the
Opti-Trace as outlined in this
Operation Manual.
5. Using the provided syringe,
inject 120cc of your minimum concentration solution into the Luer-Lock, leave
the syringe in place during the adjustment.
System
Sensitivity
Adjustment
Blank
Adjustment
Fig 3 showing location of System
Sensitivity and Blank adjustments on
the bottom of the Opti-Trace sensor.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 9
6. While viewing the 4-20mA measurement, adjust the trim-pot located below the
calibration port marked "Blank". Counterclockwise adjustment will lower the
measurement, clockwise will increase the measurement. A setting that results in
approximately 4mA will yield the best results. As the measurement is in real time
there will be some "noise" in the 4mA measurement - achieving exactly 4.00mA
is not realistic. Remove the syringe.
7. Note that if your minimum sample has a large fluorescence value, it may not be
possible to adjust the minimum level to 4 mA. If this happens, adjust the blank
adjustment until the output of the sensor is as low as possible.
Sensitivity Adjustment Steps:
1. Turn off the process water flow to the Opti-Trace.
2. Ensure the discharge plumbing of the Opti-Trace is not pressurized. If required,
temporarily install a DVM capable of mA measurements. The connection points
must be in series wth the 4-20mA wring to yield accurate measurements, (See
Appendix B for wiring details).
3. Determine the maximum range of your application and prepare the appropriate
fluorescent dye solution equal to approximately 50% of this maximum (equal to
~12mA measurement).
4. Using the provided syringe, inject 120cc of the known concentration of
fluorescent dye significant for your application into the calibration port.
5. While viewing the 4 - 20mA measurement, adjust the trimpot located below the
calibration port marked "Sensitivity". Counterclockwise adjustment will lower
the measurement, clockwise will increase the measurement. As the measurement
is in real time there will be some "noise" in the 12mA measurement - achieving
exactly 12.00mA is not realistic.
6. Remove the DVM temporarily installed for calibration purposes. Return the
Opti-Trace to service by turning on the process water flow.
7. Note that if your sample is out of the range of the Opti-Trace, it may not be
possible to adjust the output to 12 mA.
Section 3 –Characterizing for Standalone Use
Equipment Required
a) Opti-Trace fluorometer configured for dye of interest
b) DC Power Supply, Output Voltage Range 5 –30 VDC
c) Multimeter to read 0 –20 mA
d) Sample of de-ionized water
e) Sample of water with dye at a known concentration, say 30 ppb.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 10
Procedure
Measure the blanking current
1. Connect the Opti-Trace fluorometer to the Power Supply and Digital Multimeter
as shown below.
2. Using a syringe, inject a sample of the de-ionized water through the Luer-Lock.
Measure the output current of the sensor (equal to the blank current). Note the
reading in Table 1 as indicated.
Black
Red
Green
Orange
DC Power Supply
12.00
.015
+
-
Common
A
20 mA
4.00
Multimeter
Opti-Trace
Fluorometer
Luer-
Lock
Desiccant
Plug
Figure 4: Connections for powering the Opti-Trace,
and reading the output current

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 11
Solution Measured
Sensor Output Current
Blank Solution
Blank Current
Sample Solution

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 12
Measure the Output Current for the Sample
1. Inject a sample of the test solution into the sensor, and note the output current in
Table 1.
Solution Measured
Sensor Output Current
Blank Solution
Blank Current
Sample Solution
Sample Current
2. Flush the sensor through with de-ionized water.
Calculate the Sensor Calibration Coefficient
1. Assume the tracer dye used has a concentration of 30 ppb.
2. Using the current values for the blank and sample, see following table for
example readings, you can calculate the unknown concentration for a known
output current:
Solution Measured
Concentration
Sensor Output
Current
Blank Solution
0 ppb
4 mA
Sample Solution
30 ppb
19 mA
3. Using the equation for the straight line through the blank and 30 ppb sample,
y = mx + c………. Equation (1)
“y” = sample concentration value
“x” = sensor output value in mA,
“m” is the slope of the response = (sample concentration – blank
concentration)/(sample output current –blank output current),
“c” is a constant equal to the value of “y” when “x” = 0
Table 1

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 13
Using the values from our example, “m” is calculated as:
m = (30 –0)/(19 –4) = 30/15 = 2
Substituting for “m”, when “y” = 0 and “x” = 4, (the blank values),
we can determine “c”
0 = (2 * 4) –c,
so, c = -8
This gives y = 2x –8 ……..Equation (2)
4. For any value of “x”, the sensor current, the corresponding sample concentration,
“y” can be found.
5. Example: Suppose the output current = 10 mA,
then the sample concentration = (2 * 10) –8 = 20 –8 = 12 ppb.
Recommended Measurement Practices
1. Determining the Maintenance Interval
The flow cell should always be cleaned as part of the calibration routine. However,
it’s not essential to calibrate the sensor each time it’s cleaned. To determine the
necessary calibration/cleaning interval, follow these steps;
a) Measure a sample of water with dye using the Opti-Trace
b) Clean the Opti-Trace flowcell using the brush included in the accessories
c) Re-measure the sample used in step (a).
d) Calculate the difference in readings and determine whether the difference is
outside acceptable limits as defined in your application. If yes, it will be
necessary to reduce the amount of time between calibration/cleaning
maintenance.
2. Cleaning the Flowcell
For routine maintenance, clean the sensor with the supplied brush. For more
thorough cleaning, the next step is to use suitable cleaning liquids as described
below.
Proper eye and skin protection should be worn when using
acids to clean the sample cell.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 14
a) Close the two-way valve flowcell shut-off valve. (The valve is closed when the
handle is horizontal)
b) Clean the flowcell by injecting a dilute acidic solution, such as 10% Sulfuric
Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, etc, with the accessory syringe into the flowcell. The
syringe screws on to the Luer-Lock fitting on the inlet of the flowcell. After
filling the syringe with 60 mL of dilute acid, screw the syringe on to the fitting,
inject the acid at a slow, steady rate into the flowcell, and allow it to stand for 3
to 5 minutes. Next using a clean 60 mL syringe flush the flowcell thoroughly
with 60 mL of blank solution. Finally, clean the cell with the supplied brush.
c) The flowcell is now ready to be calibrated.
3. Removing unwanted bubbles in the syringe
Bubbles trapped in the syringe during injection of the blank or calibration standard
are a possible cause of measurement error. To eliminate the bubbles, start with the
syringe in a vertical position, and tap it against a solid object to move the bubbles to
the needle end of the syringe. Then force the bubbles out by pushing a small amount
of solution through the needle end of the syringe.
4. Reducing the effects of temperature changes during calibration
It is important to let readings stabilize before recording them during the calibration
routine. The readings will probably change from when the dye is first injected into
the sample cell as the dye stabilizes to the ambient temperature of the sensor.
Normally, the readings will stabilize within a
minute or so.
5. Linear Range and Quenching
The linear range is the concentration range in
which the Opti-Trace output is directly
proportional to the concentration of the
fluorophore. The linear range begins with the
smallest detectable concentration, and spans
to an upper limit (concentration) that is
dependent upon: the properties of the
fluorescent material; the filters used; and the
path length.
A non-linear relationship is seen at very high
concentrations where the fluorescence signal
does not increase at a constant rate in
comparison to the change in concentration,
see Figure 6 below. At even higher
concentrations, the fluorescence signal will
Figure 5
Opti-Trace fluorometer showing
location of inlet, (bottom) and
cleaning, (top) valves

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 15
decrease even though the sample concentrations are continuing to increase. This
effect is known as “signal quenching”.
Linearity may be checked by diluting a sample 1:1, or some other convenient ratio.
If the sample is still in the linear range, the reading will decrease in direct proportion
to the dilution. If the reading does not decrease in direct proportion to the dilution,
or if the reading increases, the sample is beyond the linear range of the fluorophore.
6. Temperature Considerations
Fluorescence is temperature sensitive and depends on the dye used. As the
temperature of the sample increases, the fluorescence decreases. For greatest
accuracy, determine the temperature coefficient of the
dye being used, record the sample temperature and
correct the sensor output for changes in temperature.
(See following table 2 for examples of dye temperature
compensation coefficients). Information on how to
apply these corrections is included in the Turner Designs Application Note: A
Practical Guide to Flow Measurements, see the following URL:
http://docs.turnerdesigns.com/t2/doc/appnotes/998-5000.pdf
Dye
Correction (/oC)
Correction (/oF)
Rhodamine WT
-0.026
-0.0144
Fluorescein
-0.0036
-0.0020
Figure 6
Graph showing Linear
and Quenching Regions
of the sample’s response
Sample Concentration
Fluorometer
Reading
Fluorometer Response Curve
Sample
Quenching Region
Sample
Linear Region
Table 2: Examples of
Temperature Corrections
for two common
fluorescent dyes

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 16
Warranty
Terms
Turner Designs warrants the Opti-Trace 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.

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 17
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).
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

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 18
Appendix A
Opti-Trace Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Linearity, (in lab environment over
dynamic range)
0.99R2
Power Draw
@5V: Max 1.5 W
Input Voltage
5 –30 VDC
Signal Output
4 –20 mA
Light Source
Light Emitting Diode
Detector
Photodiode
Warm up time
5 seconds
Dimensions, (length excludes
connector)
Length: 5.75”
Width: 3.5”
Depth: 3.0”
Weight
5.0 ozs, 160 gm

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 19
Appendix B
Opti-Trace Wiring Table
Opti-Trace
Wire
Function
Connection
Red
Supply Voltage
5 –30 VDC
PSU –Positive Connection
Black
Supply Ground, 0VDC
PSU –Ground Connection
Orange
Signal Out to data logger,
“A”, 4 –20 mA DC
Multimeter “A” Connection
Green
Signal Out to data logger
“Common”, 4 –20 mA DC
Multimeter “Common” Connection

Opti-Trace User’s Manual Page 20
Appendix C – Pre-Installation/Installation Checklist
Pre-Installation/Installation Checklist
The following checklist is provided so the appropriate preparations may be made
prior to equipment start-up. Completion of the listed items is mandatory to assure
proper installation and a properly-functioning piece of equipment.
1. ________ ________ Check that the turbidity is less than 150 NTU.
2. ________ ________ Assure water temperatures of 32-140°F.
Installation Requirements - Customer
1. ________ ________ Locate the unit within 125 feet from the sample point.
2. ________ ________ Locate the unit out of direct sunlight.
3. ________ ________ Locate the unit where ambient temperatures are 40-120°F/4-
49°C.
4. ________ ________ Locate the unit at least 10 feet/3 meters from devices such
as large generators, which require a great deal of electrical
power, or generate a strong electromagnetic field.
Customer Requirements - Plumber
1. ________ ________ The sample stream must be plumbed to the unit to deliver at
a rate >0.5 gpm (between 0.5 and 1.25 gpm is optimal) and
<100 psi. One ½-inch and one ¼-inch NPT pipe
connections (both female) are provided for PVC pipe hook-
up (refer to Figure 7 and 8, page 19 - 20). Ensure that the
sampling point will avoid air entrapment.
2. ________ ________ Sample from the side of the water line to avoid air
entrapment.
3. ________ ________ Provide a free, unrestricted drain for the sample stream,
preferably to the tower basin (no back pressure, max. 10
ft/3 m rise).
Customer Requirements - Electrician
1. ________ ________ Provide 5-30 VDC, 1.5 Watts electrical service to
the Opti-Trace.
2. ________ ________ Terminate flow switch wiring to your alarm system.
Continued on next page.