Turner Designs Trilogy User manual

Trilogy Laboratory Fluorometer
User’s Manual
Version 1.2
September 15, 2010
P/N 998-7210
Turner Designs
845 W. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.turnerdesigns.com

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Trilogy Fluorometer User’s Manual P/N 998-7210 Page 2 of 38

Highlights of the Trilogy Fluorometer
Multifunctional,
Compact and Modern
Design provides
flexibility and precision
Color Touch-Panel
Graphics User Interface
provides intuitive ease
of use
Sample Chamber accepts
snap-in Application Modules
for Fluorescence,
Absorbance and Turbidity
measurements
Trilogy saves time by storing
up to 18 named calibrations
Automatically calculates and
displays Extracted Chl a
concentrations using filtered
and solvent volumes
Spreadsheet Interface
Software provides real
time display and
logging of data to Excel
Spreadsheet
Trilogy Fluorometer User’s Manual P/N 998-7210 Page 3 of 38

Table of Contents
CHAPTER DESCRIPTION PAGE
Highlights of the Trilogy Fluorometer 3
I. Getting Started 5
Description 5
Unpacking and Inspection 5
Setup 6
Getting to the Home Screen 6
Precautions 7
II. Fluorometer Operation 8
Touch screen Basics (Fluorescence) 8
Measuring Samples 9
III. Absorbance Operation 11
Touch Screen Basics (Absorbance) 11
Measuring Samples 12
IV. Turbidity Operation 14
Touch Screen Basics (Turbidity ) 15
Measuring Samples 15
V. Calibration Overview 16
V. Calibration Overview 17
A. Why Calibrate 17
B. When to Calibrate 17
C. Trilogy Calibration Options, (Fluorescence and Turbidity) 17
D. Trilogy Calibration Procedures 17
E. “Direct Calibration” Procedure – a) Fluorescence and Turbidity Modules, Single Point and Multi Point Cal 18
F. Extracted Chlorophyll Measurements with the Chl a– Acidification Fluorescent Module 20
G. Calibrating and Displaying Corrected Readings for the Chl aAcidification and Non-Acidification Modules 20
H. “Direct Calibration” Procedure – b) Extraction, Acidification, Single Point and Multi Point 20
J. “Direct Calibration” Procedure – c) Extraction, Non-Acidification, Single Point and Multi Point 23
K. Using the Secondary Standard 23
L. Using the Solid Secondary Standard for in vivo Chlorophyll Applications 23
M. Use of the Solid Secondary Standard for Dye Applications: 24
N. Trilogy Calibration Procedure, (Absorbance Module) 24
VI. Touch Screen Basics 26
Touch Screen 26
VII. Systems Connections 27
Serial Output Functional Check 27
VIII. Spreadsheet Interface Software Installation 28
Excel Spreadsheet Example 28
Appendix A - Troubleshooting 29
Fluorescence Troubleshooting 29
Absorbance Troubleshooting 29
Turbidity Troubleshooting 30
Spreadsheet Interface Software Troubleshooting 30
Appendix B - Warranty and Obtaining Service 32
Warranty 32
Out-of-Warranty Service 32
Appendix C – Specifications 33
Appendix D – Principles of Fluorescence 34
Principles of Fluorescence 34
Appendix E – Recommended Measurement Practices 35
Linear Range and Quenching 35
Temperature Considerations 35
Appendix F - Chlorophyll a Acidification and Non-Acidification calculations 36
Appendix G - In vivo fluorescence measurements using Trilogy 37
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I. Getting Started
Description
The Trilogy Laboratory Fluorometer is a compact, multifunctional laboratory instrument that can
be used for making fluorescence, absorbance, and turbidity measurements using the appropriate
snap-in Optical Module. A color touch screen with simple menus makes for an intuitive user
interface.
Fluorescence Modules are available for discrete sample measurement of various fluorescent
materials including chlorophyll (in vivo and extracted), rhodamine, fluorescein, cyanobacteria
pigments, ammonium, CDOM, optical brighteners and other fluorescent compounds.
The Absorbance Module accepts interchangeable filter paddles so measurements can be made
at different wavelengths in order to identify or place a sample in a particular class of compounds.
The standard filter paddle wavelengths/bandwidths are: 560/10; 600/10 and 750/10 nm.
The Turbidity Module uses an Infrared (IR) LED with a wavelength of 850 nm as required for
reference method: ISO 7027/DIN EN 27027, “Water Quality – Determination of Turbidity”. Using
Infrared allows Turbidity to be measured at wavelengths that are not normally absorbed by
organic matter thereby reducing susceptibility to interference by sample color.
When properly calibrated, the Trilogy Fluorometer will read out the actual concentration of the
solution. Optical Modules contain the necessary light source and filters for the relevant
application
Unpacking and Inspection
Upon receiving the Trilogy, please inspect it carefully and make certain all accessories are
present. Refer to the checklist shipped with the instrument for order-specific items.
A typical Trilogy shipment includes:
- Checklist
- Trilogy Laboratory Fluorometer
- CD – Trilogy, includes files for: User’s Manual (pdf); Quick Start Guide (pdf);
Spreadsheet Interface Software (pdf)
- Solid Secondary Standard, (not intended for use with UV or Turbidity optical modules)
- Power Supply Kit
- RS-232 Cable
- Quick Start Guide, (hardcopy)
- 10 x 10 mm Methacrylate Cuvettes, (quantity of 10)
- 12 x 35 mm Glass Round Vial, (quantity of 5)
- 12 mm Round Adaptor
- 50-Well Microtube Storage Box
- Optical Module(s) as ordered
Fluorescence Module
Absorbance Module
Turbidity Module
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Setup
Place the Trilogy Fluorometer on a flat, level surface. Allow at least 6 inches (16 cm) of clearance
above the instrument to open and close the lid. Position the instrument so that the touch screen
faces you .
Power Supply
Connect the power supply into the power connection of the instrument, see Figure 1, and plug it
into a wall outlet. See Specifications for power requirements.
Figure 1.
Getting to the Home Screen
1. With the unit turned off, lift the lid and insert an optical module into position, (see Fig 2).
Then press down on the module until you hear it snap into place. Be sure to close the
fluorometer lid so that the Trilogy power on step will complete successfully.
2. Turn on the On/Off switch located on the back of the Trilogy, see Figure 1. Verify the display
becomes active, and shows the module selection screen, see Figure 3 – Module Selection.
Figure 2 showing Optical Kit
installed in preparation for getting to
the Home Screen.
Trilogy Fluorometer User’s Manual P/N 998-7210 Page 6 of 38

Figure 3 Module Selection Screen
3. Select the module inserted, and touch “OK” on the confirming screen.
4. When the Home Screen is displayed (Fig. 4), you are now ready to use Trilogy in its Raw
Mode (measurements are relative) or calibrate the Trilogy and the snapped-in Optical
Application Module to make quantitative measurements.
Figure 4: Trilogy Home Screen Display for Fluorescence Module Configuration.
Precautions
The Trilogy is intended for indoor use only. Wipe up spills immediately. The Trilogy contains
sensitive optical components and precision-aligned mechanical assemblies. Avoid rough
handling. Do not leave the lid open for extended periods of time. Turn OFF the Trilogy to change
or install Optical Application Modules.
Note: After 20 minutes without activity or user stimulation, the Touch Screen hibernates. Lightly
touch the screen to activate.
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II. Fluorometer Operation
Fluorescence Optical Module
Installation
1. Power the Trilogy OFF
2. Grasp the handle of the Optical Application Module and align the kit with the sample
compartment.
3. Press down firmly to lock the Optical Application Module in place. You should hear or
feel a click indicating the module has snapped into place. (See Figure 5.)
4. Close the lid and power ON the Trilogy. Use the touch screen to identify the type of
Optical Application Module installed.
Figure 5.
Removal
1. Power OFF the Trilogy before removing the Optical Application Module
2. Grasp the handle and gently pull up to release the kit from the sample compartment.
Touch screen Basics (Fluorescence)
Home Screen
The "Home" screen appears after confirmation of the Optical Application Module. The "Home"
screen provides orientation for the multiple functions of the Trilogy. From the "Home" screen,
select "Calibrate," "Tools," "Mode," or "Help." The "Home" screen is also the measurement
screen. (See over for Figure 6 showing Home Screen with callouts).
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Figure 6 – Trilogy Home Screen for Fluorescence Module Configuration.
Calibration
Refer to Section V.
Measuring Samples
There are two measurement modes available on the Trilogy when using the Fluorescence
Module:
Raw Fluorescence Mode – No calibration required
Direct Concentration Mode – Calibration required (see Section V)
Touch “Mode” on the Home Screen to select the measurement mode.
1. Raw Fluorescence Mode: The Raw Fluorescence Mode should be used for qualitative
measurement, relative changes in fluorescence rather than absolute concentration values.
Readings are displayed in Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU).
2. Direct Concentration Mode: The Direct Concentration mode makes absolute measurements
based on a calibration; see Section V for the Calibration Procedure.
The Trilogy accommodates 10 x 10 mm methacrylate and polystyrene cuvettes (minimum 2 mL
volume). Use 12 x 35 mm or 12 x 75 mm glass test tubes for measuring solvent applications,
such as extracted chlorophyll, and use methacrylate cuvettes for UV water applications.
1. Open the lid of the Trilogy and insert the cuvette. Close the lid.
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2. Touch "Sample ID" to name your sample (optional).
3. Using the keypad, enter the sample name into the name field and touch "Save" to
save the sample ID.
4. Touch "Measure Fluorescence" to make a measurement. The Trilogy will measure
the sample for 6 seconds and report the average reading for the sample.
The Trilogy reports data on the "Home" screen and displays the results for the most recent 20
measurements. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the most recent measurements. The data
automatically exports to a printer or PC when properly connected, (see Section VII). Please note
the Trilogy does not store more than 20 measurements at one time. If more than 20 readings are
taken, the oldest reading will be overwritten. Measurements are not stored between power
cycles.
Tools (Fluorescence)
Touch the “Tools” key to access "Settings."
Tools - Settings
View Cal Details
Touch "View Cal Details" to see information on the current calibration for Direct Concentration
Mode. "View Cal Details" specifically provides information on the raw fluorescence for each
standard and the blank as well as the unit of measure and the Optical Application Module.
Continuous Sampling
The Continuous Sampling feature enables repeat measurements at user-defined intervals.
1. Touch "Continuous Sampling" and turn the feature ON. Highlight the frequency of
measurement and the number of total measurements. The maximum number of total
measurements is 9999.
2. Touch "OK" to return to the "Home" screen.
3. Connect the Trilogy to a printer or a PC to collect the data. Touching the screen
repeatedly causes an early-abort of Continuous Sampling measurements.
Measurement Tip:
On the Home Screen, touch Settings then touch the
Lid Start key to turn the feature ON. When the Lid
Start feature is ON, measurement begins as soon as
the lid closes. The lid start feature allows for immediate
measurement and eliminates the need to touch the
"Measure" key. Also, the touch screen does not
hibernate when Lid Start is ON.
Return to the Lid Start key under the Settings menu
to turn the feature OFF.
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