vinmetrica SC-300 User manual

SC-300 manual 1 Version 2.1
Vinmetrica SC-300 Kit™
User Manual
The Vinmetrica SC-300*is a simple and robust device that provides high accuracy in determination of
sulfite (SO2), pH and titratable acidity (TA) levels in wine. These are essential parameters to control in
the effort to make high quality wines.
Table of Contents:
Materials Provided in the Kit............................................................................................................... 2
Things you will need............................................................................................................................ 2
Why Test for SO2, pH and TA?............................................................................................................ 3
Theory of Operation............................................................................................................................. 4
Setup.................................................................................................................................................... 5
Setting up the SC-300 for the first time................................................................................... 5
Instrument Operation....................................................................................................................... 7
Procedures.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Measuring Free Sulfite (SO2) by Titration.............................................................................. 9
Measuring Total Sulfite (SO2) by Titration.............................................................................. 12
Calibration of pH .................................................................................................................... 12
Measuring pH........................................................................................................................... 13
Measuring Titratable Acidity (TA) by Titration....................................................................... 14
Finishing up............................................................................................................................. 16
Warranties, Liabilities & Hazards.................................................................................................... 17
Appendix A - Test Mode..................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix B - Sulfite & TA Adjustments........................................................................................... 20
Appendix C1 - Troubleshooting: pH and TA Issues........................................................................ 21
Appendix C2 - Troubleshooting: SO2Issues.................................................................................... 23
*US Patent pending

SC-300 manual 2 Version 2.1
Materials provided in the kit:
1. Vinmetrica SC-300 SO2/pH controller unit
(Part number SC-300-1)
2. SO2Electrode (Part number SC-100-3), blue
polycarbonate housing
3. pH Electrode (Part number SC-200-3), red
polycarbonate housing
4. SO2Reagent set (Part number SC-100-2):
SO2Titrant solution (0.0156N)
Acid Reagent
Reactant solution
5. pH/TA reagent set (Part number SC-200-8):
pH 4.01 calibration solution
pH 7.00 calibration solution
TA titrant (0.13 N NaOH)
6. Two 5 mL syringes
7. Two 3 mL polyethylene transfer pipettes
8. One 25 mL serological pipette
9. One 5mL serological pipette
10. 100 mL polypropylene beaker
Things you will need:
1. Two standard AA batteries (alkaline type).
2. Distilled water, which usually can be found at your local grocery store. It’s handy to have a wash
bottle for rinsing. Rinse bottle available from Vinmetrica (Part number SC-100-17)
3. (Optional) Deluxe Lab Accessory Kit which includes: magnetic stirrer, burette (10mL or 25mL),
lab support stand and electrode holder. Available from Vinmetrica (Part Number SC-300-9,
https://vinmetrica.com/product/the-deluxe-lab-accessory-kit/ )
4. (Optional) Sodium Hydroxide solution, 1N concentration (if you want to do total SO2). Available
from Vinmetrica (Part number SC-100-7)
Figure 1. The SC-300 instrument with the SO2
and pH/TA electrodes.

SC-300 manual 3 Version 2.1
Why Test for SO2, pH and TA?
Testing for sulfite (SO2) is crucially important for making sure your wine does not spoil by
oxidation or from microbial growth. Having the proper SO2level in your wine gives you this protection.
By monitoring your SO2levels, you can make adjustments when needed, especially before starting
primary fermentation, after malolactic fermentation has completed, after racking or when ready to
bottle. To correctly adjust sulfite, you need values for your current "Free SO2" level and your wine's pH,
both of which can be measured with the Vinmetrica SC-300 analyzer.
The key parameter in protecting your wine is "Molecular SO2" which for most wines should be
at 0.8 ppm (mg/L) following primary fermentation. This in turn depends on the "Free SO2" (it can also
be referred to as "unbound" SO2) and the pH. Overall, you can reach your target Molecular SO2by
measuring and adjusting your free SO2levels and considering your wine's particular pH. See Table 1.
Table 1. Free SO2concentrations necessary to attain 0.8 mg/L Molecular SO2at a designated pH.
Free SO2(ppm)
13
16
21
26
32
40
50
63
79
99
125
pH
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.0
We recommend using a sulfite calculator for determining how much sulfite to add to your wines
after taking a sulfite measurement with the SC-300 Analyzer Kit. Winemaker Magazine's Sulfite
Calculator at http://winemakermag.com/guide/sulfite can walk you through the process. See Appendix
B for more information on how to adjust your wine for sulfite.
Monitoring your wine's pH is especially important for the first few months of the wine making
process. Proper pH and Titratable Acidity (TA) levels influence mouth feel and provide wine stability.
During malolactic fermentation, the pH can increase somewhat and should be monitored. Typically,
wine pH and TA are inversely related; when pH goes up, TA goes down and vice versa. Adjustments
may be made to your wine to prevent wine instability. See Appendix B for more information on
adjustments.

SC-300 manual 4 Version 2.1
Theory of operation:
Sulfite (SO2): The SC-300, with the SO2 electrode and reagents provided, can be used to determine
sulfite (or SO2)levels in wine, musts, and other samples. It relies on the Ripper titration based on the
quantitative reaction of the SO2with iodine (generated during the titration) which oxidizes the SO2in
the sample under acid conditions.
IO3
-+ 5I-+ 6H+3I2+ 3H2O generation of iodine from iodate
SO2+ I2+ H2O 2I-+ SO3 + 2H+reaction of SO2and iodine
When all the SO2is titrated at the endpoint, excess iodine appears in solution. This is detected as
current with the SO2electrode and signaled by audible and visual indicators. The endpoint is much
more sensitive than the starch color change commonly employed for Ripper titration, and it is sharp
and clear, even when titrating red wines and musts. From the known concentration of the titrant and its
volume required to reach the endpoint, the free SO2is simply calculated.
pH and TA: The SC-300 kit also provides a pH electrode and reagents for calibration and
determination of pH and titratable acidity (TA) values in wines and other samples. The pH value is
simply determined by placing the calibrated electrode into a sample and reading the value. TA is
determined by titrating a 5 mL sample of wine to an endpoint pH of 8.2 with the TA titrant (0.13N
NaOH) from the syringe in the kit. From the known concentration of the TA titrant and its volume
required to reach the endpoint, the TA is simply calculated (results are in units of g/L tartaric acid).

SC-300 manual 5 Version 2.1
Setup:
Setting up the SC-300 for the first time:
1. The SC-300 (See Figure 1) runs on two standard AA batteries (alkaline cells recommended). To
insert the batteries, open the battery housing on the bottom of the back of the unit by removing
the two screws and gently prying off the lid. Install the batteries with the negative '-' end
contacting the coiled springs and the positive '+' end contacting the raised metal inserts then
close the housing. If desired, you can prop the unit up using its folding stand.
2. Low Battery Detection: When the battery level is getting low, the instrument will show a low
battery icon on the upper left side of the display but continues to operate without impairment to
any function. Replace the batteries as soon as practicable. When the battery level drops too far,
the instrument does not operate. It rapidly flashes the low battery icon for 3.0 seconds, beeps
and shuts itself off.
3. Auto Shut-off: The SC-300 shuts off after 30 minutes. If this happens unexpectedly, just press
the POWER button to resume from where you were.
4. Electrodes: When directed to do so, attach the desired electrode (pH or SO2, Figures 2 & 3) via
the BNC connector protruding from the top. Be sure to secure the electrode plug to the BNC
connector to insure proper function.
5. SO2electrode: Remove any protective cover from the electrode tip (some electrodes are
shipped without one). This cover is for shipping protection and need not be used routinely.
Put the electrode on its side, or hang it from an electrode stand if you have one. The SO2
electrode (blue) is sturdy with its plastic housing, but do take care not to let things touch or
strike the platinum wires; they are somewhat fragile and will break if bent and straightened
repeatedly. Electrode care: When done, always rinse with DI water and let air dry. There is no
need to store the SO2electrode in any kind of solution.
Figure 2. Attach the Electrode
you are using to the BNC
connector on the SC-300
Figure 3. Be sure the Electrode
attachment is screwed into place
on the BNC connector.

SC-300 manual 6 Version 2.1
6. pH electrode: Attach the pH electrode via the BNC connector on the top of the SC-300 (see
Figures 2 & 3). A note about the pH electrode: The pH electrode is fragile and should always
be handled carefully. Remove the liquid storage bottle by unscrewing the cap first, then gently
pulling the bottle, followed by the cap, off the electrode. Rinse the electrode in a little distilled
water before each use. Electrode care: Do not touch the glass bulb, nor attempt to wipe it with
anything. When necessary, you may gently blot excess liquid away from the electrode surface,
but avoid directly touching it. The pH electrode should always be kept in the liquid storage
bottle with its pH storage solution (available from Vinmetrica) when not in use. Rinse the
electrode with DI water and gently blot or shake off excess water. Push the electrode through
the hole in the cap about an inch, then gently screw the bottle onto the cap so that the electrode
is in contact with the solution in the bottle.

SC-300 manual 7 Version 2.1
Instrument Operation:
1. Disconnect any electrodes. Turn on the instrument by pressing the POWER button briefly (Note:
depressing the POWER button longer than two seconds at start-up will cause the instrument to
enter Test Mode; see Appendix A). The instrument will go through a power-up sequence. After
a few seconds the instrument will start in whatever mode was last selected. The mode is
indicated by the yellow LED panel on the left. Select the desired mode by pressing the MODE
button.
2. SO2mode: This is for titration in determining ppm of SO2 (see below under ‘Procedures’). The
SO2 electrode must be used, but do not attach the electrode yet. [Warning: The pH electrode
can be damaged by connecting it to the instrument in SO2 mode. As a safety precaution, you
must press the ENTER button after selecting SO2mode to confirm that the SO2electrode is
attached before the mode will be enabled. However, scrolling through the MODE selections
(such that you pass by the SO2selection) with a pH electrode attached is safe, as long as you do
not press ENTER to confirm the SO2mode.] After pressing ENTER, you should see the
display show a value less than 50 (usually 0.0) and the green "PROCEED" LED should be
on. Now you can attach the SO2 electrode.
3. [Optional] Precondition the SO2Electrode:*All SO2electrodes are pre-conditioned at
Vinmetrica before shipment. Therefore normally you should skip this step. If you think your
electrode is not functioning properly you may try pre-conditioning the electrode. See Appendix
C2 for more information on preconditioning the SO2 electrode.
4. pH mode: In this mode, the meter measures the pH. The pH electrode must be attached. If the
instrument has not yet been calibrated, the message “doCal” scrolls across the screen, and you
will need to do a calibration (see Calibration of pH below). We recommend re-calibrating the
instrument for pH once each day of use, or whenever the Reference solutions do not give the
expected pH in pH mode. Warning: Be careful not to press ENTER when the pH electrode is
attached while the instrument is in SO2mode, as this can potentially damage the pH electrode.
If this does happen, and the pH electrode does not respond correctly, place it into the pH 4
Reference solution for an hour and it should return to normal function.
5. TA mode: This is for titration in determining titratable acidity (TA). As in the pH mode, the pH
is displayed and the pH electrode must be attached. The green (“PROCEED”) LED is lit if the
pH is below 8.2, while the red "STOP" LED is lit if the pH is 8.2 or greater. (see below under
Measuring TA by Titration )
6. CAL mode: This is for calibrating the pH electrode, which must be attached. The display
initially shows CAL for a few seconds as it prepares to read pH and lets readings settle.
Thereafter, the display shows the measured pH level with two decimal places.

SC-300 manual 8 Version 2.1
7. Calibration works with one of the following reference calibration sets:
pH 4.01 and 7.00 or “4/7”
pH 7.00 and 10.00 or “7/10”
pH 3.00 and 7.00 or “3/7”
Vinmetrica recommends use of the pH 4/7 Reference Solution set provided with the kit.
8. The magnetic stirrer has two modes. Pressing the "light bulb" button on the magnetic stirrer
activates a light underneath the sample and the stirrer. The power button activates just the stirrer.
After pressing either button, the stirrer remains active for 60 seconds, a feature to conserve its
batteries. If during the titration it turns off, simply press the button again for it to continue. We
recommend using the light mode because it helps us indicate when the stirrer stops. Plus when
doing TA titrations watching the wine turn from deep red to dark green is cool!
Note: When using the magnetic stirrer, be sure that the electrode does not touch the
spinning stir bar as this can potentially damage the glass bulb of the pH electrode or the
platinum wires of the SO2electrode. If you are using the Vinmetrica Electrode Holder, adjust
the electrode’s height so that its probe end is above the level of the stir bar.

SC-300 manual 9 Version 2.1
Procedures
Measuring Free SO2by Titration:
1. With the electrode disconnected, turn on the instrument and select SO2mode with the MODE
button. Press ENTER to confirm selection of SO2mode (Figure 4). The display should show a
value less than 20, usually 0.0. Now attach the SO2 electrode.
2. Fill the syringe by drawing up the SO2Titrant (the bottle with the blue label) (Figure 5). Expel
bubbles and set the plunger on the syringe to a readable point, preferably the 5.0 mL point.
Make sure the outside of the syringe is dry, to minimize any inaccuracies. [Note: the 5.0 mL
setting allows determination of up to 100 ppm SO2 in a standard 25 mL wine sample.] If using
a burette, use the syringe to dispense the SO2titrant into the top of the burette. Make sure the
burette stopcock is in the closed position (i.e., the handle is horizontal). When filling the burette
make sure the SO2titrant has completely filled the bottom of the burette including the tip.
Sometimes bubbles can be trapped in the tip of the burette but can usually be dislodged by
opening and closing the stopcock while the burette is above a waste container. If you spill any
titrant on the outside of the burette, be sure to clean it up with a paper towel or dry rag. If the
spilled titrant is not cleaned from the outside of the burette you may introduce these spilled
titrant droplets into the wine sample leading to an inaccurate reading. Be sure to record your
starting burette or syringe volume; refer to 'Burette Reading' section under the Setup section for
how to measure accurately.
Figure 4. Once in SO2
MODE the instrument
should read
'Press Enter' Press
ENTER to activate SO2
MODE.
Figure 5. Withdraw the
titrant from its bottle
using a clean 5 mL
syringe. If you are using
the glass burette, use the
syringe to fill it.
Figure 7. The transfer
pipette. One full squeeze
of the transfer pipette in
either the Acid solution
or Reactant should be
approximately 2 mL.
Figure 6. Dispense 25
mL of your wine into the
titration beaker using the
25 mL sampling pipette.
Make sure this is clean
before putting the pipette
into your wine container!

SC-300 manual 10 Version 2.1
3. Place 25 mL of wine or must in the titration vessel. We recommend using the 25 mL sampling
pipette provided in the kit: draw the sample up to the 0 mL mark, and then dispense the sample
into your titration vessel by letting the tip of the pipette touch the side of the vessel while the
sample drains (See Figure 6). NEVER pipette any reagents by mouth! Also make sure the
pipette you are using is completely clean before submerging into your wine sample.
4. Using the transfer pipettes (see Figure 7), add about 2 mL Acid Reagent and 2 mL Reactant
solution to the titration beaker (the two transfer pipettes should come with red and yellow labels,
with red for the Acid Reagent and yellow for the Reactant). It is not necessary to be extremely
accurate in this step; with these pipettes, 2 mL is roughly the amount that fills the pipette up to
the 2 mL mark after a single thorough squeeze of the bulb. To preserve the shelf life of these
reagents take care not to cross contaminate the transfer pipettes. If they do get contaminated
rinse them off with distilled water and let air dry. Caution: the Acid reagent is corrosive and
can cause damage to clothing, skin and eyes. The Reactant solution should not be ingested.
ALWAYS use safety glasses! We recommend the use of laboratory latex or nitrile gloves
during this procedure. If any solutions contact skin or eyes, flush with plenty of water.
5. If you are using a magnetic stirrer, turn it on to stir at a moderate rate. The Magnetic Stirrer
provided with the SC-300 Pro Kit operates at a suitable preset speed. Make sure your electrode
is not struck by the spinning stir bar. To prevent this, we recommend using the Vinmetrica
Electrode Holder to stabilize your electrode.
6. Rinse the electrode briefly with distilled water. Insert the electrode into the titration beaker so
that the tip is completely submerged to just above the circulation gaps (cutouts at the tip of the
electrode) but above the level of the stir bar (approximately half an inch from the bottom of the
titration beaker). If you are using the Vinmetrica Electrode Holder adjust it to a similar level.
7. If you are stirring manually, begin now; use a constant moderate swirling motion. If the
electrode is not held in a stand, hold it against the side of the vessel with one finger and grasp
the vessel with the remaining fingers so that the two move together. (See Figure 8).
8. Verify that the current is less than 50 and the green (“PROCEED”) LED is lit (See Figure 10).
If the current is greater than this, and/or the red (“STOP”) LED is lit and the buzzer sounds,
your sample has less than 2 ppm SO2and there is no need to proceed. (Verify that your SO2has
been preconditioned; see step 3 in the Instrument Operation section of the manual).
9. Titrate the sample by adding the SO2Titrant drop wise from the syringe (See Figure 8) or from
the burette (See Figure 9), being sure to note the starting volume mark on the syringe or burette.
Try to accomplish the titration as rapidly as possible (in 3 minutes or less), but be careful near
the endpoint so as not to overrun it –here, dispense one or two drops at a time. Be sure to
maintain stirring or swirling throughout the entire procedure. If the magnetic stirrer turns off,
turn it back on.

SC-300 manual 11 Version 2.1
10. During the titration, the LCD display will show transient currents, the red "STOP" LED will
briefly illuminate, and the beeper will sound (“beep-beep!”). These transient indicators will last
longer and longer as you approach the endpoint (Figure 26). Take the endpoint as the first
addition of Titrant that causes the display to exceed 50, and the red LED and beeper to stay on,
for longer than 15 seconds (or a count of 20 sets of "beep-beep"). It is important to maintain
stirring or swirling to detect the endpoint well. Do not add titrant while the red "STOP" LED is
lit. Read the remaining titrant volume off of the syringe or burette.
11. Calculate the volume of titrant used "V" ( using the Syringe: Starting volume minus final
volume, e.g.; Burette: final volume minus starting volume), e.g., V = 5.0 mL - 3.5 mL = 1.5 mL )
12. The free SO2content is calculated in units of parts per million (ppm) or mg/L as:
ppm (mg/L) Free SO2= 64 * V * N * 1000
Where V = mL SO2Titrant needed to reach the endpoint; N = normality (concentration) of the
Titrant; and S = mL of your wine sample. 1 If you use a 25 mL wine sample as directed and the
SO2Titrant's normality is 0.0156 as supplied in the kit, then the calculation is simply:
ppm (mg/L) Free SO2 = 20 * V (i.e. 20 times V)
1
2 * S
Figure 8. Manual stirring
technique. Hold the electrode
against the side of the titration
beaker and swirl gently; add
SO2 Titrant with other hand.
Figure 9. Automated stirring
technique. Turn on the
magnetic stirrer; add SO2
Titrant by slowly opening the
burette stopcock valve.
Figure 10.Make sure
that the "PROCEED"
LED is lit. You should be
reading close to 0.0 when
you first start. You are
now ready to titrate!
Figure 11.Once the device
beeps for 15 seconds or 20
sets of "beep-beep"
you are done with the
titration. The red "STOP"
LED will also remain lit.

SC-300 manual 12 Version 2.1
Measuring Total SO2by Titration (optional - requires 1N NaOH):
1. Place 25 mL wine or must in the titration vessel (See Figure 6).
2. Add 10ml 1N sodium hydroxide (Vinmetrica Part number SC-100-17) and mix well. Let stand
approximately 10 minutes.
3. Using the transfer pipettes, add approximately 8 mL of the Acid Reagent and 2 mL of the
Reactant solution to the vessel. Remember that if you are using the transfer pipettes in the kit, 2
mL is the amount that fills the bulb with a vigorous squeeze, so dispense four of these for the
Acid Reagent.
Proceed from step 5 in the Free SO2procedure above. The result calculated will be total SO2, rather
than free SO2, in parts per million (ppm) or mg/L.
Calibration of pH:
1. Be sure the pH electrode is attached to the unit, then select CAL mode by pressing the MODE
button until the “CAL”LED illuminates.
2. Choose a calibration set that corresponds to the range you are working in. Usually for wine this
will be at pH values below 4, so use the 4/7 set. If you have a source of a pH 3.00 reference
solution, you can use this in place of pH 4.
3. Rinse the electrode with DI water, shake or blot off excess liquid gently, and place the electrode
into a small vessel (like the pH 4 Reference Solution cap) containing one of the reference
solutions (e.g. pH 4.01).
4. The instrument will determine which calibration solution is being used, and will display the
apparent pH value. This may be different by as much as 0.40 from the value of the reference
solution (e.g. the LCD may display 4.41 when the pH electrode is sitting in the pH 4.01
reference solution). When the pH level is sensed as stable, the nominal value is shown on the
display, flashing, and the “CAL” LED flashes to convey that calibration for this value is ready.
Press the ENTER button to accept the calibration.
5. The display stops flashing, scrolling the message 'Good CAl', and four beeps are rapidly
sounded to indicate success. [Note: if an error occurs during this process, the message 'BAd
CAl' will scroll and a single beep will sound; the instrument will then continue to wait for a

SC-300 manual 13 Version 2.1
stable pH level. Repeat step 4.] Following the 'Good CAl' message, the display will now show
the calibrated pH value.
6. Now rinse the electrode again and place it in the second member of the calibration set (e.g., pH
7.00 reference solution). Repeat the process to get a second 'Good CAl' message. Exit into pH
or TA mode.
7. “Force Calibrate” feature [firmware v3.0.6 and later]: if your instrument displays an apparently
stable pH value that is within 0.5 (by default, unless you have changed the CAL Tolerance
value –see Appendix A, Test Mode 14.) of the target (i.e., 3.5 to 4.5 for pH 4.01, or 6.5 to 7.5
for pH 7.00), but the CAL LED does not flash within a reasonable amount of time (1-2 minutes
at most, typically), you can force the instrument to accept the calibration by following these
steps (NOTE - we recommend only using this as a last resort if normal calibration does not
execute):
a. Use the MODE button to select TA mode.
b. Press and hold the MODE until the display goes from “CAL” to “cAL” i.e., the ‘C’ will
change to lower case ‘c’.
c. The display will then show PH4. Place your pH electrode in the pH 4.01 reference
solution and press ENTER.
d. The apparent pH will be displayed. Allow it to come to a stable reading, then press
ENTER. If the reading is within the Cal tolerance range (default 0.5 pH as above, but
see Appendix A for Cal tolerance settings), the 'Good CAl' message will scroll and the
four beeps will sound as usual. Otherwise the message 'BAd CAl' will scroll and a
single beep will sound. In that case you can return after the next step and try PH4 again.
e. The display will then show PH7. Place your pH electrode in the pH 7.00 reference
solution and press ENTER, then repeat the procedure in step d.
Measuring pH:
1. Make sure the pH electrode is attached. Calibrate it as described above, if necessary. Select pH
mode with the MODE button.
2. Rinse the pH electrode with DI water. Gently shake off or carefully blot away excess liquid.
3. Place the electrode in the solution to be tested. Be careful not to let the electrode strike any
surfaces.

SC-300 manual 14 Version 2.1
4. Allow the pH reading to stabilize. Typically this takes about 10-15 seconds. Read the pH value
on the display. Note: Once you've completed the pH test you can start the TA test. Start
with precisely a 5 mL wine sample before beginning the pH & TA combined measurement.
You can use a clean 5 mL sampling pipette provided in the kit to pipette this amount.
Measuring Titratable Acidity (TA) by Titration:
1. If you are working with a sample of must, we recommend homogenizing your sample in a
blender before proceeding; otherwise your TA values can be very inaccurate. Take 100 mL or
more of your must and put it in a blender on high for 30 seconds. Allow solids to settle for 2
minutes before sampling or use a cheese cloth or mesh strainer to remove solids.
2. Fill the syringe by drawing up the TA Titrant (0.133N NaOH). Expel bubbles and set the
plunger on the syringe to a readable point, preferably the 5.0 mL point. [Note: the 5.0 mL
setting allows determination of up to 10 g/L TA in a standard 5 mL wine sample.] If you are
using the burette, use the syringe to dispense the TA titrant into the top of the burette. Make
sure the burette stopcock is in the closed (the red handle is horizontal) position. When filling
the burette make sure the TA titrant has completely filled the bottom of the burette including the
tip. Sometimes bubbles can be trapped in the tip of the burette but can usually be dislodged by
opening and closing the stopcock while the burette is above a waste container. If you spill any
TA titrant on the outside of the burette, be sure to clean it up with a paper towel or dry rag. If
the spilled titrant is not cleaned from the outside of the burette you may introduce these spilled
titrant droplets into the wine sample leading to an inaccurate reading. Be sure to record your
starting burette or syringe volume. Caution: the TA Titrant is caustic and can cause damage
to clothing, skin and eyes. We recommend use of laboratory safety glasses and latex or
nitrile gloves during this procedure. If any solutions contact skin or eyes, flush with
plenty of water.
3. Place 5.0 mL wine or must in the titration vessel (100 mL polypropylene beaker). We
recommend using the 5 mL pipette provided in the kit: draw sample up to the 0 mL mark, then
dispense the sample into your titration vessel by letting the tip of the pipette touch the side of
the vessel while the sample drains. For best accuracy, do not blow out the liquid that remains in
the tip. Add about 15 ml of deionized (DI) water (distilled water).
4. Turn on the instrument and attach the pH electrode. If necessary, calibrate it as described above.
Select TA mode with the MODE button.
5. If you are using a magnetic stirrer, turn it on to stir at a moderate rate. Be sure the stir bar will
not strike the electrode in the following steps. (See Figure 13)

SC-300 manual 15 Version 2.1
6. Rinse the electrode briefly with DI water. Insert the electrode into the titration vessel so that the
tip is fully submerged to just above the circulation gaps (cutouts at the tip of the electrode).
7. If you are stirring manually, begin now; use a moderate swirling motion. If the electrode is not
held in a stand, hold it against the side of the vessel with one finger and grasp the vessel with
the remaining fingers so that the two move together while swirling (See Figure 12).
8. Verify that the pH is less than 7 and the green (“PROCEED”) LED is lit (see Figure 14). If the
pH is greater than this, and/or the red (“STOP”) LED is lit and the beeper sounds, your sample
has less than 0.1g/L TA and there is no need to proceed.
9. Titrate the sample by adding the TA Titrant drop wise from the syringe or burette, being sure to
note the starting volume mark on the syringe or burette. During the titration, the pH will
gradually rise from its starting value (below 4 usually). As you approach pH 7, go slowly in
adding successive drops of titrant so as not to overrun the endpoint. Be sure to mix thoroughly
after each successive drop of titrant. Take the endpoint as the first addition of TA Titrant that
causes the pH to stay above 8.2 for longer than 15 seconds. The red "STOP" LED and the
beeper will provide additional indication of the endpoint (See Figure 15). Read the endpoint
volume off of the syringe or burette. To silence the beeper after the endpoint, select pH mode,
or turn off the instrument.
10. Calculate the TA value as:
Figure 12.Manual stirring
technique. Hold the
electrode against the side of
the titration beaker and
swirl gently; add TA Titrant
with other hand.
Figure 13.Automated
stirring technique. Turn on
the magnetic stirrer; add
TA Titrant by slowly
opening the burette
stopcock valve.
Figure 14.Make sure that
the green "PROCEED"
LED is lit. You should be
reading a pH close to what
you expect your wine is at.
You are ready to titrate!
Figure 15.Once the pH
arrives at or passes 8.20
you are done with the
titration. The red "STOP"
LED will be lit and the
instrument will be beeping

SC-300 manual 16 Version 2.1
where V= mL Titrant needed to reach the endpoint; 0.133 = normality of the Titrant, S= mL
sample. If you use 5 mL of sample as directed, and the Titrant is 0.133 N as supplied, then the
calculation is simply
Note: to express these values as % tartaric acid, divide by ten; e.g. if the TA is 7.1 g/L, that is
equivalent to 0.71 % tartaric acid.
Finishing up:
1. Turn off the instrument.
2. Rinse the SO2 electrode and syringe with distilled water. Let air dry.
3. Be sure to rinse and store the pH electrode in its storage solution as directed under 'Setting up
the SC-300 for the first time' item 6.
4. Store all reagents tightly capped and away from heat and sunlight.
5. Discard waste samples and solutions in accordance with local regulations. Acidic solutions can
be neutralized by slow addition of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with stirring until
effervescence ceases.
Technical assistance: [email protected] tel. [phone]

SC-300 manual 17 Version 2.1
WARRANTIES AND LIABILITIES
1. The materials provided in the kit, as described on pages 1 and 2 above, (“Materials”) are
warranted as follows: The SC-300 instrument, electrodes and non-reagent accessories are
warranted against defects in workmanship for 12 months from date of purchase. The reagents
are warranted to perform as described herein up until any stated expiration date or 6 months
after purchase, whichever is later. THE WARRANTIES IN THESE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
NONINFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SAID
WARRANTIES BEING EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.
2. Buyer agrees that its sole and exclusive remedy against Vinmetrica shall be limited to the
repair and replacement of Materials or parts of Materials, provided Vinmetrica is promptly
notified in writing, prior to the expiration of the warranty period specified above, of any
defect. Vinmetrica’s liability for any damages due Buyer shall be limited to the purchase price
of the Materials.
3. VINMETRICA'S MAXIMUM LIABILITY FOR ALL DIRECT DAMAGES, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION CONTRACT DAMAGES AND DAMAGES FOR INJURIES TO
PERSONS OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM VINMETRICA’S BREACH OF
THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, BREACH OF WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR OTHER TORT WITH RESPECT TO THE MATERIALS, OR ANY
SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATERIALS, IS LIMITED TO AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED THE PRICE OF THE MATERIALS. IN NO EVENT SHALL
VINMETRICA BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOST REVENUES AND
PROFITS.
HAZARDS AND TOXICITY
All Materials offered by Vinmetrica are intended for use by individuals who are familiar with
laboratory procedures and their potential hazards. The Materials contain chemicals which may be
harmful if misused. Due care should be exercised with all Materials to prevent direct human contact.
Glassware can break and chemicals can splash during experiments; Always use safety glasses. We
strongly recommend using nitrile or latex gloves and wearing long pants, long sleeves and closed toed
shoes. Keep out of reach of children.
1945 Camino Vida Roble, Suite I - Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.vinmetrica.com [phone] [e-mail]
Copyright 2010-13. Sportsman Consulting, LLC DBA Vinmetrica. All rights reserved.

SC-300 manual 18 Version 2.1
Appendix A - Test Mode
Test Mode provides various special functions that may be useful in testing or adjusting the device, for
example, if troubleshooting is necessary.
•Test Mode is entered when the POWER button is pressed longer than 2 seconds while turning
the instrument on. Remove the pH electrode if it is attached.
•Test Mode is organized into sections. Press the POWER button briefly to move to the next
section. After the last section, Test Mode restarts the first. WARNING! DO NOT MOVE
THROUGH SECTIONS WITH THE pH PROBE ATTACHED! This can damage the
electrode. Only connect the pH electrode if needed in section 2 or 4. Always remove the pH
electrode before leaving these sections.
•Combinations of the yellow MODE LEDs are illuminated to indicate the section number as
shown in the table below.
•The Stop LED (red) is illuminated when an error is detected by the instrument The Proceed
LED (green) is illuminated to indicate no error detected. The green LED does not guarantee
proper functioning; it only indicates that no problem could be automatically detected. The user
should make careful observations to discern proper operation.
•To exit Test Mode, hold the POWER button down (5-10 seconds) until the instrument shuts off.
If the device does not shut off after 10 seconds of holding down the button, move to the next
section by releasing, then pressing again the POWER button briefly; then try to exit again.
Yellow
LEDs
Section
Equipment Required
Description
1. Version
None.
The version number of the instrument
software is displayed.
2. Burn-in
None
The instrument goes through a
continuous “burn-in” cycle, exercising
relay, sound, LEDs, and display.
3. pH
pH probe or precision
voltage source. Do
not exceed +/- 0.5 V.
An uncalibrated pH level is shown in two
alternating parts. First, the integer
portion of pH level is shown (1 to 14).
Next, three decimal places are shown.
Readings above 14.000 are shown as "---".
Readings below 0.000 are shown as
" ___".
4. SO2
SO2probe or SO2
probe simulator ( e.g.,
500 kOhm resistor)
The SO2current in nanoamperes is
displayed. For values under 10, one
decimal place is shown.

SC-300 manual 19 Version 2.1
Yellow
LEDs
Section
Equipment Required
Description
5. pH
Voltage
pH probe or precision
voltage source. Do
not exceed +/- 0.5 V.
The raw voltage output from the
instrument's pH amplifier is displayed as
X.XX volts. Readings can range from
0.00 to 4.10.
6. SO2
Voltage
SO2probe or
SO2probe simulator.
The raw voltage output from the
instrument's current amplifier is
displayed as X.XX volts. (.XXX if less
than 1.00)
7. DAC
Test
None.
Disconnect probe.
The Digital-Analog Converter (DAC) is
cycled through its 32 levels. Note: Ignore
red LED error indication.
8. Battery
Voltage
Install two AA
batteries
The battery voltage is displayed as X.XX
volts.
9. Character
Set
None.
Every ASCII character (space) to ~ is
displayed. Due to the limitations of the
7-segment format, some characters are
not used by the software.
10. Number
Display
None.
The display cycles through showing
every possible digit and every decimal
point.
11. Sound
Test
None.
The beeper is turned on continuously.
12. pH CAL
values
[firmware 3.0.6
and later]
None
Displays current CAL values for pH 7
and 4, in mV. Pressing ENTER cycles
between these. If a pH CAL reset has
been done, displays CAL value for pH 3
rather than 4.
13. pH
CAL reset
[firmware
3.0.6 and
later]
None.
Displays “PrESS EntEr”; Press ENTER
to reset pH CAL parameters to default
values. Message “Good CAL rSt” then
scrolls.
14. CAL
tolerance
[firmware
3.0.6 and
later]
None.
Displays “Cal tol” then displays the
current value of the tolerance required to
allow calibration. Default is 0.5 pH units
i.e., the displayed pH must be within 0.5
units of the target pH to allow calibration.
Pressing ENTER cycles between settings
of 0.25 - 0.50 - 0.75 - 1.00 - 1.25 - 1.50

SC-300 manual 20 Version 2.1
Appendix B - Sulfite and TA Adjustments
Using the Winemaker Magazine Sulfite Calculator:
Winemaker Magazine's Sulfite Calculator at http://winemakermag.com/guide/sulfite is an
excellent tool for calculating how much sulfite should be added to your wine. We will briefly go over
the process here for some clarification.
First, select a 'Preferred method of Sulfite addition:'; we recommend using a 10% solution of
Potassium metabisulfite (KMBS). [You can prepare this solution by weighing out 10g of KMBS and
dissolving it in a FINAL volume of 100 mL DI water.] Next choose the wine type (red or white). Keep
the 'Desired Molecular SO2at 0.8 mg/L' and enter your wine's pH value (hit your keyboard's 'Enter'
button after entering the value). One thing to notice is that after entering in your 'Desired molecular
SO2' and your wine's pH, the calculator will ask you to enter the 'Desired level of free SO2'. The value
you should enter for this field should appear in the 'Notes:' section, within the following text: "1. The
recommended level of free SO2for this type of wine, molecular SO2& pH is: [your value] mg/L".
Then input the "Current level of Free SO2" which you determined from measuring Free SO2with the
Vinmetrica SC-300. Finally, enter the "volume of wine to be corrected". Choose liters or gallons; we
prefer "liters" because the answer is returned in mL. The 'Amount of sulfite to be added:', should be in
mL or fluid ounces of 10% sulfite solution or in grams if you use sulfite powder as your sulfite additive.
We recommend double checking your calculations, and choosing the appropriate 'Desired
molecular SO2' level (usually 0.8 mg/L after primary fermentation). Once you have added the amount
of sulfite that fits to your methods, stir your wine thoroughly and take another SO2measurement. If the
measurement matches the 'Desired level of free SO2' then you are done, otherwise make incremental
additions and repeated SO2measurements until you reach your desired level.
Adjusting TA in your wine:
We recommend adjusting your titratable acidity levels by adding tartaric acid (for non-grape
wines, fruit acids can be added but use caution - malic acid, if dosed improperly, can make wine overly
sour or tart). If your wine's pH is too high, indicating low acidity, and TA levels too low, you can add
tartaric acid to decrease the pH and increase TA. By measuring TA, you can figure out how much
tartaric acid to add without making your wine overly tart or sharp. As a rough rule of thumb, adding 1 g
of tartaric acid per liter of wine will increase the TA by 1 g/L (0.1%) and reduce the pH by 0.1 pH unit.
If your TA is too high before bottling, you can try "cold stabilization". This results in precipitation of
potassium acid tartrate (potassium bitartrate) to decrease the tartness. Another method to decreasing
your TA level is to add calcium carbonate or potassium carbonate (CaCO3or K2CO3). For the
chemically inclined, we recommend Zoecklein's book "Wine Analysis and Production" which goes
over theory and practice behind these adjustment techniques and many wine analytical techniques.