VWR International 89231-656 User manual

DOC022.53.80319
sympHony™ Multisensor Probes
07/2012, Edition 1
User Manual

Table of contents
Safety information on page 3 Calibration on page 6
Specifications on page 3 Sample requirements on page 8
Product overview on page 4 Sample measurement on page 9
Meter compatibility on page 5 Maintenance on page 10
Preparation for use on page 5 Troubleshooting on page 12
Polarize the dissolved oxygen probe (89231-660
multisensor) on page 5
Safety information
Precautionary labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the instrument
could occur if not observed. A symbol on the instrument is referenced in the manual with a
precautionary statement.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European public disposal
systems after 12 August of 2005. In conformity with European local and national regulations (EU
Directive 2002/96/EC), European electrical equipment users must now return old or end-of-life
equipment to the Producer for disposal at no charge to the user.
Note: For return for recycling, please contact the equipment producer or supplier for instructions on how to return end-
of-life equipment, producer-supplied electrical accessories, and all auxiliary items for proper disposal.
Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specification 89231-656 89231-658 89231-660
Parameter pH, conductivity and ORP pH and conductivity pH, conductivity and
dissolved oxygen
Measurement range 0 to 14 pH
5 to 30,000 µS/cm
±2000 mV
0 to 14 pH
5 to 30,000 µS/cm
0 to 14 pH
5 to 30,000 µS/cm
0.03 mg/L oxygen to
saturation
Temperature range 0 to 80 °C
(32 to 176 °F)
0 to 80 °C
(32 to 176 °F)
0 to 50 °C
(32 to 122 °F)
Temperature sensor Yes Yes Yes
Sensor pH: glass (standard)
Conductivity: platinum
pH: glass (standard)
Conductivity: platinum
pH: glass (standard)
Conductivity: platinum
Dissolved oxygen:
replaceable dissolved
oxygen membrane
Reference type Ag/AgCl Ag/AgCl Ag/AgCl
Junction type Porous pin Porous pin Porous pin
Electrolyte Non-refillable gel Non-refillable gel Non-refillable gel
Storage solution KCl 0.01 M (conductivity
standard 1412 µS/cm)
KCl 0.01 M (conductivity
standard 1412 µS/cm)
3M KCl
Number of poles 2 2 2
English 3

Specification 89231-656 89231-658 89231-660
Conductivity cell
constant (cm-1)
1.0 1.0 1.0
Platinized No No No
Meter compatibility H30PCO H30PCO and H30PCD H30PCD
Body material Polycarbonate Polycarbonate Polycarbonate
Length 170 mm 170 mm 170 mm
Diameter 12 mm 12 mm 40 mm total diameter with
12 mm individual sensors
Cable 1 m 1 m 1 m
Connector MP81MP81MP81
1For use with sympHony handheld meters only
Product overview
The multisensor probes are combination gel-filled electrodes for pH, conductivity and ORP or
dissolved oxygen measurements in general aqueous samples. The multisensor probes have a built-
in temperature sensor. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2. Refer to Specifications on page 3 for the
probe parameters. Refer to Sample requirements on page 8.
The multisensor probes are used with sympHony meters. Refer to Meter compatibility on page 5.
Figure 1 Probe overview – single-probe
1 Probe 2 Probe storage tube
4 English

Figure 2 Probe overview – multl-probe (89231-660)
1 Protective shroud 4 Conductivity probe 7 Anode
2 Probe storage tube 5 mini-MP connector18 Cathode
3 Dissolved oxygen probe 6 pH probe 9 Membrane module
1Each probe has a unique mini-MP connector.
Meter compatibility
The multisensor probes are compatible with the sympHony handheld meter models: H30PCO and
H30PCD. Refer to Specifications on page 3 for specific compatibility.
Preparation for use
CAUTION
Personal injury hazard. Broken glass can cause cuts. Use tools and personal protective equipment to
remove broken glass.
To prepare the probe for calibration or sample measurement:
1. Turn the probe storage tube(s) and remove from the probe. Keep the probe storage tube(s).
2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
Polarize the dissolved oxygen probe (89231-660 multisensor)
Before calibration or measurement of dissolved oxygen with the 89231-660 multisensor, polarize the
dissolved oxygen probe.
The dissolved oxygen probe must be polarized every time the multisensor is disconnected from the
meter or the batteries are removed from the meter. The probe is continuously polarized while it is
connected to the meter.
1. Fill the dissolved oxygen probe storage tube with deionized water to the mark.
English 5

2. Attach the storage tube for the dissolved oxygen probe to the dissolved oxygen probe on the
multisensor.
3. Connect the multisensor to the meter. Turn the meter on.
4. Wait for the dissolved oxygen probe to polarize. Refer to Table 1 for the amount of time.
5. Enter the atmospheric pressure and salinity on the meter.
6. Turn the storage tube for the dissolved oxygen probe and remove it from the dissolved oxygen
probe on the multisensor.
7. Rinse the storage tube for the dissolved oxygen probe with deionized water.
8. Invert and shake the storage tube for the dissolved oxygen probe to remove any water droplets.
Table 1 Polarization times
Disconnect time Polarization time
Less than 5 minutes 10 minutes
5–15 minutes 45 minutes
More than 15 minutes 6 hours
Calibration
Before calibration:
Prepare the probe for use. Refer to Preparation for use on page 5.
Prepare the meter. Refer to the meter manual.
Calibration notes
• For maximum accuracy, calibrate the probe at least once a day.
• Prepare fresh standard solutions for the calibration.
• The calibration and sample measurement conditions must be as similar as possible (e.g., the
temperature of the solution, stir procedure, stir rate and position of the probe).
• For conductivity calibration, use 1-point calibration and select the standard nearest to the expected
measurement range.
• Calibration of conductivity cells is important as the conductivity cell constant can change with time
and calibration identifies the actual cell constant versus the nominal value.
• Do not dilute conductivity standards or samples.
• For dissolved oxygen calibration, a water-saturated air calibration is recommended. Refer to
Dissolved oxygen probe calibration procedure – water-saturated (100%) air on page 7.
• When the probe is submerged, make sure that there are no air bubbles under the probe sensor
tip(s). Gently shake the probe from side to side to remove any air bubbles.
• Make sure that the reference junction is fully in the solution.
• Do not put the probe on the bottom or sides of the container.
• If stabilization is slow, shake the probe from side to side in the solution.
• If a calibration error occurs, refer to Troubleshooting on page 12.
6 English

Calibration procedure
1. Connect the probe
to the meter. Turn the
meter on.
Note: For dissolved
oxygen calibration,
polarize the probe.
Refer to Polarize the
dissolved oxygen probe
(89231-660
multisensor) on page 5.
2. Push Calibrate and
select the probe if
applicable.
3. Prepare the
standard solutions in
separate beakers or
applicable containers.
4. Rinse the probe with
deionized water. Blot
dry with a lint-free cloth.
5. Put the probe in the
standard solution. Stir
the standard solution
gently at a constant rate
to prevent the formation
of a vortex.
6. Push Read. Stir
gently. The display
shows "Stable" when
the reading is stable.
7. When the reading is
stable, the meter
prompts for the next
calibration point. Do
steps 4–6 again for
additional standard
solutions. The
calibration is complete
when the last standard
solution is read.
Dissolved oxygen probe calibration procedure – water-saturated (100%) air
1. Turn the meter on. If
the dissolved oxygen
probe is not polarized,
polarize the probe.
2. Push Calibrate and
select the probe if
applicable.
3. Rinse the probe with
deionized water. Blot
dry with a lint-free cloth.
4. Add approximately
¼ inch (6.4 mm) of
deionized water to the
probe storage tube .
English 7

5. Invert and shake the
probe storage tube to
remove all water
droplets.
6. Immediately put the
probe in the storage
tube and turn to tighten.
7. Push Read. The
display shows "Stable"
when the reading is
stable. The calibration
is complete when the
reading is stable.
Calibration to a specific value
When TO A SPECIFIC VALUE is selected as the type of calibration, the probe is calibrated with a
single standard solution. Select the standard solution nearest to the expected sample value.
1. Connect the probe
to the meter. Turn the
meter on.
Note: For dissolved
oxygen calibration,
polarize the probe.
Refer to Polarize the
dissolved oxygen probe
(89231-660
multisensor) on page 5.
2. Push Calibrate and
select the probe if
applicable.
3. Prepare the
standard solution in a
beaker or an applicable
container.
4. Rinse the probe with
deionized water. Blot
dry with a lint-free cloth.
5. Put the probe in the
standard solution. Stir
the standard solution
gently at a constant rate
to prevent the formation
of a vortex.
6. Push Read. Stir
gently. The display
shows "Stable" when
the reading is stable.
7. When the reading is
stable, use the arrow
keys to enter the
standard solution value,
then push OK.
Sample requirements
Some probes are not compatible with specific sample types. Probe damage can occur.
8 English

• Samples should be aqueous. Measurements may be made in partially aqueous or some water-
miscible solvents. The results must be interpreted with caution as the full pH scale is shifted when
the solvent system changes.
• pH probes with an Ag/AgCl reference system and a single junction are not compatible with
solutions that contain silver complexing or binding agents such as TRIS, proteins and sulfides. To
measure in these solutions, use a double-junction pH probe, probe with an Ag+ (silver ion) barrier
or a Red Rod pH probe. Red Rod pH probes are compatible with these types of samples as they
have an encapsulated reference system.
• Proteins can collect on the sensing bulb. Make sure the probe stays clean when these types of
samples are measured.
• Do not use probes in solutions that are outside the temperature range of the probe.
Sample measurement
WARNING
Chemical exposure hazard. Obey laboratory safety procedures and wear all of the personal protective
equipment appropriate to the chemicals that are handled. Refer to the current material safety data
sheets (MSDS) for safety protocols.
Before measurement:
Prepare the probe for use. Refer to Preparation for use on page 5.
Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6. The manufacturer recommends that the probe is calibrated
at least once a day for the best measurement accuracy.
Measurement notes
• The calibration and sample measurement conditions must be as similar as possible (e.g., the
temperature of the solution, stir procedure, stir rate and position of the probe).
• Calibration of conductivity cells is important as the conductivity cell constant can change with time
and calibration identifies the actual cell constant versus the nominal value.
• Do not dilute conductivity standards or samples.
• When the probe is submerged, make sure that there are no air bubbles under the probe sensor
tip(s). Gently shake the probe from side to side to remove any air bubbles.
• Make sure that the reference junction is fully in the solution.
• If necessary, turn the protective shroud and remove it from the probe. The protective shroud
prevents damage to the sensors.
• Do not put the probe on the bottom or sides of the container.
• If stabilization is slow, shake the probe from side to side in the solution.
• Do not use probes in areas where EMF is present (i.e., voltaic cells, thermoelectric devices,
electrical generators, resistors and transformers). For use in process units (i.e., spot checking),
make sure that the meter is grounded.
• If a measurement error occurs, refer to Troubleshooting on page 12.
English 9

Measurement procedure
1. Connect the probe
to the meter. Turn the
meter on.
Note: Before dissolved
oxygen measurement,
polarize the probe if the
probe is not polarized.
2. Rinse the probe with
deionized water. Blot
dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Put the probe in the
sample and stir gently
at a constant rate to
prevent the formation of
a vortex.
4. Push Read. Select
the channel for the
parameter to be
measured if applicable.
5. Stir gently. The
display shows "Stable"
when the reading is
stable.
6. If the folder icon is
shown, push the folder
icon to save the data.
Note: Data is
automatically saved if
the folder icon is not
shown.
7. Do steps 2–6 again
for additional
measurements.
8. When
measurements are
done, prepare the
probe for storage. Refer
to Storage
on page 12.
Maintenance
Clean the probe
N O T I C E
Do not rub or touch the tip of the pH or dissolved oxygen sensors.
Clean the probe when there is contamination on the sensor(s). Symptoms of contamination are:
• Readings are not accurate or consistent.
• The stabilization time is slow.
• A calibration error occurs.
• Contamination is visible on the probe (i.e., dirt).
To clean the dissolved oxygen probe of the multisensor probe, refer to Dissolved oxygen probe
(89231-660 multisensor) on page 11.
1. For general contaminants, rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
2. For other contaminants:
a. Soak the pH and/or conductivity sensors of the probe in the applicable cleaning agent. Refer
to Table 2.
b. Rinse or soak the sensors for 1 minute in deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
10 English

Table 2 Cleaning agent
Contaminant Cleaning agent Soak time
Mineral deposits 0.1 N HCl 5 minutes (maximum)
Fats, grease and oils Warm, mild detergent solution 2 hours (maximum)
Dissolved oxygen probe (89231-660 multisensor)
Clean the probe
N O T I C E
Use only deionized water and/or the polishing cloth to clean the anode and cathode.
1. Remove the membrane module from the probe:
a. Hold the probe so it is vertical with the tip down.
b. Gently turn the membrane module to remove it from the probe.
2. Soak the membrane module in a mild soap solution.
3. Rinse the membrane module fully with deionized water.
4. Invert the membrane module and shake vigorously to remove any water.
5. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
6. Rub the anode with the polishing cloth supplied. The anode is the outer metallic stem of the probe
that is visible when the membrane module is removed. The polishing cloth removes deposits that
can decrease the probe performance.
7. Fill the membrane module 2/3 full with filling solution and assemble the probe. Refer to Fill the
membrane module on page 11.
Replace the membrane module
N O T I C E
Carefully handle the membrane modules to prevent damage.
It is necessary to replace the membrane module periodically. Replace the membrane module when it
is damaged, the probe reading drifts or the probe has a slow response.
1. Remove the membrane module from the probe:
a. Hold the probe so it is vertical with the tip down.
b. Gently turn the membrane module to remove it from the probe.
2. Discard the used membrane module.
3. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
4. Rub the anode with the polishing cloth supplied. The anode is the outer metallic stem of the probe
that is visible when the membrane module is removed. The polishing cloth removes deposits that
can decrease the probe performance.
5. Fill the new membrane module 2/3 full with filling solution and assemble the probe. Refer to Fill
the membrane module on page 11.
Fill the membrane module
Add filling solution to the membrane module if the level of filling solution in the membrane module is
less than 2/3 full.
1. Remove the membrane module from the probe:
a. Hold the probe so it is vertical with the tip down.
b. Gently turn the membrane module to remove it from the probe.
English 11

2. Add filling solution to the membrane module until it is approximately 2/3 full.
3. Install the membrane module on the probe:
a. Carefully tilt the membrane module to remove the air bubbles in the filling solution.
b. Hold the probe with the tip down and slightly tilted.
c. Slowly put the membrane module on the probe. Some filling solution should come out of the
threads of the membrane module. Remove any filling solution on the surface of the probe.
4. If no filling solution comes out of the threads, air may be inside the membrane module cap. Add
more filling solution to the membrane module and do step 3 again.
5. If the probe will be used immedately, polarize the probe. Refer to Polarize the dissolved oxygen
probe (89231-660 multisensor) on page 5.
6. If the probe will not be used immediately, put the probe in storage. Refer to Storage
on page 12.
Storage
1. Fill the probe storage tube(s) with storage solution to the mark. Refer to Specifications on page 3
for the applicable storage solution.
2. Put the probe(s) in the storage tube(s) and turn to tighten.
Rehydrate the probe (conductivity and pH sensors only)
N O T I C E
Do not clean the dissolved oxygen probe of the 89231-660 multisensor with HCl because damage to the
membrane will occur.
If the pH or conductivity sensors of a probe become dry, rehydrate the probe. A dry probe will not
operate correctly.
1. Soak the dry probe in a dilute HCl solution for several hours.
2. Rinse the probe with deionized water. Blot dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Troubleshooting
For the best performance, make sure to:
• Prepare the probe for use before calibration or measurement.
• Obey the calibration and measurement notes.
• Obey the calibration and measurement procedures.
Troubleshooting notes:
• Magnetic stirrers may supply sufficient heat to change solution temperature. Put a piece of
insulating material between the stirrer and beaker.
• Protect the sensing element from direct light during measurement.
12 English

Refer to Table 3 for calibration warnings and errors. Refer to Table 4 for measurement warnings and
errors.
Table 3 Calibration warnings and errors
Error/Warning Solution
Calibration out of range The slope is out of range.
Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Connect a new probe.
Standard or electrode in
poor condition
Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Examine the standard solution solution. Make sure that the standard solution used
is the standard solution selected in the calibration setup. Identify the temperature
specification in the calibration setup. Use a new standard solution.
Outside slope limits
Standard not recognized
Unstable reading Time t >
120 s
Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Make sure that the probe is correctly immersed in the sample.
Electrode in poor condition Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Check the electrode
SAME BUFFERS Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Examine the standard solution. Use a new standard solution.
Table 4 Measurement warnings and errors
Error/Warning Solution
pH 12.78 19°C Calibrate the probe. Refer to Calibration on page 6.
Measurement out of range
("_ _ _ _ _ _")
Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Unstable reading Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Make sure that the probe is correctly immersed in the sample.
The temperature is out of °C
range.
Examine the temperature sensor.
Connect a different probe to identify if the problem is with the probe or the
meter.
Time > 120 s Make sure that the probe is correctly immersed in the sample.
Measure the sample temperature.
Examine the probe. Refer to Examine the probe on page 13.
Time > 240 s
Time > 300 s
Examine the probe
Note: The lower the sample temperature or the larger the temperature difference between the samples, the longer
the stabilization time will be.
1. Clean the probe. .
2. Turn off the meter. Disconnect and then connect the probe again.
3. Connect a different probe to identify if the problem is with the probe or the meter.
English 13

14 English

vwr.com 1.800.932.5000
Prices, product appearance and specifications are current at the time of printing, subject to change without notice.
Availability for certain products may be limited by federal, state, provincial or local licensing requirements. All prices are
in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Offers valid in USA, void where prohibited by law or company policy, while
supplies last. Visit vwr.com to view our policy and additional disclaimers.
VWR, forms of VWR and the VWR logo and/or design are either registered trademarks, trademarks, or service marks of
VWR International, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks referenced herein are registered
marks of their respective owner(s). For a complete list of trademarks owners, please visit vwr.com.
© VWR, 2012.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.