wtw pHotoFlex User manual

ba75491e05 04/2009
pHotoFlex /
pHotoFlex Turb
Operating manual
Handheld photometer

Accuracy when
going to press The use of advanced technology and the high quality standard of our instruments are the result of continuous development. This may result
in differences between this operating manual and your instrument. Al-
so, we cannot guarantee that there are absolutely no errors in this man-
ual. Therefore, we are sure you will understand that we cannot accept
any legal claims resulting from the data, figures or descriptions.
Firmware
Method data
Analysis specifications
Operating manual
Part of the process of consequently improving our products is the
continuous further development of the range of photometric tests
supplied and the meter firmware. All current data for the pHotoFlex /
pHotoFlex Turb can be found on the Internet under http://
www.WTW.com.
You can easily transfer new firmware to your instrument with the aid of
the AK 540/B cable and a PC. More detailed information can be found
in the appendix of the detailed operating manual on the CD-ROM
provided.
Copyright ©2009, WTW GmbH
Reprinting - even as excerpts - is only allowed with the explicit written
authorization of WTW GmbH, Weilheim.
Printed in Germany.

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pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb - Contents
1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 General features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.4 Socket field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.5 LabStation (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1 Authorized use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2 General safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.1 Scope of delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3 Connecting the LabStation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.4 Initial commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1 Switching on the meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.2 Inserting a cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3 General operating principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.3.1 Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.3.2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.3.3 Navigation example 1: Setting the language . . . 29
4.3.4 Navigation example 2: Setting the date and time 30
4.3.5 Menu overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.4 System settings (System menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.4.1 Measured value memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4.2 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.4.3 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.4.4 Date/time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.5 Photometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.5.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.5.2 Settings for photometric measurements . . . . . . 41
4.5.3 Measuring the concentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.5.4 Blank value (reagent blank value) . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.5.5 Measuring the absorbance/transmission . . . . . 45
4.5.6 Zero adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.5.7 Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.5.8 Analysis timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.5.9 Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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4.5.10 Measuring diluted samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4.6 pH value / ORP voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.6.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.6.2 Measuring the pH value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.6.3 Measuring the ORP voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.6.4 Settings for pH and ORP measurements . . . . . 53
4.6.5 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4.6.6 Carrying out the TEC and NIST/DIN calibration
procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.7 Turbidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.7.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.7.2 Aligning and marking a cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.7.3 Measuring turbidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
4.7.4 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.8 Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.8.1 Storing measurement datsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
4.8.2 Filtering measurement datsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
4.8.3 Displaying measurement datsets . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.8.4 Downloading the measurement datsets to the
RS232 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.8.5 Erasing stored measurement datasets . . . . . . . 73
4.9 Transmitting data (RS 232 interface) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.9.1 Connecting a PC/external printer . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.9.2 Configuring the RS232 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
4.9.3 Selecting the output format of datasets . . . . . . . 74
4.9.4 Transmitting data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
4.10 Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
4.10.1 Resetting the system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
4.10.2 Resetting the photometer settings . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4.10.3 Resetting the pH settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4.11 Meter information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.12 Software update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.13 Administrating user-defined methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
4.13.1 Administrating user-defined programs with a
terminal program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5 Maintenance, cleaning, disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
5.1 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.1.1 Inserting/exchanging the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.1.2 Retrofitting the accumulator pack . . . . . . . . . . . 86
5.2 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
5.2.1 Cleaning the cell shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
5.2.2 Cleaning the cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
5.3 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
6 What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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6.1 General errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.2 Photometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.3 pH value / ORP voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.4 Turbidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
7 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.1 General data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.1.1 pHotoFlex (Turb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.1.2 LabStation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.2 Photometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.3 pH value / ORP voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.4 Turbidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
8 Accessories, options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
8.1 WTW accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
8.1.1 Connection cable: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
8.2 Optional extensions of the pHotoFlex (Turb) . . . . . . . . . 99
9 Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
10 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appendix 1: Firmware update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Appendix 2: Turbidity values under 1 FNU/NTU . . . . . . . 110

Contents pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb Overview
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1Overview
1.1 General features
The compact pHotoFlex (Turb) handheld precision photometer en-
ables you to carry out the following measurements quickly and reliably:
zPhotometric measurements
– Concentration measurements
– Absorbance measurements
– Transmission measurements
zpH measurements
zTurbidity measurements (pHotoFlex Turb).
The pHotoFlex (Turb) handheld meter provides the maximum degree
of operating comfort, reliability and measuring certainty for all applica-
tions.
The proven MultiCal® calibration procedure supports you when cali-
brating for pH measurements and the AutoRead function enables pre-
cise pH measurements.
1Keypad
2Display
3Cell shaft
(folded out for a 16 mm cell to be inserted)
4Socket field
1
2
4
3

Overview pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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Note
If you need further information or application notes, you can obtain the
following material from WTW:
zApplication reports
zPrimers
zSafety datasheets.
You will find information on available literature in the WTW catalog or
via the Internet.
1.2 Keypad
Key functions
.
Select the measuring mode
<M> (long keystroke):
–Photometry
–Turbidity
–pH & ORP
Select the measured parameter within a measur-
ing mode
<M> (short keystroke):
–pH & ORP: pH, ORP
–Photometry:
Concentration, Absorbance, % Transmission
–Turbidity: no measured parameters selectable
Start calibration (measuring modes, pH & ORP,
Turbidity)
Start zero adjustment or blank value measure-
ment using the Photometry \ Adjustment menu
(measuring mode, Photometry)
<CAL/ZERO>

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Note
Keys with an additional number printed on are assigned doubly.
This enables to directly enter numbers in special menus. Thus, you
can, for example, conveniently enter the date and time via the number
keys.
In the Photometry measuring mode: Select a pro-
gram for concentration measurement
<PROG>
Open menus / confirm entries /
start measurement
<START/ENTER>
Call up the Configuration menu
(all settings are made here)
<MENU>
In the Photometry measuring mode, measured
parameter, Concentration
:
switch over between available citation forms
<FORM>
In the Photometry measuring mode, measured
parameter, Concentration
:
Switch over between available units <UNIT>
Switch the measuring instrument on/off
<ON/OFF>
Output display contents to RS232 interface (e.g.
print)
<PRT>
Open the Store menu <STO>,
Quick storing <STO> <STO>
Highlight menu items or selection
Set values
<▲>, <▼>
Switch to the next higher menu level /
cancel input
<ESC>
.
PRT

Overview pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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1.3 Display
The graphic display shows all information of the current measurement
in the measured value display. The illumination enables to read the dis-
play even in the darkness.
Example
1.4 Socket field
Identifying the
connectors
Measuring mode \ measured
parameter
Measured value (with unit)
Program and citation form
Diameter of the cell and
measuring range
Status line with date and time
Photometry \ Concentration
1.29 mg/l
2: A5/25 MC NH4 -N
16 mm 0.20 - 8.00 mg/l
01.02.05 15:12
12345
1pH electrode
2pH temperature sensor
3Power pack (9 V DC, see section 7.1.1)
4Contacts for operation on the LabStation
5RS232 serial interface

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1.5 LabStation (optional)
With the LabStation, which is available as an accessory, you can con-
veniently use the pHotoFlex (Turb) in the laboratory.
Laboratory operation with the LabStation enables the following addi-
tional functions:
zWith photometric measurements, the zero measurement is retained
even after switching the pHotoFlex (Turb) off and on again
zYou can connect a barcode reader for the simplified calling up of
programs
zThe LSdata software serves to easily enter user-defined programs
zLine power operation is possible to save the batteries or accumula-
tor pack
zThe accumulator pack in the pHotoFlex (Turb) is automatically
charged as soon as the meter is placed in the LabStation.
Fig. 1-1 LabStation
LabStation

Overview pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb Safety
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2 Safety
This operating manual contains basic instructions that you must follow
during the commissioning, operation and maintenance of the meter.
Consequently, all responsible personnel must read this operating man-
ual carefully before working with the meter. The operating manual must
always be available within the vicinity of the meter.
Target group The meter was developed for work in the field and in the laboratory.
We assume that, as a result of their professional training and experi-
ence, the operators will know the necessary safety precautions to take
when handling the chemicals of photometric test sets.
The personnel responsible for the commissioning, operation and main-
tenance must have the necessary qualifications for this work. If the per-
sonnel do not have the required skills they have to be instructed.
Furthermore, it must be ensured that the personnel read and complete-
ly understand the present operating manual.
Safety instructions The individual chapters of this operating manual use safety labels like
the one below to indicate danger:
CAUTION
indicates instructions that must be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of slight injuries or damage to the instrument
or the environment.
Further notes Note
indicates notes that draw your attention to special features.
Note
indicates cross-references to other documents, e.g. operating manu-
als.

Safety pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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2.1 Authorized use
This meter is authorized exclusively for carrying out the following mea-
surements in the field and laboratory:
zAnalysis of substances in water and aqueous solutions
using round cells
zConcentration measurement
zAbsorbance and transmission measurement
zMeasurement of pH value and ORP
zTurbidity measurement (pHotoFlex Turb only).
The technical specifications as given in chapter 7 TECHNICAL DATA must
be observed. Only the operation and running of the meter according to
the instructions given in this operating manual is authorized. Any other
use is considered to be unauthorized.
2.2 General safety instructions
This instrument is built and inspected according to the relevant guide-
lines and norms for electronic measuring instruments (see chapter
7T
ECHNICAL DATA).
It left the factory in a safe and secure technical condition.
Opening the photometer or adjustment, maintenance and repair work
must only be performed by specialist personnel authorized by the man-
ufacturer.
The only exceptions to this are the activities described in chapter
5M
AINTENANCE, CLEANING, DISPOSAL. Non-compliance results in the
loss of warranty claims.
Follow the points listed below when operating the photometer:
zFollow the local safety and accident prevention regulations
zObserve the enclosed instructions of reagents and accessories
zObserve the regulations when dealing with dangerous substances
zFollow the operating instructions at the workplace
zUse only original spare parts.
Function and operating
safety The smooth functioning and operational safety of the meter can only be guaranteed if the generally applicable safety measures and the specific
safety instructions in this operating manual are followed during opera-
tion.

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The smooth functioning and operational safety of the meter can only be
guaranteed under the environmental conditions that are specified in
chapter 7 TECHNICAL DATA.
If the instrument was transported from a cold environment to a warm
environment, the formation of condensate can lead to the faulty func-
tioning of the instrument. In this event, wait until the temperature of the
instrument reaches room temperature before putting the instrument
back into operation.
Safe operation It is the responsibility of the operator to continuously observe the over-
all technical condition (externally recognizable deficits and damage as
well as alterations to the operational behavior) of the meter.
If safe operation is no longer possible, the instrument must be taken out
of service and secured against inadvertent operation!
Safe operation is no longer possible if the meter:
zhas been damaged in transport
zhas been stored under adverse conditions for a lengthy period of
time
zis visibly damaged
zno longer operates as described in this manual.
If you are in any doubt, please contact the supplier of the instrument.
CAUTION
Danger of eye damage by visible and invisible LED radiation. In
the cell shaft there are light emitting diodes (LED) of the 1M class.
Do not look at the radiation using optical instruments.
With normal, authorized use there is no hazard.
Obligations of the
operator The purchaser of this meter must ensure that the following laws and guidelines are observed when using dangerous substances:
zEEC directives for protective labor legislation
zNational protective labor legislation
zSafety regulations
zSafety datasheets of the chemical manufacturers.

Safety pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb Commissioning
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3 Commissioning
3.1 Scope of delivery
zHandheld photometer, pHotoFlex Turb or pHotoFlex
z4 batteries, 1.5 V type AA (in the battery compartment)
zOptional: Accumulator pack and power pack with Euro plug
and exchange plugs for USA, UK, and Australia
zOptional: LabStation
z1 empty cell 16 mm
z2 empty cells 28 mm
with label to mark the cell for turbidity measurements
zAMCO®-Clear turbidity standard (pHotoFlex Turb only)
zMicrofiber cloth to clean the meter
zCompact operating manual and short operating manual
zCD-ROM with
– detailed operating manual
– photometry analysis manual with analysis specifications
– software to program user-defined methods
Note
The optional parts of the scope of delivery are available as accessories
(see section 8.1).
3.2 Power supply
You can operate the meter either with batteries, accumulator pack or a
power pack. The power pack supplies the meter with low voltage
(9 V DC). At the same time, the accumulator pack is charged. The ac-
cumulator pack is charged even while the meter is switched off.
The LoBat display indicator appears when the batteries or accumulator
pack is nearly discharged.
Charging time of the
accumulator pack approx. 36 hours.
CAUTION
The line voltage at the operating site must lie within the input volt-
age range of the original power pack (see chapter 7 TECHNICAL DA-
TA).
CAUTION
Use original power packs only (see chapter 7 TECHNICAL DATA).

Commissioning pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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Note
The accumulator pack should not be completely discharged. If you do
not operate the instrument for a longer period of time you should charge
the accumulator pack every six months.
Automatic switchoff The meter has an automatic switch-off function in order to save the bat-
teries or accumulator pack (see section 4.4).
Display illumination During operation with batteries or accumulator pack the meter automat-
ically switches off the display illumination if no key is pressed for
30 seconds. The illumination is switched on with the next keystroke
again. The display illumination can also be switched off completely (see
section 4.4.2).
Note
Power pack and accumulator pack are available as an accessory (see
section 8.1).
Connecting the power
pack (optional)
1If necessary, replace the Euro plug (1) on the power pack (2)
by the country-specific plug suitable for your country.
2 Connect the plug (3) to the socket (4) of the photometer.
3Connect the power pack to an easily accessible power socket.
3
4
2
1

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3.3 Connecting the LabStation
Note
The LabStation is available as an accessory (see section 8.1).
In order to use the functions of the LabStation for operation in the lab-
oratory, connect the LabStation and place the pHotoFlex (Turb) in the
LabStation.
Connecting the LabSta-
tion (optional)
Note
When the pHotoFlex (Turb) is operated in the LabStation, a barcode
reader can be connected. A barcode reader enables to select program
numbers in a simplified manner.
Recommended barcode readers can be found in section 8.2.
For the interface of your meter, set the same baud rate that is set for
the barcode reader (see section 4.4.3).
The baud rate of the barcode reader is given in the operating manual
of your barcode reader.
1If necessary, replace the Euro plug (1) on the power pack (2)
by the country-specific plug suitable for your country.
2 Connect the plug (3) to the socket (4) of the LabStation.
3Connect a PC, printer or barcode reader to the socket (5) of the
LabStation as necessary.
6
5
4
3
2
1

Commissioning pHotoFlex / pHotoFlex Turb
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4Connect the power pack to an easily accessible power socket.
5 Place the pHotoFlex (Turb) in the LabStation.
6Connect a pH electrode to the socket on the pHotoFlex (Turb)
through the cut-out (6) as necessary.
LabStation