wtw photoLab 6100 VIS User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
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photoLab®6100 VIS
SPECTROPHOTOMETER

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photoLab®6100 VIS
Copyright © Weilheim 2013, WTW GmbH
Reproduction in whole - or even in part - is prohibited without the
express written permission of WTW GmbH, Weilheim.
Printed in Germany.
For the most recent version of the manual, please visit
www.WTW.com.

photoLab®6100 VIS Contents
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photoLab®6100 VIS - Contents
1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Overview of the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Target group and user qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Authorized use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 General safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 Handling of hazardous substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 General notes on handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Initial commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.1 Inserting the buffer batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.2 Connecting the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.3 Switching on the photometer and setting the
language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.4 Set the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1 Switching on or off the photometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 General operating principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2.1 Navigating with function keys and menus . . . . . 18
4.2.2 Display of navigation paths in short form . . . . . 20
4.2.3 Entry of numerals, letters and characters . . . . . 21
4.3 Zero adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.4 Measuring in Concentration mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.4.1 Measuring cell tests with barcode . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.4.2 Measuring reagent tests with AutoSelector . . . . 27
4.5 Measuring the Absorbance / % Transmission . . . . . . . . 29
4.5.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.5.2 Measuring the absorbance or transmission . . . 29

Contents photoLab®6100 VIS
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5 Maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
5.1 Replacing the lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
5.2 Exchanging the buffer batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
5.3 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
5.3.1 Cleaning the enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
5.3.2 Cleaning the cell shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
5.3.3 Cleaning the detector lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
6 What to do if ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
6.1 Actions in the case of a broken cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
6.2 Error causes and remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
7 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
7.1 Measurement characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
7.2 Measured value documentation and quality assurance . .44
7.3 General meter data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

photoLab®6100 VIS Overview
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1 Overview
1.1 Overview of the instrument
Front of the
instrument
Socket field on the
rear panel
Note
All connections comply with SELV.
1Display
2 Keypad
3 Shaft for rectangular cells
4 Turn-up lid
5 Shaft for round cells
6 Cell shaft cover
Fig. 1-1 Front of the instrument with operating elements
2
1
35
6
4
7 Connection for power pack
8 RS232 connection
9 USB-A connection
10 USB-B connection
Fig. 1-2 Rear panel with socket field
78910

Overview photoLab®6100 VIS
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1.2 Keypad
Overview
Key functions The keys on the right side of the keypad have the following functions:
1 Function keys F1 to F4 (function menu-depending)
2 Alphanumeric keypad
3 Keys with dedicated function
Fig. 1-3 Keypad
1
2 3
Key Designation Functions
<ON/OFF> – Switches on and off the
photometer
<HOME> – Switches to the main menu from
any operating situation. Actions
that are not completed are
canceled.
<PRINT> – Downloads the displayed value to
an interface.
<STORE> – Saves a displayed value or
spectrum
<ZERO·BLANK> – Starts one of the following
measurements, depending on the
operating situation:
- Zero adjustment
- Blank value measurement
- Baseline measurement
<TIMER> – Opens the menu, Timer.

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Function keys The function keys F1 to F4 have different functions depending on the
operating situation. The current functions are displayed in the function key
menu at the bottom edge of the display (see section 4.2.1).
<ESC> – Cancels the running action.
Entries that have not yet been
accepted are discarded.
– Switches to the next higher menu
level.
<START·ENTER> – Starts an action (e.g.
measurement)
– Opens a selected menu
– Confirms a selection or entry
(Arrow keys)
<>or <>– Moves the selection in menus and
lists one position up or down
<>– Deletes the character left of the
cursor during character entries
– Moves the cursor to the left in a
spectrum or kinetic diagram
<>– Moves the cursor to the right in a
spectrum or kinetic diagram
Key Designation Functions

Overview photoLab®6100 VIS
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1.3 Display
Display element
Symbols in the
status line
1 Status line (current state, date and time)
2 Display range for menus and measurement results
3 Function keys menu
Fig. 1-4 Display
1
2
3
Concentration 04/16/07 9:52
1.92 mg/l
18: 14752 NH4-N
10 mm 0.05 - 3.00 mg/l
Setup Method list Citation form Unit
Symbol Designation Function
Save The <STORE> key is active.
You can store the displayed data with
<STORE>.
Printer The <PRINT> key is active.
You can output to an interface the displayed
data with <PRINT>.
Progress bar During the warm-up time (15 minutes) a
progress bar appears on the display.
The reproducibility of measured values is
limited during the warm-up time.

photoLab®6100 VIS Safety instructions
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2 Safety instructions
General safety
instructions
Safety instructions in this operating manual are indicated by the warning
symbol (triangle) in the left column. The signal word (such as "caution")
indicates the danger level:
WARNING
indicates instructions that must be followed precisely in order to
prevent serious dangers to personnel.
CAUTION
indicates instructions that must be followed precisely in order to avoid
slight injuries to personnel or damage to the instrument or the
environment.
2.1 Target group and user qualification
The photometer was developed for use in the laboratory. Carrying out
photometric determinations with the aid of test sets frequently requires the
handling of hazardous substances.
We assume that the operating personnel know how to handle hazardous
substances due to their professional training and experience. The operating
personnel must particularly be able to understand and correctly implement
the safety labels and safety instructions on the packages and inserts of the
test sets.
2.2 Authorized use
The authorized use of the photometer consists exclusively of the carrying out
of photometric measurements according to this operating manual. Follow the
technical specifications of the cells in chapter 7 TECHNICAL DATA. Any other
use is considered to be unauthorized.
2.3 General safety instructions
Note
The opening of the photometer or adjustment and repair work must only be
performed by specialist personnel authorized by the manufacturer.
Noncompliance invalidates any claim with regard to the warranty.
Function and
operational safety
The smooth functioning and operational safety of the photometer can only be
guaranteed if the generally applicable safety measures and the specific
safety instructions in this operating manual are followed during operation.

Safety instructions photoLab®6100 VIS
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The smooth functioning and operational safety of the photometer can only be
guaranteed under the environmental conditions that are specified in chapter
7 TECHNICAL DATA.
If the photometer was transported from a cold environment to a warm
environment, the formation of condensate can lead to the faulty functioning
of the meter. In this event, wait until the temperature of the meter reaches
room temperature before putting the meter back into operation.
Safe operation If safe operation is no longer possible, the photometer must be taken out of
operation and secured against inadvertent operation.
Safe operation is no longer possible if the photometer:
has been damaged in transport
has been stored under adverse conditions for a lengthy period of time
is visibly damaged
no longer operates as described in this manual.
If you are in any doubt, contact the supplier of your photometer.
2.4 Handling of hazardous substances
When developing test sets, WTW carefully sees that the tests can be carried
out as safely as possible. Some hazards by dangerous substances, however,
cannot always be avoided.
WARNING
Improper handling of certain reagents can cause damage to your
health.
In any case follow the safety labels on the packing and the safety
instructions of the package insert. Protective measures specified there
have to be followed exactly.
Safety datasheets The safety datasheets of the chemicals comprise all instructions on safe
handling, occurring hazards, preventive actions and actions to take in
hazardous situations. Follow these instructions in order to work safely.

photoLab®6100 VIS Commissioning
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3 Commissioning
3.1 General notes on handling
The photoLab®6100 VIS photometer is an optical precision meter. There-
fore, it should always be handled with care, especially in mobile use. Always
protect the meter from conditions that could damage the mechanical, optical
and electronic components. Heed the following points especially:
The temperature and humidity during operation and storage must be
within the limits specified in chapter 7 TECHNICAL DATA.
The following influences always have to be avoided with the meter:
– Extreme dust, moisture and wetness
– Exposure to intensive light and heat
– Fumes that are corrosive or contain high concentrations of solvents.
For measuring, the meter must be placed on a flat surface.
Spilled liquid or other material should be removed immediately (see sec-
tion 5.3 CLEANING).
If a cell has broken in the cell shaft, the cell shaft should be cleaned imme-
diately (see section 6.1 ACTIONS IN THE CASE OF ABROKEN CELL).
The cell shaft should always be closed when the photometer is not used.
During transport of the photometer, the cell shaft has to be empty.
For mobile use we recommend the transport case.

Commissioning photoLab®6100 VIS
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3.2 Initial commissioning
Perform the following activities:
Insert the buffer batteries (see section 3.2.1)
Connect the power supply (see section 3.2.2)
Switch on the photometer (see section 3.2.3)
Set the language (see section 3.2.3)
Set the date and time (see section 3.2.4)
Carry out zero adjustment (see section 4.3)
Packing This photometer is sent out in a protective transport packing.
WARNING
Always keep the original packing including the inner packing. If you
have to transport the instrument, the packing protects the instrument
optimally from hard shocks.
The original packing is also required for the appropriate return
transport of the instrument if it has to be repaired.
Please note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by
inappropriate transport.
3.2.1 Inserting the buffer batteries
The buffer batteries supply the integrated clock while the photometer is
switched off. Four alkaline manganese batteries (type AA or Mignon)
separately included in the scope of delivery are used as the buffer batteries.
Insert the batteries as follows:
1Turn the photometer upside down
and place it on a soft surface.
2Open the lid of the battery
compartment (1).
3Insert the four batteries in the
battery compartment. Make sure
that the poles of the batteries are
in the correct position. The ± signs
on the batteries must correspond
to the ± signs in the battery
compartment.
4Close the lid of the battery
compartment.
1

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3.2.2 Connecting the power supply
The power is supplied via the enclosed plug-in power pack. The power pack
supplies the photometer with low voltage (12 VDC).
CAUTION
The line voltage of the usage location must fulfill the specifications
stated on the power pack (the specifications are also given in chapter 7
TECHNICAL DATA). Always use the supplied 12 V original power pack
only. The power pack is not suitable for operation with older
photometers (ser.no. prior to 1319xxxx).
Connecting the
plug-in power pack
3.2.3 Switching on the photometer and setting the language
During the initial commissioning the photometer automatically guides you to
the setting of the meter language after switching on (<ON/OFF>).
After the initial commissioning, you can change the language in the
General setup / Language menu at any time.
1Connect the miniplug of the power
pack to the socket (1) of the
photometer.
2Connect the power pack to an
easily accessible power socket.
1Select a language with <><>.
2Confirm the selected language
with <START·ENTER>.
The language has been set.
The currently selected language is
marked by a tick.
The display switches to the setting
of Date and Time.
1
Language 04/16/07 9:52
Deutsch
English ✓
Français
Español
Italiano
Bulgarian/Български
Česko
Chinese/ 中文
Traditional Chinese/ 繁體中文
Greek/Ελληνικά
Indonesian/Indonesia

Commissioning photoLab®6100 VIS
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3.2.4 Set the date and time
During the initial commissioning, the instrument automatically guides you to
the setting of the time and date after the setting of the language.
After the initial commissioning, you can change the date and time in the
General setup / Date/Time menu at any time.
The Date/Time menu is open.
Using <><>, select a menu
item and
confirm or open it with
<START·ENTER> .
1Select and confirm Date.
The input field for the current date
pops up.
2Enter the current date with <0...9>
and confirm.
The input field closes.
The date is accepted.
3Select and confirm Time.
The input field for the current time
pops up.
4Enter the current time with <0...9>
and confirm.
The input field closes.
The time is accepted.
Date/Time 04/16/07 9:52
Date 04/16/2007
Time 9:52:09
OK
Date/Time 04/16/07 9:52
Date 04/16/2007
Time 9:52:09
OK
Date
23 .10.2006
Date/Time 04/16/07 9:52
Date 04/16/2007
Time 9:52:09
OK
Time
10 :22 :09

photoLab®6100 VIS Operation
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4 Operation
4.1 Switching on or off the photometer
Switching on
Starting the
Self test
1Switch the photometer on with
<ON/OFF>.
The display shows
– the Self test dialog (if the user
management is not active).
or
– the Login dialog
(if the user management is
active).
With activated user management:
2Login
Enter user name and password or
log in as a guest.
Then the Self test dialog is
displayed.
Self test 04/16/07 9:52
Please make sure no cell is inserted and the cover is closed.
Then press <START/ENTER>
Setup Info
Login 04/16/07 9:52
Enter user name
Administrator
3Remove all cells and close the cell
shaft cover.
4Start the self-test with
<START·ENTER>.
The photometer carries out the
self-test.
Self test 04/16/07 9:52
Please make sure no cell is inserted and the cover is closed.
Then press <START/ENTER>

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Self test During the self-test, all cells must be removed and the cell shaft cover closed.
Note
The result of the self-test can be viewed and printed with the [Info] function
key.
Warm-up time After switching on the photometer requires a warm-up time of 15 minutes.
Reproducibility of measurement data is restricted during the warm-up time.
Therefore, do not measure during the warm-up time.
During the warm-up time, a progress bar appears on the display next to the
date. The progress bar disappears as soon as the warm-up time is over.
The self-test includes:
– the test of the memory,
processor,
internal interfaces,
filter and lamp
– a calibration for each
wavelength
After the self-test is completed,
the main menu is displayed.
Self test 04/16/07 9:52
System test
System test
Filter test
Lamp test
Wavelength calibration
Progress bar during
warm-up time

photoLab®6100 VIS Operation
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AutoCheck With the AutoCheck function the photometer checks and calibrates the
optical measuring unit. The AutoCheck is automatically carried out if
measurement settings were changed since the last measurement, e.g.:
if a different wavelength was selected or
if a different method was selected.
If necessary, the photometer asks you to remove the cell from the cell shaft.
With unchanged measurement settings, the AutoCheck is carried out in the
background at regular intervals of 5 minutes. The AutoCheck can only be
carried out in the background if the cell shaft is empty. If a cell is in the cell
shaft the AutoCheck is carried out only after the cell was removed.
Note
Remove the cell from the cell shaft after every measurement. Thus the
photometer can carry out the regular AutoCheck.
Cells must be completely removed from the cell shaft.
Cells that are removed only half disturb the AutoCheck measurement and, as
a consequence, falsify measured values until the next AutoCheck is carried
out.
Plastic cells that are not recognized by the automatic cell recognition also
disturb the AutoCheck.
Note
During a running kinetic measurement the photometer cannot carry out any
AutoCheck. That is why in this case a warm-up time of two hours is required.
After this time the signal is stable enough to that the measurement accuracy
is secured over a longer period of time.
Display illumination The photometer automatically switches off the display illumination if no key
has been pressed for 5 minutes. The illumination is switched on again with
the next keystroke. The function of the key becomes active only with the
following keystroke.
Switching off To switch the photometer off, keep the <ON/OFF> key depressed until the
photometer is switched off.

Operation photoLab®6100 VIS
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4.2 General operating principles
4.2.1 Navigating with function keys and menus
Fig. 4-1 Example of navigation with function keys (left) and "classical" menu navigation
(right)
Press twice<>q
Moves the selection down
by 2 positions
Current selection
in reverse video
Confirm selection
with <START ENTER>
Further navigation
andwith <><>pq
<START ENTER>
Further navigation
with function keys
(here: F1 and F2)
Press the F1
Funktion key
("Settings")
Opens the
"Settings"
submenu
Updated function
key menu in the
multi wavelengths
mode
Function key
menu
Main menu

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Use of the function
keys
The function keys F1 to F4 are below the display. Their functions change
depending on the operating situation and mode. The current functions are
displayed in the function key menu at the bottom edge of the display.
Apart from navigation, the function keys are also used for other operations:
Opening a selection list or input field
Executing a command (directly or with intermediate query)
Switch over between two display options,
such as absorbance transmission
Navigation with
arrow keys
(<><>) and
<START·ENTER>
These operating elements are used to select an item from a menu or list. The
current selection is displayed in reverse video. Pressing of
<START·ENTER> confirms the selection.
Apart from navigation, the <START·ENTER> key is also used for other
operations:
Opening a selection list or input field
Confirming a selection
Confirming entries of text and numerals
Executing a command (directly or with intermediate query)
Activating an item in a selection list (= active)

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4.2.2 Display of navigation paths in short form
In this operating manual, the introductory navigation steps leading to
individual menus or dialogs are clearly shown in a gray box. The box
indicates a section of the menu tree.
Starting point of the description is always the main menu, which can be
reached with the <HOME> key from any operating situation. From there
navigation takes place downward.
Operating example:
Navigation to the
setting menu for the
language
The following example shows the elements of the menu tree with the relevant
operating steps:
Further navigation options:
The <ESC> key moves you one level up in the menu tree.
The <HOME> key directly calls up the main menu.
Note
If you are "lost" in a menu, press <HOME> and restart navigating from the
main menu.
<HOME>
[General setup]
–Language
Bold letters and angle brackets
indicate a key on the photometer
(except function keys).
→Press the "Home" key.
The main menu is called up.
Square brackets indicate a
function key F1 to F4. The text
between the brackets
corresponds to the assignment
according to the function key
menu on the bottom edge of the
display.
→Press the function key with the
assignment "Settings"
Text without brackets stands for a
menu item indicated on the
display (list item).
→Select the menu item with the
arrow keys <><>. The
current selection is displayed
in reverse video.
→Then press
<START·ENTER>.