The Fluoride TRACER is a system specif cally designed for the quick and
accurate measurement of f uoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous
samples. Unlike other electrode based systems the Fluoride TRACER consists of
the sensing electrode, measuring electronics, and the display in one convenient
package. This meter is shipped fully tested; with proper use, this instrument will
provide years of reliable service.
Features
• Automatic temperature compensation (±10°C of calibration temperature)
• Automatic calibration
• Stability sensing to optimize accuracy
• Internal Datalogger for storing up to 25 readings
• Direct reading of ppm units
• Direct reading of relative mV units
• Automatic shut down after 12 minutes to preserve battery life
• Internal error detection
• Convenient TISAB TesTab reagent
SPECIFICATIONS
Range0.10 to 9.99ppm (mg/L)
Accuracy ±3.0% of reading or 0.1ppm whichever is greater
Resolution0.1ppm
Display2000 count, Dual function 3½ digit LCD with
ElectrodeEuropium doped lanthanum f uoride single crystal
Electrode Life1 year minimum
Response Time90% of change in less than 30 seconds (typical)
Operating Temp. Range32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
ATC Range 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Measurement Storage25 tagged (numbered) data sets with recall
Battery Power Four (4) CR2032 button batteries
Low Battery Indication‘BAT’ appears on the LCD
Auto Power OffAfter 12 minutes of inactivity
Dimensions/Weight1.4 x 6.8 x 1.6” (36 x 173 x 41 mm); 7.4 oz (210 g)
The sensing electrode is a europium doped lanthanum f uoride single crystal that
has been incorporated into a removable sensing module that houses a reference
electrode and temperature measurement system. The high resistance electrode
signals are impedance converted to a low resistance output in the sensing module
to ensure stable and noise free performance.
TISAB TesTabs Tablet Description
The Fluoride TRACER allows the users to follow the ASTM and EPA standard
methodology using any of the TISAB reagents and standards already in use.
TISAB TesTabs contain all of the essential and approved chemicals that are
found in the usual TISAB reagents. The “dry” reagent does not contribute to
sample dilution.
The following procedure describes a quick-start for the Fluoride TRACER using
the TISAB TesTabs. Detailed operating instructions can be found on the pages
that follow.
Preparation
1.Remove the Fluoride TRACER, tablets, electrode module and sample cup
from the box. Remove caps from module.
2.Fit the electrode module onto the end of the meter body, making sure that
the slots line up correctly, and tightly turn the module retaining ring to
secure the assembly.
3. Wipe the f uoride crystal and reference junction with a damp tissue.
Calibration
1.Fill a sample cup to 20 mL with a 1.0 ppm f uoride standard Add one
TISAB TesTab (7024). Crush tablet with Tablet Crusher (0175) and mix
until the tablet disintegrates. Or prepare a traditional 1.0 ppm f uoride
standard and TISAB reagent, or use premade mixed TISAB and 1.0 ppm
standard. Pour 20 mLs of this standard solution into the sample cup.
2.Rinse the end of the Fluoride TRACER module in TISAB solution and wipe
thoroughly with paper tissue.
3.Place the Fluoride TRACER in the 1.0 ppm standard/TISAB mixture.
4.Switch the instrument on using the ON/OFF key. The instrument will now
go through its internal calibration.
5.The 1.0 ppm reading will stabilize in approximately 35 seconds and the
instrument will enter HOLD mode.
6.When in HOLD mode press the CAL key and hold until 1.0 ppm and ‘CAL’
appear in the display. Release the CAL key.
7.Wait until the display stops blinking; the instrument will enter the HOLD
mode.
8.The instrument is now calibrated and ready for use or calibration with a
second standard.
1.Prepare unknown solution by adding one TISAB TesTab (7024) to 20 mL of
the sample. Crush tablet with Tablet Crusher (0175) and mix until the tablet
dissolves. Or use another TISAB reagent system. Thoroughly wipe the end
of the Fluoride Tracer.
2.Place the Fluoride TRACER into the prepared unknown sample.
3.If the display is indicating ‘HOLD’ press the HOLD key to enter the
Measure mode. (The HOLD display will switch off).
4.After approximately 35 seconds the instrument will display the value of
the unknown concentration. Refer to the Maintenance Section for battery
replacement information.
5.The readings can be stored in memory by pressing the MODE/HOLD key
for approximately 3 seconds.
Storage and Maintenance
1.After use, store the electrode in an analyzed sample. (Fluoride standards
plus TISAB tablet)
2.Thoroughly wipe the sensor with paper tissue. The f at ended sensors can be
wiped vigorously.
3. The f uoride module can be replaced once the automatic calibration no
longer suff ciently calibrates the instrument.
4.Other maintenance information is provided in a later section of this guide.
OPERATION
Preparation for use
1.Remove the Fluoride TRACER, tablets, electrode module and sample cup
from the box. Remove caps from module.
2.Fit the electrode module onto the end of the meter body, making sure that
the slots line up correctly, and tightly turn the module retaining ring to
secure the assembly.
3. Wipe the f uoride crystal and reference junction with a damp tissue.
(Cleaning techniques are addressed later in this guide).
The Fluoride TRACER uses four (4) CR2032 lithium ion batteries. Press the ON/
OFF key to turn the meter on or off. If the batteries are weak, the ‘BAT’ indicator
appears on the LCD. The auto power off feature shuts the meter off automatically
after approximately 12 minutes of inactivity. The auto power off feature may be
temporarily disabled for convenience or for extended polarization time.
Power-On Diagnostics
1.When the meter is switched ON the LCD displays ‘SELF’ and ‘CAL’ while
the meter runs a diagnostic routine.
2.During this time the meter is recalling the user calibration data, performing
self diagnostics & initializing the circuitry.
3.When completed, the meter proceeds to the normal measurement mode.
Calibration
The Fluoride TRACER can be calibrated between 1.0 ppm and 10.0 ppm or
between 0.5 and 5.0 ppm Fluoride ion. The following calibration procedure
assumes the normal 1.0 to 10 ppm range has been chosen.
1.Fill a sample cup to 20 mL with a 1 ppm f uoride standard Add one TISAB
TesTab (7024). Crush tablet with Tablet Crusher (0175) and mix until the
tablet disintegrates. Or prepare a traditional 1.0 ppm f uoride standard and
TISAB reagent, or use pre made mixed TISAB and 1.0 ppm standard. Pour
20 mLs of this standard solution into the sample cup.
2.Rinse the end of the Fluoride TRACER module in TISAB solution and wipe
thoroughly with paper tissue.
3.Place the Fluoride TRACER in the 1.0 ppm standard/TISAB solution and
switch the instrument ON using the ON/OFF key. The instrument will now
run its self-calibration.
4.The instrument will enter the HOLD mode when stabilized in the 1.0 ppm
solution.
5.Press the CAL key; ‘CAL’ will appear in the display followed by 0.5ppm
and 5.0 ppm. Continue holding until 1.0 ppm is shown. Release the CAL
key. After the display stops blinking the instrument will enter the HOLD
mode.
6.For a 2 point calibration, repeat the calibration procedure with a 10.0 ppm
standard.
7.The instrument is now calibrated and ready for use. The circled ‘L’ and
‘H’ icons on the display indicate that the low range (L) and high range (H)
calibrations have been completed.
A 1 point calibration is adequate prior to each new measurement batch or if more
than 24 hours has elapsed since the last calibration. A 2 point calibration should
be performed if the meter is new or has not been calibrated for 5 days.
Slope Adjustment
1.Slope adjustment, although not a frequent requirement, can be carried out
by following the instructions in Calibration above and by calibrating with a
10.0 ppm standard after calibrating with the 1.0 ppm standard.
2.Press the CAL key until 10.0 ppm appears. Slope adjustment is then
complete.
Other Standards
As mentioned the Fluoride TRACER can also be calibrated between 0.5 and 5.0
ppm Fluoride. Follow the calibration instructions above but substitute 0.5 ppm
for 1.0 ppm and 5.0 ppm for 10.0 ppm.
Measurements
1.Prepare an unknown solution by adding, crushing, and dissolving one
TISAB TesTab (7024) in 20 mL of the sample or by adding TISAB reagent
to the sample in the same dilution ratio as for the calibration procedure. Mix
thoroughly.
2.Rinse the end of the Fluoride TRACER.
3.Place the Fluoride TRACER into the prepared unknown sample. If the
instrument is in the HOLD mode, press MODE/HOLD to unlock HOLD.
4.After 25 seconds, the instrument will display the value of the unknown
concentration and will then enter the HOLD mode.
Note: The readings can be stored in the memory by pressing the MODE/HOLD
key for approximately 3 seconds as explained in a subsequent section of this user
guide.
Temperature Units (ºF / ºC)
1.With the unit OFF, press and hold the CAL/RECALL key.
2.With the CAL/RECALL key depressed, momentarily press the ON/OFF
button to turn the unit ON.
3.The CAL/RECALL key can be released when ‘Self Cal’ is shown in the
display.
4.To switch back to the previous unit of measure, repeat steps 1 through 3.
The auto power off feature automatically shuts the meter off 12 minutes after the
most recent button press.
Disabling the Auto-Power OFF Feature
With the unit ON, momentarily press the CAL/RECALL key, then quickly press
and hold both the MODE/HOLD and ON/OFF key until ‘oFF’ is displayed. To
restore the Auto Power Off Feature (auto power OFF enable) simply turn the
meter off and on again using the ON/OFF key.
Low Battery Indication
When the battery voltage falls below the operating threshold, ‘BAT’ will
appear on the display. Refer to the Maintenance section for battery replacement
information.
Storing Readings
Up to 25 readings can be stored in memory for later recall.
1.With the meter in the HOLD mode, press and hold the MODE/HOLD key
for 3 seconds to store a reading. Release the key when the memory location
number appears on the lower display.
2.After approximately 30 seconds (measurement duration) the meter will
return to the HOLD mode and another reading can then be stored.
3.If more than 25 readings are stored, previously stored readings (starting with
reading number 1) are overwritten.
Recalling Stored Readings
1.Momentarily press the CAL/RECALL key and then within 4 seconds
momentarily press the MODE/HOLD key. The last stored data point
location will be displayed (1 to 25). Each time the MODE/HOLD button
is momentarily pressed the next most recently stored data key will be
displayed.
2.After the last data point is displayed, pressing the MODE/HOLDkey again
returns the display to the beginning of the list.
3.Pressing the CAL/RECALL key at anytime stops the data retrieval process
and returns the meter to the normal measurement mode.
Clearing Stored Readings
1.With the unit ON press and hold the ON/OFF key for 4 seconds.
2.When ‘clr’ is shown in the main display the memory is cleared.
2.Holding the battery housing in place with a f nger, pull out the battery
carrier using the two small tabs.
3.Replace the four (4) CR2032 batteries observing proper polarity.
4.Replace the battery carrier, reattach the battery compartment cap and tighten
securely.
Electrode Replacement
1.To remove the electrode, f rst turn the instrument OFF and then unscrew and
remove the electrode retaining collar. (Turn the collar counter-clockwise to
remove).
2.Gently rock the electrode from side to side, pulling it away from the meter
until it disconnects.
3.To attach an electrode, align the positioning “keys” on the electrode and
the main body housing and then carefully push the electrode into the meter
socket until it is fully seated. CAUTION: Take care to align pins carefully.
Bent or broken pins will cause the meter to malfunction.
4.Tighten the electrode retaining collar f rmly enough to seal the electrode
with the meter.
Electrode Storage
1.The module and can be stored wet or dry. If stored dry it will be necessary
to allow approximately 15 minutes of soaking in a f uoride solution before
the specif ed performance can be achieved. It is recommended that the
electrode be stored wet in the last test solution used by the instrument
(f uoride ion plus TISAB reagent).
2.The instrument will give an error code when the electrode can no longer be
calibrated.
3.If the instrument will not calibrate, clean the f uoride electrode surface and
recalibrate the instrument. If the meter still does not calibrate, replace the
electrode.
LaMotte Company warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and
workmanship for 1 year from the date of shipment and warrants this probe to
be free of defects in parts and workmanship for 6 months from the date of
shipment.
The sender is responsible for
packaging to prevent damage in
transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the
user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specif cation, improper
maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modif cation. LaMotte Company
specif cally disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or f tness for
a specif c purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or
consequential damages. LaMotte Company’s total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no
other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.