ORBECO 942, 942-095 Instruction Manual

Series 942
The Mini Analyst

Instruction Manual
942-043, Ammonia Nitrogen LR

2

Safety Precautions

CAUTION

Please read this instruction manual before unpacking, setting up or using The Mini Analyst. Please read the

method description completely before performing the test. Be aware of the risks of using the required reagents

by reading the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets). Failure could result in serious injury to the operator or

damage to the instrument.

MSDS: www.orbeco.com

CAUTION

The accuracy of the instrument is only valid if the instrument is used in an

environment with controlled electromagnetic disturbances according to DIN 61326.

Wireless devices, e.g. wireless phones, should not be used near the instrument.

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Table of Contents

Specications .....................................................................................................................................3

1.0 General Description and Features ..............................................................................4

2.0 Safety ........................................................................................................................................5

2.1 Preparing for Operation......................................................................................................5

2.2 General Operating Details and Techniques..................................................................5

2.3 Range Expansion - How to Cover Higher Ranges by Diltuion...............................8

2.4 Meaning of “Blank“ and “Sample“ Tubes.......................................................................8

2.5 Precautions...............................................................................................................................9

3.0 General Operating Instructions ................................................................................ 10

4.0 Important Reagent Safety and Disposal Precautions.....................................13

4.1 Reagent Handling and Disposal .................................................................................... 13

4.2 In Case of Emergency ........................................................................................................ 13

4.3 Explanation of Safety Codes ........................................................................................... 14

4.4 First Aid ................................................................................................................................... 15

4.5 Instructions for Disposal and Neutralizing Spills ....................................................15

5.0 Maintenance and Trouble-shooting ....................................................................... 17

5.1 Automatic Self-Diagnosis ................................................................................................ 17

5.2 Replacement of Batteries .................................................................................................17

5.3 Instrument Not Working?..................................................................................................17

5.4 When Test Results are in Question.................................................................................17

6.0 Warranty ............................................................................................................................... 20

7.0 Specic Test Instructions................................................................................................21

4

Specications

Microprocessor Capacity: Stores calibration for specied test.

Temperature Range, Operating: 0o to 40oC (32o to 140oF)

Temperature Range, Storage: -10

0

to 70oC (14o to 158oF)

Power: 3 AA size alkaline batteries (supplied)

Low Battery Power Indicator: Automatic, on display

Automatic Power-O: After 15 minute interval of non-use

Voltage Regulation: Automatic, by internal circuit

Light Source: Narrow band LED, selected for Specic Test

Photometric Detector: Photovoltaic Cell

Data/Message Readout: 2-line, 16 character alphanumeric LCD

Zero Set: Automatic by microprocessor

Standardization Set: Automatic by microprocessor

Housing: Rugged, corrosion and water resistant ABS plastic

Faceplate/Keypad: Sealed, splash-proof. Touch sensitive on/o switch

Microswitch: Automatically senses insertion/withdraw of tubes

Instrument Dimensions: 5.75” L x 3.6” W x 2” H / 146 L x 91.4 W x 50.8 H mm

Instrument Weight: 12 oz./341 g.

Shipping Weight: 4 lbs./1.8 Kg.

Carrying Case: Rugged, corrosion and water resistant plastic

Sample Tubes: Glass: Scratch-resistant, grad. @10mL, 26mm Diameter with screw cap. No. 975-TG,

package of 4 pieces.
Plastic: Break-resistant, grad. @ 10mL, 26 mm Diameter with screw cap. No. 975-TP,
package of 4 pieces.

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1.0 General Description and Features

Orbeco-Hellige portable Series 942 Specic Test Mini Analyst Water Analyzers combine an advanced
microprocessor-controlled pre-calibrated photometer with all-inclusive “Quick ‘n’ Easy” Reagent Outts. You

can choose from many dierent complete testing outts. They are ideal for every type of water analysis....for

easy regulatory monitoring, accurate process control, and fast pollution and environmental testing....in the

lab, plant, classroom, or eld.

How They Work. A high intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED) transmits a narrow bandwidth light beam
through the reagent-treated water sample to a light sensitive photovoltiac cell. Ocially approved reagent
chemistries have been selected that provide a color intensity related to the concentration of the substance
under test. A pre-calibrated microprocessor converts the light absorbed directly to numerical test value,
which is shown on the LCD display.

A Permanent Calibration For Each Mini Analyst is stored in the memory of each Model 942 instrument to
save you time, work and expenses. The test procedures in Section 7 are given in step-by-step, easy-to-follow
form, with special instructions for your safety and convenience. No user adjustments are ever needed.

LED Narrow-Band Light Source assures high test sensitivity and very long light source and battery life.

Microprocessor-controlled, each Mini Analyst automatically self-checks its power, circuitry, and lamp readi-

ness at the beginning of each testing session.

The Direct-Reading LCD Display provides procedure prompts and exact, unambiguous test results. It also
indicated low battery condition.

Model 942 is Powered by 3 long-life alkaline AA batteries (supplied). Battery life is extended by automatic
shut-o after 15 minutes of non-use.

Accessories Included With the 942 include all required reagents, 4 scratch-resistant glass tubes, 3 long-life
AA batteries, and foam-lined carrying case. Please contact Customer Service for replacement “Quick ‘n’ Easy”
Reagent Kits, tubes, and other specic test Mini Analyst available.

Each Model 942 is Made in the U.S.A. and has a 3-year Warranty

For Toll-free Technical Support, contact Orbeco-Hellige, Inc at:

Phone: [phone]

800.922.5242 (U.S.A. Only)
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.orbeco.com

Specications are listed on the previous page

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2.0 Preparations Before Operation and Testing Techniques

2.1 Preparing for Operation

Toll-free Hotline for Technical Service: If you have any questions or problems, call our Toll-free Hotline at

1.800.922.5242 Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, or send an E-mail to
[e-mail]. It will be a pleasure to help you.

Remove Red Dust Cover Plug from sample tube hole before testing. (Retain it to prevent dust penetration
during inactive storage).

Install the Supplied 3 AA Batteries: Remove cover on bottom of instrument and insert batteries (observe
correct polarity for each). If the 942 is not expected to be used for periods exceeding 3 months, remove the
batteries to avoid damage due to possible battery leakage.

Low-Battery Warning: The 942 self-checks the battery condition as each test is started. When the battery
condition has weakened to a pre-set level, the display reads “Battery Low.” Replace all 3 batteries promptly
to avoid inaccurate readings. Calibration memory will not be lost during battery replacement.

When Replacing Batteries, use only fresh 1.5v AA alkaline batteries. Install with polarities as shown in bat­tery holder. Always replace all 3 batteries at the same time, and do not use a mixture of dierent brands.

Automatic Power-o: To conserve battery life, the Model 942 shuts itself o automatically 15 minutes after
the last key pressed.

2.2 General Operating Details and Techniques

Taking Water Samples:

For the highest accuracy, be very careful to ensure that water samples are truly representative. Water sam­ples taken from pipes or wells should be allowed to run suciently to ush out sediments or standing water.
To get a truly representative test value from surface waters, it may be necessary to take samples at various
locations and depths, and even at dierent times of day or night.

Sample containers should be scrupulously clean. An accepted general method of cleaning containers prior
to use consists of taking the following steps. First, clean with a lab detergent. Then ush thoroughly with
tap water. Next, rinse with R-405 1:1 Hydrochloric Acid or R-1119 1:1 Nitric Acid, and rinse thoroughly with
distilled or R-3684 Deionized Water. Repeat several times.

Special instructions are given in the Specic Test Procedure (section 7) if unusual preliminary steps must be
taken.

It is best to test samples as quickly as possible after they have been collected, especially when you have
reason to believe the concentration will be low. If this is not possible, see below.

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Preserving or Storing Water Samples

Customary methods for preserving a sample include adjusting its pH, adding chemicals, refrigeration, or
freezing. Some materials may change soon after having been sampled, and applicable instructions for these
are given in the Specic Test Procedure.

For details beyond those specically noted in Section 7, refer to Part 1060 of the current edition of Standard
Methods. This details:
A. Whether polyethylene or glass containers (or both) may be used
B. Recommends preservation including cooling, chemical addition, or pH adjustments
C. Lists the maximum storing times for water tests to be valid

Two Types of Sample Tubes are Supplied -- Plastic and Glass

Break-resistant No. 975-TP Plastic Tubes are ideal for testing swimming pools, foodstus or situations where
broken glass would be hazardous. Scratch-resistant No. 975-TG Glass Tubes are preferred for all other test­ing applications. The 942’s calibrations are equally accurate for either type of tube. But when making tests,
USE THE SAME TYPE OF TUBE FOR THE BLANK AND SAMPLE; DO NOT INTERMIX PLASTIC TUBES WITH GLASS
TUBES.

Importance of Cleanliness

Use only clean tubes, and hold them by their caps to prevent nger marks on the sides of the tubes. The
containers used to obtain samples and labware used with the instrument should be clean both inside and
out. To avoid inaccurate results, always wash and dry tubes and labware promptly after use. If stubborn
residues have adhered to a tube’s surfaces, soak with non-abrasive lab detergent, ush thoroughly with
deionized water and air dry. Some test procedures have special cleaning instructions. To maintain accuracy
and avoid errors, discard any Sample Tube that is scratched or permanently stained.

Proper Use of Graduated Labware

Certain tests are supplied with graduated labware. For highest test accuracy, it is important to measure
accuracy, it is important to measure liquid volumes precisely. Always hold graduated labware vertically, and
align your eye with graduation line and the BOTTOM of the curved liquid surface.

Always Accurately Fill the Sample Tube to the 10mL Graduation Mark

A lower or higher volume will cause inaccurate results. Cap the tube rmly to avoid its coming loose when
the tube is lifted.

Avoid and Eliminate Bubbles

Pour sample slowly and carefully to avoid bubbles from foaming and clinging to the inside tube walls be­cause they may cause inaccuracies. If bubbles appear, swirl tube, strike bottom gently to dislodge them or
let tube stand with cover removed until bubbles can be knocked free by gently tapping.

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Avoid and Eliminate Condensation

Condensation can cause inaccurate results, and may damage the instrument. Generally condensation forms
when the sample, or the instrument itself is brought from a colder location into a moist and warmer one. All
must be allowed to come to ambient temperature. Condensation on tubes must be wiped away until the
tube sides remain dry. Never allow condensate or any liquids to enter the sample tube well. If this should
happen, take immediate action -- see Maintenance, Section 5.

Always Cap Tubes Before Testing

This seals the contents from contamination, and will prevent varying overhead light from entering the tube
during measurement. Wipe sides clean; hold tubes by cap.

Place the 942 on a Horizontal Flat Surface While Testing

Holding it by hand at an angle may disturb the sample and interfere by reecting the light o the sample’s
meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid).

Orientation of Sample Tubes in the Tube Well

For reproducible test results when using a 975-TP Plastic Tube, align one of its 2 seams with the “6 o’clock”
position of the hole. No. 975-TG Glass Tubes do not have this requirement, and can be inserted without any
special orientation.

Reagent Tablets

Instructions are given whether the tablet is simply allowed to dissolve, or if it should be crushed with the
crusher/stirrer rod supplied. Always allow the tablet-treated test sample to stand for a few seconds so that
undissolved particles (if any) settle before test reading is taken.

Reagent Stability

For longest shelf life, unless otherwise specically directed, store reagents in a dry, cool, and dark place.
Never insert a soiled pipet into a reagent bottle, and make certain to cap bottles tightly. Write the date of
receipt on reagent labels, and use previously received reagents rst. Do not use liquid reagents beyond
their expiration date, if one is provided on the label. Accurate standard solutions may be used to check the
reliability of reagents of questionable age.

For Extremely Critical Work

Using a felt-tip pen, place a vertical alignment mark on the upper sides if the tubes (both blank and sample)
that you intend to use for such tests (but do not extend the lines into the photometric measuring portion of
the tubes). When inserting these tubes, rotate them so that the lines align with the white dot at the 6 o’clock
position of the tube bezel, so they will be identically and reproducibly positioned for each measurement.