Thermo Scientific Orion Star T920, Orion Star T940, Orion Star T930, Orion Star T910 Instruction Manual

Thermo Scientific™ Orion Star™

T900 Series Laboratory Titrator

User Manual

68X700190 • Revision 0.1 • December 2017

Contents

Overview.................................................................. 1

Summary ............................................................. 1

Terminology ......................................................... 2

Safety Precautions ............................................... 4

Location Safety .................................................... 4

Unpacking and Initial Setup...................................... 6

Attaching the Electrode Holder Shaft Assembly

to the Titrator Unit ................................................ 7

Installing the Burette............................................. 8

Installing the Tubing ............................................. 9

Operation............................................................... 11

User Interface..................................................... 11

Titrator Startup................................................... 11

Home Screen..................................................... 11

Start a New Titration .......................................... 13

General Settings................................................. 15

Logs................................................................... 15

Methods............................................................. 15

Burette............................................................... 16

Direct Measure................................................... 16

Frequently Asked Questions .................................. 17

Maintenance and Customer Service....................... 20

Maintenance Schedule....................................... 20

Titrator and Burette Storage............................... 20

Ordering Information .............................................. 21

Accessories and Replacement Parts .................. 22

Specifications ........................................................ 24

Customer Services................................................. 26

Warranty Information .......................................... 26

Warranty Shipments/ Returns/Adjustments ........ 26

Regulatory Statements....................................... 27

Overview

Summary

Thermo Scientific™ Orion Star™ T900 series laboratory
titrators are designed to increase your lab productivity by
automating potentiometric titrations. These compact titrators
are simple to use with easy navigation from setup to live
titration analysis to data transfer, all on a large color graphic
touchscreen display. Create and save up to ten custom
user-defined methods or use preprogrammed protocols, all
with onscreen instructions and help menus, so everyone in
your lab can be up to speed quickly and easily.

We have integrated our core electrochemistry technology with
a state-of-the-art reagent dispensing system to create a
modern, simplified automated titrator designed to make
performing titrations easier, more reliable, more reproducible
and faster than manual titrations. Our automated titrators
expand the number of ions and compounds that can be
measured beyond direct electrode analysis and offer dynamic
process controls that adjust the titration to optimize analysis
results.

The Orion Star T900 series titrators include four models, the
Orion Star T910 pH titrator, Orion Star T920 redox titrator,
Orion Star T930 ion titrator and Orion Star T940 all-in-one
titrator. These titrators have the ability to calibrate the
electrode (sensor), standardize titrants and perform various
types of potentiometric titrations. The Orion Star T930 ion
titrator and Orion Star T940 all-in-one titrator offer the added
benefit of multiple know addition (MKA) analysis, where the
titrator performs an automated calibration and calculation of
sample concentration by adding aliquots of standard to
sample.

Ideally suited for dedicated, routine measurements, the Orion
Star T900 series titrators are designed to help laboratories
overcome problems of sample throughput or analytical
complexity through automation of analysis. What
differentiates the Orion Star T900 series titrators from other
single parameter instruments and automatic titrators are their
simplicity. All of the setup procedures appear on the display in
the form of easy-to-understand, sequential menus. Because
the analysis is automated, each titration step is carried out
consistently time after time, operator to operator, using a high
precision burette that meets ISO 8655 standard. Whether
your analysis is acidity of juices, alkalinity of water, surfactants
in shampoo, fluoride in drinking water or Vitamin C in juices,
the Orion Star T900 series titrators offer a simple system to
automate your measurements.



This user manual provides instructions for the Orion Star T910
pH titrator, Orion Star T920 redox titrator, Orion Star T930 ion
titrator and Orion Star T940 all-in-one titrator. Detailed
information on titrator installation, setup, operation and
features is provided in the appropriate sections of this user
manual. Please visit
additional information on Thermo Scientific Orion instruments,
electrodes and solutions.

Use the Orion Star T910 pH titrator for dedicated acid-base
titrations including titratable acidity of juices and wines, acidity
of food products, alkalinity of waters, acidity and alkalinity of
consumer products, total acid number (TAN) and total base
number (TBN). Titration techniques include equivalence point
titrations and preset pH endpoint titrations.

Use the Orion Star T920 redox titrator for dedicated redox
titrations including sulfite/SO2 and reducing sugar in juice and
wine, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and peroxide value in food
products, dissolved oxygen in wastewater by Winkler titration
and organic matter in soil. Titration techniques include
equivalence point titrations and preset mV endpoint titrations.

Use the Orion Star T930 ion titrator for dedicated ion
concentration titrations including salt in food products,
chloride in drinking water and wastewater, ammonia and Total
Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) of wastewater, surfactants in
consumer products and total hardness of drinking water and
wastewater. Titration techniques include equivalence point
titrations and preset mV endpoint titrations plus multiple
known addition (MKA) mode. Using MKA mode, the titrator
performs an automated calibration and calculation of sample
concentration by adding aliquots of standard to sample,
removing the need for a separate calibration and minimizing
matrix effects.

Use the Orion Star T940 all-in-one titrator for flexible pH,
redox and ion concentration titrations including equivalence
point titrations, preset pH or mV endpoint titrations plus
multiple known addition (MKA) mode for automated known
addition of various ions.

www.thermofisher.com/water for

Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator Overview | 1

Terminology

The terminologies used in this user manual is explained here

Titrator

The device used to perform the titration, titrant
standardization or direct measurement.

Titrant

Reagent of known concentration that is added to a sample
and results in an observable reaction and endpoint or
equivalence point.

Sample

Solution of unknown concentration that is titrated using a
titrant to determine the concentration.

Burette

Component that dispenses a measured volume of titrant into
the sample by pulling the titrant from the reagent bottle into
the burette and then pushing the titrant from the burette to the
dispensing probe and into the sample.

Electrode

Also called probe or sensor, the device in the solution
performing the measurement.

Mode

Measurement type being used by the titrator (pH, mV, ISE).

Method

A set of saved parameters and values for a particular titration
including the electrode, titrant and titration setup parameters
as well as electrode calibration and titrant standardization
when applicable.

pH

ISE (Ion Selective Electrode)

Ion selective electrodes measure the concentration of specific
ions in sample solutions such as water, wastewater,
consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. Ion selective
electrodes are available for ammonia, ammonium, bromide,
cadmium, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, chlorine, cupric,
cyanide, fluoride, fluoroborate, iodide, lead, nitrate,
potassium, silver, sodium, sulfide, surfactant and thiocyanate.

All-in-One

Titrator that combines the functionality of the pH, redox and
ion titrators into one unit.

Titration

Technique that is based upon the addition of a reagent
(titrant) that reacts with the sample species. The changes in
electrode potential are observed and sample concentration is
calculated from the volume of reagent that is chemically
equivalent to the sample species.

Equivalence/Inflection Point Titration

Technique of adding small aliquots of a titrant to the sample,
recording the potential changes, and applying a first derivative
analysis to the data, from which the endpoint is calculated.
The technique assumes that the change in mV reading per
volume of titrant added will be greatest at the endpoint. This
technique is a very precise technique for performing routine
titrations.

Preset Endpoint Titration

Type of titration where aliquots of the titrant are added until a
predetermined mV or pH value is reached. This is a fast way
to do a titration, but requires that the sample and its reaction
with the titrant be well known. The preset endpoint technique
is useful for analyses without a clearly defined endpoint and is
often a technique required by industry standards.

pH measurements compares the relative acidity or alkalinity of
a solution at a given temperature. A pH of 7 describes a
neutral solution because the activities of hydrogen and
hydroxide ions are equal. When the pH is below 7, the
solution is described as acidic because the activity of
hydrogen ion is greater than that of hydroxide ion. A solution
is more acidic as the hydrogen ion activity increases and the
pH value decreases. Conversely, when the pH is above 7, the
solution is described as basic (or alkaline) because the activity
of hydroxide ion is greater than that of hydrogen ion.

Redox / ORP

ORP (Oxidation / Reduction Potential) measures the oxidizing
or reducing nature of a sample. This gives an overall indication
of how "reactive" the sample is. ORP measurements are
common in water, wastewater, process water and plating
bath applications.

2 | Overview Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator

Multiple Known Addition (MKA)

Known addition is a technique of adding small aliquots of the
species of interest to the sample and calculating the original
sample concentration from the observed changes in potential.
The electrode chosen for analysis should sense the species of
interest. This technique helps minimize matrix effects and
offers greater precision than direct calibration measurement.

In multiple known addition, three or more additions are made
to the sample allowing electrode slope, Eo, sample
concentration and a spike recovery to be calculated. This is a
very precise technique because the calibration is performed
directly in the sample matrix during analysis.



Unique benefits of multiple known addition include the level of
precision of the analysis may be chosen and each sample
analysis is automatically verified by a spike recovery analysis.



Direct Titration

Technique in which the titrant reacts directly with the
chemicals in the sample solution and titrant consumption is
directly related to the quantity of the chemicals in the sample.

Back Titration

Technique in which excess quantity of a reagent is added to
the sample, so that the entire sample reacts with the reagent
and some un-reacted reagent remains. The un-reacted
excess reagent is titrated with suitable titrant. If the amount of
reagent added to the sample is known, the sample
concentration can be calculated.

Blank Titration

A blank is used when performing a back titration or when a
background correction is necessary (background level of the
measured species is present prior to analysis). The blank
value can be manually entered or calculated by performing a
titration. If a blank value is entered, make sure that all samples
analyzed by that method are prepared in the same manner.
Most routine titration methods do not require a blank.

ROSS pH Electrodes

Orion solutions are manufactured for accuracy and
repeatability to the highest quality standard in the industry.
Orion solutions are produced in controlled batches using ultra
pure water and undergo rigorous quality testing throughout
the process to prevent contamination before and after
bottling. Buffers and standards have lot-specific certificates of
analysis with NIST-traceable testing results.

Not all pH electrodes are created equal – It is critical that the
measurements customers perform day-to-day are accurate
and reproducible. Customers rely on their pH electrodes to
measure their samples quickly and precisely, making pH
electrodes an essential part of the lab. ROSS pH electrodes
offer superior measurement stability, fast response, high
accuracy and precision even in samples with varying
temperatures, no long-term drift and long lifespan.

Orion Ion Selective Electrodes (ISEs)

Measurement by an ion selective electrode (ISE) can be
performed in virtually every laboratory. Efficient and
Economical - Electrode measurements are simpler and faster
than other analytical techniques. Time consuming sample
steps such as filtration and distillations are rarely needed and
analysis time is typically 1-2 minutes per sample. Compared
to other analysis methods, there is a relatively small setup
cost. Ion selective electrodes can be used for determination
of a titration end point and are useful as end point detectors
because they are unaffected by sample color or turbidity.

Orion Electrochemistry Solutions

Customers need to be able to rely on their measurements and
using high-quality solutions to calibrate and maintain
electrodes is the best way to ensure data is both accurate
and reproducible. Using low-quality, home-made, or expired
buffers can lead to measurement errors, which require
lengthy troubleshooting, or even worse – can go unnoticed.
Using high-quality solutions eliminates one of the major
causes of measurement inaccuracy.



Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator Overview | 3

Safety Precautions

Thermo Fisher Scientific does not accept any liability for
damage that may arise if information in this manual is not
followed. Therefore, the operating instructions and
specifications must be read and understood by all persons
involved in installation and operation of this equipment.
Thermo Fisher Scientific will not be liable for direct, indirect,
special, incidental or consequential damages resulting from
any defect or omission in this manual. Thermo Fisher
Scientific reserves the right to make changes in this manual
and the products it describes at any time, without notice or
obligation. Revised editions are found on the Thermo Fisher
Scientific website. Intended operators should read and
understand the entire manual before operating this system.
Special attention should be given to all safety and caution
notes contained in this manual and the Low voltage Directive
(LVD) document. Failure to do so could result in serious injury
to the operator or damage to the equipment.

Definition of Signal Warnings and

WARNING: Indicates situations where
dangerous voltages exist and potential for
electrical shock is present.



This symbol indicates that a risk of explosion
is present.

Orion Star T900 Series titrators utilize instrument technology
that complies with all industry recognized safety rules. Certain
hazards may arise in extraneous circumstances. NEVER open
the housing of the instrument. It is not meant to be maintained
or repaired by the user. Opening the instrument may
jeopardize the safety and accuracy of the instrument. If you
ever have problems with your instrument, contact your
authorized Thermo Fisher dealer or service representative.

Intended Use

Symbols

Safety notes are marked with signal words and warning
symbols. These show safety issues and warnings. Ignoring
the safety notes may lead to personal injury, damage to the
instrument, malfunctions and false results. Make sure that the
protection provided by this equipment is not impaired. Do not
use or install this equipment in any manner other than that
specified in this manual.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation
with low risk, resulting in damage to the
device or the property or in loss of data, or
minor or medium injuries if not avoided.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation
with medium risk, possibly resulting in severe
injuries or death if not avoided.

ATTENTION: Indicates important function of the product.

This instrument is designed to perform potentiometric
titrations in laboratory environment by knowledgeable
laboratory technicians trained to operate titrations. It is
suitable for the processing of reagents and solvents. The use
requires knowledge and experience in working with toxic and
corrosive substances which pose inherent danger. Use of this
instrument requires knowledge and experience working with
application specific reagents, which may be toxic or
hazardous.

Location Safety

The instrument has to be operated indoor only and must not
be used in explosive environment. Place the instrument in a
well ventilated location at which it can rest in leveled position,
protected from direct sunlight or sources of excessive heat,
corrosive atmosphere and mechanical upset (danger of being
knocked down, exposed to strong vibrations etc.). Operate at
temperatures between 5°C and 40°C. Avoid environment with
frequent temperature changes as they influence bubble
for

ation and potentially affect the accuracy. 

m

Note: Indicates useful information about the product.

4 | Overview Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator





CAUTION: Always wear pr
the laboratory when working with the
instrument. A lab coat and eye protection
such as goggles should be worn. Use
appropriate (and undamaged) gloves when
handling chemicals or hazardous substances.

WARNING! Risk of electric shock: Power
to your instrument is supplied with a 3-pin
grounded power cable. Always maintain the
grounding of the instrument for safety
reasons. Never use ungrounded electrical
outlet or extension cables without grounding
conductors. NEVER defeat the grounding
intentionally.

WARNING! Risk of corrosion: Tubing,
connections and loose titration vessels are a
safety risk. They all can leak corrosive liquids.
To prevent this:

1. Make sure all connections are tightened
well by ha
p

revent damage.

2. When making tubing connections, be
ca

r

fitting.

3. Inspect all tubing for signs of rupture or

he

ot

4. Inspect all vessels for signs of damage or
leaks.

Before using corrosive or toxic reagents,

5.

n the test with water to make sure all leak

ru
free and safe.

nd, avoiding excessive force t

eful to avoid cross threading of the

r damage.

otective clothing in

o

WARNING! Chemicals: All relevant safety
measures are to be observed when
working with chemicals.

1. Set up the instrument in a well-ventilated
location.

. Any spills should be wiped off immediately.

2

3. Always consult and comply with MSDS and
rec

ommendations from the manufacturer

for any solvents and chemicals.

WEEE Compliance: This product is required
to comply with the European Union’s Waste
Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive 2012/19/EU. It is marked with the
symbol shown here.Thermo Fisher Scientific
has contracted with one or more recycling/
disposal companies in each EU Member State
and this product should be disposed of or
recycled through them. Further information on
compliance with these directives, the recyclers
in your country, and information on Thermo
Scientific Orion products that may assist the
detection of substances subject to the RoHS
Directive are available by contacting us using
the WLP information on the back page of this
user manual.

WARNING! Flammable solvents: 
All relevant safety measures must be

served when working with flammable

ob
solvents and chemicals. Always consult
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the liquids that
will be used.

1. Your workplace must not be in proximity of
y sources of flame or excessive heat.

an

b safe

SDS

ty rules.

2. Always consult and comply with

(Sa

ety Data Sheet) and recommendations

f
from the manufacturer for any solvents and
chemicals.

3. Always observe general la

Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator Overview | 5

Unpacking and Initial Setup

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

The box contains the following:

Unpacking Titrator



Unpack the Orion Star T900 Series Titrator from its shipping
carton and inspect it for damage. Verify that all the parts listed
here are included.

If damage is evident or if the shipment is incomple
contact the Customer Service Department. It is
recommended that you keep the titrator box, and do not
destroy it during unpacking, so it can be used for possible
future use.

te, please

• Titrator

0 mL Burette

• 2

• Burette Cover

•

• Stirr

•

• T

•Desiccant Tube

•

• 1 L

•

•

•

• 110-240 V Power Adapters

rode Hold

Elect

er Probe

enser Probe

Disp

ubing Kit

Reagent Bottle Holder

Plastic Reagent Bottle

GL38 Reagent

USB Co

USB Flash Dri

er

Bottle Cap

mputer Cable

ve with User Manual

Figure 1. Laboratory Titrator and Components

1 Burette Cover 5 Touch Screen

2 Electrode Holder Shaft 6 On/Off Button

3 Electrode Holder Head 7 Reagent Bottle Holder

4 Tubing Connections

6 | Unpacking and Initial Setup Orion Star T900 Series Laboratory Titrator