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. Also, we
cannot guarantee that there are absolutely no errors in this manual.
Therefore, we are sure you will understand that we cannot accept any legal
claims resulting from the data, figures or descriptions.
The ConOx is a modular sensor for conductivity , dissolved oxygen (DO) and
temperature. It consists of two basic components:
l Conductivity basic module, according to the quadripole measuring princi-
ple, with integrated temperature sensor
l Removable dissolved oxygen module, according to the galvanic measur-
ing principle
Structure of the
ConOx
Conductivity basic module
41, 235
13
7896111012
Dissolved oxygen (DO) module
1Voltage electrode (inside, 2x)
2Current electrode (ring, 2x)
3Temperature sensor in a graphite enclosure
4Shaft
5Connection head
6WP 90 membrane cap (filled with electrolyte solution)
7Gold working electrode (cathode)
8Insulator
9Lead counter electrode (anode)
10 Screw thread base with ventilation area
11 Cap nut
12 Plug connection
13 Closing cap for conductivity basic module
14 Closing cap for DO module
14
28
ConOxOverview
The conductivity basic module can be used as an independent conductivity
measuring cell. For this pu rpose, unscrew the DO module and cl ose the open
plug connection with a closing cap.
The DO module is connected to the conductivity basic module via a watertight, three-pole plug connection. The conduc tivity basic module measures
the temperature, which is required for the determination of the DO content.
For this reason the DO module only works in conjuncti on with the conductivity
basic module.
Recommended
fields of
application
Conductivity basic
module
Dissolved oxygen
(DO) module
l On site measurements in rivers, lakes and wastewater
l fishfarming
l Ground water measurements
l Applications in water laboratories
1.2Instrument identification
A series number is printed on both ConOx modules. Keep these numbers
ready if you have questions to ask the WTW service department.
The series numbers contain the following information:
The number is printed on the shaft.
123
03360013
The number is printed on the cap nut.
1234
0342A007
1 Manufacturing year 20... (example: 2003)
2 Calendar week of manufacturing (CW 36)
3 Sequential batch number (0013)
1 Manufacturing year 20... (example: 2003)
2 Calendar week of manufacturing (CW 42)
3 Sensor type (type A)
4 Sequential batch number (007)
29
SafetyConOx
2Safety
This operating manual contains special instructions that must be followed
during the operation of the sensor.
Always keep this operating manual in the vicinity of the sensor.
Special user
qualifications
General safety
instructions
The membrane cap of the DO module is filled with a small amount of an
alkaline electrolyte solution. All maint enance work t hat requi res deali ng wit h
the electrolyte soluti on must only be carr ied out by persons who know how to
deal with chemicals safely.
The individual chapters of thi s operating manual use safety labels like the one
below to indicate danger:
Caution
indicates instructions t hat must b e followed pr ecisely in orde r to avoid
slight injuries or damage to the instrument or the environment.
3Commissioning
3.1Scopes of delivery
3.1.1Scope of delivery of the ConOx
l ConOx combination conductivity and DO sensor,
DO module filled with electrolyte soluti on and ready to use
l 1 closing cap for conductivity basic module
l 1 closing cap for DO module
l 3 exchange membrane caps, WP 90
l Calibration and storage vessel, OxiCal
l Polishing strip, SF 300
l Electrolyte solution, ELY/G
l Cleaning solution, RL/G
l Operating manual for ConOx
Note
The membrane cap that is mounted on the DO sensor for delivery serves
mainly as a transport protection. Depending on the duration of the transport
and storage period, it may have a shortened oper ational lifetime. If the measuring system cannot be calibrated (error message on the ins trument),
please proceed according to section secti on 5.3 DO
ELECTROLYTESOLUTIONANDMEMBRANECAP.
®
-CX
MODULE: CHANGINGTHE
30
ConOxCommissioning
3.1.2Scope of delivery of the conductivity basic module
l Conductivity basic module
l 1 closing cap, mounted on the conductivity basic module
l Operating manual for ConOx
3.1.3Scope of delivery of the DO module
l DO module, filled with electrolyte solutio n and operabl e
l 1 closing cap, mounted on the DO module
l 1 exchange membrane cap, WP 90
l Polishing strip, SF 300
l Electrolyte solution, ELY/G
l Cleaning solution, RL/G
l Operating manual for ConOx
Note
The membrane cap that is mounted on the DO sensor for delivery serves
mainly as a transport protection. Depending on the duration of the transport
and storage period, it may have a shortened operati onal lifetime. If the measuring system cannot be calibrated (error message on the instr ume nt),
please proceed according t o s ection sec tion 5.3 DO
ELECTROLYTESOLUTIONANDMEMBRANECAP.
MODULE: CHANGINGTHE
31
CommissioningConOx
3.2Getting the sensor ready for measuring
3.2.1M easurements with the conductivity basic module
Make sure that the plug connection is tight ly closed by the closing cap. When
mounted, the closing cap (1) must be screwed on up to the stop.
12
Before screwing on the closing cap, check the following points:
l The sealing (2) must be clean and evenly positioned in the groove.
l The plug connection and the inside of the closing cap must be clean.
Screwing on the
DO module
3.2.2M easurements with the combination sensor
Make sure that the DO module and conductivity basic module are screwed
together tightly. When mounted, the cap nut of the DO module has to be
screwed on up to the stop.
213
Before screwing on the DO module, check the following points:
l The sealing (3) must be clean and evenly positioned in the groove.
l The plug connection must be dry on both sides.
Position the DO module (1) on the conductivity basic module and carefully
and with slight pressure turn it until th e guidi ng nib on the DO module locks
in place in the corresponding groove on the conductivity basic module.
Subsequently tighten the cap nut (2) up to the stop. The thread onl y snatches
if the DO module was correctly positioned.
32
ConOxMeasuring / Operation
Unscrewing the
DO module
Unscrew the cap nut and remove the DO module from the conducti vity basic
module.
Caution
Inappropriate handling can lead to the release of electrolyte solution.
When unscrewing the DO module only turn the cap nut (not the
membrane cap!).
3.2.3Preparing the measuring operation
Connect the sensor to th e measur ing i nstr ument. The sen sor is immediatel y
ready to measure. It is not necessary to polarize the DO module.
4Measuring / Operation
4.1Calibration
To calibrate for DO measurements, use the OxiCal®-CX calibration and
storage vessel. If the A 325/K or A 325/S armoring is used, you have to
remove the protective hood and fixing nut of the armoring first.
Minimum
approach flow for
DO measurements
When determining the cell constant, observe the respective minimum
immersion depth with the closing cap or D. O. module screwed on (important:
the temperature sensor must be submersed). The minimum immersion
depths are given in chapter 7 T
ECHNICALDATA.
Note
Please read the course of the calibration in the operating man ual of the measuring instrument.
4.2Measuring
Please always observe the required minimum immersion depth and the
minimum approach flow that is important for DO measurements (see
chapter 7 T
The minimum flow can be provided in different ways, e. g.:
l The flow of the water to be measured is sufficient (aeration tank, water
pipe, stream)
l Slowly pull the sensor through the water by hand (lake, container), or
l Use a flow aid, e. g. a magnet ic st irr er wit h s tirr ing dev ic e or a batt ery s tir-
rer (see chapter 8 W
ECHNICALDATA).
EARPARTSANDACCESSORIES)
Note
When using the BR 325 battery stirrer, please make sure that the protective
pipe already has the groove in the area of the conductivity basic module ( from
the year of manufacture, 2004).
33
Maintenance, cleaning, replacementConOx
4.3Storage
Always store the sensor with the DO module in the calibration vessel at a
temperature of 0 to +50 °C. Make sure that the sponge in the calibration vessel is always moist.
Storage in th e
calibration vessel,
®
OxiCal
-CX
12
Moisten the sponge:
l Remove the cap (1).
l Take out the sponge (2), wet it, then slightly squeeze it out.
l Reinsert the sponge and close the calibration vessel with the cap.
5Maintenance, cleaning, replacement
5.1General maintenance instructions
For your safetyNote the following safety instru ctions when handling elect rolyte and cleaning
solutions:
Caution
The ELY/G electrolyte solution irritates eyes and skin. When dealing
with the ELY/G electrolyte solution, observe the following points:
l During working activities, always wear suitable protective gloves
and protective goggles/face shield.
l If it comes into contact with the ski n, rinse thoroughly with water and
immediately change contaminated clothing.
l If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water
and consult a doctor.
l Follow the safety datasheet.
34
ConOxMaintenance, cleaning, replacement
Caution
The RL/G cleaning solution irritates eyes and skin. When dealing with
the RL/G cleaning solution, observe the following points:
l During working activities, always wear suitable protective gloves
and protective goggles/face shield.
l If it comes into contact with the ski n, rinse thoroughly with water and
immediately change contaminated clothing.
l If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water
and consult a doctor.
l Follow the safety datasheet.
Caution
Before all maintenance activities, disconnect the sensor from the
instrument.
Note
Information on how to order wear parts and maintenance means can be
found in chapter 8 W
EARPARTSANDACCESSORIES.
Maintenance
activities on the
DO module
Cleaning agents
For better handling, l eave the DO modul e screwed on the conduc tivi ty basi c
module. Thus, you can better immerse the sensor head in the electrolyte or
cleaning solution and the plug connection remains prot ected against
damage.
5.2Outside cleaning
ContaminationCleaning procedure
Lime sedimentsImmerse in acetic acid for 1 minute ( vol ume
share = 20 %)
Fat/oilClean with warm water that contains
washing-up liquid
After cleaning, thoroughly rinse with deionized water and recalibrate if
necessary.
35
Maintenance, cleaning, replacementConOx
5.3DO module: Changing the electrolyte solution and
membrane cap
Caution
Before starting to work with the sensor, please note the GENERAL
MAINTENANCEINSTRUCTIONS on page 34.
General
information
WTW delivers the DO module ready to use (see section 3). The electrolyte
solution and the membrane cap must only be replaced if:
l a calibration error occurs and the membrane is heavily contaminated
l the membrane is damaged
l the electrolyte solution is exhausted.
Changing the electrolyte solution and membrane cap
Unscrew the membrane cap.
Caution:
Electrolyte solution!
Rinse the sensor head with
deionized water.
For disposal of the membrane
cap and electrolyte solution,
see section 5.7.
Carefully rub and dry the
counter electrode with a lintfree paper towel.
RL/GH O
Immerse the sensor head including the counter electrode
in RL/G cleaning solution.
Allow to react for 1 to 3 minutes.
36
Thoroughly rinse the sensor
head with deionized water.
2
Water the counter electrode in
deionized water for at least
10 minutes.
ConOxMaintenance, cleaning, replacement
ELY/G
Carefully shake off the drops
of water.
ELY/G
Thoroughly rinse the sensor
head with electrolyte solution.
Fill a new membrane cap with
ELY/G electrolyte solution.
Ventilation area
points upwards
Hold the sensor inclined and
screw on the membrane cap
fingertight using a paper towel. Excess electrolyte solut ion
is forced out of the ventilation
area.
Remove any air bubbles by
carefully tapping the membrane cap. Additionally, you
can prevent air bubbles by
throwing the first filling away
and refilling the membrane
cap.
4mm
Check the filling:
Inspect the face surface. No
air bubbles may be present
within the dashed circle. Air
bubbles outside this area do
not interfere.
Note
For measurements under high pressure the filling must be completely free of air bubbles.
Readiness to measureThe DO module is ready for operation after approx. 30 to 50 min-
utes. Subsequently calibrate the sensor for DO measurements.
Note
If you want to measure very low DO concentrations (< 0.5 % saturation), we recommend to let the sensor rest overnight and then
calibrate it.
37
Maintenance, cleaning, replacementConOx
5.4DO module: Cleaning the electrodes
Caution
Before starting to work with the sensor, please note the GENERAL
MAINTENANCEINSTRUCTIONS on page 34.
General
information
Cleaning the electrodes
Unscrew the membrane cap.
Caution:
For disposal of the membrane
cap and electrolyte solution,
see section 5.7.
Electrolyte solution!
Cleaning is only required in cases of slopes too small or too large (sensor
cannot be calibrated) that cannot be resolved by changing the membrane cap
and electrolyte solution.
Rinse the sensor head with
deionized water.
SF 300
Using the rough side of the
wet SF 300 polishing strip,
polish off any contamination
from the gold working electrode using light pressure.
Caution:
ventional sandpaper or glassfiber brushes.
Do not use any con-
Rinse the sensor head with
deionized water.
38
Wipe the counter electrode
with a lint-free paper towel
and carefully remove any
loose white deposits.
RL/G
Immerse the sensor head including the counter electrode
in RL/G cleaning solution.
Allow to react for 1 to 3 minutes.
ConOxMaintenance, cleaning, replacement
H O
2
Thoroughly rinse the sensor
head with deionized water.
ELY/G
Fill a new membrane cap with
ELY/G electrolyte solution.
Water the counter electrode in
deionized water for at least
10 minutes.
Remove any air bubbles by
carefully ta pp ing the membrane cap. Additionally, you
can prevent air bubbles by
throwing the first filling away
and refilling the membrane
cap.
Carefully shake off the drops
of water.
ELY/G
Rinse the sensor head with
electrolyte solution.
Ventilation area
points upwards
Hold the sensor inclined and
screw on the membrane cap
fingertight using a paper towel. Excess electrolyte soluti on
is forced out of the vent il ation
area.
4mm
Check the filling:
Inspect the face surface. No
air bubbles may be present
within the dashed circle. Air
bubbles outside this area do
not interfere.
39
Maintenance, cleaning, replacementConOx
Note
For measurements under high pressure the filling must be completel y free of
air bubbles.
Readiness to
measure
After approx. 30 to 50 minutes, the sensor is ready for operation. Subsequently calibrate the sensor.
Note
If you want to measure ver y l ow DO concen trati ons (< 0.5 % saturation), we
recommend to let the sensor rest overnight and then calibrate it.
5.5Checking the DO module for freedom from zero-current
The DO module is free from zero-current. Checking the module for fr eedom
from zero-current is only necessary in the case of malfunctions that cannot
be remedied by exchanging the e lectrolyte soluti on and membrane cap or by
cleaning the electrodes.
There are two possibilities to check the DO module for freedom from zerocurrent:
l Measurement in a nitrogen atmosphere (recommended method)
l Measurement in a sodium sulfite soluti on according to DIN EN 25814/
ISO 5814.
Caution
If you check the sensor according to DIN EN 25814/ISO 5814, do not
leave the sensor in the sodium sulfite soluti on for more than 2 minutes.
Danger of sensor poisoning!
Test criterionThe DO module is OK if the measuring instrument displays < 1 % DO
saturation after 2 minutes.
5.6Aging of the conductivity measuring cell
Normally, the conductivity measuring cel l does not age. Special measuring
media (e.g. strong acids and ly es, organic solvents) or too high temperatures
shorten the operational lifeti me considerably or damage the measuring cell.
The warranty does not cover cases where such conditions cause failure or
mechanical damage.
40
ConOxMaintenance, cleaning, replacement
5.7Disposal
Caution
The ELY/G electrolyte solution irritates eyes and skin. When dealing
with the ELY/G electrolyte solution, observe the following points:
l During working activities, always wear suitable protective gloves
and protective goggles/face shield.
l If it comes into contact with the ski n, rinse thoroughly with water and
immediately change contaminated clothing.
l If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water
and consult a doctor.
l Follow the safety datasheet.
Conductivity basic
module, DO
module and
membrane cap
Electrolyte
solution
For disposal, unscrew the membrane cap from the DO module. Then rinse
the entire sensor and the membrane cap with water.
We recommend to dispose of the conductivity basic module and the DO
module without membrane cap as electronic waste. The membrane cap may
be disposed of with the household refuse.
Disposal according to the safety data sheet.
41
What to do if...ConOx
6What to do if...
6.1Error symptoms of DO measurement
Error symptomCauseRemedy
The sensor is in the air
and the display shows
0.0 mg/l or 0 % O
The sensor cannot be
calibrated
2
– No connection between
measuring instrument and sensor
– Cable defective
– No electrolyte in the membrane
cap
– Contaminated membrane cap
– Electrolyte depleted
– Check connection between
measuring instrument and sensor
– Replace and refill the membrane
cap (see section 5.3)
– Replace and refill the membrane
cap (see section 5.3)
Subsequently, wait for 30 to
50 min and recalibrate.
The sensor still cannot
be calibrated after
changing the electrolyte
and membrane cap
Incorrect temperature
display
Mechanical damage to
the sensor
– Contaminated electrodes or
sensor toxification
– membrane cap not screwed on
tight enough
– The temperature sensor of the
conductivity basic module was not
immersed deep enough in the
measuring solution