ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: ATAGO

Table of Contents

ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter
Parts
Replacing the Batteries
Measurement
Cleaning
Calibration
Making Dilutions
Storage and Maintenance
Cleaning
Storage
Specifications
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter

ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter
PRODUCT

Parts

Replacing the Batteries

Insert a coin in the groove on the battery compartment cover. Turn the coin counterclockwise to remove the cover.
Insert batteries, observing the correct polarity.
Align the cover and push it down.
Close the battery compartment cover by pushing the cover in with a coin in the groove and turning it clockwise until it stops.

Turning excessively may cause malfunction.
When the O-ring on the battery compartment cover is dirty or damaged, the water resistance may be compromised.

Automatic Temperature Compensation
Error Messages

The sensor was not empty when zero-setting was attempted. Calibration was attempted with something other than the calibration solution. The sensor is dirty. Reference “Cleaning”
The sample’s measured value is out of the measurement range. (Try diluting the sample. See “Making Dilutions.”)
The sensor temperature is below the temperature range.
The sensor temperature is above the temperature range.
The battery is low. Replace both batteries with two brand new alkaline batteries.

Quick Tips
When measured values are off

Clean the sensor. Reference “Cleaning”
Check the offset function. Reference “Offset Function”

Other than ① or ② ⇒ Calibrate the instrument.
For samples that need adjustment to achieve stable readings High or low temperature samples ⇒ Wait 30 seconds after placing sample onto the sample stage, then measure. Oily or fatty sample ⇒ Stir the sample with the end of a chopstick, then measure.
Samples that require dilution
Salt concentration is outside measurement range ⇒ Dilute sample and measure. Contains ingredients other than salt (such as sugar) ⇒ Dilute sample and measure.
Low concentration (like miso soup) ⇒ Measure without dilution.
Notes about the sensor
Make sure there are no scratches or sample residue.
Zero-setting

Recommended on a daily basis.

Clean the sensor and sample stage thoroughly.
Clean with a mild soap, and rinse well with water.
Dry the area with tissues thoroughly.
Press the START button (with nothing on the sensor). Measurement is displayed after “—.”

Measurement

Make sure that the sensor is clean.
- Clean the sensor area if soiled. Reference “Cleaning”
Apply the sample to be measured.
Press the START button.
Measurement is displayed after “—.”

ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter 40

Cleaning

Clean the sensor and sample stage thoroughly.

Clean with a mild soap, and rinse well with water.
Dry the area with tissues thoroughly.

Handle the sensor with care so as not to scratch it.

Checking with Standard Solution

Recommended on a regular basis.

Clean the sensor and sample stage thoroughly.
Clean with a mild soap, and rinse well with water.
Dry the area with tissues thoroughly.
Press the START button to turn on the instrument.
Press the ZERO button (with nothing on the sensor) to zero-set.
- “000” blinks 2 times and then stops.
Apply a 2.50% standard solution.
- Standard solution: 2.50g/100g salt water
Press the START button. Measurement is displayed after “—.”

Measurement:
2.50% (±0.13)
ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter 23
The instrument is calibrated correctly,
Measurement:
not 2.50% (±0.13)
Calibration is required.

Calibration

Apply a 2.50% standard solution. Turn on the instrument. Press the START and ZERO buttons simultaneously.
Calibration is complete when “CCC” blinks 2 times and then stops.

Contact ATAGO to purchase 2.50% standard solution. [Parts No.]RE-120250 2.50% NaCl Solution AB250 Approx. 5mL （2.50±0.05g/100g）
How to make 2.50% standard solution.
High quality sodium chloride : 500g
Purified water : 100g
Beaker of 100mL (made of glass or plastics)
Digital scale : Accuracy of ±0.01g min. capacity of 200g

Place the beaker on a digital scale and zero the scale.
Put 2.50g of sodium chloride in the beaker.
Add purified water until the total weight reaches 100.00g.
Remove the beaker from the scale and stir the solution until the solute is completely dissolved.

Maintain the ambient temperature at 20℃±5℃.
Purchase sodium chloride from a local reagent store.
Make a total weight of no less than 100g to minimize relative error.
Unit of measurement: weight/weight %

Sample Preparation
Drinkable as is (less than 6% Brix)
⇒No dilution is necessary
Liquid condiments (over 6% Brix, over 10% salt, and high in non-salt components) Soy sauce, Worcester sauce, etc.
⇒Please dilute.
See “Making Dilutions”
Paste
Mayonnaise, miso paste, ketchup, etc.
⇒Please dilute.
See “Making Dilutions”
Solid food
Pickles, ham, cheese, chips, etc.
⇒Please mince/grind and dilute.
See “Making Dilutions”

Wait for approx. 5 minutes for the solids to settle to the bottom and measure the clear

Measurement Examples

Tomato puree 1.7%
Ketchup 3.0%
BBQ sauce 4.8%
Oyster sauce 9.4%
Salmon 2.4%
Salted cod roe 5.2%
Potage 1.2%
Miso soup 0.9%
Soy sauce 13.0%
Mayonnaise 1.6%
Pickled radish 3.6%
Pickles 1.7%
Ham 1.1%
Sausage 0.8%
Noodle soup 1.4%
Curry 1.6%
Gouda 0.9%
Butter 0.1%
Crackers 2.3%
Chips 1.4%
(Test data by ATAGO)

Making Dilutions

Soy sauce, Worcester sauce, etc. (approx. 30-40% Brix)

Dissolve 10g of sample in 90.0g of water. Stir until the sample is dissolved completely.
Measure the dilution.
Multiply the reading by 10 (dilution factor).

Example: A 10% dilution measures 0.90%
ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter 28

×10 (dilution factor)＝9.0%
The actual salt concentration is 9.0%.

Offset feature use #1
Input a coefficient (a) of 10, and the value multiplied by 10 will be displayed.
Displayed value ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter
28

Measurement Principles
This instrument uses the electric conductivity method to measure and display salt concentrations % (g/100g). When complex samples containing ingredients other than salt are measured, the conductivity readings may be different from readings by other methods. Always dilute a complex sample to 10% by weight when its Brix exceeds 6%.
Brix is a measurement of the total dissolved solids (TDS) in a solution and measured by a refractometer. Check the Brix of you sample with a refractometer. For optimum results, it is recommended to dilute complex samples that are 6% Brix or higher.
Discrepancies with Mohr Method
Due to the difference in measurement principles, readings from the conductivity salt meters may not match up exactly with the readings by titration for certain samples. However, correlation between the two testing methods can be seen.
Offset feature use #2
Create a conversion chart between the two testing methods. ATAGO PAL-SALT
Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter 31

ｙ　=　a　x　+　b

y: titration readings
x: PAL-SALT readings
a: coefficient (multiplication)
B addition/subtraction number
Offset Function

Hold down ZERO for approx. 5 seconds while it is turned on. “b” will appear.
For addition/subtraction (b) [Range: -10.00 to +10.00]
Press ZERO to select either addition (b) or subtraction (-b).
Press START to confirm.
Enter the addition/subtraction number. ZERO to change the number:
0, 1, 2, …, 8, 9, A, 0, 1, 2…START to confirm and move to the next decimal place. When the 1st place is confirmed with “A,” the number selections for the decimal places are skipped.
Press START to confirm the addition/subtraction number. Next is to program a coefficient.
For coefficient (a) [Range: 0.01 to 10.00]
Enter the coefficient.
ZERO to change the number:
0, 1, 2, …, 8, 9, A, 0, 1, 2…START to confirm and move to the next decimal place. When the 1st place is confirmed with “A,” the number selections for the decimal places are skipped.
Press START to confirm the coefficient.

To disable the Offset feature.　　→　　Hold the ZERO button for 5 seconds while setting up the Off-Set feature.
Factory default value (a:1.00, b:0.00).
The measurement range is shifted according to the offset settings.
Screen images when offset is on
During measurement
Water after zero-setting
Offset “b” = addition of 0.30

Safety Precautions
Read and follow all safety instructions before operating the instrument.
WARNING

When measuring hazardous materials, use proper safety procedures, materials, and clothing to avoid personal injury. Anyone handling hazardous materials should understand its properties and its safety requirements.
If the instrument is dropped or subjected to a strong impact, contact your supplier for inspection.
Do not attempt to repair, modify, or disassemble the instrument.

CAUTION

Before use, carefully read the instruction manual and fully understand the function and operation for each part of the instrument.
If this instrument is used to measure highly acidic samples, the sensor section and sample stage may be damaged, resulting in inaccurate measurements.
Do not use any metal tools when applying sample to the sensor section. The metal can damage the sensor section. If the sensor section is scratched or damaged, inaccurate measurements will occur.
When the unit needs to be washed, use water at a temperature not exceeding 50℃.
Only use the specified battery type. Observe proper polarities, properly aligning the anodes and cathodes.
Do not leave the instrument in a location exposed to direct sunlight or near a heat source for any extended period of time.?
Do not change the ambient temperature of the instrument suddenly.
Do not place the instrument where it will be subject to strong vibrations.
Do not use the instrument where there are excessive amounts of dust.
Do not store the instrument in an extremely cool area.
Do not set or drop heavy objects on top of the instrument.
Have the batteries and battery compartment cover removed during air transport.
The instrument is water-resistant, not waterproof, and should not be submerged.

Storage and Maintenance

ATAGO PAL-SALT Digital Hand-Held Pocket Salt Meter 38 Store the instrument in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to humidity may cause condensation inside, and exposure to direct sunlight may cause the plastic to warp.

Cleaning

Clean the sensor and sample stage thoroughly.

Clean with a mild soap, and rinse well with water.
Dry the area with tissues thoroughly.

Storage

Store the instrument away from direct sunlight at a stable temperature with as little fluctuation as possible.
Repair and Warranty
The instrument is warranted for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is void if the instrument shows evidence of the following. Send the included batteries as well if they are still in use.

Having been disassembled by unauthorized personnel
Damages to the sensor section and/or sample stage
Water damage or having been dropped
Having been misused and/or operated outside the environmental specifications
Leakage from batteries other than those included with the unit Repair services are available for a fee after the warranty expires. Contact an ATAGO authorized service center for service and support.