Labco SCIENTIFIC PH850 Portable pH Meter User Manual
- June 1, 2024
- Labco Scientific
Table of Contents
Labco SCIENTIFIC PH850 Portable pH Meter
Specifications
- Measurement Parameters: pH/mV, Conductivity/TDS, Temperature
- PH850 Main Specifications:
- Range: 0.00~14.00 pH
- Resolution (PH):
- Accuracy:
- Temperature Compensation Range
- MV Resolution: 1 mV
- MV Accuracy:
- Temperature Range
- Temperature Resolution:
- Temperature Accuracy:
- Other Specifications:
- Power:
- IP Rating: IP57
- Dimension & Weight:
Instrument Description
LCD Display:
HOLD, ATC — automatic temperature compensation, MTC — manual temperature compensation (10) — Calibration guide icon (11) — Stability icon of readings (12) — Low battery icon, when this icon appears, please replace the battery (13) — Automatic reading hold icon
Keypad Functions
Short press < 1.5 seconds; Long press >1.5 seconds.
Turn on the meter: Press [specified key] to turn on the meter.
Turn off the meter: In the measurement mode, press [specified key] and hold for 2 seconds to turn off the meter.
Meter Socket
Models: PH850 pH Meter
Reading Stability Display Mode
When the measuring value is stable, the smiley icon stays on the LCD and does not appear or flash. The user should not get the reading value or make calibration until the measuring value is stable.
Automatic Lock Display Mode
Select On from parameter P4.6 to turn on the automatic lock-up display function. When the reading value stabilizes for more than 10 seconds, the meter locks the measuring value automatically.
Automatic Power-off
The meter will power off if there is no operation for 20 minutes. The time of auto power-off can be set in parameter setting P3.2.
FAQ
-
Q: What is the recommended pH electrode for water testing?
- A: For water testing, we recommend using [specify electrode model] for accurate results.
-
Q: How often should I replace the battery?
-
- A: It is recommended to replace the battery when the low battery icon appears on the display.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing PH850 portable pH meter. This product is a great combination of advanced electronics technology, sensor technology, and software design, made for general water solution applications such as water treatment, environmental monitoring, pools and spas, hydroponics, aquaculture, education, beverage making, cooling tower, etc., especially ideal for field use. In order to use and maintain the meter properly, please read the manual carefully before use.
Measurement Parameters
Basic Features
- The microprocessor-based portable meter features automatic calibration, automatic temperature compensation, function setup, self-diagnostics, automatic power-off and low-voltage display.
- The meter’s digital filter improves measurement speed and accuracy. There is a stable reading indication on the display.
- The package includes a portable case, a meter, electrodes, standard solutions and all accessories, which is convenient to use in the field.
- The meter is dustproof and waterproof, meeting the IP57 rating.
pH Measurement Features
- 1-3 points automatic calibration, the meter provides a calibration guide and automatic checking function.
- The meter can recognize pH standard buffer solutions automatically. USA series and NIST series buffer solutions can be selected.
- The meter provides three types of reading stability criteria.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Specifications
Other Specifications:
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
LCD Display:
- — Parameter mode icons
- — Measurement reading
- — Prompts of special display mode
- — Units of measurement
- — Temperature units (°C and °F)
- — Units of pH and conductivity calibration value
- — pH and conductivity calibration value, and prompts of special display mode
- — Temperature value, and prompts of special display mode
- — Temperature compensation icons
- ATC — automatic temperature compensation, MTC — manual temperature compensation
- — Calibration guide icon
- — Stability icon of readings
- — Low battery icon, when this icon appears, please replace the battery
- — Automatic reading hold icon
Keypad Functions
Keypad operations
Short press < 1.5 seconds; Long press >1.5 seconds.
Turn on the meter : Press to turn on the meter.
Turn off the meter: In the measurement mode, press and hold for 2 seconds
to turn off the meter.
Note: In the calibration mode or the parameter setup mode, pressing is
invalid. Please press key to return to the measurement mode, then press to
turn off the meter.
Chart -1 Keypad operations and descriptions
Meter Socket
Reading Stability Display Mode
When the measuring value is stable, the smiley icon stays on the LCD, see
Diagram – 4. If the smiley icon does not appear or flash, please do not get
the reading value or make calibration until the measuring value is stable. Per
parameter P1.3, there are 3 criteria for stability standard:
(Normal), (High), and (Low). The factory default is set to “Normal”. “High” is
set for stability for a longer time, and “Low” is set for stability for a
shorter time. Users can select suitable stability criteria according to
different testing requirements.
Automatic Lock Display Mode
Select On from parameter P4.6 to turn on the automatic lock-up display function. When the reading value stabilizes for more than 10 seconds, the meter locks the measuring value automatically and displays the HOLD icon, see Diagram – 5. In the HOLD mode, press to release lock-up.
Automatic Power-off
The meter will be powered off if there is no operation for 20 minutes. The time of auto power-off can be set in parameter setting P3.2
Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC)
When the temperature probe does not connect to the meter, long press key, and temperature value flash, then long press key or short press key changes the temperature value in one way, and is pressed to confirm the temperature value to achieve Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC).
PH MEASUREMENT
pH Electrode Information
The meter connects to a 201T-F plastic three-in-one combination pH electrode with a built-in temperature sensor, with an automatic temperature compensation function. Electrode housing is made of polycarbonate engineering plastics, which is corrosion and impact-resistant. The BNC socket of the electrode connects pH socket. RCA socket connects temperature socket. When dipping pH electrode in the solution, please stir the solution briefly to eliminate any air bubbles and allow it to stay in the solution until the reading is stable.
Note : The 201T-F Combination Glass pH/temp. An electrode is only suitable for general water solutions’ pH measurements. For special applications such as low ion concentration or complex solutions, please refer to Section 10 to find the most suitable pH electrode model.
pH Calibration Consideration
- Standard buffer solution
The meter uses two series of standard buffer solution: USA series and NIST series, 3 solutions for each series which correspond to calibration indication icons. Please see Chart – 3 for the two series of standard buffer solutions.
Three-point calibration
The instrument can perform 1-3 points calibration. The first point calibration must use 7.00 pH (or 6.86 pH) standard solution, then select other standard solution to perform the second and the third point calibration. See chart – 4.
Calibration frequency
Calibration frequency depends on the sample, the electrode performance, and the required accuracy. For high-accuracy measurements (≤ ±0.03pH), the meter should be calibrated immediately before taking a measurement. For general accuracy (≥±0.1pH), the meter can be calibrated and used for approximately one week before the next calibration.
The meter must be recalibrated in the following situations:
- (a) New probe or probe that has not been used for a long time
- (b) After measuring acid (pH<2) or alkaline solutions (pH>12)
- (c) After measuring a solution that contains fluoride or a concentrated organic solution
- (d) If the solution’s temperature differs greatly from the calibration solution temperature.
pH Meter Calibration (with an example of 3-point calibration)
First point calibration
(a) Press key to enter the calibration mode, “CAL 1” flashes at the top right of LCD and “7.00 pH” flashes at the bottom right of LCD, indicating using pH 7.00 buffer solution to make the 1st point calibration.
(b) Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in pH7.00 buffer solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. When the stable icon stays on LCD, press key to calibrate, then 1st point calibration is finished, the meter enters in measurement mode of one-point calibration. The calibration guide icon will display at the bottom left of LCD.
Second point calibration
Press key to enter the calibration mode, “CAL 2” flashes at the top right of the LCD indicating to make the 2nd point calibration. Rinse the pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in a pH4.00 buffer solution.
Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. The meter’s display will show the scanning and locking process of the calibration buffer solution at the bottom right of the LCD. When the meter locks 4.00 pH, stable icon stays on LCD, press mkey to calibrate the meter. LCD will display the electrode slope of acidity range, then 2nd point calibration is finished, the meter enters measurement mode of two-point calibration. Calibration guide icons will display at the bottom left of LCD.
Third point calibration
Press key to enter the calibration mode, “CAL 3” flashes at the top right of LCD indicating to make the 3rd point calibration. Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in a pH10.01 buffer solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. The meter’s display will show the scanning and locking process of the calibration buffer solution at the bottom right of LCD.
When the meter locks 10.01pH, stable icon stays on LCD, press the key to calibrate the meter. LCD will display the electrode slope of the alkalinity range, then 3rd point calibration is finished, the meter enters in measurement mode of three-point calibration. Calibration guide icons will display at the bottom left of LCD.
Notes:
- (a) The meter can perform 1-3 points calibration. When the 1st point calibration is done, the meter will enter the measurement mode of one-point calibration. Two-point and three-point calibrations are in the same manner.
- (b) During the calibration process, if the measuring value is not stable yet (when does not stay on and the key is pressed, then Er 2 will display. (See chart – 5). To solve the problem, simply wait for to stay on the screen before pressing
- (c) To exit calibration mode and go back to measurement mode, press key.
Sample Test
Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in the tested solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the tested solution until the icon stays on LCD and a stable reading is reached, which is the pH value of test solution.
Self-diagnosis information
During the process of calibration and measurement, the meter has self- diagnosis functions, indicating the relative information as below, please refer to chart – 5.
pH temperature principle
Please note that the closer the temperature of the sample solution to the calibration solution, the more accurate the readings.
Factory default setting
For the factory default setting, please refer to parameter setting P1.4 (Item 7.3). All calibration data is deleted and the meter restores to the theory value (zero electric potential of pH is 7.00, the slope is 100%). Some functions restore to the original value (refer to Appendix -1). When calibration or measurement fails, please restore the meter to the factory default setting and then perform re-calibration or measurement. Please note once set the factory default, all the data deleted will be irretrievable.
pH Electrode Maintenance
Daily maintenance
The soaking solution contained in the supplied protective bottle is used to maintain activation in the glass bulb and junction. Loosen the capsule, remove the electrode and rinse in distilled or deionized water before taking a measurement. Insert the electrode and tighten the capsule after measurements to prevent the solution from leaking. If the soaking solution is turbid or moldy, replace the solution. The soaking/storage solution is 3M KCL (SKU: AI1107). Using other brand’s storage solution might cause potential damage to the electrode.
The electrode should not be stored in distilled or deionized water, protein solution or acid fluoride solution. In addition, do not soak the electrode in organic silicon lipids. For best accuracy, always keep the meter clean and dry, especially the meter’s electrode socket. Clean with medical cotton and alcohol if necessary.
Calibration buffer solution
For calibration accuracy, the pH of the standard buffer solution must be reliable. The buffer solution should be refreshed often, especially after heavy use.
Protect glass bulb
The sensitive glass bulb at the front of the combination electrode should not come in contact with hard surfaces. Scratches or cracks on the electrode will cause inaccurate readings. Before and after each measurement, the electrode should be washed with distilled or deionized water and dried. Do not clean the glass bulb with a tissue for it will affect the stability of the electrode potential and increase the response time. The electrode should be thoroughly cleaned if a sample sticks to the electrode. Use a solvent if the solution does not appear clean after washing.
Renew glass bulb
Electrodes that have been used over a long period of time will become aged. Submerge the electrode in 0.1mol/L hydrofluoric acid for 24 hours, then wash the electrode in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in soaking solution for 24 hours. The method to prepare 0.1mol/L hydrofluoric acid dilute 9mL hydrochloric acid in distilled or deionized water to 1000mL. For serious passivation, submerge the bulb in 4% HF (hydrofluoric acid) for 3-5 seconds, and wash it in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in the soaking solution for 24 hours to renew it.
Clean contaminated glass bulb and junction (please refer to Chart-6)
Note : The electrode housing is polycarbonate. When use cleaning solutions, take cautious on carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, etc., which will dissolve the housing and invalidate the electrode.
mV VALUE MEASUREMENT:
ORP Measurement
Press key and switch the meter to mV measurement mode. Connect 301Pt-C ORP electrode (SKU: AI1303, sold separately) and dip it in a sample solution, stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the solution until the icon stays and then record the reading, which is ORP value. ORP is in short for Oxidation Reduction Potential. The unit is mV.
Notes
ORP measurement does not require calibration. When the user is not sure about ORP electrode quality or measuring value, use ORP standard solution to test mV value and see whether ORP electrode or meter works properly.
Clean and Activate ORP Electrode
After the electrode has been used over long period of time, the platinum surface will get polluted, which causes inaccurate measurement and slow response. Please refer to the following methods to clean and activate ORP electrode:
- (a) For inorganic pollutants, submerge the electrode in 0.1mol/L dilute hydrochloric acid for 30 minutes, then wash it in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in the soaking solution for 6 hours.
- (b) For organic or lipid pollutants, clean the platinum surface with detergent, then wash it in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in the soaking solution for 6 hours.
- (c) For a heavily polluted platinum surface on which there is oxidation film, polish the platinum surface with toothpaste, then wash it in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in the soaking solution for 6 hours.
PARAMETER SETTING
Main Menu
In the measurement mode, press key to enter P1.0, then press to switch to main menu: P1.0→P3.0. Please refer to diagram – 9.
P1.0: pH parameter setting; P3.0: Basic parameter setting.
Submenu
In P1.0 mode, press key to enter submenu P1.1 of pH parameter setting, then press key to switch among submenu: P1.1→P1.2→P1.3→P1.4, see Diagram – 9.
In P3.0 mode, press key to enter submenu P3.1 of basic parameter setting, then press to switch among submenu: P3.1→P3.2→P3.3, see Diagram – 9.
Diagram 9
Main menu of parameter setting
WHAT’S IN THE KIT
RECOMMENDED PH ELECTRODES FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS
- Visit http://aperainst.com/electrodes or contact us at 1-614-285-3080 for more details.
WARRANTY
We warrant this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agree to repair or replace free of charge, at the option of APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC, any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to the responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC for a period of THREE YEARS for the instrument and SIX MONTHS for the probe from the delivery.
This limited warranty does NOT cover any issues due to:
- Accidental damage
- Improper use
- Normal wear and tear
- Transportation
- Storage
- Failure to follow the product instructions
- Unauthorized maintenance, modifications, combination or use with any products, materials, processes, systems or other matter
- Unauthorized repair
APPENDIX I: PARAMETER SETTING & FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING
APPENDIX II: ABBREVIATION GLOSSARY
Printed technical specifications are subject to change without notification Labco® is a registered trademark.
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- 1800 052 226
- [email protected]
- abcoscientific.com.au
- [email protected]
- labcoscientific.com.au
- 1800 052 226
- PO Box 5816, Brendale, QLD 4500