LabCo SCIENTIFIC PH8500 Portable pH Meter User Guide

LabCo SCIENTIFIC PH8500 Portable pH Meter

Specifications

Main Specifications

• pH Measuring Range:
• pH Resolution:
• pH Accuracy:
• Temperature Measuring Range:
• Temperature Resolution:
• Temperature Accuracy:

Other Specifications

• Data Storage: 500 groups

• Storage Content: Serial number, date, time, measuring value,
  measuring unit, and temperature value

• Output: USB

• Power:

• IP Rating:

• Dimension & Weight:

Instrument Description
The PH8500 portable pH meter features an LCD display that shows various icons and information related to measurements, temperature compensation, calibration, USB connectivity, stability, and battery status.

Keypad Functions
The keypad allows for various operations such as turning on/off the meter, selecting measurement parameters, and navigating between modes. Short and long presses of specific keys enable different functions.

PH8500 PORTABLE pH METER

USER MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing PH8500 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 instrument properly, please read the manual thoroughly before use.

Basic Features

• The microprocessor-based portable meter features automatic calibration, automatic temperature compensation, function set-up, self-diagnostics, due calibration reminding, calibration date checking, automatic power-off and low voltage display.
• Meet GLP, clock display, manual storage and automatic timing storage, USB port.
• The meter’s digital filter improves measurement speed and accuracy. There is reading stability display.
• The package includes portable case, meter, electrode, standard solutions, soaking solutions, and all accessories, convenient to use in field.
• The meter is dust proof and waterproof, meeting the IP57 rating.

pH Measurement Features

• 1-3 points automatic calibration, the meter provides calibration guide and automatic checking function.
• The meter is able to recognize pH standard buffer solutions automatically. There are three options of standard buffer solution: USA series, NIST series and customer-defined solution.
• The meter provides three kinds of reading stability criteria.

SPECIFICATIONS

Main Specifications

| SPECIFICATIONS
---|---
PH| Measuring Range| (-2.00 ~ 16.00) pH
Resolution| 0.1/0.01 pH
Accuracy| ±0.01pH ±1 digit
Temperature compensation| (0 ~ 100) °C (manual or automatic)
MV| Measuring Range| ±1,999mV
Resolution| ±200 mV:0.1mV; others:1 mV
Accuracy| ±0.1% F.S ±1 digit
TEMPERATURE| Measuring Range| -10~110°C
Resolution| 0.1˚C
Accuracy| ±0.5˚C±1 digit

Other Specifications

STORAGE CONTENT

| Serial number, date, time, measuring value,

measuring unit and temperature value

**OUTPUT| ** USB
**POWER| ** AA batteries × 3 (1.5V× 3)
**IP RATING| ** IP57 waterproof and dust proof
DIMENSION & WEIGHT| Meter: (86×196×33 ) mm / 335 g
Portable case: (330×270×82 ) mm /1.3 kg

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

LCD Display

Diagram – 2

1. Measuring mode icons

2. Measurement reading

3. Timing storage icon. When this icon appears, the meter is in the automatic storage mode

4. Date and time, or prompts of special display mode

5. Units of date and time

6. Units of measurement

7.  Temperature units

8. Units of calibration value

9. Standard calibration value, the serial number for storage and recall, and prompts of special display mode

10.  Storage and recall icons,
    M+ — Measurement to be stored icon, RM — Reading to be recalled icon

11. Temperature value, and prompts of special display mode

12. Temperature compensation icons; ATC — automatic temperature compensation,
    MTC — manual temperature compensation

13.  Calibration guide icon

14. USB icon，when this icon appears, the meter connects the computer

15. Stability icon of readings

16. Low battery icon, when this icon appears, please renew the battery

17. Auto. Hold icon of readings

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.
• Notes: In the calibration mode or the parameter set-up 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
Electrode socket displays as Chart – 2. USB socket displays as Chart– 3.

Chart – 2 Sockets for meters

Display Mode
Reading stability display mode
When the measuring value is stable, smiley icon appears on LCD, see Diagram – 4. If the icon does not appear or flash, please do not record 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 “Normal”. “High” is set for stability over a longer time, “Low” is set for stability over a shorter time. User can select suitable stability criteria according to different testing requirement.

Diagram – 4

Automatic lock-up display mode
Select On from parameter P3.6 to turn on automatic lock-up display function. When the reading value stabilizes more than 10 seconds, the meter locks the measuring value automatically and displays HOLD icon, see Diagram – 5. In the HOLD mode, press to release lock-up.

Diagram – 5

Store, Recall and Clear Data

Manual storage
When the measurement is stable, short press key, M+ icon and storage serial number appear on LCD, storing measuring information, see Diagram – 6.

Automatic timing storage
Set the storage timing (eg. 3 minutes) in parameter setting P3.3, icon appears on LCD and the meter enters the timing storage mode. When short press key, key flashes and the first measuring value is stored.
After 3 minutes, the 2nd measuring value is stored. See Diagram – 7: the meter stores automatically eight measuring values. When short press key, icon stops flashing and the meter stops automatic storage. In automatic storage mode, manual storage does not work.
Set time 0 in parameter settingP3.3 to exit from the automatic storage mode.

Recall stored data
In the measurement mode, press key to recall the last stored measuring value. See Diagram – 8: display RM icon and storage serial number. Continue pressing key and key to recall successively the stored measuring value. Press and hold key key to recall the stored measuring value quickly. Press  to return to measuring mode.

Clear stored data
Select YES per parameter P3.6 to clear all stored value, refer to Section 7.5.

Auto. Power-off
The meter will be power-off after the meter stops operation for 20 minutes. To set automatic power off time in parameter setting P3.7

Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC)
When the temperature probe is not connected to the meter, press and hold key, temperature value flashes, then press (or press and hold) key to change the temperature value, and press key to confirm.

pH MEASUREMENT

pH Electrode Information
The meter connects to 201T-F plastic three-in-one combination pH electrode with built-in temperature sensor, with automatic temperature compensation function. Electrode housing is made of polycarbonate engineering plastics, which is corrosion and impact resistant. The BNC socket of 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. Electrode is only suitable for general water solutions’ pH measurement. For special applications such as low ion concentration or complex solutions, please refer to Section 9 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, each series consists of 5 groups solution, icons see Chart – 4

Chart – 4 pH standard buffer solution series

Three-point calibration
The instrument can perform 1-3 points calibration. The first point calibration must be 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-5.

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 re-calibrated in the following situations:

• New probe, or probe that is unused for a long period of time
• After measuring acids (pH<2) or alkaline solutions (pH>12)
• After measuring a solution that contains fluoride or a concentrated organic solution
• If the solution’s temperature differs greatly from the calibration solution temperature

Due calibration
Pre-set calibration interval (begin from the date of last calibration) to remind due calibration in a pre-set period in parameter setting P1.4 (Section 7.3). During due calibration, Er5 icon appears on LCD (see Diagram – 9). The meter cannot continue operation and Er5 icon disappears until the calibration is done, or when select “No” in parameter setting P1.4.

Check calibration date
Check the date and time of last calibration to decide whether new calibration is needed. Please refer to parameter setting P1.5 (Section 7.3).

pH Calibration (take three-point calibration as an example)

The 1st point calibration

• 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.
• 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. LCD displays stable , press to finish 1st point calibration, meter goes to measurement mode, the bottom left of LCD indicating M , See Diagram – 10.

The 2nd point calibration
Press key to enter the calibration mode, CAL 2 flashes at the top right of LCD, indicating make the 2nd point calibration. rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, submerge it in 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 scanning and locking process of calibration buffer solution at the bottom right of LCD. When the meter locks 4.00 pH, stable icon displays and stays on LCD. Press the key to calibrate the meter. electrode slope of acidity range display after calibration is done, the 2nd point calibration finished, meter goes to measurement mode, the bottom left of LCD indicating

The 3rd point calibration
Press key to enter the calibration mode, CAL 3 flashes at the top right of LCD indicating make the 3rd point calibration. rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, submerge it in pH10.01 buffer solution, Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until the reading is stabilized. The meter’s display will show scanning and locking process of calibration buffer solution at the bottom right of LCD. When the meter locks 10.01pH, stable icon displays and stays on LCD. Press key to calibrate the meter. Electrode slope of acidity range display after calibration is done. After the 3rd point calibration is completed, meter goes to measurement mode, the bottom left of LCD indicating

Notes :

• The meter can perform 1-3 points calibration. When the 1st point calibration is done, the meter will enter measurement mode of one-point calibration. Two-point and three-point calibration are in the same manner.
• During the calibration process, if 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
• To exit from the calibration mode, press key.

Customer-defined Calibration (take 1.60 pH and 6.50 pH calibration solution as an example)
Select CUS from parameter setting P1.1 (please refer to Section 7.3 for customer-defined solution). The meter enters Customer-defined calibration mode.

Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in pH1.60 buffer solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. When LCD displays the stablemeasuring value and icon, press key and the measuring value flashes. CAL1 flashes at the top right of LCD,
indicating 1st point calibration of customer-defined solution.
Press key or key to adjust the measuring value to 1.60, then press key to calibrate the meter. After  alibration is done, meter goes to measurement mode.

Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in pH 6.50 buffer solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. When LCD displays the stable measuring value and icon, press and the measuring value flashes. CAL 2 flashes at the top right of LCD, indicating 2nd point calibration of customer-defined solution, press key or key to adjust the measurement value to 6.50, then press key to calibrate the meter. After calibration is done, the meter returns to the measurement mode.

Notes

• For manual temperature compensation (no temperature probe is plugged in RCA socket), when is pressed, temperature value flashes. Press or key to adjust the temperature value, and then press key ,
  pH measuring value flashes.

• The meter can perform 1-2 points of customer-defined calibration. When the 1st point calibration is done, the meter goes to measurement mode automatically. Same in customer-defined 2nd point calibration.

• The value set in “Customer-defined” is at a fixed temperature. The meter is suggested to perform calibration and measurement at the same temperature to avoid large error. The meter cannot automatically recognize customerdefined calibration solution.

Sample Test
Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and submerge it in sample solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the sample solution until the stable value and icon appears on LCD, get the reading which is pH value of sample solution, please refer to Diagram-11 for calibration and measurement process of pH meter.

Diagram 11 – Calibration and measurement process of pH meter

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 – 6.

Chart – 6 Self-diagnosis information of pH measurement mode

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 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 factory default setting and then perform re-calibration or measurement. Please note once set the factory default, all the data deleted will be irretrievable.
4.6 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 mouldy, 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, wash the electrode with distilled or deionized water and then throw off the excess water on the electrode. 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 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric 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 hydrochloric 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.)
Chart – 7 Clean contaminated glass bulb and junction

Note: The 201T-F electrode housing is polycarbonate. When using cleaning solutions, take precautions with carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, etc. as these will dissolve the housing and invalidate the electrode.

mV 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 sample solution, stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the solution until
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:

• For inorganic pollutant, 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.
• For organic or lipid pollutant, clean the platinum surface with detergent, then wash it in distilled or deionized water, then submerge it in the soaking solution for 6 hours.
• For 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 in P1.0, then press to switch to main menu: P1.0→P3.0.

• Please refer to Diagram – 14.
• P1.0: pH parameter setting;
• P3.0: Basic parameter setting.

Submenu

6.2.1. In P1.0 mode, press key to enter in sub-menu P1.1 of pH parameter setting, then press and key to switch among sub-menu: P1.1→P1.2→P1.3→P1.4→P1.5→P1.6, See Diagram–14.
6.2.2. In P3.0 mode, press key to enter in sub-menu P3.1 of TDS parameter setting, then press and key to switch among sub-menu: P3.1→P3.2→P3.3→P3.4→P3.5→P3.6→P3.7→P3.8, See Diagram – 14 below.

Sub-Menu of pH Parameter Setting (press key to switch)

USB COMMUNICATION

Software Requirement
The meter uses “PC-Link” software connected to via USB port. The recommended requirement for the computer are: Personal computer (Microsoft Excel 2000 or the version of higher rank) which can operate Windows XP operation system, PC – IBM compatible with XT and CD-ROM driver, USB communication port.19

Software Interface
Software interface: see Diagram-15.

1. Meter serial number
2.  Stored value
3.  Keys

Clear — press this key to clear the data
Download — press this key to download the data from the meter to the computer Export — press this key to export the stored value to Microsoft Excel file
Exit — press this key, PC-Link program exits from the computer interface

Install Software
Please follow the steps as below to load PC-Link to the computer:
Open “PC-Link” file→double click “Setup” program → click “OK”→ click icons (see Diagram – 16) → click “Continue”→ click “Confirm”

Diagram – 16

Automatic Connection Port
Connect USB cable to the meter and the computer, open PC-Link program, program interface shows on the computer,
automatic connection is done after a few seconds. Icon shows at the left bottom of LCD.

Note
To reconnect after turn-off, please restart the software interface, as the computer can not recognize the software automatically. Besides, this software only recognizes 1-16 port numbers. For other port numbers, please set in “device manager” of the computer.

Operation Software

Upload the stored value
Press Download key, all the data stored in the meter is downloaded to the computer. pH, mV, COND and TDS are sorted in the program.

Real-time storage.

During operation, press key to store or set timing storage. The measuring information is downloaded to the computer  through USB and will not be stored in the meter. The stored data during operation is the same as the data shown on the meter.

Data processing
Press Export key to export the stored value to Microsoft Excel file to further analyse or print the stored data.

WHAT’S IN THE KIT?

 RECOMMENDED PH ELECTRODES FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS

IDEAL APERA PH ELECTRODES TO USE WITH

APPLICATION

850 SERIES METER

GENERAL WATER SOLUTIONS| 201T-F, LabSen 211, LabSen 213
BEVERAGE, BEER, WINE…| LabSen 211, LabSen 213
COSMETICS| LabSen 851-S
CORROSIVE SOLUTIONS| LabSen 861
CULTURE MEDIUM| LabSen 823, LabSen 821, LabSen 851-S
DAIRY PRODUCTS (MILK, CREAM, YOGURT, MAYO, ETC.)| LabSen 823, LabSen 821
HIGH-TEMPERATURE SOLUTION| LabSen 861
LOW-TEMPERATURE SOLUTION| LabSen 881
MEAT| LabSen 763
MICRO-VOLUME SOLUTION| LabSen 241-6, LabSen 241-3
PURIFIED WATER (LOW ION CONCENTRATION SAMPLES)| LabSen 803, LabSen 801
SOIL| LabSen 553
SOLID OR SEMI-SOLID SAMPLES (CHEESE, RICE, FRUIT, ETC.)| LabSen 753, LabSen 751, LabSen 251
STRONG ACID SAMPLES| LabSen 831
STRONG ALKALINE SAMPLES| LabSen 841
SURFACE TEST (SKIN, PAPER, CARPET, ETC.)| LabSen 371
TRIS BUFFER SOLUTIONS| LabSen 211, LabSen 213, LabSen 221
VISCOUS LIQUID| LabSen851-S, LabSen 851-H
WASTEWATER, EMULSION, COMPLEX AND CAUSTIC SOLUTIONS|

LabSen 333, LabSen 331

• Visit http://aperainst.com/electrodes or contact us at 1-614-285-3080 for more details.

WARRAN TY

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 AND FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING

APPENDIX II: ABBREVIATION GLOSSARY

Printed technical specifications are subject to change without notification Labcoe is a registered trademark. See the full product range online. 1800 052 226 sales@labcoscientific.com.au labcoscientific.com.au

References

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