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Trace2O METALYSER HM1000 - User Manual

Trace2O METALYSER HM1000
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METALYSER PORTABLE HM1000
Portable Field Heavy Metals Analyser

Questions and Answers

Summary

Introduction

Kit Content

Getting to Know Your Metalyser

USB Connector

Used for charging the battery and data transfer via PC or laptop.

LCD Screen

Displays instrument status, date, time, and backlit for poor lighting conditions.

ON;OFF Button

Turns the instrument on/off; features auto shutdown after ten minutes of inactivity.

Navigation Joystick

Allows navigation through menus with five controls: Up, Down, Left, Right, and OK.

Cancel Button

Returns the user to the previous menu or screen.

On Screen Indicators

Symbols appearing periodically at the bottom of the screen provide information about the instrument's status.

Components and Care

The Sonde

The sonde head contains electrodes and stirrer for analysis, with electrode references embossed for correct connection.

In-line Waterproof Cable Connector

Connects the sonde to the instrument, designed for submersion up to 1 meter.

Electrodes

Counter Electrode

Requires least maintenance; visual inspection for physical damage is sufficient.

Reference Electrode

Contains liquid; replenish with fill solution, keep tip wet, and avoid air bubbles.

Working Electrode

Surface needs regular polishing; types WE1 (6 pins) and WE2 (3 pins) are not interchangeable.

Refilling Reference Electrode

Step-by-step guide on refilling the Reference Electrode with fill solution to maintain tip wetness.

Polishing Technique for Working Electrode

Instructions on polishing the working electrode surface to a mirror finish for optimal analysis.

Other Components and Storage

Stirrer

Crucial for operation; check rotation and mix reagents. Use stirrer oil if stuck.

Sample Analysis Beaker (SAB)

A fixed volume beaker that levels off at a constant volume after filling.

Storage and Shelf Life of Solutions

Details storage conditions (dark, cool, dry) and shelf life for buffers, standards, and plating solutions.

Menu System

Main Menu Overview

Outlines the main menu structure and its sub-categories like Test Methods, Data Log, and System.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery

Instructions for charging the handheld instrument using the supplied USB cable and chargers.

Driver Installation

Steps to install USB drivers for compatibility with PCs for fast charging and data transfer.

Setting the Date and Time

Procedure to set the instrument's internal calendar and clock for date stamping results.

Backlight Settings

Options to control the LCD backlight for visibility in poor lighting conditions.

Language Selection

How to change the instrument's display language from the pre-installed options.

Auto Switch Off

Setting to automatically switch off the instrument after inactivity to save battery life.

Operating Procedure

Methods Overview

Outlines the two main steps: plating (conditioning) and analysis for accurate results.

Plating Procedure

Details the plating step, required solutions, and when to re-plate the electrode for consistent results.

Analysis Methods

Describes Standard Addition, In-field Calibration, and Blank Subtraction methods.

Standard Addition Workflow

A visual overview of the steps involved in performing a Standard Addition analysis.

Adding a Standard Addition

How to Use a Pipette

Detailed instructions and illustrations on using the pipette to add standard solutions accurately.

Altering Deposition Times

Adjusts deposition time (30, 60, 120 secs) to optimize accuracy for different concentration ranges.

Blank Subtraction

Recommends blank subtraction for all analyses, especially for Hg and As.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Steps

A checklist of initial steps to diagnose problems with the Reference Electrode, Stirrer, and Working Electrode.

Error Messages and Causes

Lists common error messages like >L.O.D, <L.O.D, Addition error, and Calibration error with probable causes.

Problem, Cause, and Solution Table

Provides solutions for common problems like 'Peak not visible', 'Results lower than expected', and instrument unresponsiveness.

Interference Effects

Specifications

Metalyser HM1000 Handheld Unit

Details environment, connections, display, power supply, and battery specifications for the handheld unit.

Parameter Ranges

Lists lower and upper limits for analyzed elements like Arsenic, Copper, Mercury, etc.

Overview

The Metalyser® Portable HM1000 is a rugged field kit designed for the rapid analysis of very low heavy metal concentrations in natural water courses, such as lakes and rivers. It utilizes a voltammetric technique to detect heavy metal ions in solution, providing results to less than 10ppb quickly. The instrument is portable, battery-powered, and suitable for on-site field screening analysis. It is sealed against water ingress and housed in a waterproof case, making it robust and virtually maintenance-free.

Function Description:

The HM1000 tests for a range of 9 heavy metals. Its operating procedure involves two main steps: plating (conditioning) and analysis. The plating step forms a thin plate on the surface of the Working Electrode, which is crucial for reliable results. A secondary conditioning step is also included to prime the electrode and increase sensitivity. The instrument offers two main analysis methods: Standard Addition and in-field calibration. Standard Addition is the recommended method, where a known amount of standard is added to the sample to determine the initial concentration. In-field calibration establishes a calibration curve before analyzing multiple samples rapidly. A Blank Subtraction method is available for creating a new baseline if contaminants are suspected in the buffer.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Handheld Unit Environment:
    • Water Ingress: IP67
    • Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
    • Storage Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
  • Connections:
    • 1 x waterproof Mini USB port
    • 1 x 12 Way Multipole Connector
  • Display: 128 x 128 pixel monochrome backlit LCD
  • Power Supply: 4.5 – 5V DC, 700mAh
  • Battery: 3.3V Li-ion 2200mAh rechargeable
  • Detection Limits (Lower Limit / Upper Limit in ppb):**
    • Arsenic (III): 5 / 500
    • Total Arsenic (As (III+V)): 10 / 500
    • Copper (Cu): 5 / 500
    • Mercury (Hg): 5 / 500
    • Cadmium (Cd): 3 / 500
    • Lead (Pb): 5 / 500
    • Zinc (Zn): 5 / 500
    • Upper limit fixed at 500ppb; dilution needed for higher values. Lower limits achievable with 60 seconds deposition; increased accuracy with 120 seconds deposition.
  • Variability: ± 5% at 20ppb with Metaware software, ± 7.5% with handheld.
  • Accuracy: Dependent on element measured, sample matrix, and type.

Usage Features:

  • User Interface: Controlled via on-screen menus and a 4-way navigation joystick (Up, Down, Left, Right, and OK). A Cancel button returns to the previous menu.
  • LCD Screen: Displays current date, time, battery, and connection status. Backlit for poor lighting conditions.
  • Charging: The built-in battery can be charged via USB using supplied car or mains chargers, or a PC/laptop. Fast charge (500mA, approx. 7 hours) and trickle charge (100mA) options are available.
  • Sonde: Contains pre-assembled electrodes (WE1, WE2, R, C) and a stirrer. Electrodes are letter-referenced for correct positioning. The sonde head is designed for submersion up to 1 meter in water.
  • Sample Analysis Beaker (SAB): Has a fixed volume, ensuring a constant sample volume when removed from water.
  • Pipette: Used for adding standard additions, set to 280µl by default (equivalent to 20ppb). The volume can be adjusted.
  • Deposition Times: Default 60 seconds for most elements (down to 5ppb), 10ppb for arsenic. Shorter times (30 seconds) for higher concentrations (50-500ppb), longer times (120 seconds) for lower concentrations (<10ppb) to increase accuracy.
  • Language Selection: English, French, and Spanish pre-installed.
  • Auto Switch Off: Optional ten-minute auto shutdown feature to extend battery life.

Maintenance Features:

  • Electrodes:
    • Counter Electrode: Requires minimal maintenance, mainly visual inspection for damage.
    • Reference Electrode: Contains a liquid-filled tube that can be replenished with the supplied Reference Electrode Fill Solution. The tip should be kept wet, and a few drops of deionised water should be added to the cap before storage.
    • Working Electrode: Surface should be regularly polished using the supplied glass platen, polishing cloth, and slurry to remove contaminants and ensure a mirror-like finish. Protective rubber cap should be replaced during storage. Conditioning steps are required after polishing.
  • Stirrer: Needs to be checked for proper rotation. If stuck, a few drops of Stirrer Oil (only the supplied oil) can be applied to the shaft.
  • Buffers: Store in a dark, cool, dry environment. Powder buffers have a shelf life of 3 years, liquid buffers 1 year.
  • Standards: Store in a dark, cool place, shelf life of 12 months. Discard if contaminated.
  • Plating Solutions: Store in a dark, cool place, shelf life of 1 year. Discard and replace if efficacy deteriorates.
  • Post-Analysis Cleaning: Sonde head and electrodes should be thoroughly washed with deionised water or sample water after each analysis to minimize carry-over, especially after arsenic analysis.
  • Troubleshooting: The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common issues like "Peak not visible," "Results lower/increasing," and "Sample >L.O.D."
  • Self-Diagnosis: The instrument provides on-screen indicators for battery status (fast charge, trickle charge, fault/overheat, full, ¾, ½, ¼, empty), USB connection, and stirrer operation. It also displays error messages like ">L.O.D," "<L.O.D," "Addition error," and "Calibration error" to assist in diagnosing problems.

Trace2O METALYSER HM1000 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandTrace2O
ModelMETALYSER HM1000
CategoryMeasuring Instruments
LanguageEnglish

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