TC-3000 Meter Troubleshooting Guide

Negative Results

The 2020e and 2020i turbidity meters will display negative results if the sample water is less turbid than the blank reading. This is possible in ultra- low turbidity waters, where the sample turbidity is at or near the detection limit of the meter.

Negative readings can also indicate a problem when the meter was blanked. If the meter is accidentally blanked to a 1.0NTU standard, subsequent tests may negative, in response to the high blank reading. Correct this problem as follows:

1. Reset the meter to the factory calibration settings: with the meter turned OFF, hold down the *OK button and press ON. Release both buttons at the same time. Press *OK to select the default settings. Press *OK again and the meter will turn off.

Tips for Turbidity Accuracy

Turbidity is cloudiness in water and can be interpreted as an absence of clarity or brilliance. It is caused by suspended and colloidal matter such as clay, silt, organic and inorganic matter and microscopic organisms and algae. Turbidity is determined by measuring the amount of light scattered when light is passed through a sample.

When using a nephelometric turbidimeter:

1. Samples should be collected in a clean glass or polyethylene container.
2. Samples should be analyzed immediately after collection, because the turbidity can change if the sample is stored.
3. Dirty, scratched, or chipped sample tubes can cause high readings. Sample tubes should be acid washed periodically and lightly oiled with silicon to mask

DIRECT READING TITRATOR INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill the titration tube to the specified line with the water sample.
2. Add the reagents as specified in the instruction for the individual test method.
3. Cap the tube with the special titration tube cap. Mix by swirling gently.
4. Depress the plunger of the Titrator.
5. Insert the adapter tip into the special plastic plug in the titrating solution bottle.
6. Invert the bottle. Hold the bottle and the Titrator firmly together. Slowly pull out the plunger until the large ring on the plunger is opposite the zero (0) line on the scale.
7. If an air bubble appears in the Titrator barrel or the adapter tip, partially fill the barrel and pump the titration solution back into the inverted reagent bottle to expel the bubble.
   NOTE:

Colorimetric Testing

The Ideas Behind the Meters

Many of the substances in water which must be measured are colorless and so they are invisible. So, how do you determine how much of that substance is there if you can’t see it? A common method for testing how much of a substance is in the water is to run a colorimetric test. A colorimetric test is a test which forms a color. The amount of the color is then measured. In most tests the more color formed, the more of the test substance there is in the water.

But how do you measure the color which has been formed? You could look at the color with your eyes and compare the color formed with some standards. This is a visual measurement of the color. Visual methods can give very good results when applied in an appropriate manner. However, visual measurements of color are subjective. E

Dissolved Oxygen Testing Tips

Oxygen is critical to the survival of aquatic plants and animals, and a shortage of dissolved oxygen is not only a sign of pollution, it is harmful to the fish. Some aquatic species are more sensitive to oxygen depletion than others, but some general guidelines to consider when analyzing test results are:

5-6 ppm: Sufficient for most species

<3 ppm: Stressful to most aquatic species

<2 ppm: Fatal to most species

Because of its importance to the fish’s survival, aquaculturists, or “fish farmers,” and aquarists use the dissolved oxygen test as a primary indicator of their system’s ability to support healthy fish.

Where Does The Oxygen Come From?

The oxygen found in water comes from many sources, but the largest source is oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere. Wave action and splashing allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the water. A second major source of oxygen is aquatic plants, including algae;

Insta-Test® Test Strip Tips

General Use Tips 

1. Store test strip bottle indoors away from extreme heat and moisture, in a cool dry place.
2. Avoid pulling strips from bottle with wet fingers.
3. After opening bottle shake out strips, pick one for use, and then firmly reseal cap.
4. For most of our pool & spa test strips immerse strip at least 6 inches below the water surface for 2 seconds. If testing in a spa make sure jets are turned off.
5. Remove with pads face up and shake the strip once to remove excess water.
6. Start reading results promptly after removing the strip from the water beginning with the end pad (e.g. Free Chlorine) and then downward in order. This allows other reagent pads several seconds to fully develop its color.
7. For best results read in natural daylight.

Trouble Shooting Tips

Free Chlorine Test

No Color?

• At zero ppm

SMART 2 Meter Troubleshooting Guide

Power Problems

If your colorimeter does not turn on, press and hold the ON button for two full seconds, then release the ON button. The sensitivity of the keypad is a little different from some other LaMotte meters and requires that you make contact with the ON button a split second longer than may be expected.

If using an AC adapter, make sure that the adapter meets the power requirements as outlined on the bottom label of the meter. LaMotte offers the AC adapter as an optional accessory, code number 1731-110 and 1754 for EX2 versions. If the meter doesn’t turn on when powered by the AC adapter, make sure that the power outlet is in safe, work- ing condition. For best results, remove the battery from the meter when operating with the AC adapt- er. A low battery may interfere with the w

2008 Turbidity Meter Trouble Shooting Guide

Cannot adjust meter to read value of standards.

Check age of AMCO standards. Nine month maximum shelf life once seal has been broken. Check for contamination of standards - dust particles, etc. ADDITIONAL OPTION - Apply a tiny drop of silicone oil to a lint free tissue. Wipe test vial gently with tissue to apply a thin coat. This will fill in non-visible imperfections and scratches in test vial. If silicone oil is used, always wash test vials off thoroughly with soap and water after testing.

No display when meter is turned on

Turn to OFF position. Plug in meter to wall and let sit overnight plugged in. Next morning, turn to Recharge Battery and let sit until red light goes out.

Green light does

2020e/2020i Turbidity Meter Troubleshooting Guide

Negative Results

The 2020e and 2020i turbidity meters will display negative results if the sample water is less turbid than the blank reading. This is possible in ultralow turbidity waters, where the sample turbidity is at or near the detection limit of the meter.

Negative readings can also indicate a problem when the meter was blanked. If the meter is accidentally blanked to a 1.0NTU standard, subsequent tests may negative, in response to the high blank reading. Correct this problem as follows:

1. Reset the meter to the factory calibration settings: with the meter turned OFF, hold down the *OK button and press ON. Release both buttons at the same time. Press *OK to select the default settings. Press *OK again and the meter will turn off. The factory settings will be restored.
2. Follow the instructions on how to properly fill the turbidity tubes with the standard solutions (see below).

LaMotte Receives Presidential Award for Export Successes

LaMotte Company of Chestertown, Maryland — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker presented LaMotte Company’s Richard Rogers with the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, DC on May 16th. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. The Chestertown firm was the only one from the state of Maryland honored this year.

“LaMotte Company has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with LaMotte Company’s adaptation of its product line for export markets. The company’s use of strategic partnerships to gain market share in Europe was also