Bante 520 Portable Conductivity Meter User Manual (+ PDF)

Bante 520 Portable Conductivity Meter
USER MANUAL

Bante Instruments Inc.

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the 520 portable conductivity meter. This user manual provides a step-by-step guide to help you operate the meter, please carefully read the following instructions before use. Any use outside of these instructions may invalidate your warranty and cause permanent damage to the meter.

Environmental Conditions
Before unpacking, ensure that current environmental conditions meet the following requirements.

Relative humidity is less than 80%
Ambient temperature between 0° C (32° F) and 50° C (122° F)
No potential electromagnetic interference
No corrosive gas exists

Packing List
The following list describes all components of the meter. If any items are missing or damaged, contact the supplier immediately.

520 meter
Electrode clip
Standard solutions
Conductivity electrode
Temperature probe

Meter Overview

1. Sensor connections
2. Slot for electrode clip
3. Display

4. Membrane keypad
5. Slot for hand strap
6. Battery compartment

7. Socket for temperature probe (3.5 mm jack)
8 . Socket for conductivity electrode (6-pin DIN)
9. USB-A interface to the computer or power adapter

Display

Icon	Description
	Indicates that the meter is in the measurement mode
	Indicates that the meter is in the calibration mode
	Indicates that the meter is in the setup mode
	Indicates that you are viewing the stored readings or a reading is stored into the memory
	When the battery voltage falls below the minimum power requirements, the icon automatically disappears
	Indicates that the measurement is locked
ATC	Indicates that the automatic temperature compensation is enabled

Keypad

Key	Function
	• Switch the meter on or off • Lock or unlock the measurement • Exit the calibration, settings, data logs and return to the measurement mode
	• Set the temperature
	• Start calibration • Press and hold the key to enter the setup menu
	• Store current reading to memory • Increase value or scroll up through a list of options
	• View the data log or calibration log • Decrease value or scroll down through a list of options
	• Confirm the calibration or displayed option • Press and hold the key to switch the backlight on or off

Installing the Batteries

Remove the battery compartment cover from the backside of the meter, insert three AA batteries into the battery compartment, note polarity.
Replace the battery compartment cover to its original position, push the limiter until it locks.

The meter allows using the 5V DC power adapter (order code: DCPA5V) or the USB port on computer as a power supply.

Note, take out the batteries before connecting an external power supply.

Installing the Electrode Clip

The electrode clip is designed for mounting a sensor, but it is not a necessary component for meter. If you want to install this accessory, insert the electrode clip into the slot on the right of the meter.

Switching the Meter On and Off

Press the Meas key and release to switch on the meter.
Press and hold the Meas key to switch off the meter.

Meter Setup

The 520 meter contains 10 menu items in setup menu. The following table describes the functions of each menu item.

Menu Item	Option and Description
	Cell Constant Set the cell constant to match connected electrode.
	`1.0` K = 0.1
	`1` K = 1 (default)
	`10` K = 10
	Calibration Points Set the number of calibration points.
	`1` 1 point
	`2` 2 points
	`3` 3 points (default)
	Temperature Coefficient Set the temperature correction method and coefficient.
	Linear (default 2.1%/° C)
	Non-linear
	Pure Water Compensation If enabled, the pure water compensation coefficient will be applied automatically for ultra-pure water measurements.
	Enable
	Disable (default)
	Reference Temperature Set the normalization temperature for measurement, the readings will automatically compensate to the selected temperature during measurement.
	`25°C` 25° C (default)
	`20°C` 20°C
	Measurement Unit Set the default temperature unit.
	`°C` Degrees Celsius (default)
	`°F` Degrees Fahrenheit
	Auto-Hold If enabled, the meter will automatically sense and lock the measurement endpoint.
	Enable
	Disable (default)
	Auto-Power Off If enabled, the meter will automatically switch off if no key is pressed within 30 minutes.
	Enable
	Disable (default)
`CLr`	Clear Stored Data Delete all data logs in the memory.
	Enable
	Disable (default)
	Factory Reset Reset the meter to factory default settings. Note, the meter must be recalibrated.
	Enable
	Disable (default)

The meter contains two temperature correction methods. The linear temperature correction is appropriate for most samples. If the current samples belong to the natural water (e.g., natural ground, well, or surface waters), using the non-linear correction is necessary.

Note, the non-linear correction can only be performed at temperature range from 0° C to 36° C (32° F to 96° F). If the temperature value is out of above range, the display will always show —-.

Setting the Default Option

In the measurement mode, press and hold the key to enter the setup menu.
Press the / key to select a menu item.
Press the Enter key, the meter shows the current option.
Press the / key to select a desired option.
Press the Enter key to save and return to the measurement mode.

To exit the setup menu without saving changes, press the Meas key.

Connecting the Electrode

Take out the conductivity electrode from the carrying case. Insert 6-pin connector into the connector socket on meter, ensure the connector is fully seated.

After connection is completed, DO NOT pull on the sensor cable. Always make sure that the connector is clean and dry.

Temperature Compensation

The temperature compensation has a large effect on the conductivity measurement. If enabled, the meter will use the measured conductivity and temperature readings to calculate the results and automatically compensate to the selected reference temperature. If the temperature coefficient is set to 0, the temperature compensation will be disabled and the meter only shows the actual conductivity at the measured temperature.

Automatic Temperature Compensation
Connect the temperature probe to meter, the ATC icon appears on the display, the meter is now switched to the automatic temperature compensation mode.

Manual Temperature Compensation

If the meter does not detect a temperature probe, the degrees Celsius icon (°C) will show on the display indicating the meter is switched to the manual temperature compensation mode. To set the temperature value follow the steps below.

Press and hold the °C key to enter the temperature setting.
Press the / key to modify the temperature value.
Press the Enter key to save.

Press and hold the / key will make the value change faster.

Selecting a Conductivity Electrode

The 520 meter is capable of using the three types of conductivity electrodes. Before the calibration and measurement, ensure that you have selected a suitable electrode according to the anticipated sample conductivity. The following table lists the selectable electrode and its effective measurement ranges.

Electrode	Measurement Range	Cell Constant
CON-0.1	0.5 to 100 µ S/cm	K = 0.1
CON-1	10 µ S/cm to 20 mS/cm	K = 1
CON-10	100 µ S/cm to 200 mS/cm	K = 10

Conductivity Calibration

The meter allows up to 3 points calibration in the conductivity mode. Before beginning the calibration, ensure that selected cell constant (K = 0.1, 1, 10) matches connected electrode. For better accuracy, we recommend to perform 3 points calibration or select a standard solution closest to the sample conductivity you are measuring. The meter will automatically detect the standard solution and prompt the user to perform the calibration. If you have changed the electrode, the meter must be recalibrated. The following table shows the default standard solution for each measurement range.

Measurement Range	Default Standard Solution
0 to 20 µ S/cm	10 µ S/cm
20 to 200 µ S/cm	84 µ S/cm
200 to 2000 µ S/cm	1413 µ S/cm
2 to 20 mS/cm	12.88 mS/cm
20 to 200 mS/cm	111.8 mS/cm

Single Point Calibration

Ensure that you have selected 1 point calibration in the setup menu.
Rinse the electrode with distilled water, then rinse with a small amount of standard solution.
Press the Cal key, the display shows —-/CAL1, the meter waits for recognizing the standard solution.
Place the electrode (and temperature probe) into the standard solution, stir gently to remove air bubbles trapped in the slot of the sensor.
The meter will automatically show the calibration standard (e.g.,1413 µ S/cm).
Press the Enter key, the Calibration icon begins flashing.
When the reading has stabilized, the meter will show and Endreturn to the measurement mode.

Multipoint Calibration

Ensure that you have selected 2 or 3 points calibration in the setup menu.
When the first calibration point is completed, the display will show —-/CAL2. The meter prompts you to continue with second point calibration.
Repeat steps 1.2, 1.4 and 1.5 above until the meter shows End. Calibration is completed.

To exit the calibration without saving changes, press the Meas key.

Viewing the Calibration Log

Press the MR key in the measurement mode and press the key until the meter shows ELE/P-2 (Electrode/Page 2).
Press the Enter key, the meter shows the calibration point 1.
Press the key to view the calibration factor of the calibration point 1 (e.g., 0.995).
Press the key to view the next data set.
To exit the calibration log, press the Meas key

If the meter is not calibrated with standard solution, the display will show —- only.

Temperature Calibration

The 520 meter is supplied with a temperature probe for measurement and temperature compensation. If the measured temperature reading differs from that of an accurate thermometer, the probe needs to be calibrated.

Connect the temperature probe to the meter and place into a solution with a known accurate temperature.
Press and hold the °C key to enter the temperature setting.
Press the / key to modify the temperature value.
Press the Enter key to save.

Measurement

Rinse the conductivity electrode with distilled water. Place the electrode (and temperature probe) into the sample solution and stir gently. Ensure that no air bubbles on the sensor surface.
If the Auto-Hold option in the setup menu is enabled, the meter will automatically lock the measurement endpoint and show HOLD icon. Press the Meas key to resume measuring. If the option is disabled, the meter will continuously measure and update the readings.
Wait for the measurement to stabilize and record the reading.
When all of the samples have been measured, rinse the electrode with distilled water.

If the meter shows —- indicating the measurement exceeds the range, replace a conductivity electrode that is appropriate for the conductivity range of the sample solution you are measuring.

Data Management

The 520 meter is capable of storing and recalling up to 100 data sets.
Storing a Measurement Result
In the measurement process, press the MI key to store the reading into the memory, the Memory icon appears on the display.
Viewing the Data Logs

Press the MR key in the measurement mode, the meter shows (Log/Page 1).
Press the Enter key, the meter shows the serial number of the stored data.
Press the key to view the stored data.
Press the key to view the next data set.
To exit the data log, press the Meas key.

If the meter does not store any reading, the display will show —- only.

Clearing the Data Logs
If the memory is full, the meter will automatically show FULL when the MI key is pressed. To delete the data logs, please follow the steps below.

Press and hold the key to enter the setup menu.
Press the key until the meter shows CLr/P-09.
Press the Enter key, the meter shows no/CLr
Press the key to select the YE5/CLr
Press the Enter key to confirm.

Communication

The 520 meter can transfer the data to a computer or import the data to Excel by a DAS software. You are able to download this software from our official website. Before installation, make sure that the Windows 10 operating system has been installed on your computer and you have a USB-B2303 data cable.

Receiving the Data

Connect the black port of the data cable to meter and the blue port to computer.
Click the DAS _ ECO _ Series icon, the system automatically scans an available communication port and shows a message box “Found a port on your computer”.
Click the OK, the application starts.
Click the Connect, the screen shows “Port is connected”.
Click the OK, then click the Receive, the stored data will transfer to computer automatically.

If your computer can not find a communication port, click the “PL2303 _Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1190.exe” to update the drive program.

Creating an Excel File
When transfer is completed, click the Save as Excel, the readings in data sheet will automatically convert to Excel file.
Note, once the software is closed, all received data will be lost and can not be recovered.

Electrode Maintenance

Rinse the electrode thoroughly with distilled water after use.
Do not touch the platinum black coating on the sensor surface and always keep it clean.
If there is a build-up of solids inside the sensor, remove carefully, then recalibrate the electrode.
If you do not use the electrode for long periods, wipe clean with a lint-free tissue and store the electrode in a dry and cool area.
If your electrode is model CON-10, store the electrode with tap water. This sensor needs to be kept wet always.

Appendix

Preparation of Conductivity Standard Solutions

Place the analytical grade potassium chloride (KCl) in a beaker and dry in an oven for about 3 hours at 105° C (221° F), then cool to room temperature.
Add the reagent to a 1 liter volumetric flask according to the instructions in table below.
Conductivity Standard Reagent Weight
84 µ S/cm KCl 42.35 mg
1413 µ S/cm KCl 745.5 mg
12.88 mS/cm KCl 7.45 g
111.8 mS/cm KCl 74.5 g
Fill the distilled water to the mark, mix the solution until the reagent is completely dissolved.

Calculating the Cell Constant

Refer to the Meter Setup section to reset the meter.
Place the electrode into a standard solution and record the reading.
Calculate the cell constant using the following formula.
Where:
K = Cell constant
Cstd = Value of conductivity standard solution
Cmeas = Measured value
G = Raw cell constant (0.1, 1 or 10)

Calculating the Temperature Coefficient

Do not connect the temperature probe to meter.
Press and hold the °C key to enter the temperature setting.
Press the / key to set the temperature to 25° C and press the Enter key to confirm.
Place the conductivity electrode into the sample solution, record the temperature value TA and conductivity value CTA.
Condition the sample solution and electrode to a temperature TB that is about 5° C to 10° C different from TA. Record the conductivity value CTB.
Calculate the temperature coefficient using the formula below.
Where:
TC = Temperature coefficient
CTA = Conductivity at temperature A
CTB = Conductivity at temperature B
TA = Temperature A
TB = Temperature B

Optional Accessories

Conductivity Electrodes
Order Code	Description
CON-0.1	For measuring the pure water
CON-1	For general purpose applications
CON-10	For measuring the high conductivity liquids
Temperature Probe
Order Code	Description
TP-10K	3.5 mm jack plug, 1 m (3.3 ft) cable
Solutions
Order Code	Description
ECCS-84	Conductivity standard solution 84 µ S/cm, 480 ml
ECCS-1413	Conductivity standard solution 1413 µ S/cm, 480 ml
ECCS-1288	Conductivity standard solution 12.88 mS/cm, 480 ml
ECCS-1118	Conductivity standard solution 111.8 mS/cm, 480 ml

Communication and Power Supply
Order Code	Description
USB-2303A	USB connector A to A, 1 m (3.3 ft) cable
DCPA-5V	5V DC power adapter, european standard plug

Meter Specifications

Model	Bante 520
Conductivity
Range	0.01 µ S/cm to 200.0 mS/cm
Resolution	0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1
Accuracy	± 0.5% F.S.
Calibration Points	1 to 3 points
Calibration Solutions	10 µ S/cm, 84 µ S/cm, 1413 µ S/cm, 12.88 mS/cm, 111.8 mS/cm
Temperature Compensation	0 to 100° C (32 to 212° F), manual or automatic
Temperature Coefficient	Linear (0.0 to 10.0%/° C), non-linear or pure water
Reference Temperature	20 or 25° C
Cell Constant	K = 0.1, 1, 10
Temperature
Range	0 to 105° C (32 to 221° F)
Resolution	0.1° C (0.1° F)
Accuracy	± 0.5° C (± 0.9° F)
Calibration Point	1 point
Other Specifications
Memory	100 data sets
Communication Interface	USB-A
Operating Temperature	0 to 50° C (32 to 122° F)
Storage Temperature	0 to 60° C (32 to 140° F)
Relative Humidity	< 80% (non-condensing)
Display	LCD, 80 × 60 mm (3.15 × 2.36 in.)
Power Requirements	3 × 1.5V AA alkaline batteries or 5V DC power adapter
Auto-Off	30 minutes after last key pressed
Dimensions	170 (L) × 85 (W) × 30 (H) mm, (6.69 × 3.35 × 1.18 in.)
Weight	300 g (10.5 oz.)

Troubleshooting

Fault	Cause and Corrective Action
—–	Electrode dried out. Soak the conductivity electrode in tap water for about 10 minutes.
—–	Measurement exceeded the maximum range. Check the electrode and sample. If non-linear correction is enabled, make sure that the sample temperature between 0 and 36° C.
Drifting erratic readings	Check whether electrode is contaminated, clogged or broken.
`Err`	Electrode is broken. Replace the conductivity electrode.

Keypad is not working

Replace the batteries.

Disposal
This product is required to comply with the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC and may not be disposed of in domestic waste. Please dispose of product in accordance with local regulations at the collecting point specified for electrical and electronic equipment.

Warranty
The warranty period for meter is one year from the date of shipment. Above warranty does not cover the electrode and electrolyte solution. Out of warranty products will be repaired on a charged basis. The warranty on your meter shall not apply to defects resulting from:

Improper or inadequate maintenance by customer
Unauthorized modification or misuse
Operation outside of the environment specifications of the products.

For more information, please contact the supplier.

Office: 4715 Castlewood St., Sugar land, TX 77479, USA
Tel: (+1) 346-762-7358
E-mail: [email protected]
Factory: A10, No.2066, Laifang Rd., Shanghai 201615, China
Tel: (+86) 21-6404-1598
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bante-china.com