APERA INSTRUMENTS PH60Z-WW Smart pH Meter for Wastewater, Suspensions, Emulsions, and other Dirty Liquid

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Apera Instruments. The PH60Z-WW pH Meter with LabSen® 335 pH/temp. electrode is designed for measuring pH in wastewater, suspensions, emulsions, and other dirty liquids. It also performs well with general water solutions.

Please read this manual carefully before use to achieve the best results.

ATTENTION

• NEVER use the product when it is freezing cold. Allow it to warm to room temperature before using.
• NEVER use your finger to touch the pH glass membrane or use other materials to rub it. Doing so could generate static electricity and cause measurement errors. To remove excess water on the electrode, simply shake it off or blot dry with a Kimwipe or lint-free cloth.

Connecting with ZenTest® Mobile App

Download the latest ZenTest app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is turned on. Open the ZenTest app, tap the [icon of a gear or settings symbol] icon in the upper right corner, and select your meter to connect. Do NOT select the 'Demo device'.

This user manual focuses on operating the meter via its keypad. For guides on using the ZenTest App for more functions, please refer to video tutorials accessible by scanning the QR code provided in the original document.

1. What's in the kit

The complete kit includes:

• User Manual
• LabSen 335 pH Electrode
• PH60-Z pH Meter
• CalBox Organizer
• pH 4.00 Calibration Solution
• pH 7.00 Calibration Solution
• pH 10.01 Calibration Solution
• 3M KCl Soaking Solution
• Protective Cap

2. Keypad Functions

Short Press: Less than 2 seconds

Long Press: Greater than 2 seconds

[MEAS] Button

1. Short press to turn on the tester; long press to turn off the tester.
2. When turned off, long press to enter parameter settings.
3. In measurement mode, short press to turn on the backlight.
4. In calibration mode, short press to cancel calibration.

[MODE] Button

1. In measurement mode, short press to switch between pH and mV measurement modes (ORP Sensor is sold separately).
2. In parameter settings, short press to change parameters (unidirectional).

[CAL] Button

1. Long press to enter calibration mode.
2. In calibration mode, short press to confirm calibration.
3. When the reading is locked (auto. HOLD on), short press to unlock.

3. Preparation Before Use

3.1 LabSen 335 Electrode Structure

The electrode features an 8-pin connector with a connector locking ring. It is housed in a storage vial with a vial locking ring. The electrode tip includes the junction and the pH glass membrane.

3.2 Electrode Preparation

1. Pull out the battery insulation paper (if applicable).
2. Loosen the storage vial locking ring by twisting it counterclockwise. Slowly pull out the electrode.
3. Place the storage vial (containing soaking solution) upright in the center of the CalBox solution organizer to prevent spills.
4. Rinse the electrode with pure water (preferably distilled or deionized water; RO water is an alternative). Blot dry the electrode with a Kimwipe or clean tissues to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing the glass membrane.
5. Perform at least a 2-point calibration before first-time use. Refer to Section 4 for calibration details.

4. pH Calibration

4.1 How to Calibrate

1. Short press the [MEAS] button to power on the meter.
2. Pour pH buffer solutions into the CalBox. Dip the electrode into the pH 7.00 solution first, stir gently, and let it stand.
3. Long press the [CAL] button to enter calibration mode. The screen will turn green. (Short press [MEAS] to quit calibration and return to measurement mode).
4. Wait for the reading to stabilize (indicated by a stable icon on the screen). Then, short press the [CAL] button again to finish the first point calibration. Upon completion, the meter switches to measurement mode, and an icon indicating a successful 1-point calibration will appear at the bottom left.
5. To calibrate the 2nd point, repeat steps 4.1.3 to 4.1.5 using the 4.00 pH calibration solution. Do NOT turn off the meter after the pH 7 calibration. If an icon indicating a successful 2-point calibration is displayed next to the measurement mode icon, the calibration is complete.
6. If necessary (for target pH values > 8.00), calibrate the 3rd point with the 10.01 pH calibration solution, repeating steps 4.1.3 to 4.1.5. If icons indicating a successful 3-point calibration are displayed, the process is complete.

4.2 Notes About Calibration

• Always start calibration with pH 7.00 first. Perform the 2nd and 3rd point calibrations immediately after the 1st point. Do not turn off the meter between calibrations. If you restart the meter and attempt calibration with pH 4.00 or pH 10.01 without completing the pH 7 calibration first, an 'Er1' error may occur, requiring you to recalibrate with pH 7.00 again. Refer to Section 14 for troubleshooting.
• The pH 4.00 and pH 7.00 buffer solutions in the CalBox can be used up to 10 times if they remain uncontaminated and the CalBox is capped when not in use. The pH 10.01 solution is accurate for up to 5 uses. Replace buffer solutions regularly to maintain accuracy.

4.2.3 Isothermal Measurement Principle

Automatic temperature compensation is not always sufficient for all pH measurement errors caused by temperature changes. For the most accurate measurement, calibrate the meter in a buffer solution at the same temperature as the sample solution.

4.2.4 Calibration Standards

The tester supports 1 to 3 points of automatic calibration and recognizes 5 types of pH standard solutions. The table below details calibration options:

4.3 How Often to Calibrate the Electrode?

Calibration frequency depends on sample type, electrode condition, and required accuracy. For high-accuracy measurements (≤ ±0.02pH), calibrate before each test. For general accuracy (≥ ±0.1 pH), calibrate every 1-2 weeks.

When the Electrode Must Be Re-calibrated:

• Electrode has not been used for a long time or a different electrode is connected.
• After measuring strong acid (pH<2) or strong base (pH>12) solutions.
• After measuring fluoride-containing or strong organic solutions.
• Significant temperature difference between the test sample and the buffer solution.

5. pH Measurement

5.1 How to Take pH Measurement

1. Short press the [MEAS] button to power on. Remove the storage sleeve and rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water. Shake off excess water.
2. The LabSen 246-5 pH electrode can measure samples as low as 60 µL using the included semi-micro container. Add your sample solution to the level where the electrode's junction (white spot) is submerged. Record the measured value after it stabilizes (indicated by a stable icon on the screen).
3. Record the pH reading when it is stabilized (indicated by a stable icon on the screen).
4. If necessary, activate the Auto-Hold function (refer to Section 8.3.3). The reading will lock automatically after being stable for over 10 seconds. Short press the [ENT] button to cancel Auto-Hold and continue measuring.

6. Electrode Cleaning

Meter accuracy depends on electrode cleanliness. Always rinse the electrode thoroughly with distilled or deionized water before and after each measurement. Shake off excess water or blot dry with a Kimwipe/lint-free cloth. Never rub the glass membrane, as this can cause static electricity and measurement errors.

For Tough Contaminants:

Use a soft brush to clean contaminants. After cleaning, soak the pH electrode in 3M KCl solution for 12-24 hours for rehydration. Re-calibration is necessary before a new pH measurement.

7. Electrode Storage

1. Add 3M KCl soaking solution to the electrode storage vial and store the electrode. Twist the vial locking ring tightly. Replace contaminated soaking solution. Replace soaking solution monthly as a guideline.
2. White crystals on the storage vial are normal; they are from the 3M KCl solution crystallizing. Rinse them off and add new solution. This is not poisonous and does not affect electrode performance.
3. NEVER store the electrode in pure water (tap, RO, distilled, or deionized), as it can damage the electrode. If this occurs, soak the electrode in 3M KCl solution overnight and re-calibrate before use.

8. Parameter Settings

8.1 Settings Menu

8.2 Parameter Settings Operation

When the meter is off, long press [MEAS] to enter parameter settings. Short press [MODE] to cycle through P1-P7. Short press [CAL] to select a parameter (it will start flickering). Short press [MODE] to change the parameter. Short press [CAL] to confirm the change. Long press [MEAS] to return to measurement mode.

8.3 Parameter Setting Instruction

8.3.1 Standard pH Buffer Series (P1)

Choose between USA series and NIST series. The factory default is the USA series. Refer to Section 4.2 for details.

8.3.2 Alarm Function (P2&P3)

Example 1: Alarm for readings ≤ 3.20 pH

Set P2 to 3.20 pH and P3 to 14.00 pH. When a stable reading is less than 3.20 pH, the screen turns red to signal an alarm.

Example 2: Alarm for readings ≥ 8.60 pH

Set P3 to 8.60 pH and P2 to 0.00 pH. When a stable reading is greater than 8.60 pH, the screen turns red to signal an alarm.

Example 3: Alarm for readings ≤ 3.20 pH or ≥ 8.60 pH

Set P2 to 3.20 pH and P3 to 8.60 pH. When a stable reading is less than 3.20 pH or greater than 8.60 pH, the screen turns red to signal an alarm.

8.3.3 Auto-Hold (P4)

Select 'On' to activate Auto-Hold. When a reading is stable for over 10 seconds, the meter automatically locks the value, and the [HOLD] icon appears. Short press the [CAL] button to cancel Auto-Hold (the [HOLD] icon will disappear).

9. Technical Specifications (Instrument)

10. Technical Specifications (Electrode)

11. Electrode Replacement

pH electrodes have a service life of 1-2 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Replacing the electrode every 1-2 years ensures optimal performance.

11.2 Disconnect the Old Electrode

Step 1: Loosen the connector ring to unlock the connection. Ensure the black rubber part is not twisted to prevent damage.

Step 2: Hold the connector ring and pull off the electrode directly.

11.3 Install the New Electrode

Step 1: Align the notch, hold the connector locking ring, and push the new electrode in directly.

Step 2: Tighten the connector ring to lock the connection.

After installing a new electrode, perform at least a 2-point calibration as described in Section 4.1.

11.5 pH Electrodes Compatible with the Meter for Other Applications

• LabSen 335 pH/Temp. Electrode for wastewater, suspensions, and emulsions
• LabSen 246-5 pH/Temp. Electrode for small-volume solutions and test tubes
• LabSen 845 pH/Temp. Electrode for strong alkaline and high-salinity solutions
• LabSen 835 pH/Temp. Electrode for HF-containing and strong acidic solutions
• LabSen 865 pH/Temp. Electrode for high temperature and caustic solutions
• LabSen 855 pH/Temp. Electrode for viscous samples
• LabSen 765 pH/Temp. Electrode for meats
• PH60S-E spear probe for foods (e.g., cheese, sauce, milk, fruits, dough, etc.)
• GS2-E spear probe for soil direct test
• PH60F-E flat probe for surface test

12. Battery Replacement

Install batteries following these steps. Ensure the '+' terminal of EACH battery faces UP. Incorrect battery installation can cause damage!

Battery Installation Steps:

1. Loosen the pocket clip.
2. Pull off the battery cap.
3. Slide and unlock the battery compartment.
4. Open the battery compartment.
5. Insert the batteries (all '+' terminals facing UP).
6. Press down the battery compartment.
7. Slide and lock the battery compartment.
8. Close the battery cap, ensuring it is tightly sealed with the O-ring to maintain the waterproof rating.

13. Self-Diagnosis Function

The meter provides self-diagnosis information for various error conditions:

14. Troubleshooting Guide

15. Appendix

Function Comparison of PH60Z Meter and ZenTest® Mobile App

16. Warranty

Apera Instruments warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Apera Instruments (Europe) GmbH agrees to repair or replace, free of charge, any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to their responsibility for a period of TWO YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the probe) from the delivery date.

This limited warranty does NOT cover damages due to:

• Accidental damage, transportation, or storage.
• Improper use or failure to follow product instructions.
• Failure to perform preventive maintenance.
• Unauthorized repair or modifications.
• Normal wear and tear.
• Other external causes or actions beyond reasonable control.

APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
Wilhelm-Muthmann-Straße 18
42329 Wuppertal, Germany
Contact: info@aperainst.de
Website: www.aperainst.de
Tel. +49 202 51988998