Manual 746 VA Trace Analyzer en
Manual 746 VA Trace Analyzer en
Manual 746 VA Trace Analyzer en
Introduction
CH-9101 Herisau/Switzerland
Phone ++41 71 353 85 85
Fax ++41 71 353 89 01
Internet www.metrohm.ch
E-Mail [email protected] Section 2
Parts and Controls
Section 4
Introduction to the Operation
Section 5
747 VA Stand Operation
Section 6
Data Processing and
Evaluation
Section 7
Safety, Errors, Trouble-
Mains connection
Mains voltage: 100 120 V 10 %
shooting, Diagnosis, GLP
220 240 V 10 %
Mains frequency: 50 60 Hz
Power consumption: 160 VA Section 8
Technical Data
Section 9
8.746.1053 Scope of delivery, Options,
Instructions for Use Warranty
21.11.2000 / d
Section 10
Index
Table of contents
Table of contents
10 Index.......................................................................................................10-1
List of figures
Fig. 1: Front of the 746.0010 VA Trace Analyzer ................................ 2-2
Fig. 2: Rear of the 746.0010 VA Trace Analyzer ................................. 2-3
Fig. 3: Front of the 746.0020 VA Trace Analyzer ................................ 2-4
Fig. 4: Rear of the 746.0020 VA Trace Analyzer ................................. 2-5
Fig. 5: Front of the 747.0010 VA Stand .................................................... 2-6
Fig. 6: Rear of the 747.0010 VA Stand ..................................................... 2-6
Fig. 7: Right side view of the 747.0010 VA Stand .............................. 2-8
Fig. 8: Left side view of the 747.0010 VA Stand.................................. 2-8
Fig. 9: Measuring head arm........................................................................... 3-8
Fig. 10: Install accessories for rinsing and siphoning off ............ 3-11
Fig. 11: Scheme showing the inert gas connections
at the 747 VA Stand ......................................................................... 3-13
Fig. 12: Multi-Mode electrode ...................................................................... 3-15
Fig. 13: Adding the mercury ......................................................................... 3-16
Fig. 14: Setting up the filling station ........................................................ 3-20
Fig. 15: Filling the capillary........................................................................... 3-20
Fig. 16: Measuring head arm with rotating disk electrode ........... 3-28
Fig. 17: Construction of the reference electrode ............................... 3-29
Fig. 18: Construction of the auxiliary electrode ................................. 3-32
Fig. 19: Connection of 685 Dosimats to
746 VA Trace Analyzer ................................................................... 3-33
Fig. 20: Pipetting handle................................................................................. 3-38
Fig. 21: Connection of 700 Dosinos to
746 VA Trace Analyzer ................................................................... 3-41
Fig. 22: Scheme of the tubing connections for
Rinsing and Siphoning Dosino .................................................. 3-47
Fig. 23: Connection of a printer to 746 VA Trace Analyzer .......... 3-52
Fig. 24: Connection possibilities for the RS232 interfaces .......... 3-53
Fig. 25: Connection of external devices devices
to remote interface ........................................................................... 3-57
1 Introduction
1.1 Instrument description
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer is a microprocessor-controlled measuring instrument for
universal use in polarographic and voltam(pero)metric analyses. The two concepts
polarography and voltammetry are defined as follows:
Polarography
Polarography is the measurement of current/voltage curves recorded at
electrodes whose material is liquid and whose surface is renewed periodi-
cally or continuously.
Example of such an electrode: DME
Voltammetry (actually voltamperometry, abbreviated to VA)
Voltammetry is the measurement of current/voltage curves recorded at
electrodes whose material is solid and/or whose surface is stationary.
Example of such electrodes: HMDE, RDE
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer is used as a master control unit for the devices at-
tached to it. Up to three 747 VA Stands can be connected as measuring stations
and up to four 685 Dosimats or 700 Dosinos used for dispensing operations. For
automatic determinations of relatively large sample series, the 695 Autosampler is
available as an option.
Operation of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is based on the principle of interactive dia-
log via screen pages which can be called up directly by pressing the appropriate
yellow dialog keys. The instrument can be given instructions on the total of 17 dif-
ferent screen pages via the keyboard regarding the functions and their associated
parameters which should apply for a determination. A special position here is oc-
cupied by the two pages OP.SEQUENCE and SEGMENTS on which program
instructions can be used freely to define the course of a sample determination and
the recording of measured values. The current signals recorded at the measuring
stands are conditioned by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and automatically evaluated.
Finally, the results are recorded in suitable form on the built-in or external printer.
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer contains a large, non-volatile data memory with space
for up to 256 fully developed, user-specific methods and up to 256 determinations.
In addition, both methods and determinations can be stored on and reloaded from
data cards. For the storage of data on a PC attached to the RS interface, a PC pro-
gram VA Back Up is supplied.
The 747 VA Stand is the measuring stand accompanying the 746 VA Trace Ana-
lyzer. Its central element is the multi-mode electrode (MME), which combines the
dropping mercury electrode (DME/SMDE) and the stationary hanging mercury drop
electrode (HMDE) in a single construction. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) can
also be used in the stand.
Operation of the 747 VA Stand follows the potentiostatic 3-electrode principle in
which the voltage of the working electrode is controlled by means of a virtually cur-
rentless reference electrode to the preset desired value and the current flows
across a separate auxiliary electrode. The in part extremely small electrode signals
are recorded in the 747 VA Stand in analog form, amplified and digitized. In the
connecting cable to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer only the non-critical, digital signals
are interchanged.
Please read through these Instructions for Use carefully before you put
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA Stand into operation. The
Instructions for Use contain information and warnings to which the
user must pay attention in order to assure safe operation of the instru-
ments.
1.2.1 Organization
These 8.746.1033 Instructions for Use for the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 747
VA Stand provide a comprehensive overview of the installation, operation, fault rec-
tification and technical specifications of these instruments. The Instructions for Use
are divided into the following 10 sections:
Section 1 Introduction
Section 2 Parts and controls
Numbers and designations of the parts and controls
Section 3 Installation
Installation of 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA Stand
Installation of working, reference and auxiliary electrodes
Attachment of 685 Dosimats and 700 Dosinos
Attachment of devices via RS232 and remote interface
Section 4 Introduction to operation
Introduction to the operation using simple examples
Section 5 Operation
Detailed description of the operation
Explanation of all key functions
Explanation of all dialog pages with parameters and softkeys
Explanation of all program instructions
Section 6 Data processing and evaluation
Description of all steps in data acquisition, data processing
and evaluation
Section 7 Safety, errors, troubleshooting, diagnosis, GLP
Electrical safety, safety considerations in the handling of
mercury, detailed list of the error messages, troubleshooting,
instrument diagnosis and GLP method
Section 8 Technical data
Section 9 Scope of delivery, options, warranty
Section 10 Index
To find the required information on the instruments please use either the Table of
contents or the Index at the back.
The following notations and pictograms (symbols) are used in these Instructions for
Use:
<ENTER> Key
Hazard
This symbol draws attention to a
possible danger to life or of injury if
the associated directions are not
followed correctly.
Warning
This symbol draws attention to
possible damage to instruments or
instrument parts if the associated
directions are not followed cor-
rectly.
Caution
This symbol marks important infor-
mation. First read the associated
directions before you continue.
Comment
This symbol marks additional in-
formation and tips.
Application Bulletins
The Application Bulletin is a collection of analytical methods, application exam-
ples and literature references. Of Metrohm's approximately 200 Application Bulle-
tins, ca. 60 refer to Polarography and Voltammetry. All these Application Bulletins
are available on request free of charge from your Metrohm supplier.
The examples listed here substantiate the versatility of the polarographic and volt-
ammetric methods for a range of applications including both inorganic and organic
substances. At any time you will find an updated list of the Application Bulletins in
the Internet under http://www.metrohm.ch.
No. Title
7 Literature dealing with the application of polarography for the analysis of petro-
leum and its derivates
21 Bibliography of polarographic determinations of lead in different materials
23 Some literature indications for the polarographic determination of organic nitro
compounds
36 Polarographic analysis Half-wave potentials of inorganic substances
37 Determination of chromium in iron and steel
50 Polarographic determination of lead in petrochemical products
57 Polarographic determination of nicotine
60 Polarographic determination of fructose
70 Polarographic nitrate determination in water samples, soil and plant extracts,
vegetable juices, meat and sausage products, fertilisers, liquid manure etc.
73 Polarographic analysis Half-wave potentials of organic substances
74 Polarographic and stripping voltammetric analysis methods for thallium, anti-
mony, bismuth and iron (copper, vanadium)
76 Polarographic determination of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and ethylenediamine-
tetraacetic acid (EDTA) according to DIN 38'413 part 5
96 Stripping voltammetric analysis of mercury
97 Voltammetric determination of tocopherols (vitamin E) in edible oils and fats
99 Polarographic determination of sulphide, sulphite and thiosulphate in mixtures
104 Polarographic analysis Half-wave potentials of inorganic substances with
complexing agents in the background electrolytes
105 Determination of permissible lead and cadmium levels in crockery and glassware
108 Polarography Conditions, limits of determination and half-wave potentials of 50
elements not yet listed in Application Bulletins Nos. 36, 73 and 104
110 Polarographic determination of free cyanide
113 Determination of lead, cadmium and copper in foodstuffs, waste water and
sewage sludge by anodic stripping voltammetry after digestion
114 Polarographic determination of five metal ions (copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc and
iron) in a single operation
115 Bibliography concerning inverse voltammetry
116 Polarographic determination of chromium in small quantities
117 Determination of selenium by inverse voltammetry
120 Determination of small quantities of molybdenum in water, effluent, plants, salts
and other samples
No. Title
123 Voltammetric determination of iron and manganese in water samples
124 Polarographic analysis of metals Half-wave potentials in an oxalate-buffer
background electrolyte
126 Polarographic determination of quinine
127 Polarographic determination of ammonium and nitrite
131 Voltammetric determination of aluminium
132 Polarographic determination of molybdenum in strongly ferruginous substances
and ferrous metals
136 Polarographic determination of styrene in polysytrenes and copolymers
146 Direct polarographic determination of trace amounts of molybdenum in water
147 Simultaneous trace determination of seven metal ions in electronic grade
materials with the aid of stripping voltammetry
176 Simultaneous determination of lead and tin by anodic stripping voltammetry
179 Polarographic determination of maleic and fumaric acid alone or in mixtures
186 Adsorptive voltammetric determination of aluminium in water samples
190 Polarographic determination of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde in terephthalic acid
191 Polarographic determination of cystine and cysteine simultaneously
192 Polarographic and stripping voltammetric determination of thiourea in the lower
ppm and ppb range
196 Polarographic determination of formaldehyde
199 Polarographic determination of sulphide and sulphite
207 Stripping voltammetric analysis of silver
213 Polarographic determination of nicotinamide
215 Polarographic determination of folic acid (vitamin B9, vitamin BC)
218 Polarographic determination of thiamine (vitamin B1)
219 Polarographic determination of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
220 Determination of ultratrace levels of platinum by stripping voltammetry
224 Polarographic determination of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
226 Determination of the total arsenic content by stripping voltammetry at the rotating
gold electrode
231 Voltammetric determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, thallium, nickel and
cobalt in water samples according to DIN 38406 E 16
241 Determination of cadmium and lead at the Ultra Trace graphite electrode by
anodic stripping voltammetry
242 Determination of tungsten at the Ultra Trace graphite electrode by anodic
stripping voltammetry
243 Determination of chromium at the Ultra Trace graphite electrode by cathodic
stripping voltammetry
254 Determination of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper by anodic stripping voltam-
metry using carbon electrodes
256 Voltammetric determination of cadmium and lead in water samples and digestion
solutions using the EFTA flow-through cell (HMDE)
276 Validation of Metrohm VA instruments using Standard Operating Procedures
Application Notes
The Application Notes present application information in concentrated form, i.e.
on maximum 2 pages. In the field of voltammetry, there are at present approxi-
mately 60 Application Notes (in English). You can order these free of charge from
your Metrohm supplier or view them in the Internet under http://www.metrohm.ch
and copy them from there.
No. Title
V-1 Iron, cadmium, lead and copper in cobalt acetate solution
V-2 Chromium, manganese and titanium in polyterephthalic acid solution
V-3 Nickel, cobalt and iron in polyterephthalic acid solution
V-4 Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and chromium in triglyceride
V-5 Selenium in standard
V-6 Cadmium, lead and antimony in acetic acid
V-7 Total arsenic in brine
V-8 Mercury in brine
V-9 Cadmium, lead and copper in brine and NaOH
V-10 Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, iron, nickel and cobalt in NaOH in one run
V-11 Chromium in brine with the Multi-Mode Electrode (MME) and the Ultra Trace
Graphite Electrode (UTGE)
V-12 Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, iron, nickel and cobalt in elementary sulphur
V-13 Cadmium, lead and mercury in dissolved recycled glass
V-14 Iron and manganese in MgCl2 brine
V-15 Nickel, antimony, cadmium, thallium and copper in a neutral, highly concentrated
zinc solution
V-16 Nickel, iron and copper in silver plating bath
V-17 Chromium and selenium in silver plating bath
V-18 Tin and lead in organo plating bath
V-19 Lead in nickel plating bath
V-20 Zinc, lead and iron in NH4Cl and CuSO4
V-21 Chromium and nickel in NH4Cl and CuSO4
V-22 Antimony and bismuth in alkaline ZnO solution in one run
V-23 Aluminium in alkaline ZnO solution
V-24 Copper and chromium in etching bath
V-25 Iron in a nickel sulphamate bath containing surfactants
V-26 Iron and zinc in a nickel sulphate bath containing surfactants
V-27 Copper in nickel sulphate bath containing surfactants
V-28 Zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel and cobalt in hydrochloric acid
V-29 Zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel and cobalt in Javelle water
V-30 Zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel and cobalt in FeCl3 solution 40%
V-31 Coumarin and Tartrazine in vodka
V-32 Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, iron, nickel and cobalt in freeze-dried hop
V-33 Zinc, lead, copper and iron in sugar
V-35 Zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in chili sauce after digestion
V-36 Mercury in chili sauce after digestion
V-37 Arsenic in chili sauce after digestion
V-38 Aluminium in albumin lyophilisate after digestion
V-39 Zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in whiskey after digestion
No. Title
V-40 Aluminium and chromium in whiskey after digestion
V-41 Cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and cobalt in soybean oil after digestion
V-42 Mercury in soybean oil after digestion
V-43 Zinc in herbal pharmaceutical drug against cancer of the prostate
V-44 Boron in human plasma using Beryllon(III) as a ligand
V-45 Uranium in water as an uranium(VI) chloranilic acid complex
V-46 Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and cobalt in vitamin tablets
V-47 Manganese, iron and molybdenum in vitamin tablets
V-48 Clothiapine in standard
V-49 Standard buffers and reagents in voltammetry
V-50 Concentrations and standards in voltammetry
V-51 Cadmium and lead in herbicide
V-52 Vanadium, nickel, cobalt and chromium in solvent
V-53 Artemisin and Artesunate in standard
V-54 Palladium in pharmaceutical products
V-55 $-Propiolactone in vaccine
V-56 Ascorbic acid in vitamin capsules
V-57 Thiomersal in eye drops
V-58 Cysteine and cystine in infusion solution
V-59 1-Methyl-nicotinamide hydrochloride in standard
V-60 Cysteine and cystine in caseinate
V-61 Speciation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) in standard
V-62 4-Carboxybenzaldehyde in polyterephthalic acid
V-63 Cyanide in gases resulting from the incineration of plastic insulating materials
V-64 Free styrene in polystyrene and mixed polymers
V-65 Tungsten in organic phase
V-67 Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone in methanol
V-68 Cadmium and lead in sea water
V-69 Nickel and Cobalt in sea water
V-70 Iodide in glacial acetic acid
V-71 Platinum and Rhodium in drinking water
V-72 NTA and EDTA in waste water
V-73 Vitamin C in orange juice
V-74 Riboflavin (vitamin B2) in vitamin tablets
V-75 Nicotinamide (vitamin B3, vitamin PP) in vitamin tablets
V-76 Cobalt in electrolytic gold baths
V-77 Nickel and Cobalt in concentrated Zinc solutions
V-78 Antimony in zinc solutions
V-79 Germanium in electroplating baths
V-80 Germanium in lead
V-81 Copper, iron and vanadium in salt (NaCl)
V-82 Different species of chromium in sea water
V-83 Zincn, cadmium, lead, copper in waste water after UV digestion
V-84 Total chromium in waste water after UV digestion
V-85 Sulphur in gasoline
Monographs
The Metrohm Monographs listed below impart theoretical fundamentals and
general information on measurement techniques and sample preparation of pola-
rography and voltammetry. All these monographs are available on request free of
charge from your Metrohm supplier.
Title
First aid for polarography and voltammetry (8.693.1073)
Sample preparation techniques in voltammetric trace analysis
Inorganic Adsorptive Stripping Analysis
Organic Stripping Analysis
Stripping Voltammetry
Electrode Reaction Kinetics determined by Cyclic Voltammetry
The Application of VA Techniques to the Galvanic/Plating Industry
Reprints
The following reprints reporting on practical applications are available on request
free of charge from your Metrohm supplier.
Title
Voltammetrie ein Schlssel zur automatisierten Spurenanalytik (in German)
Investigations of oxidative UV photolysis:
I. Sample preparation for the voltammetric determination of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Co in
waters
Investigations of oxidative UV photolysis:
II. Sample preparation for the voltammetric determination of mercury in water samples
Determination of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in soils and sewage sludges by microprocessor-
controlled voltammetry in comparison with AAS
Polarographie/Voltammetrie.
Grundlagen, Methodik und Anwendungen in der Galvanotechnik (in German)
2
3
8
Printer Type 1.746.0010
115V: 100V...120V10%
230V: 220V...240V10% 9
230V
Control Lines
10
115V
230V
0
I
12
Reset
Made by Metrohm Herisau Switzerland S 50-60Hz 160VA
23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13
15 Reset button
for resetting the program
2
3
8
Type 1.746.0010
115V: 100V...120V10%
230V: 220V...240V10% 9
230V
Control Lines
10
115V
230V
0
I
12
Reset
Made by Metrohm Herisau Switzerland S 50-60Hz 160VA
23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 13
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Made by Metrohm Herisau Switzerland
Type 1.747
34
External Bus Address
35
36
33 Serial number
37
38
25
39
40
41
42
43
44
45 46 43 47 48 49 27 50 51 47 52 53 54
Fig. 7: Right side view of the 747.0010 VA Stand (fully equipped)
55 56 57 58 37 59
38
25
60
40
41
71 70 69 68 67 52 66 65 64 49 63 60 46 62 61
Fig. 8: Left side view of the 747.0010 VA Stand (fully equipped)
3 Installation
This section offers a full description of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and
the 747 VA Stand and provides detailed information on the various
electrodes and the stirrer. Reliable operation of the these instruments
is assured only if you follow the instructions in this section exactly.
3.1.1 Packaging
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 747 VA Stand are supplied together with the
separately packed accessories in special packages designed to ensure excellent
protection. These contain shock-absorbing foam linings foamed to the individual
shape and embedded in blue plastic film. The instruments themselves are packed
in an evacuated polyethylene bag. As only these special packagings guarantee
indemnified transport of the instruments, it is essential you store them in a safe
place.
3.1.2 Check
After receipt, immediately check whether the shipment is complete and has arrived
without damage (compare with delivery note and list of accessories in sections
9.19.3). In the case of transport damage, see instructions in section 9.6
"Warranty".
3.1.3 Location
Place the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 747 VA Stand on a laboratory bench in a
position suitable for operation and which is free from vibrations, protected against
corrosive atmospheres and contamination by chemicals.
As the 746 VA Trace Analyzer has an LCD screen, attention should also be paid to
the room lighting: no direct sunlight, as few reflections as possible.
The 747 VA Stand can be set up on the right or left of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
The drip pan 29 (6.2711.050) is placed in front of the 747 VA Stand beneath the
measuring station to catch drops (see Fig. 5).
Before switching on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer for the first time, check that the
mains voltage set on the instrument (visible in mains voltage selector 9) matches
the local power supply voltage. If this is not the case, you must change the voltage
set on the instrument by moving the mains voltage selector 9 with a screwdriver:
3.2.2 Fuses
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer contains 2 fuses 10 and 12 built in as standard, both of
type 2 ATH (2 A, slow-blow, high breaking capacity, Metrohm ordering No.
U.600.0107).
Ensure that the instrument is never put into operation with fuses of
another type, otherwise there is danger of fire!
Any break in the earthing inside or outside the instrument can make it
a hazard!
Plug the mains cable into mains connection plug 13 of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
(see Fig. 2 and 4).
The thermal printer 6 of the 746.0020 VA Trace Analyzer is supplied without paper
inserted. The 6.2237.040 Thermal paper in the accessories (roll of length ca. 40 m
130 A4 pages) is inserted in the printer as follows:
1 Preparations
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Tilt cover of the printer 6 backward.
Ensure that the edge of the roll of
6.2237.040 Thermal paper is straight; if
necessary, carefully tear off paper at
first perforation.
2 Insertion
Insert 6.2241.020 Paper spindle in roll of 6.2237.040 Thermal paper.
Insert paper roll with paper spindle in the two side slots of the printer so
that the paper unwinds from the roll from the back and the perforations
are on the left when viewed from the front.
Push paper with straight edge carefully into the paper guide slot by hand
as far as it will go and hold in this position.
3 Transport
Press the two keys <SHIFT> and <FORM FEED>. The paper will be
drawn in automatically and transported to the correct position.
Close cover of paper compartment.
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer offers the possibility of writing data to SRAM memory
cards and reading data from such cards. The following data cards or memory cards
can be used:
6.2245.010 Metrohm Data Card (capacity 128 kB)
Commercial SRAM cards of any capacity with the JEIDA 4.0 hard-
ware format (68 pins) as well as PCMCIA cards based on these
Owing to differing file systems, PCMCIA cards can not be used si-
multaneously for the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and PCs.
The following points are important in the handling of data cards for the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer:
Label
The battery of the data card has a limited lifetime specified in the enclosed
description. To avoid inadvertent data losses, we advise you to write the
date of the next battery change on the data card.
If desired, the date of the battery change can also be stored on the data
card. To do this, proceed as follows:
Insert data card in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
(see point Inserting data card).
Select dialog page VA TRACE ANALYZER.
Press softkey <Diagn.>.
Press key <1> (memory and data card tests).
Press softkey <F8> (data card, boot block information).
Press softkey <Update bat.date>. The date in the Battery
date field is updated.
The data card must be formatted before it can be used to store data. Pro-
ceed as follows:
Insert data card in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer (see
point Inserting data card).
Select dialog page DATA CARD. The message
WARNING: Data card not formatted or battery
down appears followed by the inquiry do you want to
[f]ormat, [c]ontinue, [q]uit ?
Maximum three 747 VA Stands can be connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Each 747 VA Stand is connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with a 6.2135.000
EBUS cable, one end of which offers the possibility to attach further EBUS cables.
The two connectors of the EBUS cable are identical, it is thus immaterial which end
is plugged into which instrument.
The fixtures inserted in the openings and connections of the measuring head 41 in
the 747 VA Stand depend on the working electrode selected (MME or DME) (see
Fig. 9). The fully equipped measuring head for operation with a multi-mode elec-
trode is illustrated in section 2 (Figs 7 and 8), that for operation with a rotating disk
electrode in section 3.5 (Fig. 16).
When equipping the measuring head for the first time, the best procedure is as fol-
lows:
1 Preparations
Prepare multi-mode electrode MME 38 (details, see section 3.4) or rotat-
ing disk electrode RDE (details, see section 3.5) for operation.
Prepare reference electrode 43 (details, see section 3.6) for operation.
Tilt back cover 24 of measuring head arm.
72
73
74
41
75
76
40
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88
Fig. 9: Measuring head arm
80 Threaded opening
for nipple 44 (6.2730.030) with dummy
stopper or 4-way microtip 47
(6.1824.000)
For rinsing the measuring vessel at the 747 VA Stand manually (dialog
page "STAND") or with the RINSE command, two 700 Dosinos with
50 mL Dosing units must be connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
and initialized acc. to section 3.10.5 and the 6.1456.210 measuring
vessel (option) must be used instead of the 6.1415.210 measuring
vessel.
55
89
90
40
41
91
92
66 65 64
Nitrogen (N2) is generally used as the inert gas to deaerate the analyte solution and
for operation of the MME. The nitrogen must be of sufficient purity.
w(N2) 0.99996 (= 99.996%)
for general polarography/voltammetry
w(N2) 0.99999 (= 99.999% = "5 9")
for analyses in organic solvents; for determinations
involving very high current amplification (e.g. in the
determination of very low concentrations without
preceding enrichment)
The scheme for deaeration of the analyte solution and the inert gas connections at
the 747 VA Stand needed for operation of the MME is shown in Fig. 11. The inert
gas connections are established as follows:
Additional VA Stands are attached in exactly the same manner. If only one inert gas
bottle for all stands is desired, the 6.1807.000 Y-Connections available as an option
can be used for the connection of PVC tubings.
Fig. 11: Scheme showing the inert gas connections at the 747 VA Stand
V1 V4 Valves
The multi-mode electrode combines the most important polarographic and volt-
ammetric mercury electrodes in a single construction:
The construction of the 6.1246.020 Multi-mode electrode is shown in Fig. 12. The
mercury in the reservoir 103 flows through the glass capillary 109 forming a drop at
its end. The mercury flow is controlled by the sealing needle 97, 97 which can be
raised or lowered pneumatically. The different types of electrodes (HMDE, DME,
SMDE) are implemented by timed opening or closing of the mercury flow using this
sealing needle.
The operating characteristics of the MME are illustrated by Figs. 11 and 12. After
valve V1 (inert gas supply) is opened, the mercury in the reservoir 103 is pressur-
ized. In the standby mode, a back pressure is built up in the interior of the slotted
screw 96 which causes the built-in spring to press the sealing needle 97 onto the
capillary opening of the glass capillary 109 thus preventing the outflow of mercury.
Switching the valve V3 allows the inert gas to escape thus releasing the back pres-
sure. The inert gas pressure in the mercury reservoir 103 presses the sealing nee-
dle 97 fixed to the PTFE membrane of the slotted screw 96 upwards and the mer-
cury can now flow out. The tapping mechanism of the DME and SMDE is triggered
by brief opening and closing of valve V4.
The mercury drops formed at the end of the capillary are very small and stable and
thus afford a very good signal/noise ratio. The mercury hermetically sealed in the
reservoir comes into contact only with inert gas and other inert materials and suf-
fices for around 200'000 drops.
95
96
97
98
94
99
100 93 110
The Hg reservoir 103 of the multi-mode electrode 38 is filled with mercury of the
highest degree of purity (mass fraction w 0.99999) as follows:
114
38
111
113
112
Mercury
2 Draw up mercury
Attach needle 112 to syringe 111.
111
Draw up 6 mL ultrapure mercury slowly and carefully using syringe 111.
111
The glass capillaries 109 for the multi-mode electrode 38 are supplied separately in
a protective plastic package. After they have been unpacked, avoid any contact
whatsoever with the sensitive capillary tip. The capillary 109 is mounted in the MME
filled with mercury as described in section 3.4.2 as follows:
2 Insert capillary
Cut open plastic package containing the glass capillary 109 on the side
of the large capillary opening using scissors (do not tear open), leave
capillary in the package.
Insert glass capillary 109 directly from its protective plastic package
through the retaining nut 108 into the sealing ring 106 and push in as far
as it will go.
The glass capillary 109 can normally be filled with mercury by the method de-
scribed here without vacuum. However, if difficulties regarding stability or repro-
ducibility arise with a capillary filled in this manner, try to fill the capillaries by the al-
ternative method with vacuum (section 3.4.5).
To fill the mounted glass capillary 109 (section 3.4.3) with Hg without vacuum, pro-
ceed as follows:
Gently tap the MME with your finger and turn the slotted screw 96 very
slowly clockwise until the mercury flow just stops. (The tapping action is
used to knock off the mercury drops so that it is easier to see whether
mercury continues to flow.)
Finally, turn slotted screw 96 a quarter of a turn clockwise.
Filling of the glass capillary 109 with vacuum is advisable in all cases where diffi-
culties have been found with the method without vacuum described in section
3.4.4. Filling with vacuum is especially recommended when no ultrapure Hg is
available.
To fill the mounted glass capillary 109 (section 3.4.3) with Hg with vacuum, pro-
ceed as follows:
3 Vacuum pump
To draw up mercury a suitable vacuum pump is required (e.g. water jet
pump). The partial vacuum p should be around 25 mbar.
A vacuum release tap must be installed at the vacuum pump or in the line
between the gas wash bottle and the pump for slowly releasing the vac-
uum.
118
115
Pump
116
109 Vacuum
release tap
38
113 117
114
117
Fig. 14: Setting up the filling station
Vacuum
115
Vacuum
116
1 2
109
3
113 114 38
7 Release vacuum
As soon as mercury issues from the tip of the glass capillary 109 into the
filling tubing 115,
115 carefully release the vacuum by opening the vacuum
release tap.
The filling tubing 115 must not be disconnected from the glass capil-
lary 109 when under vacuum, otherwise the mercury which has
issued from the capillary would be sprayed onto the tubing wall and
can no longer be disposed of in drop form!
Tap the glass capillary 109 gently by hand so that any mercury drops at
its tip are knocked into the filling tubing 115.
115
Disconnect filling tubing 115 with filling cone 116 from glass capillary
109.
109
Place multi-mode electrode 38 in a horizontal position in the electrode
holder 114 (see Fig. 15-3).
From now on, the MME must be left in this position until it is installed in
the stand!
The multi-mode electrode 38 can also be refilled with mercury without having to
remove the glass capillary 109.
109
2 Replenish mercury
Unscrew slotted screw 101 using a suitable coin. If the slotted screw 101
can not be loosened by hand, screw on locking ring 95 and pull out of the
MME.
Draw up mercury using the syringe 111 with attached needle 112 and
expel into the Hg reservoir 103.
103
The Hg reservoir 103 must never be filled more than 2/3 full with
mercury.
Reinsert slotted screw 101 into screw thread 100 and screw flush to
surface using a suitable coin (this action may expel a few drops of mer-
cury from glass capillary 109).
109
Do not turn so tightly that the cemented-in steel threaded ring 100
becomes loose and hence jeopardizes the tightness and safety of the
MME!
Contamination of the glass capillary can necessitate its replacement (see also sec-
tions 7.4.2 and 7.4.3). In such a case, proceed as follows:
7 Fill capillary
Proceed as described in section 3.4.4 or section 3.4.5.
If the mercury in the multi-mode electrode is contaminated and this leads to distur-
bances (see sections 7.4.2 and 7.4.3), the MME must be cleaned and refilled with
ultrapure mercury. Proceed as follows:
3 Dismantle MME
Unscrew retaining nut 108.
108
Take glass capillary 109 out of opening 104,
104 the sealing ring 106 and the
locking ring 107 are removed at the same time. Remove these two parts
from the glass capillary 109.
109
Remove insert ring 105 from the MME.
Unscrew slotted screw 96 with a suitable coin in an anticlockwise direc-
tion from screw thread 98.
98
Screw locking ring 95 onto slotted screw 96 and pull out of the MME.
5 Clean MME
Clean inner compartments of the MME, contact pin 102 and the screw
threads 98,
98 100 and 104 with a lint-free cloth.
Thoroughly rinse all inner compartments of the MME and the unscrewed
individual parts with dist. water and then dry with N2.
8 Reassemble MME
Screw slotted screw 101 using a suitable coin flush into screw thread
100.
100
Do not turn so tightly that the cemented-in steel threaded ring 100
becomes loose and hence jeopardizes the tightness and safety of the
MME!
Using a suitable coin, screw slotted screw 96 into the screw thread 98
until the contact surface of the black O-ring at the Plexiglas wall (thin,
black stripe) is just visible below the metal thread 98.
98
Place multi-mode electrode 38 with the opening 104 facing upwards in
the electrode holder 114 (see Fig. 15-1).
Insert insert ring 105 in opening 104.
104
Push sealing ring 106 onto locking ring 107 and insert both in the open-
ing 104.
104
Screw retaining nut 108 by hand into screw thread 104 until a slight
resistance is felt.
9 Add mercury
Proceed as described in section 3.4.2.
11 Fill capillary
Proceed as described in section 3.4.4 or section 3.4.5.
The rotating disk electrode (RDE) is available as an option and can be used in
place of the MME in the 747 VA Stand with different electrode tips as a working
electrode. The following accessories have to be ordered (see also section 9.4):
6.1246.000 Drive shaft for rotating electrode
6.1204.XXX Electrode tip for rotating electrode
6.1204.100 Ultra Trace Graphite
6.1204.110 GC (Glassy Carbon)
6.1204.120 Pt
6.1204.130 Ag
6.1204.140 Au
6.2709.040 Stopper for closing the MME opening
6.2802.000 Polishing kit for 6.1204.XXX Electrode tips
(Pt, Ag, Au, GC)
6.2827.000 Trimming tool for 6.1204.100 Electrode tip
(Graphite)
The rotating disk electrode RDE comprises the two parts drive shaft 121
(6.1246.000) and electrode tip 120 (6.1204.XXX), which must be screwed together.
The procedure for installing the RDE in the measuring head arm of the 747 VA
Stand is described in detail in section 3.3.2. The fully equipped measuring head
arm with the RDE is illustrated in Fig. 16.
The RDE is a solid electrode with a stationary surface. This becomes contaminated
with the products of the electrode redox processes with increasing use. The surface
of the 6.1204.XXX electrode tips (Pt, Ag, Au, GC) must therefore be regenerated
from time to time by mechanical cleaning with extremely fine aluminium oxide pow-
der. Proceed as follows:
Affix polishing cloth (part of 6.2802.000 Polishing kit) to a flat surface (e.g. to
the bottom of a Petri dish) then add a little Al2O3 powder (part of 6.2802.000
Polishing kit) and dist. H2O to form a thick paste.
Polish electrode tip by hand in the paste for ca. 10 s with small, circular
movements.
Rinse electrode tip with dist. H2O, immerse in diluted HCl for ca. 10 s, rinse
again with dist. H2O and then dry with a cloth or filter paper. A correctly regen-
erated RDE shows a distinctive and uniformly bright disk surface.
Regeneration of the 6.1204.100 Ultra Trace Graphite Electrode Tip depends on its
use (mercury film or adsorptive stripping voltammetry). The procedure is described
in detail in the Application Bulletins available for the determinations with this elec-
trode.
55 56 57 58 37 51 119
25
60
40
41
52 49 59 121 120 60
Fig. 16: Measuring head arm with rotating disk electrode (RDE)
3.6.1 Construction
The construction of the reference electrode and the designations of the individual
parts are shown in Fig. 17.
43 Reference electrode
43 122 124
122 Reference system (6.0728.0X0)
129 Diaphragm
130
130 Vent opening
131 131 Electrolyte compartment with
123 bridge electrolyte
132
132 Diaphragm
If you use the same solution for the bridge electrolyte and the internal
electrolyte (single-junction operation), the inner diaphragm 129 can
be omitted to reduce the electrical resistance: Unscrew diaphragm
support 128 with diaphragm 129 from the reference system 122. 122
3.7.1 Construction
The construction of the two auxiliary electrodes and the designations of the individ-
ual parts are shown in Fig. 18.
60
60 Auxiliary electrode
3.8 Stirrer
The complete stirrer comprises two parts (see also Fig. 8):
6.1246.010 45)
Drive shaft (45
6.1204.090 63)
Stirrer tip (63
1 Assemble stirrer
Screw stirrer tip 63 firmly to drive shaft 45.
45
Up to four 685 Dosimats can be attached to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer for the
automatic addition of standard and auxiliary solutions. The 685 Dosimat and the
accessories needed have the following ordering designations (see also section
9.5):
2.685.0010 Dosimat
6.2134.000 Cable 685 746
6.3014.XXX Exchange unit, with PCTFE/PTFE flat stopcock
6.3014.153 burette volume V = 5 mL
6.3014.213 burette volume V = 10 mL
6.3014.223 burette volume V = 20 mL
6.3014.253 burette volume V = 50 mL
The choice of Exchange unit depends on the volume of liquid the Dosimat should
dispense. A burette volume of 5 mL is recommended for additions in the L range
(standard additions solutions), a burette volume of 10 mL or higher is recom-
mended for additions in the mL range (auxiliary solutions).
This section describes the connection procedure; further details on the 685 Dosi-
mat and the various Exchange units can be found in the 685 Instructions for Use of
the 685 Dosimat.
The 685 Dosimat is connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with the optionally
available 6.2134.000 Cable. The "remote control" sockets of the 685 Dosimat are
18 ... 21)
connected to the appropriate socket "Dos 1...4" (18 21 of the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer (see Fig. 19). Maximum 4 Dosimats can be attached in this manner.
For settings (dosing rate, filling rate, etc.) and manual operation (manual filling or
dispensing) of the 685 Dosimat, dialog page "DOSIMATS" must be selected (see
section 5.3.3).
746
Printer
230V
remote
control
685 Control Lines
2A(TH)
0
I
External Bus Dos. 2 Dos. 4 RS 232 Interface 2
Reset
6.2134.000 cable
For the addition of standard solutions in the L-range into the measuring vessel of
the 747 VA Stand the 4-way microtip 47 (6.1824.000) should be used. It is fitted
with 4 lengths of PTFE tubing with connection nipples for direct attachment to the
Exchange unit of the 685 Dosimat. To ready the 685 Dosimat for automatic dis-
pensing, proceed as follows:
5 Initialize Dosimat(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
If volumes 50 L should be dispensed, set parameter V.init to
0.05 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 1.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 0.2 mL.
Press <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosimats or select desired
Dosimat with the cursor keys <> or <> and press <Prime Dosi-
mat>: The burette cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the
measuring vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measur-
ing vessel will have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
Start the initializing procedure a second time by pressing the softkey
<Prime all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
Start the initializing procedure a third time by pressing the softkey <Prime
all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
The 4-way microtip 47 is not suited for the addition of auxiliary solutions in the mL-
range into the measuring vessel of the 747 VA Stand. For the addition of a first aux-
iliary solution we recommend the use of the following accessories:
1 6.1819.000 PTFE tube, length L = 77 mm, i.d. = 0.8 mm
2 6.1805.100 FEP tubing, length L = 40 cm, i.d. = 2 mm
1 6.1808.000 Coupling
To install these accessories and ready the 685 Dosimat for automatic dispensing,
proceed as follows:
4 Initialize Dosimat(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.init to 0.00 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 1.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 3.0 mL.
Press softkey <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosimats or select
desired Dosimat with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime Dosimat>:
The burette cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the meas-
uring vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measuring
vessel will have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
Start the initializing procedure a second time by pressing the softkey
<Prime all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
Start the initializing procedure a third time by pressing the softkey <Prime
all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
For the addition of a second auxiliary solution we recommend the use of the fol-
lowing accessories:
1 6.1446.070 Stopper, with M6 thread
1 6.1819.000 PTFE tube, length L = 77 mm, i.d. = 0.8 mm
2 6.1805.100 FEP tubing, length L = 40 cm, i.d. = 2 mm
1 6.1808.000 Coupling
To install these accessories and ready the 685 Dosimat for automatic dispensing,
proceed as follows:
4 Initialize Dosimat(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.init to 0.00 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 1.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 3.0 mL.
Press softkey <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosimats or select
desired Dosimat with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime Dosimat>:
The burette cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the meas-
uring vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measuring
vessel will have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
Start the initializing procedure a second time by pressing the softkey
<Prime all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
Start the initializing procedure a third time by pressing the softkey <Prime
all> or <Prime Dosimat> again.
The Exchange unit mounted on the 685 Dosimat can be changed only in the
exchange position. Please proceed as follows:
3 Initialize Dosimat(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Select desired Dosimat with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime
Dosimat> for initializing the Dosimat. The burette cylinder is filled and ex-
cess solution is expelled to the measuring vessel. With standard acces-
sories, all tubings to the measuring vessel will be filled at the end of the
initializing procedure.
Start the initializing procedure a second time by pressing the softkey
<Prime Dosimat> again.
Start the initializing procedure a third time by pressing the softkey or
<Prime Dosimat> again.
The optional available Pipetting equipment is suited for pipetting and automatic di-
lution functions with 685 Dosimats. The following accessories have to be ordered in
addition to the standard equipment of the 747 VA Stand (see section 9.4 and 9.5):
1 2.685.0010 Dosimat
1 6.2134.000 Cable 685 746
1 6.3014.213 Exchange unit (10 mL)
1 6.5611.010 Pipetting equipment
To install these accessories and ready a 685 Dosimat for pipetting and automatic
dilution functions, proceed as follows (see Fig. 20):
Pipetting
tip
6 Initialize Dosimat
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.tube in for the desired Dosimat to 1.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out for the desired Dosimat to 4.8 mL.
Take pipetting handle by hand and put it into the waste beaker with the
pipetting tip down.
Select desired Dosimat with the cursor keys <> or <> and press
<Prime Dosimat>: The burette cylinder is filled and excess solution is ex-
pelled to the waste beaker.
Start the initializing procedure a second time by pressing the softkey
<Prime Dosimat> again.
Start the initializing procedure a third time by pressing the softkey <Prime
Dosimat> again. All tubings up to the pipetting tip will have been filled at
the end of the initializing procedure.
18
The 700 Dosino is connected with its cable to the appropriate socket "Dos 1...4" (18
... 21)
21 of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer (see Fig. 21). Maximum 4 Dosinos can be at-
tached in this manner.
For settings (dosing rate, filling rate, etc.) and manual operation (manual filling or
dispensing) of the 700 Dosino, dialog page "DOSIMATS" must be selected (see
section 5.3.3).
700
746
Printer
230V
Control Lines
2A(TH)
0
I
External Bus Dos. 2 Dos. 4 RS 232 Interface 2
Reset
For the addition of standard solutions in the L-range into the measuring vessel of
the 747 VA Stand the 4-way microtip 47 (6.1824.000) should be used. It is fitted
with 4 lengths of PTFE tubing with connection nipples for direct attachment to the
Dosing unit of the 700 Dosino. To ready the 700 Dosino for automatic dispensing,
proceed as follows:
5 Initialize Dosino(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
If volumes 50 L should be dispensed, set parameter V.init to
0.05 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 0.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 0.2 mL.
Press softkey <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosinos or select
desired Dosino with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime Dosimat>:
The cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the measuring
vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measuring vessel will
have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
The 4-way microtip 47 is not suited for the addition of auxiliary solutions in the mL-
range into the measuring vessel of the 747 VA Stand. For the addition of a first aux-
iliary solution we recommend the use of the following accessories:
1 6.1819.000 PTFE tube, length L = 77 mm, i.d. = 0.8 mm
2 6.1805.100 FEP tubing, length L = 40 cm, i.d. = 2 mm
1 6.1808.000 Coupling
To install these accessories and ready the 700 Dosino for automatic dispensing,
proceed as follows:
4 Initialize Dosino(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.init to 0.00 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 0.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 3.0 mL.
Press softkey <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosinos or select
desired Dosino with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime Dosimat>:
The cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the measuring
vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measuring vessel will
have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
For the addition of a second auxiliary solution we recommend the use of the fol-
lowing accessories:
1 6.1446.070 Stopper, with M6 thread
1 6.1819.000 PTFE tube, length L = 77 mm, i.d. = 0.8 mm
2 6.1805.100 FEP tubing, length L = 40 cm, i.d. = 2 mm
1 6.1808.000 Coupling
To install these accessories and ready the 700 Dosino for automatic dispensing,
proceed as follows:
4 Initialize Dosino(s)
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.init to 0.00 mL.
Set parameter V.tube in to 0.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out to 3.0 mL.
Press softkey <Prime all> for initializing all attached Dosinos or select
desired Dosino with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime Dosimat>:
The cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to the measuring
vessel. With standard accessories, all tubings to the measuring vessel will
have been filled at the end of the initializing procedure.
If the Dosing unit is changed when the Dosino is in the dosing posi-
tion, the Dosino can get destroyed! Therefore always make sure that
the Dosino is in the exchange position (see parameter Position on
dialog page "DOSIMATS") before changing the Dosing unit.
The Dosing unit mounted on the 700 Dosino can be changed only in the exchange
position. Please proceed as follows:
3 Initialize Dosino
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Select desired Dosino with the cursor keys and press softkey <Prime
Dosino> for initializing the Dosino. The cylinder is filled and excess solu-
tion is expelled to the measuring vessel. With standard accessories, all
tubings to the measuring vessel will have been filled at the end of the ini-
tializing procedure.
It is possible to rinse the measuring vessel at the 747 VA Stand manually via dialog
page "STAND" or with the RINSE command by means of two 700 Dosinos with
50 mL Dosing units. To do this, the following accessories have to be ordered in ad-
dition to the standard equipment of the 747 VA Stand (see also section 9.4):
2 2.700.0010 Dosino
1 6.5323.000 Rinsing equipment
The two Dosinos and the accessories have to be installed as follows (see Fig. 22):
2 Prepare containers
Unscrew red filling connections from 6.1621.000 Containers.
Using a funnel, add max. 10 L of rinsing solution (normally acidified
ultrapure water with 100 L conc. HCl/L) to the storage container through
its small vent opening.
8 Initialize Dosinos
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11 The two
Dosing units of the rinsing and siphoning Dosino and the tubing connec-
tions are filled automatically at system start (the initialization procedure
can take several minutes!).
700 Rinsing
Dosino (Dos.3)
6.1618.050 6.1805.120
6.1808.000
Rinsing 6.1829.020
solution
6.1805.120
6.1805.180
6.1805.120
700 Siphoning
Dosino (Dos.4)
6.1808.000 6.1819.010
6.1618.050 6.1819.010
6.1456.210
1
747 6.1819.010
6.1829.020
6.1621.000
Fig. 22: Scheme of the tubing connections for Rinsing and Siphoning Dosino
The optional available Pipetting equipment is suited for pipetting and automatic di-
lution functions with 700 Dosinos. The following accessories have to be ordered in
addition to the standard equipment of the 747 VA Stand (see section 9.4 and 9.5):
1 2.700.0010 Dosino
1 6.1567.210 Dosing unit (10 mL), without accessories
1 6.5611.010 Pipetting equipment
To install these accessories and ready a 700 Dosino for pipetting and automatic
dilution functions, proceed as follows (see Fig. 20 in section 3.9.5):
6 Initialize Dosino
Switch on 746 VA Trace Analyzer using the mains switch 11. 11
Select dialog page "DOSIMATS".
Set parameter V.tube in of the desired Dosino to 0.7 mL.
Set parameter V.tube out of the desired Dosino to 4.8 mL.
Take pipetting handle by hand and put it into the waste beaker with the
pipetting tip down.
Select desired Dosino with the cursor keys <> or <> and press
<Prime Dosimat>: The cylinder is filled and excess solution is expelled to
the waste beaker. All tubings up to the pipetting tip will have been filled at
the end of the initializing procedure.
Put the pipetting handle into the waste beaker so that the pipetting tip is
at about the same level as the container with the solution that should be
pipetted and press the black button on the handle (if you press
<ENTER> at this time, you would have to add the solution manually).
If the pipetting instruction is carried out for the first time or if the previous
pipetting instruction has been terminated by <ESC> (see below), the
message Preparing Dosimat #X appears. Press the black button on the
handle.
After rinsing of the pipetting tubing and formation of an air bubble, the
message Aspirating standard appears. Put the pipetting handle into
the desired solution with the pipetting tip immersed ca. 15 mm and
press the black button on the pipetting handle.
After aspiration of the solution the message Dispensing solution
appears. Put the pipetting handle into the measuring vessel with the pi-
petting tip touching the wall and press the black button on the handle.
The desired solution is dispensed into the measuring vessel. Afterwards
the message Rinsing tube appears. Put the pipetting tip into the rinsing
quiver installed to the waste beaker and press the black button on the pi-
petting handle.
The pipetting tip is rinsed with dilution solution. Afterwards the message
Next operation / press <ESC> to break appears. If you press the black
button on the handle or <ENTER>, the Dosino will be ready for the next
dispensing instruction, if you press <ESC>, the Dosino is switched to the
exchange position.
The 746.0010 VA Trace Analyzer has a parallel interface dedicated to connect ex-
ternal printers with parallel interfaces. The external printers are connected to the
printer connection 14 of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer by means of the cable delivered
with the printer (see Fig. 23).
The type of the printer is selected on dialog page "VA TRACE ANALYZER". The fol-
lowing printer drivers are available (see also section 5.3.1):
If you connect other printers, ensure that these emulate a printer mode supported
by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. In some cases, a reset on the printer may be neces-
sary before the printer works properly (see printer manual).
With single sheet printers, graphical printouts (curves, screen) are cut
if they exceed the page. Therefore we recommend to use a printer
with endless paper and the operation with Auto form feed = no (see
section 5.6.5)
746
Printer
230V
Control Lines
2A(TH)
Dos. 1 Dos. 3 RS 232 Interface 1
0
115V
230V
I
External Bus Dos. 2 Dos. 4 RS 232 Interface 2
Reset
Printer cable
The technical data of the RS232 interfaces can be found in section 8.3. The present
section describes the procedure for the attachment of devices to the RS232 inter-
faces. To configure these interfaces, dialog page VA TRACE ANALYZER must be
selected (see section 5.3.1).
RS232 interface 1
PC
746
Printer
230V
Control Lines
2A(TH)
Dos. 1 Dos. 3 RS 232 Interface 1
0
115V
230V
I
External Bus Dos. 2 Dos. 4 RS 232 Interface 2
Reset
Printer
RS232 interface 2
Balance
3.12.1 Connection of a PC
IBM-compatible PCs are connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer via RS232 inter-
face 1 (remote keyboard function possible) or via RS232 interface 2 (remote key-
board function not possible, see Fig. 24). The following table provides information
on the connection of PCs. It lists the required cables and details on the configura-
tion of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and PC.
If you connect other printers, ensure that these emulate a printer mode supported
by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. In some cases, a reset on the printer may be neces-
sary before the printer works properly (see printer manual).
If a balance is attached to the RS232 interface at the same time as a printer, the
6.2125.030 Socket-outlet adapter must be used. The printer must be connected to
the data out port of the socket-outlet adapter. It can be operated only with the
simple hardware handshake HWshort or without handshake. The settings of the RS
parameters may possibly have to be matched to those of the balance (e.g. baud
rate). Attachment of a balance and a printer together functions perfectly only with
balances with 8-bit data capacity. Balances with 7-bit data capacity can be oper-
ated in this manner only when a parity space is set on the balance, whereas
printer and VA Trace Analyzer operate with 8-bits, no parity.
The balances listed below can be attached to RS232 interface 2 of the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer. The settings of the RS232 parameters on the 746 VA Trace Ana-
lyzer depend on the settings of the balance, Receive mode must be set to on.
Mettler with interface 016 cable from Mettler: Balance type Mettler
red lead to pin 3, white
to 7 of the 25-pin
connector
Precisa
Balances with RS232 6.2125.080 Balance type Precisa
interface
AND
ER-60, 120, 180, 182 6.2125.020 Balance type AND
FR-200, 300 6.2125.020 Balance type AND
FX-200, 300, 320 with 6.2125.020 Balance type AND
RS232 interface (OP-03)
A balance and a printer can be attached to RS232 interface 2 at the same time with
the aid of the 6.2125.030 Socket-outlet adapter. The balance must then be plugged
into the data in port of the socket-outlet adapter.
The initial mass is transferred as a number with up to 6 digits, sign and decimal
point. Units and control characters sent by the balance are not transferred. With the
aid of a special input device supplied by the balance manufacturer, not only the ini-
tial mass but also sample identifications and methods can be put in from the bal-
ance. The addresses of the identification or method must be preselected on the in-
put device:
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer is fitted with a 25-pin remote interface (connection 23
Control Lines) with a total of 16 control lines. Any external device can be attached
to the 8 inputs (scan) and 8 outputs (set) and can be scanned or set via these lines.
The current status of the control lines at the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is shown on the
VA TRACE ANALYZER page as follows (see section 5.3.1):
The instruction SCANCTRL is used to scan the input lines within programs, whereas
the SETCTRL instruction (see section 5.7) serves to set the output lines.
The pin assignment of the remote interface, the pin functions and the electrical
conditions and statuses are shown in the Table on page 3-56.
The following Table shows which input and output lines are used for the external
start/stop function, the pipetting handle and the cables for the 708 Sampling Unit
and 683 Pump Units.
Input Output
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
External start l
External stop l
6.1562.040 Pipetting handle l l
6.2143.100 Cable (1 708) l l l
6.2143.110 Cable (2 708) l l l l l l
6.2143.120 Cable (1 708, 4 683) l l l l l l l
The output line 8 can be used only for the 6.1562.040 Pipetting
handle.
746
Printer
230V
External device Control Lines
2A(TH)
Dos. 1 Dos. 3 RS 232 Interface 1
0
115V
230V
I
External Bus Dos. 2 Dos. 4 RS 232 Interface 2
Reset
Remote cable
Inputs
Pin Func-
tion
+5V 21 input 1
9 input 2 Voltage Scan
at input status
22 input 3 0V 1 (on)
10 input 4 5V 0 (off)
23 input 5
11 input 6
24 input 7
12 input 8
Outputs
Pin Func-
tion External device
5 output 1 VCEO 40 V
18 output 2 IC 20 mA
4 output 3
Voltage Scan
17 output 4 at input status
3 output 5 0V 1 (on)
16 output 6 open 0 (off)
1 output 7
2 output 8
Voltages
Pin Function
+5V
15 5 V: inactive, High (H) I 40 mA
0V 14 0 V: active, Low (L) Ri 12
25 0 V: active, Low (L)
No liability whatsoever will be accepted for damage arising from improper connection of devices.
4 Introduction to the
operation
4.1 Preparations
In order to be able to perform the illustrative methods described in section 4.2 ff,
you must first put the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA Stand into operation in a
proper manner. Proceed as described in section 4.1.1 and section 4.1.2 (you will
find information regarding the installation in the specified subsections of section 3).
Additional preparations required involve several instrument settings for the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer (section 4.1.3) and various tests for checking the 747 VA Stand
(section 4.1.4).
When putting the 746 VA Trace Analyzer into operation for the first time, please pro-
ceed in the following sequence:
When putting the 747 VA Stand into operation for the first time, please proceed in
the following sequence:
The settings necessary for startup of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer include setting the
date and time and contrast adjustment of the LCD. Proceed as follows:
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order and the 747
VA Stand is attached properly, the dialog page "MONITORING" appears
after a few seconds.
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer has a total of 17 different dialog pages which can all be
selected directly using the yellow keys of the same name. The dialog keys are divided
into four groups and can also contain additional subpages. You will find an overview of
the dialog keys in section 5.1.3 and details of the individual pages in sections 5.35.6.
Entry into the edit mode to change a parameter can be effected not only with the
space bar, but also with the <CLEAR> key, with the softkeys <Modify column>
and <Modify line> as well as by pressing all alphanumeric keys which are not in
simultaneous use as dialog keys (for details, see section 5.2.3).
Press the softkey <Help>. A help message for the Date parameter
appears in the HELP WINDOW with details of the entry format and the pos-
sible entry values. Close this window by pressing the <ENTER> key
again.
In addition to the softkey <Help>, with parameters for which only certain numeric
values or text expressions can be entered, further softkeys with these numbers or texts
appear as keying-in aids. By pressing these softkeys, the corresponding expression is
entered directly in the entry field and the field closed.
Enter the desired date in the order year month day in the format
YYYY-MM-DD and confirm the entry by pressing the <ENTER> key. The
instrument then returns to the navigation mode.
During the entry of parameters in the edit mode, you have the following possibilities
available, among others:
Clearing entire field contents with the <CLEAR> key.
Resetting field contents to the original value with the <ESC> key.
Shifting the character cursor to the right or left with the <> or <> key.
Deleting individual characters with the <BACK SPACE> or <DELETE> key.
Switching between entry mode (cursor fixed) and overwrite mode (cursor flashes)
with the <INSERT> key.
You will find further information regarding the entry of numbers and characters in section
5.2.3.
The tests described below are used to check the functions of the 747 VA Stand
such as purging, stirrer, DME and HMDE required for the illustrative methods. Per-
form the tests as follows (if the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is switched on, you can start
directly with point 2):
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order and the 747
VA Stand is attached properly, the dialog page "MONITORING" appears
after a few seconds.
747 VA STAND
Manual Address 1
DME off
HMDE off Drop size 5
SMDE off Drop size 5
RDE off Rot.speed 2000 /min
V.meas max 80 mL
3 Testing purging
To check the inert gas purging at the 747 VA Stand, the measuring
vessel must be filled with ca. 20 mL dist. water.
Press the softkey <Purging>. The inert gas purging is switched on, at
the same time the displays for Pressure and Purging switch to on and
an asterisk * appears in the two softkeys of the same name.
Check whether the purging of the analysis solution functions properly. If
so, you can switch off the purging by pressing the two softkeys
<Purging> and <Pressure>.
If the purging does not function properly, check the inert gas connection
as described in section 3.3.3 and then repeat the test.
The purging with inert gas (e.g. N2) serves to remove any electrochemically active
and hence interfering atmospheric oxygen in aqueous solutions. In determinations, the
instructions PURGE or TPURGE are used for this with a purging time of 35 min
generally sufficing (see section 5.7.3).
4 Testing stirrer
Press the softkey <Stirrer>. The stirrer is switched on, at the same
time the display for Stirrer switches to on and an asterisk * appears
in the softkey of the same name.
Check whether the stirrer functions properly. If so, you can switch off
the stirrer by pressing the softkey <Stirrer>.
If the stirrer does not function properly, check its installation as described
in section 3.8 and then repeat the test.
Stirring serves to mix the analysis solution thoroughly. In determinations, the instruc-
tions STIR or TSTIR are used for this (see section 5.7.3).
5 Testing DME
Press the softkey <DME>. The dropping mercury electrode DME is
switched on, at the same time the display for DME switches to on.dt
and an asterisk * appears in the softkey of the same name.
Check whether the DME functions properly. The mercury must flow
slowly out of the capillary of the MME and the drop time be ca. 3 s. If this
is the case, you can switch off the DME by pressing the softkey <DME>.
If the DME does not function properly, check the installation of the MME
as described in section 3.4 and then repeat the test.
You will find further information regarding the DME under the instruction DME in section
5.7.3.
6 Testing HMDE
Press the softkey <HMDE>. The hanging mercury drop electrode HMDE is
switched on, at the same time the display for HMDE switches briefly to on
and an asterisk * appears in the softkey of the same name.
Check whether the HMDE functions properly. Each time the softkey
<HMDE> is pressed, a mercury drop should be formed. Dislodge the mer-
cury drop formed by lightly tapping the MME with your finger and check
that the mercury ceases to flow.
If the HMDE does not function properly, check the installation of the
MME as described in section 3.4 and then repeat the test.
You will find further information regarding the HMDE under the instruction HMDE in
section 5.7.3.
747 VA STAND
Manual Address 1
DME off
HMDE off Drop size 5
SMDE off Drop size 5
RDE off Rot.speed 2000 /min
V.meas max 80 mL
VA Stand VA Stand 695 Auto 717 Smpl Rinsing Electr. Default >>
1 2 sampler Changer Dosinos test values Switches
You will find further information regarding the DME under the instruction DME in section
5.7.3.
You will find further information regarding the HMDE under the instruction HMDE in
section 5.7.3.
With the aid of this illustrative method for the determination of lead in
the ion standard solution supplied, you can easily check whether the
746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 747 VA Stand are functioning properly.
At the same time, you will learn how to set up a method with standard
addition and will be introduced to the basic operation of the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer.
Before you can perform this illustrative method, you must first prepare
the instruments as described in section 4.1.
4.2.1 Reagents
The following solutions are needed to perform the method TESTPb.mth:
Potassium chloride solution, c(KCl) = 3 mol/L (Metrohm No.
6.2308.020)
Lead ion standard solution, (Pb2+) = 1 g/L (Metrohm No. 6.2301.100)
Dist. or deion. water
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order and the 747
VA Stand is attached properly, the dialog page "MONITORING" appears
after a few seconds.
File
*#NEW.mth *AB110.mth *AB116_1.mth *AB116_2.mth
*AB116_3.mth *AB117.mth *AB123_1.mth *AB123_2.mth
*AB131.mth *AB146.mth *AB176_2.mth *AB186.mth
*AB196_1.mth *AB196_2.mth *AB199_1.mth *AB199_2.mth
*AB220.mth *AB226.mth *AB226_2.mth *AB231_1.mth
*AB231_2.mth *AB241.mth *AB243.mth *AB254.mth
*AB74_1.mth *AB74_2A.mth *AB74_2B.mth *AB74_3.mth
*AB76.mth *AB96.mth *AB96_2.mth *AB97.mth
*AB98.mth *ASV.mth *CALCRV.mth *INTSTD.mth
*POL.mth *TEST747.mth *TESTPb.mth
The header of dialog page "METHODS" contains details of the number of stored
methods and the available storage space. This is followed by the names of all stored
methods displayed in 4 columns.
You obtain a different type of display if you press the softkeyy <Change display>. In
addition to the name of the method, its content (method title) and memory requirements
are shown.
You will find further information regarding the dialog page "METHODS" in section 5.4.1.
In this section the 5 dialog pages of the group "Method Specifications" associated
with the loaded method TESTPb.mth will be explained in detail. If you are interested
only in a rapid lead measurement, you can proceed directly to section 4.2.4.
The dialog page "SEGMENT" also contains a freely combinable sequence of program
instructions with associated parameters and an optional line time. A segment is used
primarily for the programming of the measured value acquisition (sweep) and is called
up in the main program with the SEGMENT instruction. Per method max. 8 different
segments can be defined, but only 1 sweep is admissible per segment.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.6.2 and a
detailed description of all program instructions in section 5.7.3.
Baseline Evaluation
Type linear Mode VA
Scope whole Quantity I.peak
dU.front auto Sign. digits 4
S.front auto
dU.rear auto
S.rear auto
The header of the dialog page "SUBSTANCES" contains the name of the substance
Pb and the segment SegPb linked with this substance. This is followed by the
parameters for substance recognition (Recognition), baseline calculation (Baseline),
evaluation quantity (evaluation) and curve representation (Display/Plot).
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.6.3.
Press the softkey < >> >. The subpage of "SUBSTANCES" appears with
the parameters for calibration of the substance lead:
Additions
Soln.name PbStd
Mass conc. 1 g/L g/L g/L g/L
Range min g/L g/L g/L g/L
Range max g/L g/L g/L g/L
M.conc./cm g/L g/L g/L g/L
The dialog page "SUBSTANCES" contains a subpage with the parameters for the
calibration. Here, the type of calibration (standard addition, calibration curve or internal
standard) and the required solutions are defined, in addition the results of the last
calibration are displayed.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.6.3.
On the dialog page "CALCULATION", maximum 15 formulae for the calculation of the
final results as well as the designations of the result quantities and units can be entered.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.6.4.
In the present example, the standard formula for lead is entered. As the
result, the mass concentration of lead (MC:Pb) determined using the
standard addition is outputted in g/L with 4 significant figures.
The dialog page "DOCUMENTATION" can be used for the entry of reports and curves
which should be put out automatically to the specified destination at the end of the
determination. A single line or all these lines can also be executed later using the
softkeyy <Exec. line> or <Exec. all>.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.6.5.
The three lines entered in the present example have the following mean-
ing:
Report Full Printout of the full result report on the
built-in or connected printer
Curve Smth Sbst:Pb VR:** Printout of all smoothed substance
curves on the built-in or connected printer
Curve Cal Sbst:Pb Printout of the calibration curve (graphical
representation of the standard addition)
on the built-in or connected printer
In the present example, details of the method, the electrodes and rea-
gents to be used and the procedure used in the lead determination are
entered.
Finally press the <ESC> key to return to the main page of "DOCUMEN-
TATION".
Remark 1
Remark 2
For the determination using the method TESTPb, the adjustable pa-
rameters Run mode, Auto.samples, Auto.batch, Start interval and
Det.storage must have the values shown here. If this is not the case,
they must be changed accordingly.
The dialog page "MONITORING" is used to monitor the operation. Here, various
settings and entries for subsequent determinations can be defined. You will find a
detailed description of this dialog page in section 5.5.1.
In addition to the obligatory entry of the sample volume, you can make additional entries
on this dialog page which are then stored in the determination. These are the two lines
Remark 1 and Remark 2 for general comments, the user name User name and
the 3 sample identifications Ident 1,, Ident 2 and Ident 3.
Remark 1
Remark 2
During the ongoing determination, you have the following main function keys available:
<BREAK> Immediate abort of the determination
<HOLD> Interruption (continue with <(CONT)> or <(STEP)>)
<ABBREV> Truncation of the current instruction (line time set to 0)
Further, you can also select all dialog pages with the exception of "STAND" and
"CURVES" and make changes to them. But be careful when making such changes as
they immediately become effective and could lead to uncontrollable conditions for the
active program.
In addition, the name of the segment (SegPb) and the current VR number,
which is composed of the number of the variation (V) and replication (R),
are specified. In the present example, in this first phase (variation 0)
three measurements are performed and are numbered as follows:
00 1st measurement of the sample solution
01 2nd measurement of the sample solution (1st repetition)
02 3rd measurement of the sample solution (2nd repetition)
If you do not desire automatic switching of the current axis in the display of the live
curve, you can fix this by changing the plot parameters for the segment to preset values
(see dialog page "SEGMENTS", section 5.6.2).
To return to the "MONITORING" page from the display of the live curve,
you must press either the <ESC> or the <MONITORING> key.
On completion of the 3rd measurement of the sample solution, the pro-
gram is interrupted. The screen shows the prompt to add 100 L of the
standard addition solution PbStd to the measuring vessel:
MEAS.TASK MESSAGE
ADD PbStd 100.000 uL > M
press <Esc> to break
<Enter>: continue
The printout of reports and curves can be stopped at any time by simultaneously
pressing the <SHIFT> and <PRINT STOP> keys.
First the full report Report Full is printed out with all results:
Substance : Pb Comments
4 Mass conc.: 1.032 g/L Mass : 103.2 ug
MC.dev. : 0.011 g/L (1.05%) Add.mass : 100 ug
Cal.dev. : - V0.sample: 100 uL
C# Workg.com.var Remark
7
You will find further information regarding the report in section 5.5.2
"RESULTS" and section 5.6.5 "DOCUMENTATION".
Next, all smoothed experimental curves are printed out. Here, all single
curves are put out superimposed.
You will find further information regarding the curve printout in section
5.5.3 "CURVES" and section 5.6.5 "DOCUMENTATION".
The last curve to be printed out is the calibration curve for the standard
addition:
4 Substance : Pb
You will find further information regarding the printout of the standard
addition curves in section 5.5.3 "CURVES" and section 5.6.5 "DOCU-
MENTATION".
This concludes the lead determination. In the following sections you will
learn how you can subsequently store the recorded determination
(section 4.2.7) and what possibilities you have available to view and
process the measured data on the dialog pages "RESULTS" (section
4.2.8) and "CURVES" (section 4.2.9).
File
Press the softkey <Copy from>. The softkey bar changes and presents
the sources for copying a determination to the determination memory.
Press the softkey <Working storage>. The determination loaded in the
working storage is copied to the determination memory, the file name (in
this example 03201614.dtm) appears in the first column under the title
File.
Press the softkey <Change display>. The type of display changes, in
addition to the name of the determination a field for content information
and the storage space needed for the determination in bytes appear.
Both file name and content information can be changed for improved
documentation. To do this, press the softkey <Modify line> to enter the
edit mode. The first 8 characters of the determination name can now be
changed in any way (the extension .dtm must be retained). Now press
the <ENTER> key and enter any comment in the Content field for the
determination (e.g. Lead determination with method TESTPb of
20.03.1997). After confirmation with the <ENTER> key, you are again in
the navigation mode.
File
The header of the dialog page "DATA CARD" contains information on the number of
files stored and the available storage space. This is followed by the names of all stored
files displayed in 4 columns.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.4.3.
Press the softkey <Copy from>. The softkey bar changes and presents
the sources for copying a method or determination to the data card.
Press the softkey <Working storage> (determination in the working
storage). The determination loaded in the working storage is copied to
the data card, the file name (in this example 03201614.dtm) appears in
the first column under the title File.
Press the softkey <Change display>. The type of display changes, in
addition to the name of the determination a field for content information
and the storage space needed for the determination in bytes appear.
Both file name and content information can be changed for improved
documentation. To do this, press the softkey <Modify line> to enter the
edit mode. The first 8 characters of the determination name can now be
changed in any way (the extension .dtm must be retained). Now press
the <ENTER> key and enter any comment in the Content field for the
determination (e.g. Lead determination with method TESTPb of
20.03.1997). After confirmation with the <ENTER> key, you are again in
the navigation mode.
3 Storage on a PC
For the permanent storage of methods and determinations we recom-
mend you copy these to a PC via the RS232 interface. For this purpose,
the 6.6017.000 PC Program Metrodata VA Back Up is enclosed with
the VA Trace Analyzer which allows data to be interchanged between the
746 VA Trace Analyzer and an IBM-compatible PC (with Windows 3.1 or
Windows 95). The exact procedure is described in the Instructions for
Use enclosed with the program.
A further possibility to store methods and determinations on a PC in-
volves the 6.6016.113 PC Program Metrodata VA Database 2.1
available as an option which allows not only data transfer between the
746 VA Trace Analyzer and an IBM-compatible PC (with Windows 95 or
Windows NT) but also the viewing of curves and results on the PC and
includes a special report generator with filter functions. Operation of this
program is described in the Instructions for Use enclosed with the pro-
gram.
>> >>
Eval. Calibr.
On the dialog page "RESULTS" the results of the determination loaded in the working
storage are displayed on the three subpages "Calculations" (final results), "Evaluations"
(substance and peak evaluations) and "Calibrations" (calibration data).
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.5.2.
Substance : Pb Comments
Mass conc.: 1.032 g/L Mass : 103.2 ug
MC.dev. : 0.011 g/L (1.05%) Add.mass : 100 ug
Cal.dev. : - V0.sample: 100 uL
You will find a brief explanation of the result data shown here in the
description of the full report in section 4.2.6.
On this subpage you have the possibility to ignore undesired peak
results (e.g. spikes) for subsequent calculations. Proceed as follows:
Use the cursor keys to select the desired result by its VR num-
ber.
Press the softkey <Suspend/activate>. In addition to the VR
number, the marking ! appears to show that this peak result will
be ignored in subsequent calculations (this marking can also be
canceled using the same softkey).
Press the softkey <New calcul.>. This initiates a new calculation
whose effects on the substance evaluation are immediately ap-
parent on this page.
>> >>
Calcul. Eval.
You will find a brief explanation of the result data shown here in the
description of the full report in section 4.2.6.
On the dialog page "CURVES" various experimental curves can be displayed for both
individual substances and segments. Moreover, parameters for the scaling, the sub-
stance recognition and the baseline calculation can be changed interactively and
measured spike values removed manually.
You will find further information regarding this dialog page in section 5.5.3.
The curves which are shown can be seen from the title line. The curve
displayed in black is the smoothed curve of the substance lead with VR
number 00 (Pb-00-smoothed). In addition, the curves 10 and 20 are
shown in gray (grouped VR: *0). The calculated baseline for the curve
00, the peak voltage and the two base points of the lead curve are also
drawn in.
Below the curves is a list of the results of the peak evaluation for the
curve 00: peak voltage U.peak, peak current I.peak, peak area P.peak,
peak width U.width and the two voltage differences to the front base
point dU.front and the rear base point dU.rear.
This dialog page offers you extensive possibilities with the aid of the
softkeys:
Display Display of segment associated with the substance with
segment
the possibility to eliminate measured spike values.
4 Drinking water
Water that has been in the supply system for a lengthy period of time
absorbs metals from the pipe and fittings materials and thus falsifies the
analysis results. Hence, before taking the water sample allow the water
to run out of the tap in a powerful stream for several minutes.
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order, the dialog
page "MONITORING" appears after a few seconds.
In this section the 5 dialog pages of the group "Method Specifications" associated
with the loaded method CALCRV.mth will be explained in detail. If you are interested
only in a rapid lead measurement, you can proceed directly to section 4.3.4.
The sequence of the main program depends on the selected mode for
the program run Run mode on the "MONITORING" page:
In the program run mode calibration, all instructions marked with
D are ignored. 4 calibration solutions are measured in turn and the
coefficients of the calibration curve determined.
In the program run mode determination, on the other hand, all in-
structions marked with C are ignored. The sample is measured and
its mass concentration then determined using the calibration curve
recorded earlier.
Although the sample volume for recording the calibration curve is not needed (the
volume of the calibration solutions is defined in the parameter V0.CSoln), the
Sample size/S0 field must not be empty.
MEAS.TASK MESSAGE
DOS Acetate 1.000 mL > M
press <Esc> to break
<Enter>: continue
MEAS.TASK MESSAGE
Change measuring vessel
<Enter>: continue
Substance : Pb Comments
1 Mass conc.: - Mass : -
MC.dev. : - Add.mass : -
Cal.dev. : - V0.sample: -
C# Workg.com.var Remark
The full report Full report essentially contains the same parts as that
of the TESTPb.mth method with standard addition (see section 4.2.6).
However, the following sections are different:
1 Data for substance Only the substance name Pb is given, the other
evaluation parameters remain blank as they are not calcula-
ted when the calibration curve is recorded.
2 Data for calibration Offset Y.offset and slope Slope of the
curve calibration curve.
3 Final results The final result is not calculated as the variable
MC:Pb is not calculated when the calibration
curve is recorded.
Calibration curve
1 Curve type : lin Slope : 1.438e-03 Mean.dev. : 5.933e-10
Y.reg : 5.489e-10
Substance : Pb
The printout of the calibration curve essentially contains the same parts
as the TESTPb.mth method with standard addition (see section 4.2.6).
However, the following sections are different:
1 Data for calibration curve Curve type, addition mode, slope of the calibration
curve, offset Y.offset of the calibration curve,
mean deviation of the measured values about the
calibration curve.
2 Calibration curve Measured points (mean values of the measured
peak currents for the calibration solutions),
calculated calibration curve, current axis, axis for
effective mass concentration in the measuring
vessel.
5 Addition of sample
Remove stopper 25 on 747 VA Stand and use a pipette to add 10 mL of
drinking water to the measuring vessel through the pipetting opening.
Press the <ENTER> key.
The screen shows the prompt to add 1 mL acetate buffer to the measur-
ing vessel:
MEAS.TASK MESSAGE
DOS Acetate 1.000 mL > M
press <Esc> to break
<Enter>: continue
Substance : Pb Comments
1 Mass conc.: 12.48 ug/L Mass : 124.8 ng
MC.dev. : 0.344 ug/L (2.76%) Add.mass : - dev. estimated
Cal.dev. : 0.195 ug/L (1.57%) V0.sample: 10 mL
C# Workg.com.var Remark
The full report Full report essentially contains the same parts as that
of the TESTPb.mth method with standard addition (see section 4.2.6).
However, the following sections are different:
1 Data for substance Substance name, mass concentration Mass
evaluation conc. found and its absolute and relative total
deviation MC.dev., the deviation due to the
calibration Cal.dev., substance mass Mass
found in the measuring vessel and sample volume
V0.sample in the measuring vessel.
2 Data for calibration Offset Y.offset and slope Slope of the
curve calibration curve used for the calculation.
3 Final results Final result with formula calculation.
Calibration curve
Curve type : lin Slope : 1.438e-03 Mean.dev. : 5.933e-10
Y.reg : 5.489e-10
Substance : Pb
5 Drinking water
Water that has been in the supply system for a lengthy period of time
absorbs metals from the pipe and fittings materials and thus falsifies the
analysis results. Hence, before taking the water sample allow the water
to run out of the tap in a powerful stream for several minutes.
The drinking water sample should be acidified immediately after the
sample has been taken by adding 10 L conc. hydrochloric acid per
10 mL drinking water.
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order, the dialog
page "MONITORING" appears after a few seconds.
In this section the 5 dialog pages of the group "Method Specifications" associated
with the loaded method INTSTD.mth will be explained in detail. If you are interested
only in a rapid lead measurement, you can proceed directly to section 4.4.4.
The sequence of the main program depends on the selected mode for
the program run Run mode on the "MONITORING" page:
In the program run mode calibration, all instructions marked with
D are ignored. Internal standard is added to 4 calibration solutions in
turn and lead and cadmium measured each time. The proportional-
ity factor between lead and cadmium is determined from the re-
corded calibration curve.
In the program run mode determination, on the other hand, all in-
structions marked with C are ignored. Internal standard is added to
the sample and then lead and cadmium measured. The lead mass
concentration is calculated using the proportionality factor deter-
mined beforehand.
Press the softkey < >> > to switch to the main page "Substance pa-
rameters". Then press the softkey <Select subst.>. The two substances
Pb and CdRef are shown on the softkeys.
Press the softkey <CdRef> to select the internal standard cadmium. The
dialog page "SUBSTANCES" appears with the parameters for evaluation
of the reference substance cadmium. It is identical to that of the
TESTPb.mth method except for the characteristic voltage U.verify
(580 mV) and will thus not be discussed further here (see section 4.2.3).
Press the softkey < >> >. The subpage with the parameters for the
reference substance cadmium appears:
Soln.name CdRefSol
Mass.conc. 1 mg/L
Although the sample volume for recording the calibration curve is not needed (the
volume of the calibration solutions is defined in the parameter V0.CSoln), the
Sample size/S0 field must not be empty.
After the 3rd measurement, the program is interrupted. The screen shows
the prompt to change the measuring vessel:
MEAS.TASK MESSAGE
Change measuring vessel
<Enter>: continue
Substance : Pb Comments
1 Mass conc.: - Mass : -
MC.dev. : - Add.mass : -
Cal.dev. : - V0.sample: -
12 -583 24.82
20 -582 22.60 23.77 1.480 -1.268
21 -582 25.43
22 -583 23.27
30 -583 25.53 24.80 0.6384 1.029
31 -583 24.51
32 -583 24.35
C# Workg.com.var Remark
The full report Full report contains not only the usual header (see
section 4.2.6), but also the following important sections:
1 Data for substance Only the substance name Pb is given, the other
evaluation of Pb parameters remain blank as they are not calcula-
ted when the calibration curve is recorded.
2 Data for substance Only the substance name CdRef is given, the
evaluation of Cd other parameters remain blank as they are not
calculated when the calibration curve is recorded.
3 Data for calibration Only the proportionality factor is given.
4 Final results The final result is not calculated as the variable
MC:Pb is not calculated when the calibration
curve is recorded.
Substance : Pb
The calibration curve contains the usual header (see section 4.2.6) and
the following important sections:
1 Data for calibration curve Curve type, proportionality factor Slope, mean
deviation of the measured values about the
calibration curve.
2 Calibration curve Measured points (mean values of the measured
peak currents for the calibration solutions),
calculated calibration curve, current axis, axis for
effective mass concentrations of analyte and
reference substance in the measuring vessel.
5 Addition of sample
Remove stopper 25 on 747 VA Stand and use a pipette to add 10 mL of
drinking water to the measuring vessel through the pipetting opening.
Press the <ENTER> key.
The screen shows the prompt to add 1 mL acetate buffer to the measur-
ing vessel.
Method : INTSTD
Title : Pb determination with calibration curve
Remark1 :
Remark2 :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substance : Pb Comments
1 Mass conc.: 13.02 ug/L Mass : 130.2 ng
MC.dev. : 0.603 ug/L (4.63%) Add.mass : - dev. estimated
Cal.dev. : 0.326 ug/L (2.5%) V0.sample: 10 mL
C# Workg.com.var Remark
The full report Full report contains not only the usual header (see
section 4.2.6), but also the following important sections:
1 Data for substance Results of peak evaluations and result for Pb mass
evaluation of Pb concentration.
2 Data for substance Only the substance name CdRef is given, the
evaluation of Cd other parameters remain blank as they are not
calculated when the calibration curve is recorded.
3 Data for calibration The proportionality factor determined from the
calibration curve is given.
4 Final results Final result with formula calculation.
Calibration curve
Curve type : 0/lin Slope : 5.699e-01 Mean.dev. : 3.553e-02
Substance : Pb
4.5.1 Reagents
The following solutions are needed to perform the method POL.mth:
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order, the dialog
page "MONITORING" appears after a few seconds.
In this section the 5 dialog pages of the group "Method Specifications" associated
with the loaded method POL.mth will be explained in detail. If you are interested
only in a rapid lead measurement, you can proceed directly to section 4.5.4.
5 Addition of sample
Remove stopper 25 on 747 VA Stand and use a pipette to add 10 mL of
drinking water to the measuring vessel through the pipetting opening.
Press the <ENTER> key.
The screen shows the prompt to add 1 mL acetate buffer to the measur-
ing vessel.
4.6.1 Reagents
The following solutions are needed to perform the method ASV.mth:
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument. The instrument is initialized. If all is in order, the dialog
page "MONITORING" appears after a few seconds.
In this section the 5 dialog pages of the group "Method Specifications" associated
with the loaded method ASV.mth will be explained in detail. If you are interested
only in a rapid lead measurement, you can proceed directly to section 4.6.4.
5 Addition of sample
Remove stopper 25 on 747 VA Stand and use a pipette to add 10 mL of
drinking water to the measuring vessel through the pipetting opening.
Press the <ENTER> key.
The screen shows the prompt to add 1 mL acetate buffer to the measur-
ing vessel.
5 Operation
START ENTER
Red or orange Main function keys
(CONT)
ESC 3
letter and character keys
DELETE
Dark gray Cursor keys, auxiliary function keys
F5
Blue Softkeys
METHOD
SET UP STORAGES OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Q W E R T Y U I O P + & * (
= 7 8 9
VA TRACE MONI- OP. SUB- BACK
STAND METHODS SAMPLES INSERT HOME BREAK
ANALYZER TORING SEQUENCE STANCES SPACE
A S D F G H J K L
;
:
" PG UP $ % ^
4 5 6
DETERMI- COMMON DELAY
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
NATIONS VARIABLES
RESULTS SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION ' CLEAR DELETE PG DN
STOP
Z X C V B N M < > ? _ ! @ #
.
DATA
, / 1 2 3
CARD
CURVES DOCUMEN-
TATION - ABBREV
0 . -
HOLD
CAPS SHIFT SHIFT ENTER
(STEP)
The following enframed keys are available for the entry of alphanumeric characters:
METHOD
SET UP STORAGES OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Q W E R T Y U I O P + & * (
= 7 8 9
VA TRACE MONI- OP. SUB- BACK
STAND METHODS SAMPLES INSERT HOME BREAK
ANALYZER TORING SEQUENCE STANCES SPACE
A S D F G H J K L
;
:
" PG UP $ % ^
4 5 6
DETERMI- COMMON DELAY
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
NATIONS VARIABLES
RESULTS SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION ' CLEAR DELETE PG DN
STOP
Z X C V B N M < > ? _ ! @ #
.
DATA
, / 1 2 3
CARD
CURVES DOCUMEN-
TATION - ABBREV
0 . -
HOLD
CAPS SHIFT SHIFT ENTER
(STEP)
In entries in the edit mode (see section 5.2.3), these keys have the following
meaning:
Key Meaning
A D Letter keys
without <SHIFT>: lowercase letter (e.g. a, d)
DOSIMATS with <SHIFT>: uppercase letter (e.g. A, D)
: + Character keys
; without <SHIFT>: character in lower field (e.g. ;, =)
CALCU-
LATION
= with <SHIFT>: character in upper field (e.g. :, +)
! Numeric keys
without <SHIFT>: number (e.g. 1)
1 with <SHIFT>: character in upper field (e.g. !)
Shift key
By pressing this key and a letter, character or numeric key
SHIFT at the same time, the character in the upper key field is put
out.
Space bar
This bar has three action points in the middle of the bar. In
contrast to the other keys listed here, it is repetitive.
On the keypad of the 746 Trace Analyzer you will find a total of 17 yellow dialog
keys divided into the following four groups:
Set Up
Storages
Operation
Method Specifications
METHOD
SET UP STORAGES OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Q W E R T Y U I O P + & * (
= 7 8 9
VA TRACE MONI- OP. SUB- BACK
STAND METHODS SAMPLES INSERT HOME BREAK
ANALYZER TORING SEQUENCE STANCES SPACE
A S D F G H J K L
;
:
" PG UP $ % ^
4 5 6
DETERMI- COMMON DELAY
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
NATIONS VARIABLES
RESULTS SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION ' CLEAR DELETE PG DN
STOP
Z X C V B N M < > ? _ ! @ #
.
DATA
, / 1 2 3
CARD
CURVES DOCUMEN-
TATION - ABBREV
0 . -
HOLD
CAPS SHIFT SHIFT ENTER
(STEP)
The dialog keys are used for fast and direct selection of the corresponding dialog
pages. In what follows, you will find a brief overview of the most important functions
of these keys. For a detailed description of the individual dialog pages and their
parameters, please refer to sections 5.3 5.6.
Set Up
Storages
V Data card
DATA Display
CARD Copy to/from
Delete
Secure
Sort
Rename
Format
Operation
Method Specifications
L Segments : Calculations/Formulae
Programming of sweeps ; Designations for result
SEGMENTS CALCU-
Programming of macros quantities
LATION
Designations for result
units
Formulae
> Documentation
. Automatic output of reports,
DOCUMEN-
curves and measurement
TATION
values
Selection of output
destinations: printer,
RS232 interface 1 or 2
Entry of comment
The following 6 red and orange keys constitute the main function keys on the key-
pad of the 746 Trace Analyzer:
METHOD
SET UP STORAGES OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Q W E R T Y U I O P + & * (
= 7 8 9
VA TRACE MONI- OP. SUB- BACK
STAND METHODS SAMPLES INSERT HOME BREAK
ANALYZER TORING SEQUENCE STANCES SPACE
A S D F G H J K L
;
:
" PG UP $ % ^
4 5 6
DETERMI- COMMON DELAY
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
NATIONS VARIABLES
RESULTS SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION ' CLEAR DELETE PG DN
STOP
Z X C V B N M < > ? _ ! @ #
.
DATA
, / 1 2 3
CARD
CURVES DOCUMEN-
TATION - ABBREV
0 . -
HOLD
CAPS SHIFT SHIFT ENTER
(STEP)
Key Meaning
Key Meaning
Enter key
This key is used to close every field entry and confirm the current
ENTER parameter value.
The keypad of the 746 Trace Analyzer includes 13 gray auxiliary keys and 8 blue
function keys positioned below the screen, the so-called softkeys, whose meaning
is shown on the individual dialog pages:
METHOD
SET UP STORAGES OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Q W E R T Y U I O P + & * (
= 7 8 9
VA TRACE MONI- OP. SUB- BACK
STAND METHODS SAMPLES INSERT HOME BREAK
ANALYZER TORING SEQUENCE STANCES SPACE
A S D F G H J K L
;
:
" PG UP $ % ^
4 5 6
DETERMI- COMMON DELAY
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
NATIONS VARIABLES
RESULTS SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION ' CLEAR DELETE PG DN
STOP
Z X C V B N M < > ? _ ! @ #
.
DATA
, / 1 2 3
CARD
CURVES DOCUMEN-
TATION - ABBREV
0 . -
HOLD
CAPS SHIFT SHIFT ENTER
(STEP)
Key Meaning
Escape
Pressing this key in the navigation mode (see section 5.2.2) switches
ESC directly to the "MONITORING" dialog page.
In the edit mode (see section 5.2.3), this key is used to exit the editing
of a parameter field. The field contents are reset to the value or expres-
sion originally in this field before the start of editing.
Softkeys
The meaning of these keys is shown in the softkey bar which appears
F1 on the individual dialog pages. In the navigation mode (see section
5.2.2), softkeys can be used to initiate functions specific to the page; in
the edit mode (see section 5.2.3) they offer keying aids if possible.
Key Meaning
Backspace key
The character immediately to the left of the current cursor position is
BACK
deleted, the cursor moves to this position.
SPACE
PG UP Page Down
Pressing this key scrolls dialogue pages with lists (e.g. "SAMPLES",
PG DN "METHODS") downward block-by-block.
Page Up
Pressing this key together with the <SHIFT> key scrolls dialog pages
with lists (e.g. "SAMPLES", "METHODS") upward block-by-block.
Cursor keys
In the navigation mode (see section 5.2.2), the
cursor keys are used to move the field cursor
or for special functions specific to a page.
In the edit mode (see section 5.2.3), the
character cursor can be moved with the two
keys <> and <>.
The 17 dialog pages of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer are all divided into the same
three areas header, page parameters and softkey bar. The schematic layout has
the following appearance:
Header
page title, method name, determi-
nation name, status messages, etc.
Page parameters
not backed: display only
gray-backed: modifiable
black-backed: modifiable, position
of the field cursor
Display of the softkey functions
black: active
gray: inactive
Headers
The header line area of the dialog pages comprises 2 lines and is separated from
the area of the page parameters by a double line. The most important elements of
the headers are:
Page title Name of the dialog page in uppercase letters,
including (if applicable) name of the subpage
Method Name of method loaded in the working mem-
ory
Determ. Name of determination loaded in the working
memory
Files Display of number of stored files
Available Display of free memory space
Line Display of current line number
Status messages * READY * instrument standby
* BUSY * program running
* BUSY (BREAK) * program going to be stopped
* BUSY (HOLD) * program interrupted
* BUSY (DSTOP) * delayed program stop
Other displays and parameters in the header lines are explained in the description
of the individual dialog pages in sections 5.3 5.6.
Page parameters
In the area of the page parameters you will always find three different forms of dis-
plays:
Not backed all parameter names, the column title and the
nonmodifiable parameters
Gray-backed all modifiable parameters
Black-backed the current position of the field cursor
Softkey bar
The functions for the 8 softkeys <F1>...<F8> located below the screen can be
found at the very bottom of the dialog page. The following four categories of soft-
keys can be distinguished:
XXXXXX Initiation of a function (in the navigation mode)
XXXX
All softkeys shown in black are active, the gray-backed softkeys have no function.
The navigation mode is the basic mode of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and is auto-
matically activated when the instrument is switched on. The most important func-
tions which can be initiated using the keypad are listed in the illustration on page
5-14. The following additional functions are also possible:
Initiation of functions via softkeys (e.g. <Copy to>, <Insert line>, etc.)
Initiation of the main functions <START>, <BREAK>, <DELAY STOP>,
<ABBREV>, <HOLD> (see section 5.1.4)
Initiation of the auxiliary functions <FORM FEED>, <LINE FEED>,
<PRINT SCREEN>, <PRINT STOP>(see section 5.1.5)
The edit mode is used to change the gray-backed parameter fields on the dialog
pages. It is activated with the following keys:
The most important functions which can be initiated using the keypad are listed on
page 5-14. The following additional functions are also possible:
Initiation of the main functions <BREAK>, <DELAY STOP>,
<ABBREV>, <HOLD> (see section 5.1.4)
Initiation of the auxiliary functions <FORM FEED>, <LINE FEED>,
<PRINT SCREEN>, <PRINT STOP> (see section 5.1.5)
032 048 0 064 @ 080 P 096 ` 112 p 128 144 160 176 192 208 224 240
033 ! 049 1 065 A 081 Q 097 a 113 q 129 145 161 177 193 209 225 241
034 " 050 2 066 B 082 R 098 b 114 r 130 146 162 178 194 210 226 242
035 # 051 3 067 C 083 S 099 c 115 s 131 147 163 179 195 211 227 243
036 $ 052 4 068 D 084 T 100 d 116 t 132 148 164 180 196 212 228 244
037 % 053 5 069 E 085 U 101 e 117 u 133 149 165 181 197 213 229 245
038 & 054 6 070 F 086 V 102 f 118 v 134 150 166 182 198 214 230 246
039 ' 055 7 071 G 087 W 103 g 119 w 135 151 167 183 199 215 231 247
040 ( 056 8 072 H 088 X 104 h 120 x 136 152 168 184 200 216 232 248
041 ) 057 9 073 I 089 Y 105 i 121 y 137 153 169 185 201 217 233 249
042 * 058 : 074 J 090 Z 106 j 122 z 138 154 170 186 202 218 234 250
043 + 059 ; 075 K 091 [ 107 k 123 { 139 155 171 187 203 219 235 251
044 , 060 < 076 L 092 \ 108 l 124 | 140 156 172 188 204 220 236 252
045 - 061 = 077 M 093 ] 109 m 125 } 141 157 173 189 205 221 237 253
046 . 062 > 078 N 094 ^ 110 n 126 ~ 142 158 174 190 206 222 238 254
047 / 063 ? 079 O 095 _ 111 o 127 - 143 159 175 191 207 223 239 255
Navigation mode
Change to
other dialog
pages
Move field
cursor
Return to start of
HOME page or list
Scroll upward
block-by-block
PG UP
PG DN
Scroll downward
block-by-block
>>
Modify
line
Select subpage
Modify Modify
column line Space CLEAR
Edit mode
ESC
Reset field
contents
ENTER
Accept field
contents Switch between
insert mode (solid
INSERT
cursor) and
overwrite mode
(flashing cursor)
Help xxxxxx
--------
Delete character on
BACK the left and move
SPACE
CLEAR back 1 position
Help Keying
message for aids
parameter Delete character at
Move character Clear field
DELETE
the cursor position
cursor contents
5.3 Set Up
Under the title "SET UP", the keypad contains 4 yellow dialog keys for the parameter
settings and manual operation of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the attached de-
vices. These are described in detail in the following sections.
SET UP
Q W
VA TRACE
STAND
ANALYZER
A S
DOSIMATS SOLUTIONS
Softkeys Meaning
FILL Set injection valve to "FILL", switch pump off (Set = *****100)
PUMP OFF
INJECT Set injection valve to "INJECT", switch pump off (Set = *****010)
PUMP OFF
Softkeys Meaning
Date YYYY-MM-DD;
Date
Date in the format year month day.
Time hh:mm:ss;
Time
Time in the format hours minutes seconds.
Beeper
General switching on/off of the beeper (with Beeper = off an audio
signal is put out only with errors occurring during program execution
or with the BEEP command).
Screen
Title for those parameters which affect the screen settings.
Switch-off time
Time interval without keypad entry after which the screen will be
automatically blanked.
Screen contrast
Display of the contrast value between 0 (completely dark) and 250
(extremely bright). Under normal room lighting conditions, it is advis-
able to set a contrast value of ca. 90...110 using the softkeys
<Contrast up> or <Contrast down>.
Instrument configuration
Display of the attached devices.
Address numbers
Display of the address numbers of the attached devices.
RS232 settings
Title for those parameters which affect the settings of the two RS232
interfaces Ifc.1 and Ifc.2.
If the RS interface is in use (sending or receiving), the display busy
flashes next to Ifc.1 or Ifc.2.
Data bits 7, 8; 8
Data bits
Data bits (7-bit or 8-bit) for data interchange via RS232 interface. If
this parameter is changed, the change does not become effective
until the softkey <Save Ifc.par.> has been pressed.
Stop bit(s) 1, 2; 1
Stop bits
Stop bits (1 or 2) for data interchange via RS232 interface. If this
parameter is changed, the change does not become effective until the
softkey <Save Ifc.par.> has been pressed.
Parity
Parity (none, even, odd) for data interchange via RS232 interface. If
this parameter is changed, the change does not become effective
until the softkey <Save Ifc.par.> has been pressed.
Handshake
Handshake for data interchange via RS232 interface (hardware short,
hardware full, software character, software line, none). For more
detailed information on the individual handshake possibilities, please
see section 8.3.5.
If this parameter is changed, the change does not become effective
until the softkey <Save Ifc.par.> has been pressed.
Receive mode
Receive mode for RS232 interface (on, off). off means that the
receipt of data via the interface is blocked, but data output is possible
(details, see section 8.3).
Balance type none, Mettler, Mettler AT, Sartorius, Precisa, AND; none
Balance type
Selection of the balance type for RS232 interface 2 (manufacturer and
model). You will find further details on the attachment of balances and
the required settings in section 3.12.3.
Printer type none, IBM Propr., Epson 80*60, Epson 60*72, HP Deskjet,
HP Thinkjet, HP Thinkj.E; none
Printer type
Selection of the printer driver for the external printer attached to RS232
interface 1 or 2.
none no printer attached
IBM Propr. IBM Proprinter and printers with IBM emulation
Epson 80*60 EPSON printers and printers with EPSON emu-
lation with 80 60 dpi graphics resolution (24-
pin dot matrix, ink jet and laser printers)
Epson 60*72 EPSON printers and printers with EPSON emu-
lation with 60 72 dpi graphics resolution (9-pin
dot matrix, ink jet and laser printers)
HP Deskjet HP printers (HP DeskJet, HP LaserJet) and
printers with HP PCL3 emulation
Printing width
Selection of the printing width for the graphics printout. The normal
printing width (1.00) can be reduced by up to a factor of 10 if need be.
Set 0,1; 0
Printer type
Selection of the printer driver for the external printer attached to the
parallel interface (only for 746.0010 version without built-in printer).
Metrohm Built-in thermal printer
(only with 746.0020 version)
5.3.2 STAND
747 VA STAND
1 Manual Address 1
DME ....
HMDE .... Drop size .....
SMDE .... Drop size .....
RDE .... Rot.speed ..... /min
VA Stand VA Stand 695 Auto 717 Smpl Rinsing Electr. Default >>
1 2 sampler Changer Dosinos test values Switches
Softkeys Meaning
Even when the "STAND" page is quit, the inert gas pressure remains
switched on until it is switched off manually or automatically (by a
program start).
Softkeys Meaning
Even when the "STAND" page is quit, the stirrer remains switched on
until it is switched off manually or automatically (by a program start).
Softkeys Meaning
2
717 Smpl Switch to 717 Sample Changer
Changer
Reserved for future applications. This softkey will be used to switch to
the initialization and manual operation of the 717 Sample Changer via
746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Softkeys Meaning
After the solutions or the dosing units have been changed, the Dosi-
nos must be initialized by pressing <Prime Dosinos>. All connecting
tubing up to the measuring vessel are automatically filled with rinsing
solution.
Rinse volume
Setting of the rinse volume for manual rinsing of the measuring vessel
triggered by the softkey <Rinse meas.v.>.
This parameter is displayed only if two rinsing Dosinos are attached to
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Standby volume
Setting of the volume of rinsing solution which is filled into the meas-
uring vessel after manual rinsing triggered by the softkey <Rinse
meas.v.>. This volume can be used as conditioning solution for the
electrodes.
This parameter is displayed only if two rinsing Dosinos are attached to
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
3 1
Softkeys Meaning
Wipe Wipe position for cleaning the transfer needle, for unscrewing the
position
transfer needle and for changing the transfer tubing (see 695 Instruc-
tions for use).
Waste Waste position for expelling solution into the waste (normal position of
position
the transfer needle when instrument switched on).
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Rinse volume
Setting of the rinse volume for manual rinsing of the measuring vessel
triggered by the softkey <Rinse meas.v.>.
Standby volume
Setting of the volume of rinsing solution which is filled into the meas-
uring vessel after manual rinsing triggered by the softkey <Rinse
meas.v.> or at the end of a determination containing a RINSE com-
mand. This volume can be used as conditioning solution for the
electrodes.
Softkeys Meaning
U.standby display only
Mounted racks
Display of the racks mounted on the 695 Autosampler:
S## Sample rack, e.g. S05 (6.2041.060 for 80 samples)
S10 (6.2041.070 for 40 samples)
S03 (6.2041.100 for 24 samples)
S12 (6.2041.110 for 32 samples)
A## Standard rack, e.g. A01 (6.2041.080 for 16 standards)
B## Standard rack, e.g. B01 (6.2041.090 for 10 standards)
Keys Meaning
Insert line
INSERT A blank line is inserted above the line selected with the field cursor.
Delete line
DELETE The line selected with the field cursor is deleted.
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Rack name
Freely selectable name for rack. The name entered here will be used
as a file name and automatically given the extension .aut when
stored on the data card with <Copy to Data Cd.>.
Rack position
Display of the position number (consecutive numbering).
X position
Needle position in the x direction in mm (resolution 0.125 mm).
This is the distance which the needle has to travel from the home
position to the center of the sample vessel or to the special position in
the x direction.
Y position
Needle position in the y direction in mm (resolution 0.125 mm).
This is the distance which the needle has to travel from the home
position to the center of the sample vessel or to the special position in
the y direction.
Z position
Needle position in the z direction in mm (resolution 0.05 mm).
This is the maximum distance which the needle may travel from the
home position to the bottom of the sample vessel in the z direction.
Transfer speed
Speed at which the solution is transferred at the selected position with
the large syringe (siphoning off or addition).
slow 9 mL/min for viscous or surfactant-containing
solutions
medium 22 mL/min for aqueous solutions
fast 50 mL/min suitable only for waste position
Wastepo.
Rack pos.
Wait
X-pos./mm Y-pos./mm Z-pos./mm Speed
XXX Learning position: XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX X=XXXXXX Y=XXXXXX Z=XXXXXX
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
ESC XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
3 XXX
XXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
Up Down
Adopt position
ENTER When the desired position is reached, it is adopted definitively by
pressing the <ENTER> key. The needle is then automatically
raised to the position z = 0 mm.
Rack name
Display of rack name.
X= display only
Current x position
Display of the current needle position in the x direction in mm
(resolution 0.125 mm).
Y= display only
Current y position
Display of the current needle position in the y direction in mm
(resolution 0.125 mm).
Z= display only
Current z position
Display of the current needle position in the z direction in mm
(resolution 0.05 mm).
5.3.3 DOSIMATS
DOSIMATS
Dosimat/Dosino #1 #2 #3 #4
V.display XXXXXX mL XXXXXX mL XXXXXX mL XXXXXX mL
V.burette XX mL XX mL XX mL XX mL
Type XXX XXX XXX XXX
Position XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Gen.settings
Dosing rate ........L/min ........L/min ........L/min ........L/min
Filling rate ........L/min ........L/min ........L/min ........L/min
V.init ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL
V.tube in ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL
V.tube out ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL
Dil.settings
C.init std ........g/L ........g/L ........g/L ........g/L
C.end dilution ........g/L ........g/L ........g/L ........g/L
V.end dilution ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL ...... mL
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Should the filling take longer than 30 s, the message This operation
takes x.x minutes appears. The filling operation can then be started
with <r> or aborted with <a> to increase the filling rate. Once a filling
operation has been started, it can no longer be aborted.
After the filling, the initial volume V.init is automatically delivered to
the measuring vessel.
Dispensed volume
Display in mL of the volume dispensed with the Dosimat/Dosino.
Burette volume
Display in mL of the burette volume of the exchange or dosing unit
mounted on the Dosimat/Dosino.
Dosimat type
Display of the attached Dosimat type:
685 685 Dosimat
700 700 Dosino
General settings
Title for the general parameters of the Dosimats/Dosinos.
Dosing rate
Discharge rate of the Dosimat/Dosino. The maximum rate which can
be set depends on the burette volume of the mounted exchange or
dosing unit.
Filling rate
Filling rate of the Dosimat/Dosino. The maximum rate which can be
set depends on the burette volume of the mounted exchange or
dosing unit.
At the end of a determination, the burette is automatically filled at this
filling rate.
Initial volume
The initial volume V.init is the volume that is automatically dis-
pensed after filling of the burette cylinder. The purpose of this auto-
matic volume addition is to enlarge the accuracy of the first dispens-
ing operation following filling for the addition of small volumes.
Dilution settings
Title for the dilution parameters of the Dosimats/Dosinos. With the aid
of these parameters and the softkey <Start dilution> standard
solutions can be prepared. For this operation, the 6.5611.010 pipet-
ting equipment must have been installed at the Dosimat/Dosino and
connected to the remote interface of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer (see
section 3.10.6).
The initial volume V.init std needed for the dilution is automatically
calculated according to the formula
V.init std = V.end dilution * C.end dilution / C.init std
If the initial volume V.init std is smaller than 10 L, the error mes-
sage DOSIMAT ERROR 11: Illegal Dilution settings appears.
We recommend to make only dilutions with an initial volume
V.init std 20 L.
End concentration
Desired end concentration of the new standard solution to be pre-
pared.
The end concentration C.end dilution must be 0.5 times the initial
standard concentration C.init std.
End volume
Desired end volume of the new standard solution to be prepared.
5.3.4 SOLUTIONS
S This dialog page is used for entry of the standard addition and
auxiliary solutions which should be added automatically either
SOLUTIONS with the aid of Dosimats/Dosinos or with the 695 Autosampler.
Before a method is started, ensure that all these solutions are
entered here and that the right solutions are installed in the right
position.
SOLUTIONS
Line: XX
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Solution name
The entry of a solution on this page is required only if this has to be
dispensed automatically with a 685 Dosimat, a 700 Dosino or the 695
Autosampler. In this case, the name entered here must be identical
with the solution name Soln.name of the dispensing instruction in
question.
If work is carried out with a single mixed solution for standard addi-
tions of several substances, a separate line with the solution name
and the position of the mixed solution must be entered for each
substance.
Rinsing Dosinos
It is possible to rinse the measuring vessel at the 747 VA Stand manually
via dialog page "STAND" or with the RINSE command by means of two
700 Dosinos with 50 mL dosing units attached to the "Dos. 3" and
"Dos. 4" connections of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer (see section 3.10.5).
To make possible this rinsing, a solution with the solution name
Soln.name = RINSE (upper case letters) and the position Pos. = Dos.3
has to be entered.
Position of solution
For automatic dispensing operations, the solution can be assigned as
follows:
Do.1...4 Dosimat/Dosino 1...4
(attached to 746 VA Trace Analyzer)
R Rinsing solution
(possible only with Rinsing Dosinos)
H Hydraulic solution
(possible only with 695 Autosampler)
A01...A44 Standard rack A with position 1...44
(possible only with 695 Autosampler)
B01...B44 Standard rack B with position 1...44
(possible only with 695 Autosampler)
Std.subst. 8 characters; -
Remark 25 characters;
5.4 Storages
Under the title "STORAGES" the keypad has 5 yellow dialog keys for selection of the
lists of methods and determinations as well as the sample data and instrument
variables stored in the instrument or on the data card. These are described in detail
in what follows.
STORAGES
R T
METHODS SAMPLES
F G
DETERMI- COMMON
NATIONS VARIABLES
V
DATA
CARD
5.4.1 METHODS
Marking of files
For the delete and copy functions of files, several method files can first be selected and
marked by an arrow >. Single files are selected with the <ENTER> key, all files with the
softkey <Select all>. Pressing the two keys <SHIFT> and <> marks files in succes-
sion.
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Method Method storage "METHODS" (a new name must be entered for the
storage
copied method)
Data Data card (an unsecured method with the same name will be over-
card
written)
Softkeys Meaning
Number of files
Display of the number of stored methods (maximum 256 methods can
be stored).
File 8 characters;
Method name
In copying a method from the working memory, the method name
Method entered on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page is automatically given
the extension .mth. The first 8-character part of the method name can
be changed, however the extension .mth must be retained as it
characterizes method files.
Secured methods (*) must first be unsecured with <Unsecure> before
their name can be changed.
For the method name all characters are allowed with the exception of
the character ".".
Content 50 characters;
Method title
In copying a method from the working memory, the method title Title
entered on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page is entered in this column. This
50-character title can be changed.
Secured methods (*) must first be unsecured with <Unsecure> before
their title can be changed.
Memory size
Display of the memory requirements of the method in bytes.
5.4.2 DETERMINATIONS
Marking of files
For the delete and copy functions of files, several determination files can first be selected
and marked by an arrow >. Single files are selected with the <ENTER> key, all files with
the softkey <Select all>. Pressing the two keys <SHIFT> and <> marks files in
succession.
Softkeys Meaning
Data Data card (an unsecured determination with the same name will be
card
overwritten)
Softkeys Meaning
Make sure that only determinations are selected for recalculation which
were recorded with a method whose name Method is identical to the
method name of the method currently loaded in the working storage.
The result of the recalculation is not stored automatically in the deter-
mination file.
Number of files
Display of the number of stored determinations (maximum 256
determinations can be stored).
File 8 characters;
Determination name
In copying a determination from the working memory to the determi-
nation list, the name MMDDhhmm.dtm is allocated automatically and
comprises the month (MM) day (DD) hours (hh) minutes (mm) when
the determination was recorded and the extension .dtm. The first 8-
digit part of the determination name can be changed, however the
extension .dtm must be retained as it characterizes determination
files.
Secured determinations (*) must first be unsecured with <Unsecure>
before their name can be changed.
For the determination name all characters are allowed with the excep-
tion of the character ".".
Content 50 characters;
Memory size
Display of the memory requirements of the determination in bytes.
V This dialog page is used to access the data card. Methods and
DATA determinations can be copied, deleted, secured and sorted. You
CARD
will find further details on the data card (types to be used, battery
change, etc.) in section 3.2.6.
Marking of files
For the delete and copy functions of files, several files can first be selected and marked by
an arrow >. Single files are selected with the <ENTER> key, all files with the softkey
<Select all>. Pressing the two keys <SHIFT> and <> marks files in succession.
Softkeys Meaning
Data Data card (a new name must be entered for the copied file)
card
Softkeys Meaning
Make sure that only determinations are selected for recalculation which
were recorded with a method whose name Method is identical to the
method name of the method currently loaded in the working storage.
The result of the recalculation is not stored automatically in the deter-
mination file.
Number of files
Display of the number of stored files (maximum 256 files can be
stored).
File 8 characters;
File name
In copying a file from the working memory to the data card, the
extension .mth (methods), .dtm (determinations), .smp (sample
data) or .aut (rack data) is appended automatically, depending on
the type of file copied. The first 8-character part of the file name can
be changed, however the extension must be retained as it character-
izes the type of file.
Secured files (*) must first be unsecured with <Unsecure> before their
name can be changed.
For the file name all characters are allowed with the exception of the
character ".".
Content 50 characters;
Memory size
Display of the memory requirements of the file in bytes.
5.4.4 SAMPLES
T This dialog page is used for the entry of sample-specific data for
maximum 160 samples. These data are transferred automatically
SAMPLES line-by-line to the sample data line on the "MONITORING" page
and used for the next determination if Auto.samples = on has
been set. The entire sample data table can be stored on the data
card or a PC and also reloaded from these sources.
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
To reload a sample data file stored on the data card in this manner, it
must be copied to the working memory on the "DATA CARD" page
using the softkeys <Copy to> <Working storage>.
For the name of the sample table all characters are allowed with the
exception of the character ".".
Line number
Number of the sample data line on which the field cursor is posi-
tioned.
Autoincrement 1,2; 1
Pos. 1...160;
Position number
Position number on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler (without
695 Autosampler this column has no meaning, however it can be
used for simple sample numbering).
The following rules apply to the position numbering:
All instructions concerning the sample vessel (FEED) (e.g.
SMPL/F, CSOLN/F, F>M, DOS>F, etc.) are referred to the vessel at
the rack position Pos. defined by the position number.
All instructions concerning the auxiliary vessel (AUX) (e.g. F>A,
DOS>A, etc.) are referred to the vessel which immediately follows
the sample vessel defined by the position number (rack position
Pos. + 1).
The sequence of the positions can be freely selected for sample
solutions, but the same position number can be entered only
once.
Ident.1/S1 12 characters;
Ident.2/S2 12 characters;
Ident.3/S3 12 characters;
Method call
For automatic call-up of a method, method name, stand number and
program run mode can be entered here. The entry must have the
following format:
xxxxxxxx.SR xxxxxxxx = Method name
S = Stand address (1...3)
R = Run mode (C,D,T)
(Calibration/Determination/
Test)
With this entry, all methods loaded in the method memory are dis-
played in the softkeys and can thus be taken over directly.
XXXXXXXX Method name XXXXXXXX is copied to the field Method.call.
--------
Without entry of a stand number, the VA Stand set in the parameter
Stand address on the "MONITORING" page is used as default.
Without entry of the run mode, the program run mode set in the
parameter Run mode on the "MONITORING" page is used as default.
The automatic method call functions only when the specified method
is present in the working memory.
Sample size
Entry of the sample size (variable S0) in this column as either a volume
or weight is mandatory, otherwise the determination can not be
started (error message Missing sample). Entry of an asterisk * is also
possible, but only
if no concentrations or dispensed volumes based on S0 need be
calculated, or
if the instruction SMPL/F is used with the 695 Autosampler with
subsequent solution transfer to the auxiliary or measuring vessel,
or
if the instruction CSOLN>M or CSOLN/F for calibration solutions is
used with the 695 Autosampler.
The use of S0 depends on whether work is performed with undiluted
or diluted samples:
Undiluted sample, entry as volume
The entered sample size S0 (in L, mL or L) is used as addition
volume for the SMPL instructions. The substance content in g/L is
identical to the calculated mass concentration s (Mass. conc.,
see section 5.5.2).
Undiluted sample, entry as weight
If the sample size is entered as a weight, the density must be
entered under S2 in g/mL (with no entry, S2 = 1.000 is set
automatically). For calculation of the addition volume for the
SMPL instructions, the entered sample size S0 in g is divided by
the density S2*1000 in g/L. To obtain the substance content in
g/g, the calculated mass concentration s (Mass. conc., see sec-
tion 5.5.2) is divided by S2*1000 (see section 5.6.4).
COMMON VARIABLES
max. 18
Softkeys Meaning
Remark 16 characters;
Remark 16 characters;
5.5 Operation
The keypad contains 3 yellow dialog pages under the title "OPERATION" for selec-
tion of the operation monitoring, the display of the current results and the display
and interactive processing of the curves of the determination loaded in the working
memory.
OPERATION
U
MONI-
TORING
RESULTS
CURVES
5.5.1 MONITORING
U This dialog page is used to monitor the operation and for entry of
MONI- various parameters of general validity for subsequent determina-
TORING tions. It shows the method, determination and sample data
currently loaded in the working memory and the current instru-
ment status. Further, following the start of a measurement, the
current program data and measured values are shown in a
window.
Remark 1 ............................................................
Remark 2 ............................................................
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
from Op. New content and formula calculation with modified method parame-
sequence
ters referring to sample quantity, dispensed volumes or concentra-
tions of solutions.
The following should be noted with regard to the different types of
recalculation:
A recalculation from orig. or from proc. must always be
initiated if method parameters have been modified which affect
the determination of the EV values (e.g. Recognition, Baseline,
Evaluation).
A recalculation from Op.sequence must always be initiated when
the dilution calculation should be redone owing to modified
method parameters.
A recalculation from eval. is advisable if only certain EV values
have been suspended or formulae changed.
Softkeys Meaning
The last 4 lines of the system window are displayed. The system
window successively stores all system messages (warnings, confir-
mations, etc.) which appear during determinations or in work with the
746 VA Trace Analyzer.
To display the entire system window, the following softkey is used:
Zoom Display of the entire system window (18 lines)
The last 4 lines of the error window are displayed. The error window
successively stores all error messages which appear during determi-
nations or in work with the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. The error messages
contain the date and time of occurrence of the error.
To display the entire error window, the following softkey is used:
Zoom Display of the entire error window (18 lines)
Measurement window
During an ongoing measurement, the measurement window is shown with the following
current data:
Status Meaning
* READY * Ready
The instrument is in the standby mode, all dialog pages can be
selected. A new measurement or measurement series (with
Auto.batch = on) must be started with the <START> key.
Status Meaning
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
The method name can be changed on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page
(see section 5.6.1).
The method name of stored methods can also be changed later on
the "METHODS" or "DATA CARD" page (see chapters 5.4.1 and 5.4.3).
Method title
Title of the method loaded in the working memory.
The method title can be changed on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page (see
section 5.6.1).
The method title of stored methods can also be changed later on the
"METHODS" or "DATA CARD" page (see chapters 5.4.1 and 5.4.3).
Remark 2 60 characters;
User name
Free alphanumeric entry.
The user name is put out with all result records and curve printouts.
Run number
This counter is incremented by one on completion of every determi-
nation.
The run number is reset when the instrument is switched on and on
reset to 0.
The run number is put out with all result reports and curve printouts.
Stand address 1, 2, 3; 1
Stand address
Address number of the 747 VA Stand set using rotary switch 35 (see
section 3.3.1).
Maximum three 747 VA Stands can be attached to the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer, but only one can be active at the same time. The parameter
Stand address is used to switch between the different stands.
Auto.samples = off
The data of the two sample data lines on the "MONI-
TORING" page are used for every determination. If
nd
data have been entered in the 2 sample data line,
st
these are transferred to the 1 line for the next deter-
st
mination; if the second line is blank, the data in the 1
line are retained.
The 695 Autosampler processes the samples in se-
quence. If a position number is entered in the sample
data line, a start is made at this rack position (with no
st
entry, start at 1 position). If A-instructions (e.g. F>A)
nd
are used in the program, every 2 position is defined
as a sample vessel. During the series determination,
the position number of the current sample is shown in
st
the parameter Pos. on the 1 sample data line.
The time interval set must be > the time needed for the whole deter-
mination, otherwise the next determination is started immediately.
Loaded determination
Name of the determination currently loaded in the working memory or
currently running. A name is given to each determination when it is
recorded and comprises the current time on method start and the
extension.dtm:
MMDDhhmm.dtm MM = month hh = hour
DD = day mm = minutes
The first, 8-digit part of the name can be modified on these dialog
pages after copying to the determination memory or the data card,
but the extension .dtm must be retained as it characterizes the
determination files.
xxxx-xx-xx Below the determination name, the exact time when the determination
xx:xx:xx was started is displayed.
Subsequent modification
Date and time when the determination loaded in the working memory
was subsequently modified for the first time (later modifications are
not displayed). The modification date is set only in the case of modifi-
cations on the following dialog pages:
COMMON VARIABLES Changes to Workg.com.var and the
associated Remarks
OP.SEQUENCE All changes
SEGMENTS All changes
st
MONITORING Modification of the parameters in the 1
sample data line, recalculation with soft-
key <Recalc. from Op.Sequence>).
1st sample data Input possibilities, see under the individual parameters
line
Sample data of current sample
Display of the current sample data. The layout of this line is identical
to that of the lines on the "SAMPLES" page (see section 5.4.4). The
meaning of the displayed data and the input possibilities depend on
the instrument status:
In the standby mode * READY *, data specific to the sample can
be entered here and can be used for the next determination in
certain cases (see Table).
During an ongoing determination (* BUSY * status), the data of
the current sample are displayed and can not be modified at this
time.
What happens to the sample data entered in this line when <START>
nd
is pressed depends on possible entries in the 2 sample data line as
well as on the setting of the two parameters Auto.samples and
Auto.batch:
st nd
1 line 2 line Auto.samples Auto.batch Determination
2nd sample data Input possibilities, see under the individual parameters
line
Sample data of sample being prepared
The layout of this line is identical to that of the lines on the "SAMPLES"
page (see section 5.4.4). The meaning of the displayed data and the
input possibilities depend on various factors:
With methods without sample preparation cycles, here both in the
standby mode * READY * and during an ongoing determination
(* BUSY * status) data specific to samples can be entered and
used for the next determination (see Table) when the automatic
sample data transfer (Auto.samples = off) is switched off.
In the case of methods with sample preparation cycles (possible
only with 695 Autosampler and Auto.batch = on), here the data
of the sample being prepared are shown and can not be
changed.
Pos. 1...160;
Position number
Position number on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler (without
695 Autosampler this column has no meaning, however it can be
used for simple sample numbering).
The following rules apply to the position numbering:
All instructions concerning the sample vessel (FEED) (e.g.
SMPL/F, CSOLN/F, F>M, DOS>F, etc.) are referred to the vessel at
the rack position Pos. defined by the position number.
All instructions concerning the auxiliary vessel (AUX) (e.g. F>A,
DOS>A, etc.) are referred to the vessel which immediately follows
the sample vessel defined by the position number (rack position
Pos. + 1).
The sequence of the positions can be freely selected for sample
solutions, but the same position number can only be entered
once.
With calibration solutions, all solutions must be entered in imme-
diate succession, however, the position numbers themselves can
be selected at random.
During series determinations without automatic transfer of sample
data Auto.samples = off, the position number of the current
st
sample is shown on the 1 sample data line in the parameter
Pos..
With the UV sample racks, the position numbers on the sample
holders are defined as follows:
6.2041.100 Sample Rack: Sample holder left 1...12
Sample holder right 13...24
6.2041.110 Sample Rack: Sample holder left 1...16
Sample holder right 17...32
Ident.2/S2 12 characters;
Ident.3/S3 12 characters;
Method.call 11 characters;
Method call
For automatic call-up of a method, method name, stand number and
program run mode can be entered here. The entry must have the
following format:
xxxxxxxx.SR xxxxxxxx = Method name
S = Stand address (1...3)
R = Run mode (C,D,T)
(Calibration/Determination/
Test)
With this entry, all methods loaded in the method memory are dis-
played in the softkeys and can thus be taken over directly.
Without entry of the run mode, the program run mode set in the
parameter Run mode on the "MONITORING" page is used as default.
The automatic method call functions only when the specified method
is present in the working memory.
Sample size
Entry of the sample size (variable S0) in this column as either a volume
or weight is mandatory, otherwise the determination can not be
started (error message Missing sample). Entry of an asterisk * is also
possible, but only
if no concentrations or dispensed volumes based on S0 need be
calculated, or
if the instruction SMPL/F is used with the 695 Autosampler with
subsequent solution transfer to the auxiliary or measuring vessel,
or
if the instruction CSOLN>M or CSOLN/F for calibration solutions is
used with the 695 Autosampler.
You will find a detailed description of the Sample size/S0 parameter
in section 5.4.4 "SAMPLES".
5.5.2 RESULTS
Changes to the method which affect the evaluation and result calcula-
tion do not become effective until a recalculation of the loaded deter-
mination, which must be started on the "MONITORING" page with
<Recalc.> (see section 5.5.1), has been performed.
>> >>
Eval. Calibr.
6 7
Softkeys Meaning
>> Evaluations
Eval.
Switching to the subpage "Evaluations" with an overview of all sub-
stance and peak/wave evaluations.
6
>> Calibrations
Calibr.
Switching to the subpage "Calibrations" with the results of the sub-
stance calibrations.
7
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory (file name without
extension .mth).
Determination name
Name of the determination loaded in the working memory (file name
without extension .dtm).
Final results
Calculated results for the calculation formulae defined on the
"CALCULATION" dialog page (see section 5.6.4).
Quantity = formula value * Res.unit
Result deviation
Deviation in the final results calculated using the error propagation
rules (see section 6.10).
If the quantity MC:<subst> is used in the calculation formula, the result
deviation Res.dev. is used to determine the range Result
Res.dev. in which a final result may be expected with a probability of
68.3%.
The absolute error (in the same unit as the final result) and the relative
error (in %) are displayed.
Comments
Display of comments if any type of error or difficulties appeared in the
evaluation.
The following comments are possible:
see Evaluations The "RESULTS/Evaluation" page contains com-
ments on single results which must be heeded.
var. not found No result, as a variable is used in the formula for
which no value is available.
div. by zero No result, as division by 0 occurs in the formula.
range violat. No result as the admissible numeric range has
been violated in the formula calculation.
Admissible range:
-3.7e+33...-1.7e-33, 0, 1.7e-33...3.7e+33
5 7
Softkeys Meaning
New Recalculation
calcul.
The content and formula calculation from evaluation values of the
substances (EV values) is restarted (corresponds to the softkey
<Recalc. from eval.> on the "MONITORING" page).
>> Calculations
Calcul.
Switching to the subpage "Calculations" with an overview of the final
results.
5
>> Calibrations
Calibr.
Switching to the subpage "Calibrations" with the results of the sub-
stance calibrations.
7
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory (file name without
extension .mth).
Determination name
Name of the determination loaded in the working memory (file name
without extension .dtm).
Substance name
Name of the selected substance. Additional substances can be
selected with the softkey <Select subst.>.
You will find several numeric examples to clarify this table in the
explanation of the parameter Sample size/S0 on the "SAMPLES"
page (see section 5.4.4).
Comments
Display of comments if any type of error or difficulties appeared in the
determination of the mass concentration s of the substance.
The following comments are possible:
conc. out of range The mass concentration s of the substance
Mass conc. is outside the working range
Range min...Range max defined on the
"SUBSTANCES" page.
dev.estimated The total deviation MC.dev. could only be
estimated (see sections 6.9.5/6.9.6).
no cal.deviation Calculation of the calibration deviation
Cal.dev. is not possible as insufficient cali-
bration points are available (see sections
6.9.5/6.9.6).
no meas.deviation The determination of the measurement de-
viation Meas.dev. is not possible as only 1
measured point is available (see section
6.9.4).
Comments
Display of comments if any type of error or difficulties appeared in the
determination of the peak or wave evaluation.
The following comments are possible:
approx.peak<thresh No result, as the peak height approximated
in the first approximation is less than the limit
value I.threshold or t.threshold entered
on the "SUBSTANCES" page (see section
5.6.3). If desired, this limit value can be sub-
sequently lowered.
>> >>
Calcul. Eval.
5 6
Softkeys Meaning
>> Calculations
Calcul.
Switching to the subpage "Calculations" with an overview of the final
results.
5
>> Evaluations
Eval.
Switching to the subpage "Evaluations" with the results of all sub-
stance and peak/wave evaluations.
6
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory (file name without
extension .mth).
Determination name
Name of the determination loaded in the working memory (file name
without extension .dtm).
Substance name
Name of the evaluated substance.
Calibration technique
Calibration technique selected for the evaluation of the substance
(see sections 5.6.3 and 6.9):
std.add. Standard addition
cal.crv. Calibration curve
int.std. Internal standard
5.5.3 CURVES
Substance-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-smoothed
8
12 with cyclic
9 10 11
curves 15
Curve display
The representation of the substance curve as well the display of the peak/wave results
depends on the measurement mode selected:
In what follows, a substance peak recorded with DPMODE will be used as a curve exam-
ple. However, in most cases the listed functions of the softkeys and the meaning of the
parameters apply to not just this example but also curves with other measurement modes.
Any differences which appear are listed specifically under "Softkeys" or "Parameter".
Softkeys Meaning
k
In determinations with
k PSAMODE, the original
k curve can not be dis-
played.
U
Softkeys Meaning
Pro- Display of the processed curve (measured values after spike elimi-
cessed
nation and possible background compensation):
Valid measured values
k Spikes still present (can be removed manually in the
segment if need be)
Invalid measured values (overflow) (can be removed
manually in the segment if need be)
k
In determinations with
PSAMODE, the proc-
essed curve can not be
displayed.
U
I In a group of curves
the selected curve is
black, the remaining
curves are gray. The
displayed baseline
refers to the selected
curve.
U
st
Derived Display of the derived curve (1 derivative of the processed meas-
ured values). A relative scaling in % is specified for the y axis.
dI/dU
In determinations with
PSAMODE, the derived
curve can not be dis-
played.
U
Softkeys Meaning
Calibr. Display of the calibration curve and the mass concentration of the
substance calculated from it for the sample. The axes for standard
addition and calibration curve have the following meaning:
EV Evaluation value (current I, power P or time t)
eff Effective mass concentration of the selected sub-
stance in the measuring vessel
With the internal standard, the following axes are shown:
EVa/EVr Ratio of the evaluation values of analyte (a = analyte)
and reference substance (r = reference)
a/
r Ratio of the effective mass concentrations of analyte
(a = analyte) and reference substance (r = refer-
ence) in the measuring vessel
The curve representation depends on the selected calibration tech-
nique Technique and the run mode Run mode:
Standard addition (see also section 6.9.4):
EV std.add., determ.
Sample
Standard additions
Standard deviation
(if available)
eff
eff eff
a / r a / r
The results of the calibration are also shown for all curves (for details,
see under Coefficients on the "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" page,
section 5.6.3).
Softkeys Meaning
Peak voltage
Determined peak voltage in mV.
U.peakis shown for curves recorded with one of the following meas-
urement modes:
DPMODE, SQWMODE, AC1MODE
DCTMODE with SSWEEP (peaks)
PSAMODE
CYCMODE with only 1 ramp
U.peak U
U / 2 display only
Half-wave voltage
Determined half-wave voltage in mV.
U/2 is shown for curves recorded with one of the following meas-
urement modes:
DCTMODE with SWEEP (peaks)
AC2MODE
DCTMODE AC2MODE
I I
U/2 U U/2 U
Peak height
Determined peak height in A.
I.peakis shown for curves recorded with one of the following meas-
urement modes:
DPMODE, SQWMODE, AC1MODE
DCTMODE with SSWEEP (peaks)
CYCMODE with only 1 ramp
I
I.peak
Wave height
Determined wave height in A.
I.waveis shown for curves recorded with one of the following meas-
urement mode DCTMODE and SWEEP (for waves).
I
I.wave
U U
Peak area
Determined peak area in W.
P.peakis shown for curves recorded with one of the following meas-
urement modes:
DPMODE, SQWMODE, AC1MODE
DCTMODE with SSWEEP (peaks)
CYCMODE with only 1 ramp
In an evaluation with Scope = f.half or Scope = r.half, the area up
to the peak maximum is shown here.
P.peak
t/U
t.peak
U.width
I
U
dI/dU
S.rear
S.front
S.rear
S.front S.rear
S.front
Substance-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-smoothed
9
Display / Plot
I.scale ........
I.begin ........A
I.end ........A
U.div ........V/cm
U.begin ........V
U.end ........V
ESC
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Softkeys Meaning
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. Next, the selected zoom region is shown full screen
and the parameters in the display/plot window updated appropriately.
These changes are temporary, they are canceled with <Reset
param.> or after exit with <ESC>.
Substance-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-smoothed
10
Recognition
U.verify ........mV
U.tol (+/-) ........mV
U.width min ........mV
U.width max ........mV
I.threshold ........pA
ESC
Softkeys Meaning
Substance-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-smoothed
11
Baseline
Type ........
Scope ........
dU.front ........
S.front ........
dU.rear ........
S.rear ........
ESC
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Softkeys Meaning
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. The selected zoom region is then shown full screen.
The procedure described for selection of the zoom region can be
repeated several times in succession. The enlarged display of the
curve remains active until the baseline modification is quit by pressing
the <ESC> key.
Segment-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-original
12
8 13 14
Curve display
In what follows, a segment recorded with SWEEP will be used as a curve example. How-
ever, in most cases the listed functions of the softkeys and the meaning of the parameters
apply to not just this example but also curves with other sweeps. Any differences which
appear are listed specifically under "Softkeys" or "Parameter".
Softkeys Meaning
k
In determinations with
k PSAMODE, the original
k curve can not be dis-
played.
U
Pro- Display of the processed curve (measured values after spike elimi-
cessed
nation and possible background compensation):
Valid measured values
k Spikes still present
(can be removed manually if need be)
Invalid measured values (overflow)
(can be removed manually if need be)
Softkeys Meaning
k In determinations with
PSAMODE, the proc-
essed curve can not be
displayed.
U
st
Derived Display of the derived curve (1 derivative of the processed meas-
ured values). A relative scaling in % is specified for the y axis.
dI/dU
In determinations with
PSAMODE, the derived
curve can not be dis-
played.
U
Softkeys Meaning
14
This softkey is not available for curves recorded with
PSAMODE.
Segment-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-original
13
Display / Plot
I.scale ........
I.begin ........A
I.end ........A
U.div ........V/cm
ESC
12
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. Next, the selected zoom region is shown full screen
and the parameters in the display/plot window updated appropriately.
These changes are temporary, they are canceled with <Reset
param.> or after exit with <ESC>.
Segment-VR-Curve: XXXXXXXX-XX-processed
14
ESC
Meas.point
12
U : XXXXXX mV
I : XXXXXX nA
Start
zoom
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. The selected zoom region is then shown full screen.
The procedure described for selection of the zoom region can be
repeated several times in succession. The enlarged curve display
remains active until the spike elimination is exited by pressing the
<ESC> key.
16
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. The selected zoom region is then shown full screen.
The procedure described for selection of the zoom region can be
repeated several times in succession. The enlarged curve display
remains active until the <ESC> key or the softkey <Reset zoom> is
pressed.
Softkeys Meaning
ESC
15
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
Uppr/lft Once the top left corner point is in the desired position, it must be
corner
fixed by pressing the softkey <Uppr/lft corner> or the <ENTER>
key. Next, the bottom right corner point of the zoom region is also
defined using the cursor keys. This automatically opens a frame
encompassing the region to be enlarged.
Lwr/rght Once the bottom right corner point is in the desired position, it must
corner
be fixed by pressing the softkey <Lwr/rght corner> or the
<ENTER> key. Next, the selected zoom region is shown full screen
and the parameters in the display/plot window updated appropriately.
These changes are temporary, they are canceled with <Reset
param.> or after exit with <ESC>.
METHOD
SPECIFICATIONS
O P
OP. SUB-
SEQUENCE STANCES
L :
;
SEGMENTS CALCU-
LATION
>
.
DOCUMEN-
TATION
O This dialog page is used for the display and entry of the main
OP. program. Program instructions (see section 5.7), the associated
SEQUENCE parameters and the freely adjustable line time are used to
determine the sequence of the sample determination.
Softkeys Meaning
Keys Meaning
Program test
ENTER
By pressing the <ENTER> key in the navigation mode the program
on this dialog page is tested:
If no error is found, no action occurs.
If errors are found, the appropriate error messages are displayed
in the error window (see section 7.3.2).
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
For the method name all characters are allowed with the exception of
the character ".".
Title 50 characters;
Method title
Title of the method loaded in the working memory.
## display only
Line number
Automatic numbering of the instruction lines (max. 99 instruction lines
can be entered).
Attribute C, D, !, @;
Line attribute
Optional marking of the instruction lines with the following attributes:
C Calibration; the marked instruction line is executed only
if Run mode = calibration.
D Determination; the marked instruction line is executed
only if Run mode = determination.
! Inactive line; this line will not be executed.
@..@ Inactive range; the range between the two lines marked
by @ will not be executed.
Combinations of line attributes are also possible (e.g. C!, D@).
Instructions Instructions;
Program instructions
Entry of program instructions (see section 5.7). The associated
parameters are entered automatically.
In the entry, all possible instructions on this dialog page are displayed
in alphabetical order on the softkeys and can thus be incorporated
directly:
XXXXXXXX Instruction XXXXXXXX is copied to the Instructions field.
--------
t/s 0.1...999.9 s;
Line time
Optional entry of a wait time for the instruction line. When the program
is running, this line time will be allowed to elapse before the next
instruction is executed. The time counter is started at the moment the
program instruction is started.
With SWEEP instructions, the line time is calculated automatically and
can not be changed.
Main parameters
Main parameters for program instruction (see section 5.7.3).
Auxiliary Parameter;
parameters
Auxiliary parameters
Auxiliary parameters for program instruction (see section 5.7.3).
5.6.2 SEGMENTS
L This dialog page is employed for the display and entry of the
segment programs (max. 8 segments). Program instructions (see
SEGMENTS section 5.7), the associated parameters and the freely adjustable
line time are used to determine the sequence of the segments,
which are called up with the instruction SEGMENT in the main
program ("OPERATION SEQUENCE").
The segments are primarily used for programming of the
measured value recording using the SWEEP instructions with one
sweep being allowed per segment. However, the segments can
also be used for the programming of macros with any other
instructions.
18
Softkeys Meaning
Softkeys Meaning
18
Segment Change segment name
name
Possibility to enter the segment name. Segment names already
defined with the instruction SEGMENT on the "OPERATION
SEQUENCE" page are displayed on the softkeys and can be adopted
directly:
Segment# Adoption of the segment name Segment#.
Keys Meaning
Program test
ENTER
By pressing the <ENTER> key in the navigation mode the program
on this dialog page is tested:
If no error is found, no action occurs.
If errors are found, the appropriate error messages are displayed
in the error window (see section 7.3.2).
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
For the method name, all characters are allowed with the exception of
the character ".".
SEGMENT 8 characters;
Segment name
Name of the displayed segment. To change this, the softkey <Segment
name> must be pressed.
Line number
Automatic numbering of the instruction lines (max. 29 instruction lines
can be entered).
Attribute C, D, !, @;
Line attribute
Optional marking of the instruction lines with the following attributes:
C Calibration; the marked instruction line is executed only
if Run mode = calibration.
D Determination; the marked instruction line is executed
only if Run mode = determination.
! Inactive line; this line will not be executed.
@..@ Inactive range; the range between the two lines marked
by @ will not be executed.
Combinations of line attributes are also possible (e.g. C!, D@).
Instructions Instructions;
Program instructions
Entry of program instructions (see section 5.7). The associated
parameters are entered automatically.
In the entry, all possible instructions on this dialog page are displayed
in alphabetical order on the softkeys and can thus be incorporated
directly:
t/s 0.1...999.9 s;
Line time
Optional entry of a wait time for the instruction line. When the program
is running, this line time will be allowed to elapse before the next
instruction is executed. The time counter is started at the moment the
program instruction is started.
With SWEEP instructions, the line time is calculated automatically and
can not be changed.
Main parameters
Main parameters for program instruction (see section 5.7.3).
Auxiliary Parameter;
parameters
Auxiliary parameters
Auxiliary parameters for program instruction (see section 5.7.3).
Modify
column
Softkeys Meaning
The type of scaling specified here applies to both the display of the
live curve during the measurement and the plot of segment curves.
5.6.3 SUBSTANCES
P On this dialog page you will find all parameters and data for the
SUB- evaluation, calibration and representation of max. 8 substances.
STANCES The parameters which are displayed are different for Mode = VA
and Mode = PSA.
Baseline Evaluation
Type ........ Mode VA
Scope ........ Quantity ........
dU.front ........ Sign. digits ........
S.front ........
dU.rear ........
S.rear ........
21
Evaluation
Mode PSA
Sign. digits ........
21
Softkeys Meaning
Keys Meaning
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
Subst# - 8 characters;
Segment#
Substance name and segment name
Name of the displayed substance and the associated segment. To
change the substance name, the softkey <Subst. name> must be
pressed.
The segment name is shown only if the substance has first been
linked to a segment using the softkey <Link to segment>.
Substance recognition
Title for those parameters which concern recognition of the sub-
stance.
Characteristic voltage
Verification voltage for the assignment of a peak or a wave to a
substance. The voltage aU.peak or aU/2 estimated in a first ap-
proximation must be within the range U.verify U.tol for the
substance to be recognized (see adjacent diagram and section 6.6).
If the characteristic voltage is not known before the first measurement,
this field (or with several substances, these fields) can be left blank.
The first peak or wave found in the segment is then assigned to the
first substance allocated to this segment, the second to the second,
etc.
Following the first measurement, the voltages U.peak or U/2 of the
peaks/waves found in the segment are shown on the softkeys when
the U.verify field is edited and can hence be adopted directly:
aU.max aU.min U
aU.peak
aU.max aU.min U
aU.peak
I.end
I.begin
U.begin U.end
t/U.end
t/U.begin
U.begin U.end
Baseline
Title for those parameters which concern calculation of the baseline.
These parameters are not displayed for substances recorded with
measurement mode PSAMODE.
Baseline type
The following possibilities are available for approximation of the
baseline and the evaluation of peaks/waves (see also section 6.7):
linear Linear baseline with DPMODE, SQWMODE, AC1MODE,
DCTMODE (with SSWEEP):
The linear type baseline is determined using the tangent
method. After definition of the peak base points dU.front
and dU.rear (automatically or by manual entry), starting
from the base points an iterative search within a fixed
range (inward: up to 1 point before the peak maximum;
outward: ca. 20 mV) is made for a common slope. The
two points of tangency are connected to produce the lin-
ear baseline.
If no common slope is found, the linear baseline is drawn
directly through the two base points.
linear, whole
dU.front dU.rear
Point of tangency
(front)
Point of tangency
(rear)
S.front
U.wave
dU.front dU.rear
S.front S.rear
dU.front dU.rear
S.rear
S.front
I.rel = If + Ir
If
Ir
U/2
I.abs
U/2
Baseline range
The following possibilities exist to define the range over which the
baseline should be calculated:
whole Calculation of the baseline for the whole curve.
whole
f.double r.double
dU.front dU.rear
S.front S.rear
Evaluation
Title for those parameters which concern the evaluation of sub-
stances.
Evaluation mode
Selection between evaluation mode for measurements with
PSAMODE (PSA) and those for all other VA measurement modes (VA).
Evaluation quantity
Whereas only the wave height I.wave can be determined with waves
(DCTMODE with SWEEP), there are two different evaluation quantities
with peaks:
I.peak Peak height (current I in A)
P.peak Peak area (power P in W)
In the case of a linear baseline with Scope = f.half or
Scope = r.half, only the area up to the peak maximum
is taken as the evaluation quantity.
I.peak
I.wave
P.peak
Significant digits
Number of significant figures for the calculated mass concentration
Mass. conc. on the "RESULTS/Evaluations" page.
19 20
Softkeys Meaning
Calibration technique
In order to determine the sample content (mass concentration) from
the measured current or area values for the substances EV:<subst.>,
a calibration is required (see section 6.9). One of the following calibra-
tion techniques can be selected for this (with none, no calculation is
performed):
none None
Additions
Soln.name ........ ........ ........ ........
Mass conc. .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L
Range min .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L
Range max .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L
M.conc./cm .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L .........g/L
19 20
Softkeys Meaning
std.add., linear
EV
3rd standard addition
Slope
2nd standard addition
Y.reg
0
0 eff
4
nonlin Curve of type y = bx + cx
Calculation by weighted curve matching
y: EV Evaluation value (A, W or s)
x: eff Effective mass concentration in the
analysis solution
b: Slope Slope of the line in the linear region
c: Nonlin. Non-linearity factor
Y.reg Estimated EV value for sample con-
centration eff,s
std.add., nonlin
EV
Y.reg
0
0 eff
Coefficients
Title for coefficients of the standard addition calculation.
Non-linearity factor
Display of the non-linearity factor for a non-linear standard addition
4 4 4
curve in [Al/g] , [WL/g] or [sL/g] (see also Curve type).
This value can be used in formulae as KN:<subst> (<subst> = sub-
stance name) for further calculations.
Additions
Title for the standard addition solutions. In conjunction with CASE
instructions, maximum 4 different standard addition solutions can be
defined.
19 20
Softkeys Meaning
First, this program must be used to record the calibration curve. For
this, Run mode = calibration must be set on the "MONITORING"
page. The instructions marked by D are ignored. The calibration
solutions (max. 10) are measured in sequence and the coefficients of
the calibration curve determined. To store these permanently, the
method must then be copied from the working memory into the
method memory. This occurs automatically with Auto.batch = on; an
unsecured method with the same name in the method memory will be
overwritten. A switch is then made to Run mode = determination and
the sample measured. Instructions marked by C are ignored.
The result determination with the aid of a calibration curve saves time
compared with standard additions, but is reliable only
if the matrix of all samples and calibration solutions is identical or
has no influence on the measurement
if all measurement parameters (capillary, temperature, etc.) re-
main unchanged during measurements
if the accuracy of the results obtained is checked regularly with
the standard addition method.
a: Y.offset Intercept
EV linear
nonlinear
Slope
Y.offset
eff
EV
0/linear
0/nonlinear
Slope
0
0 eff
Measurement temperature
Measurement temperature for calibration and measurement.
Owing to the large temperature dependence of the measured values
( 2%/C), it is advisable to work with the 6.1418.220 thermostatted
measuring vessel and to enter the set temperature here.
Coefficients
Title for coefficients of the calibration curve.
Non-linearity factor
Display of the non-linearity factor of the calculated nonlinear calibra-
4 4 4
tion function in [Al/g] , [WL/g] or [sL/g] (see also Curve type). This
value can be changed manually.
This value can be used in formulae as KN:<subst> (<subst> = sub-
stance name) for further calculations.
CSoln.name 8 characters;
19 20
Softkeys Meaning
int.std.
EVa / EVr
0/linear
Slope = Prop.fact.
0
0 eff,a / eff,r
Measurement temperature
Measurement temperature for calibration and measurement.
Owing to the large temperature dependence of the measured values
( 2%/C), it is advisable to work with the 6.1418.220 thermostatted
measuring vessel and to enter the set temperature here.
Coefficients
Title for the calculated coefficients of the calibration curve for the
internal standard.
Proportionality factor
Display of the proportionality factor between analyte and reference
substance. The proportionality factor is identical with the slope calcu-
lated from the calibration lines. This value can also be entered or
changed manually.
This value can be used in formulae as KS:<subst> (<subst> = sub-
stance name) for further calculations.
CSoln.name 8 characters;
Soln.name ........
Mass conc. .........g/L
19 20
Softkeys Meaning
Measurement temperature
Measurement temperature for calibration and measurement.
Owing to the large temperature dependence of the measured values
( 2%/C), it is advisable to work with the 6.1418.220 thermostatted
measuring vessel and to enter the set temperature here.
Soln.name 8 characters;
5.6.4 CALCULATION
Softkeys Meaning
New Recalculation
calcul.
The content and formula calculation from the evaluation results of the
substances (EV values) is restarted.
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
Quantity 12 characters;
Result quantity
Designation of the result quantity (text-only entry).
On the transfer of standard formulae with the softkey <Upd. from
method>, the substance name is entered in this field.
Calculation formulae
Display and entry of calculation formulae comprising value assign-
ments with the aid of instrument variables, freely definable variables,
constants and operators.
Value assignments
Value assignments are processed in the order of their entry. The
following four types of assignments are possible:
R..........= Value assignment for final result that is dis-
played and printed. The variable name must
start with an uppercase R and can then contain
max. 10 arbitrary characters (numbers or let-
ters).
A##= Value assignment for alternative result, which is
then displayed and printed only if it is set active
in CASE instructions. The variable name must
start with an uppercase A and can then contain
one of the numbers 01...15. Alternative result
formulae set active are marked by an asterisk *.
........= Value assignment to any variable for intermedi-
ate result (not displayed). The variable name
must start with a lowercase letter and can then
contain max. 7 arbitrary characters (numbers or
letters).
C##= Value assignment to common variable. The
variable name must start with an uppercase C
and can then contain one of the numbers
01...18.
Instrument variables
The following instrument variables can be used in formulae:
C## Common variable C01...C18 from the working
memory (see section 5.4.5). The common vari-
ables can be used to exchange results between
different determinations.
ED:<subst>:<V> Difference of the mean values of the evaluation
quantities (I.delta, P.delta or t.delta) for the
specified substance <subst> and variation <V>.
The numeric value put out refers to the basic
unit A, W or s.
ES:<subst>:<V> Standard deviation of evaluation quantities
(Std.dev.) for the specified substance <subst>
and variation <V>. The numeric value put out
refers to the basic unit A, W or s.
EU:<subst>:<V> Mean value of peak voltages (U) or half-wave
voltages (U/2) for the specified substance
<subst> and variation <V>. The numeric value
put out refers to the basic unit V.
EV:<subst>:<V> Mean value of evaluation quantities (I.mean,
P.mean or t.mean) for the specified substance
<subst> and variation <V>. The numeric value
put out refers to the basic unit A, W or s.
MA:<subst> Standard addition mass (Add.mass) for the
specified substance <subst>. The numeric
value put out refers to the basic unit g.
MC:<subst> Mass concentration s (Mass conc.) for the
specified substance <subst>. The numeric
value put out refers to the basic unit g/L.
MD:<subst> Total scatter (MC.dev.) of mass concentration s
for the specified substance <subst>. The nu-
meric value put out refers to the basic unit g/L.
ML:<subst> Scatter due to calibration (Cal.dev.) of mass
concentration s for the specified substance
<subst>. The numeric value put out refers to the
basic unit g/L.
MS:<subst> Substance mass (Mass) in the measuring vessel
for the specified substance <subst>. The nu-
meric value put out refers to the basic unit g.
KD:<subst> Mean scatter (Mean deviat.) for calibration and
standard addition curve of the specified sub-
stance <subst>. The numeric value put out re-
fers to the basic unit A, W or s.
KN:<subst> Non-linearity factor (Nonlin.) for calibration and
standard addition curve of the specified sub-
stance <subst>. The numeric value put out re-
4 4
fers to the basic unit [AL/g] , [WL/g] or
4
[sL/g] .
Constants
Constants are put in as numeric values. They can cover the range
33 33 33 33
3.710 ... 1.710 / 0 / 1.710 ... 3.710 (input of the
exponential format with e or E, e.g. 2.378e-12).
Operators
The operators are processed from left to right. With nested expres-
sions, multiplication and division have precedence over addition and
subtraction.
= Equals (value assignment)
+ Addition
Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division
( ) Brackets
Max. 4 pairs of brackets can be nested.
Standard formulae
Pressing the softkey <Upd. from method> enters standard formulae in
this field which provide the mass concentration of the substances
referred to the sample size S0 as a final result in g/L or g/g.
Automatic entry of the standard formulae depends on whether the
sample size has been entered as a weight or volume and whether
diluted or undiluted samples have been used (see also section 5.4.4).
The dependence of the put in sample size S0 and the parameters of
the SMPL instructions is as follows:
L MC:<subst> g/L
The standard formulae listed above refer to the basic quantities g and
L, but the results are automatically supplied with the appropriate prefix
by the simultaneous entry of #g/L or #g/g in the field Res.unit (see
Res.unit).
Res.unit 8 characters;
Result unit
Designation of the result unit for final result (text-only entry).
If # is entered as the first character, the result calculated with the
formula is automatically provided with a prefix (m, , n, etc.)
6
(e.g. 5.64 g/L for 5.6410 g/L).
On the transfer of standard formulae with the softkey <Upd. from
method>, either #g/L or #g/g is entered in this field, depending on the
entry of S0 (see Standard formulae).
Sign.dig. 1...5; 5
Significant digits
Number of significant figures for the final result.
5.6.5 DOCUMENTATION
> This dialog page can be used for definition of the automatic
. output of reports and curves to the printer or the RS interfaces.
DOCUMEN- There is also the possibility to enter a detailed comment on the
TATION
method.
27
Softkeys Meaning
>> Comment
Comment
Switching to the subpage "Comment" for entry of a comment on the
method.
27
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
Reports
All reports with the exception of MethSpc and Mpts start with the
same preamble containing the following details:
METROHM Name of manufacturer
746 VA TRACE ANALYZER Instrument designation
(5.746.0101) Program number
Report ActMeth Full method report including method file for output
to a PC via RS interface for further processing
with the PC Windows programs "VA Back Up" and
"VA Database". The report includes an ASCII part
and finally the binary file. It has the following lay-
out:
XXXXXXXX.mth File name of method
A-Meth.spec, esize: Identification for method report
and details of file size in bytes
Report MethSpc Method report (see above)
B-File Identification for binary file
XXXXXXXX.mth Method file (binary file)
Curves
All curve plots start with a preamble containing the following details:
METROHM Name of manufacturer
746 VA TRACE ANALYZER Instrument designation
(5.746.0101) Program number
Method Method name
Mode Measurement mode
Run Run number
Curve Type of curve
(does not appear with Curve Cal)
User User name
Determ. Name of determination
Sample Sample identification 1 or S1
(appears only with Curve Cal)
Segment Segment name
(does not appear with Curve Cal)
Date Date of recording
Time Time of recording
V R Number of variation V and replication R
(does not appear with Curve Cal)
The following curves are then put out:
Curve Orig Original curve (original)
In contrast to the screen display on the "CURVES"
page (see section 5.5.3), the measured points are
connected by a line.
Curve Proc Processed curve (processed)
In contrast to the screen display on the "CURVES"
page (see section 5.5.3), the measured points are
connected by a line.
Curve Smth Smoothed curve (smoothed)
The representation corresponds to the screen
display on the "CURVES" page (see section
5.5.3).
Curve Derv Derived curve (derived)
The representation corresponds to the screen
display on the "CURVES" page (see section
5.5.3).
Curve PSA PSA curve
The smoothed substance or segment PSA curve
is plotted. The representation corresponds to the
screen display on the "CURVES" page (see sec-
tion 5.5.3).
Curve Cal Calibration curve (calibr.)
The representation corresponds to the screen
display on the "CURVES" page (see section 5.5.3)
and depends on the selected calibration tech-
nique (standard addition, calibration curve or in-
ternal standard) and the selected run mode
(determination or calibration).
I I dI/dU
U U U
t/U U
U t
EV EV EV
EVa/EVr EVa/EV r
int.std. int.std.
calibr. determ.
a/r a/r
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26
Softkeys Meaning
>> Output
Output
Switching to the subpage "Output" for the output of reports and
curves.
26
Method name
Name of the method loaded in the working memory.
Method comment
On this page, max. 20 lines each of 80 characters can be entered as a
comment on the method.
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer can be used for the free programming of the sequence
of voltammetric determinations with the aid of program instructions, the associated
parameters and a line time which can be set to any value. The two following dialog
pages are available for the entry of these instructions:
Each program instruction is located on an instruction line with the following basic
structure:
The following rules apply to the basic elements of the instruction line (see also sec-
tion 5.6.1 and section 5.6.2):
Line number The lines are numbered consecutively on entry of the instruc-
tions. Maximum 99 instruction lines are possible on the
"OP.SEQUENCE" page, maximum 29 instruction lines per
segment on the "SEGMENTS" page.
Line attribute Each instruction line can be optionally provided with one of the
following attributes:
C Calibration; the marked instruction line is executed only
when the program run mode is set to Run mode =
calibration
Line time Most instruction lines can be optionally provided with a wait
time. During the program run, this line time will be allowed to
elapse before the next instruction is executed. With SWEEP
instructions, the line time is calculated automatically and can
not be changed.
The following overview tables provide a brief introduction to the program instruc-
tions separated by category. You will find more detailed information and an expla-
nation of the parameters associated with the instruction in section 5.7.3.
The overview tables for the instructions contain not only the instruction and its
meaning, but also the two columns Page (dialog page) and Stand (VA Stand).
These show where the instruction is admissible. The meaning of the letters is as
follows:
Electrode
Measurement mode
Replication loops
Background compensation
Cyclic voltammetry
Sample preparation
Branching
Purging
Stirring
Addition of sample
Miscellaneous
In what follows you will find detailed information regarding the program instructions
and the associated parameters. The abbreviations for Page and Stand in the title
line have the following meaning:
st
Function AC1 measurement mode for alternating current voltammetry of the 1
harmonic.
Ph.angle -180...180; 0
Phase angle
Phase shift of the alternating voltage in regard to the measurement
interval for current addition or subtraction.
Modulation frequency
Modulation frequency of the superimposed alternating voltage.
Prep.cycles 0...255; 0
Meas.cycles 1...24; 2
Area
F (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
AC1MODE t
t.step t.drop
U.ampl
Modul.freq.
U U.step
Ph.angle
Prep.cycles
Meas.cycles U.start Prep. Meas.
cycles cycles
SWEEP
U.start t.step
U.end t
U.step
t.modul = 1/Modul.freq.
Ph.angle = 0
U.ampl 2
Ph.angle
Ph.angle < 0
Ph.angle
(In+ In)
I I=
n
I.peak
n = Meas.cycles
U.peak U
Comments The AC1MODE measurement mode can be used with all types of
electrodes together with the instructions MEAS, SWEEP, DSWEEP,
FSWEEP or TSWEEP.
The electrode type DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE must be entered before
the AC1MODE measurement mode.
With the AC1MODE measurement mode, the potentiostat always
operates in the operating mode "fast". SWEEP and FSWEEP are thus
identical for this mode.
The quantity t.drop important for the definition of t.step depends
on the type of electrode selected:
DME t.drop = 20 ms
HMDE and RDE t.drop = 0 ms
SMDE t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
nd
Function AC2 measurement mode for alternating current voltammetry of the 2
harmonic.
Application Alternating current voltammetry with the AC2MODE measurement mode is
primarily suitable for determinations based on reversible redox reactions
(e.g. Zn in HCl). Compared with the AC1MODE measurement mode, an in-
crease in sensitivity, resolution and separation efficiency is often
obtained.
Ph.angle -90...90; 45
Phase angle
Phase shift of the alternating voltage in regard to the measurement
interval for current addition or subtraction.
Modulation frequency
Modulation frequency of the superimposed alternating voltage.
Prep.cycles 0...255; 0
Meas.cycles 1...24; 2
Area
F (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
AC2MODE t
t.step t.drop
U.ampl
Modul.freq.
U U.step
Ph.angle
Prep.cycles
Meas.cycles U.start Prep. Meas.
cycles cycles
SWEEP
U.start t.step
U.end t
U.step
t.modul = 1/Modul.freq.
Ph.angle = 0
U.ampl 2
Ph.angle
Ph.angle < 0
Ph.angle
(In+ In)
I=
n
I If n = Meas.cycles
I.abs
Ir
I.rel = If + Ir
U / 2 U
Comments The AC2MODE measurement mode can be used with all types of
electrodes together with the instructions MEAS, SWEEP, DSWEEP,
FSWEEP or TSWEEP.
The electrode type DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE must be entered before
the AC2MODE measurement mode.
With the AC2MODE measurement mode, the potentiostat always
operates in the operating mode "fast". SWEEP and FSWEEP are thus
identical for this mode.
The quantity t.drop important for the definition of t.step depends
on the type of electrode selected:
DME t.drop = 20 ms
HMDE and RDE t.drop = 0 ms
SMDE t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
Description The (ADD instruction opens a loop for standard additions. This loop
must include one of the dispensing instructions ADD/M, ADD>M or PADD>M
for addition of the standard addition solution as well as a sweep or
segment call-up. Any other additional instructions can be incorporated.
The loop must be closed with the ADD)n instruction.
Comments A program can contain several ADD loops, but they must not be
nested.
REP loops are allowed within ADD loops, an ADD loop can also be
included within a REP loop.
No CAL or VAR loops are allowed within ADD loops.
In the last execution of an ADD loop, the instructions ADD>M, ADD/M or
PADD>M are no longer executed.
Description The ADD)n instruction ends a loop opened with (ADD for standard
additions. This loop must include one of the dispensing instructions
ADD/M, ADD>M or PADD>M for addition of the standard addition solution as
well as call-up of a sweep or segment. Any other additional instructions
can be incorporated.
Function Standard addition solution has been added to the measuring vessel
(MEAS) (e.g. with a 665 Dosimat).
Example Addition of a standard addition solution with the 665 Dosimat via the
remote interface:
746 connection: Connection "Control Lines" 23 (see section 3.13)
665 connection: Connection 8 for external dosing contact
(see 665 Instructions for Use)
Connecting cable: Cable with 25-pin connector, pin 5 (output 1) connected to red
banana plug, pin 25 (0 V) to black banana plug
Setting on 665: "DIS R" mode with fixed dispensing volume V.add
Program:
:
SMPL>M or SMPL/M Sample addition to measuring vessel
(ADD Loop start for standard additions
(REP Loop start for replication
SEGMENT Call-up of the segment (measurement)
REP)n Loop end, n = number of replications
SETCTRL *******1 Start of dispensing at 665 Dosimat
: by setting control line 1 active
NOP xxx s Entry of a wait time until dispensing
: is at an end
SETCTRL *******0 Resetting of control line 1
ADD/M Standard addition solution has been added
ADD)n Loop end, n = number of standard additions
:
Description The ADD>M instruction is used for the automatic or manual dispensing of
standard addition solutions into the measuring vessel on the 747 VA
Stand.
The automatic addition can be performed with a 685 Dosimat, a 700
Dosino or directly with the 695 Autosampler. The appropriate position of
the standard addition solution must be specified on the "SOLUTIONS"
page (see Soln.name).
Function Transfer solution from auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695 Autosampler to
the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
Transfer volume
Solution volume that should be transferred from the auxiliary vessel on
the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler to the measuring vessel on the
747 VA Stand.
Description The A>M instruction is used to transfer the solution volume specified
under V.add from the auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695 Autosampler to
the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
Comments The A>M instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
If the solution volume in the auxiliary vessel < V.add, an error
message appears.
Description The (BACKGND instruction opens the recording of a measured curve for
the background compensation. This curve is then automatically
subtracted from all subsequent measured curves of the same segment.
The BACKGND block must include a segment call-up, in addition other
instructions whatever their nature can be incorporated. The block must
be closed with the BACKGND) instruction.
Description The BACKGND) instruction closes a block opened with the (BACKGND
instruction for the recording of a measured curve for the background
compensation, which is then subtracted from all subsequent measured
curves of the same segment.
The BACKGND block must include a segment call-up, in addition other
instructions whatever their nature can be incorporated.
Description With the BEEP instruction, a brief audio signal is put out on the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer as an acoustic indication for the user.
Description The (CAL instruction opens a loop for recording a calibration curve with
both the calibration technique with calibration curve cal.crv. and that
with the internal standard int.std.. The CAL loop must be closed with
the CAL)n instruction.
In calibrations with a calibration curve, for the recording of this curve
the CAL loop must include one of the dosing instructions CSOLN/M,
CSOLN>M or CSOLN/F for addition of the calibration solutions as well as a
sweep or segment call-up. In addition, any other instructions can be
incorporated.
In calibrations with an internal standard, for the recording of the
calibration curve for the determination of the proportionality factor the
CAL loop must include one of the dosing instructions CSOLN/M, CSOLN>M
or CSOLN/F for addition of the calibration solutions, the instruction
RADD>M or RADD>F for addition of the internal standard as well as a
sweep or segment call-up. In addition, any other instructions can be
incorporated.
Comments A program can contain several CAL loops, but they must not be
nested.
REP loops are allowed within CAL loops, a CAL loop can also be
inserted within a REP loop.
No ADD or VAR loops are allowed within CAL loops.
It is advantageous to insert the MEAS instruction in the CAL loop to
switch off the electrode voltage when the solution is changed.
If the entire analysis solution is changed each time during recording
of the calibration curve, a RINSE instruction must be incorporated in
the CAL loop which resets the volume bookkeeping in the measuring
vessel to 0 (see also RINSE). If its parameter Cycles > 0 is set, the
measuring vessel is also rinsed by means of the two rinsing Dosinos
connected to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer or the 695 Autosampler. If no
rinsing Dosinos are connected, the prompt Change measuring
vessel to change the solution appears.
The EXIT instruction for premature exit from the CAL loop can be
included in this loop.
For the recording of a calibration curve, the program run mode Run
mode = calibration must be set on the "MONITORING" page. The
calibration solutions are then measured in turn and the coefficients of
the calibration curve determined. To store these permanently, the
method must then be copied from the working storage to the method
memory (this occurs automatically with Auto.batch = on).
In this example, the instructions for the calibration (C) and determination
(D) have been clearly separated from each other. If the calibration and
determination use the same number of replications, a shorter version of
the same program can be entered as follows:
:
D SMPL>M or SMPL/M Sample addition to measuring vessel
C (CAL Loop start for calibration
C CSOLN>M or CSOLN/M Addition of calibration solution to
: measuring vessel
(REP Loop start for replication
SEGMENT Seg1 Call-up of the segment (measurement of
: the calibration solution or sample)
REP)n Loop end, n = number of replications
C MEAS Switch off voltage (solution change)
C RINSE Reset volume bookkeeping
C CAL)n Loop end, n = number of calibration solutions 1
:
Description The CAL)n instruction ends a loop opened with (CAL for the recording
of a calibration curve with the calibration technique with calibration curve
cal.crv. or with internal standard int.std..
Function Start of a decision block with decision whether or not the subsequent
instructions should be executed.
S0 Sample size S0 in g or L
ctrl.line code 8-digit numeric code for the state of the in-
put control lines 1...8. The following values
can be entered for each line:
0 off, inactive (5 V)
1 on, active (0 V)
* immaterial
Alternative results
If the test condition is met, the alternative results A## (max. 3) entered
here are activated, i.e. the corresponding formulae A##=..... on the
"CALCULATION" page are set to active for the calculation and marked
with an asterisk (*).
Either a space or the ; character must be entered between the A##
values.
Description The (CASE instruction opens a decision block which can contain any
type of instructions and is closed with the CASE) instruction. On the
basis of the test condition contained in the (CASE instruction as a
parameter (see (Test)), a decision is made during the program run
whether or not the instructions which follow in the block are executed:
If the test condition is met (true), the instructions which follow in the
decision block are executed up to the next CASE, EXIT or CASE)
instruction and a jump then made to the end of the block.
If the test condition is not met (false), the instructions which follow in
the decision block are ignored up to the next CASE, EXIT or CASE)
instruction.
As an option, alternative results can also be specified which should be
activated when the test condition is met (see Calc.f.).
Comments Any number of CASE blocks (CASE ... CASE) in succession are
permitted in a program.
Maximum 2 CASE blocks can be nested, i.e. a second case block
may be located within a CASE block.
A CASE block may contain any number of additional CASE instruc-
tions. After the first CASE instruction whose test condition is met,
however, no further CASE instruction is tested and a direct jump
made to the end of the CASE block.
For test conditions with evaluation values EV:<subst> or mass
concentrations MC:<subst>, it must be borne in mind that these
values are set to 0 if no evaluation was possible. This can be used for
detection of this specific case (see examples).
Additions
Soln.name Cd-Std1 Cd-Std2
Mass conc. 1 mg/L 100 mg/L g/L g/L
Range min g/L g/L g/L g/L
Range max g/L g/L g/L g/L
M.conc./cm g/L g/L g/L g/L.
As the half-wave potentials of the two metals are virtually identical, in the
first segment Pb the sum of Pb and Tl is determined. After the masking
of Pb with EDTA, the segment Tl is then started that provides the
evaluation value EV:Tl. The remaining program run depends on the
testing of this value in the CASE block:
EV:Tl > 200e-12 (line 8)
If an evaluation value EV:Tl is found for the substance Tl that is
> 200 pA, the evaluation formulae A01 and A02 are activated and
thallium is determined with the aid of the standard addition. The mass
concentrations of lead and thallium are put out as the final results
with that of lead being corrected by the proportion due to thallium.
This proportion is calculated assuming the same sensitivity by multi-
plication of the determined Tl content by the factor 1.0138 * 0.5 (ratio
of the molar masses Pb2+/Tl+).
Function Additional CASE instruction within a decision block with decision whether
or not the subsequent instructions should be executed.
Description The CASE) instruction closes a decision block opened with (CASE.
For further details, see (CASE.
Cycles 1...60000; 10
Comments Before the call-up of CONDC, the RDE electrode must be selected. While
is possible to run CONDC with other electrode types, this is not realistic.
Function Calibration solution is located in the sample vessel (FEED) on the 695
Autosampler.
Description The CSOLN/F instruction is used for the recording of calibration curves
with the techniques cal.crv. and int.std. using the 695 Auto-
sampler. Within a CAL loop, it defines that the calibration solution is
located in the sample vessel (FEED) on the sample rack of the 695
Autosampler.
In contrast to the CSOLN>M instruction, CSOLN/F is needed only when the
calibration solutions on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler should
be pretreated before transfer to the measuring vessel (e.g. transfer to the
auxiliary vessel with the F>A instruction and subsequent dilution with the
DOS>A instruction).
Comments The CSOLN/F instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
The number of calibration solutions is defined with n in the CAL)n
instruction. A valid mass concentration Mass conc. must be entered
on the "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" page for each of these solutions.
In the V0.CSoln parameter on the "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" page,
the volume valid for all calibration solutions that has been added to
the sample vessel (FEED) is entered. If no other dispensing opera-
tions are performed in this vessel, an asterisk * can also be entered
for V0.CSoln.
If work is performed with Auto.samples = on, on the "SAMPLES"
page sample data lines must be entered in immediate succession for
all n calibration solutions with the following holding for their parame-
ters:
Pos. Position number on the sample rack
(freely selectable)
S1...S3 Sample identifications (only entries of the last
calibration solution are used and stored)
Method.call Name of the method + .C
(for mode calibration)
Sample Size/S0 Entry of an asterisk *
(value not used, but field must not be blank)
For permanent storage of the coefficients of the calibration curve
determined in the recording of the calibration solutions, the method
must then be copied from the working storage to the method memory
(this occurs automatically with Auto.batch = on).
Examples Lead determination using a calibration curve with the 695 Autosampler
(basic structure only):
Description The CSOLN/M instruction is used for the recording of calibration curves
with the techniques cal.crv. and int.std. with the manual 747 VA
Stand. Within a CAL loop, it defines that the calibration solution is already
located in the measuring vessel (MEAS).
Comments The CSOLN/M instruction can not be used in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
In contrast to the CSOLN>M instruction, with CSOLN/M no prompt to
add the calibration solution appears during the program run. As a
new calibration solution must be used for every concentration, within
the CAL loop it is mandatory to insert a RINSE instruction which
resets the volume bookkeeping in the measuring vessel to 0 (see
also RINSE). To ensure that the prompt Change measuring vessel
to change the solution appears, its parameter Cycles > 0 must be
set.
The number of calibration solutions is defined with n in the CAL)n
instruction. A valid mass concentration Mass conc. must be entered
on the "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" page for each of these solutions.
In the V0.CSoln parameter on the "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" page,
the volume valid for all calibration solutions that have been added to
the measuring vessel (MEAS) must be entered.
If work is performed with Auto.samples = on, on the "SAMPLES"
page sample data lines must be entered in immediate succession for
all n calibration solutions with the following holding for their parame-
ters:
S1...S3 Sample identifications (only entries of the last
calibration solution are used and stored)
Method.call Name of the method + .C
(for mode calibration)
Sample Size/S0 Entry of an asterisk *
(value not used, but field must not be blank)
For permanent storage of the coefficients of the calibration curve
determined in the recording of the calibration solutions, the method
must then be copied from the working storage to the method memory
(this occurs automatically with Auto.batch = on).
Description The CSOLN>M instruction is used for the recording of calibration curves
with the techniques cal.crv. and int.std. Within a CAL loop, it defines
that the calibration solution should be dispensed into the measuring
vessel.
The calibration solutions can be dispensed manually, with the
6.5611.010 Pipetting equipment, or via the 695 Autosampler, but not with
a 685 Dosimat or 700 Dosino. On manual addition with the CSOLN>M
instruction the prompt CSOLN "CSoln.name" "Mass conc." > M appears
showing the name and concentration of each calibration solution. In
additions with the 695 Autosampler, the calibration solutions are
transferred in turn to the measuring vessel from the sample rack.
Description The (CSWEEP instruction opens a block in a segment in which the ramps
for the cyclic voltage sweep are defined. This block can contain
maximum 5 RAMP instructions, other instructions are not allowed. The
block must be closed with the CSWEEP) instruction.
Description The CSWEEP) instruction ends a block in a segment in which the ramps
for the cyclic voltage sweep are defined. This block can contain
maximum 5 RAMP instructions, other instructions are not allowed.
Prep.cycles 0...99; 0
Meas.cycles 0...9; 1
Description With the CYCMODE measurement mode, direct voltage ramps can be
applied to the working electrode with a high voltage sweep rate. If the
initial and final potential are identical, this is known as cyclic voltamme-
try. The current I is measured as a function of the voltage U. The nature
of the measurement is shown below using the HMDE as an example.
Comments The CYCMODE measurement mode can be used only with the
electrode types HMDE and RDE and must be employed together with
the block for the cyclic voltage sweep (CSWEEP...CSWEEP) and the
ramps RAMP it contains.
The electrode type HMDE or RDE must be entered before the CYCMODE
measurement mode.
F (Hg)
Area (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
CYCMODE t
I.range t.HMDE
Prep.cycles
Meas.cycles U
RAMP
U.start
U.end
Prep.cycles Meas.cycles
U.step
t.step t
U.end U.start
For every measure- (ramp 1) (ramp 2)
ment cycle, maximum t.step
5 ramps are possible
U.step
U.start U.end
(ramp 1) (ramp 2)
U.red
Icath
An evaluation is I.range
possible only for
single ramps
Ian
U.ox
Application Direct current voltammetry is the classic, simplest VA method with limited
sensitivity. It is mainly used for the investigation of reversible redox
systems.
Measurement time
Time during which the current measurement takes place. Measurement
is performed at the end of the time interval t.step.
Description With the DCTMODE measurement mode, the direct voltage applied to the
working electrode is continuously changed and the resultant current I
which flows measured as a function of the voltage U. The nature of the
measurement is shown below using the SMDE as an example.
t.meas t.meas
Area
F (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
DCTMODE
t.step
t.meas
t
t.drop
SWEEP
U.start U
U.end
U.step
U.step
U.start t.step
I.wave
U.wave U
I
I.peak
U.peak U
Comments The DCTMODE measurement mode can be used with all types of
electrodes together with the instructions MEAS, SWEEP, DSWEEP,
FSWEEP or TSWEEP.
The electrode type DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE must be entered before
the DCTMODE measurement mode.
With the DCTMODE measurement mode, the potentiostat always
operates in the operating mode "fast". SWEEP and FSWEEP are thus
identical for this mode.
The quantity t.drop important for the definition of t.step depends
on the type of electrode selected:
DME t.drop = 20 ms
HMDE and RDE t.drop = 0 ms
SMDE t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
Area (Hg)
F (Hg)
t
t.step
The set drop time t.drop important for certain parameter settings is
20 ms for the DME.
Comments Within a program, the DME is not switched off until the MEAS
instruction or the selection of a different electrode type (HMDE, SMDE or
RDE). The DME is also switched off by END in the main program on
the "OP.SEQUENCE" page, but not by END in the segment.
The DME can be used for the following measurement modes and
sweeps: DCTMODE with SWEEP and SSWEEP,
DPMODE with SWEEP and FSWEEP,
SQWMODE with SWEEP and FSWEEP,
AC1MODE with SWEEP,
AC2MODE with SWEEP.
An advantage of the DME compared with the SMDE is that the MME
capillary is subjected to less mechanical stress.
A disadvantage of the DME compared with the SMDE and HMDE is
the higher mercury consumption and the lower sensitivity as the
electrode surface and hence the baseline constantly changes during
the measurement phase.
Function Dispense auxiliary solution into auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695
Autosampler.
Description The DOS>A instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of
auxiliary solutions (e.g. supporting electrolyte, reagent solution) to the
auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695 Autosampler.
For automatic addition with the 695 Autosampler, the appropriate
position of the auxiliary solution must be specified on the "SOLUTIONS"
page (see Soln.name).
Comments The DOS>A instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Function Dispense auxiliary solution into sample vessel (FEED) on the 695
Autosampler.
Description The DOS>F instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of
auxiliary solutions (e.g. supporting electrolyte, reagent solution) to the
sample vessel (FEED) on the 695 Autosampler.
For automatic addition with the 695 Autosampler, the appropriate
position of the auxiliary solution must be specified on the "SOLUTIONS"
page (see Soln.name).
Comments The DOS>F instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Function Auxiliary solution has been added to the measuring vessel (MEAS).
Description The DOS/M instruction is used when an auxiliary solution (e.g. supporting
electrolyte) has already been added to the measuring vessel (MEAS)
before the start of the program and defines the initial volume in the
measuring vessel.
The DOS/M instruction is also needed when an auxiliary solution should
be added automatically using a dosing unit (e.g. 665 Dosimat or 725
Dosimat) which, in contrast to the 685 Dosimat or 700 Dosino, can not
be directly controlled by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. In this case, the
addition must be initiated via the RS232 interface (using the SEND>RS#
instructions) or via the remote interface (using the SETCTRL instruction)
and then confirmed with the DOS/M instruction.
Comments The DOS/M instruction can not be used in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Example Addition of a auxiliary solution with the 665 Dosimat via the remote
interface:
746 connection: Connection "Control Lines" 23 (see section 3.13)
665 connection: Connection 8 for external dosing contact
(see 665 Instructions for Use)
Connecting cable: Cable with 25-pin connector, pin 5 (output 1) connected to red
banana plug, pin 25 (0 V) to black banana plug
Setting on 665: "DIS R" mode with fixed dispensing volume V.add
Program:
:
SETCTRL *******1 Start of dispensing at 665 Dosimat
: by setting control line 1 active
NOP xxx s Entry of a wait time until dispensing
: is at an end
SETCTRL *******0 Resetting of control line 1
DOS/M Auxiliary solution has been added
: to the measuring vessel
Description The DOS>M instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of
auxiliary solutions (e.g. supporting electrolyte, reagent solution) to the
measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
The automatic addition can be performed with a 685 Dosimat, a 700
Dosino or directly with the 695 Autosampler. The appropriate position of
the auxiliary solution must be specified on the "SOLUTIONS" page (see
Soln.name) for this.
Comments On execution of the DOS>M instruction with a 685 Dosimat, a 700 Dosino
or the 695 Autosampler, a wait is made until the addition is complete
before the instruction following DOS>M is executed.
Application Differential pulse voltammetry is the most universal and frequently used
voltammetric determination method. It is equally well suited for irreversi-
ble and reversible systems and offers a high sensitivity.
Pulse amplitude
Pulse amplitude of the voltage pulse superimposed on the direct
voltage.
Measurement time
Time during which the current is measured. Measurement is performed
at the end of the time interval t.step immediately before the pulse
start and at the end of the pulse.
Pulse time
Time interval during which a voltage pulse is superimposed on the
direct voltage.
Description With the DPMODE measurement mode for differential pulse voltammetry,
square-wave pulses with a small, constant amplitude are superimposed
on a stepwise rising direct voltage ramp. The current I is measured as a
function of the voltage U immediately before the pulse and at the end of
the pulse. The nature of the measurement is shown below using the
SMDE as an example.
From the differences between the two current measurements, peak-
shaped curves are obtained which can be evaluated using the baselines
of type linear, polynom or expon. (see section 5.6.3).
Area (Hg)
F (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
DPMODE
t.step
t.meas
t.pulse t
t.drop
U.ampl
U
SWEEP
U.start U.step
U.ampl
U.end
U.step
U.start t.pulse t.step
t
I
I = I2 - I1
I.peak
U.peak U
Comments The DPMODE measurement mode can be used with all types of
electrodes together with the instructions MEAS, SWEEP, DSWEEP,
FSWEEP or TSWEEP.
The electrode type DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE must be entered before
the DPMODE measurement mode.
If the DPMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
SWEEP and the electrode type HMDE, the potentiostat normally oper-
ates in the operating mode "slow". A switch is made to the operating
mode "fast" when the pulse time t.pulse < 30.05 ms.
If the DPMODE measurement mode is used with SWEEP and the
electrode type SMDE or DME, the setting of the potentiostat depends
on the measurement profile. Normally, a switch is also made from
"slow" to "fast" when the pulse time t.pulse < 30.05 ms. With very
small signals, however, the operating mode "slow" is used and with
very large signals the operating mode "fast", irrespective of the pulse
time.
If the DPMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
SWEEP and the electrode type RDE, the potentiostat always operates in
the operating mode "fast".
If the DPMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
FSWEEP, the potentiostat always operates in the operating mode "fast".
This mode is recommended especially for adsorptive stripping tech-
niques (e.g. Ni and Co with DMG).
The quantity t.drop important for the definition of t.step depends
on the type of electrode selected:
DME t.drop = 20 ms
HMDE and RDE t.drop = 0 ms
SMDE t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the voltage sweep.
Final voltage
Final voltage for the voltage sweep. This voltage is retained after the
end of the sweep until a new voltage is applied or until it is switched off
by MEAS or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Voltage step
Voltage step for direct current ramp.
Ramp slope
Here, the slope of the direct current ramp is displayed in mV/s. It is
calculated as follows:
U.step
Sweep rate =
t.step
Description The DSWEEP instruction (Dummy Sweep) starts the voltage sweep
defined in the parameters. While measured values are recorded during
the sweep, they are not stored.
t.step U.end
U
U.step
U.start
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the DSWEEP instruction.
Admissible are DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the DSWEEP
instruction. Admissible are DCTMODE, DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE or
SQWMODE, but not PSAMODE or CYCMODE.
see also SWEEP, FSWEEP, SSWEEP, DME, SMDE, HMDE, RDE, DCTMODE,
DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE, SQWMODE
Description The END instruction closes the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE"
page or a segment on the "SEGMENTS" page.
Comments Each program or segment must be closed with the END instruction.
The END instruction in the main program switches off all functions still
active at the 747 VA Stand (e.g. stirrer, purging, electrodes, voltage)
with exception of the standby voltage U.standby defined in a MEAS
instruction.
In contrast to END in the main program, the END instruction in the
segment simply causes a return to the location in the main program
where the segment was called up.
Function Immediate exit from a loop or a block if the test condition is met.
S0 Sample size S0 in g or L
ctrl.line code 8-digit numeric code for the state of the in-
put control lines 1...8. The following values
can be entered for each line:
0 off, inactive (5 V)
1 on, active (0 V)
* immaterial
Description The EXIT instruction can be inserted in the following loops or blocks:
(ADD ... ADD)n
(CAL ... CAL)n
(REP ... REP)n
(VAR ... VAR)n
(CASE ... CASE)
Comments In nested loops or blocks a jump is always made to the end of that
loop or block in which the EXIT instruction is located. If an exit from
all loops or blocks is desired, the EXIT instruction must be entered
for every loop or every block.
For test conditions with evaluation values EV:<subst> or mass
concentrations MC:<subst>, it must be borne in mind that these
values are set to 0 if no evaluation was possible. This can be used for
detection of this specific case (see example).
Function Transfer solution from sample vessel (FEED) to the auxiliary vessel
(MEAS) on the 695 Autosampler.
Transfer volume
Solution volume that should be transferred from the sample vessel on
the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler to the auxiliary vessel.
Description The F>A instruction transfers the solution volume specified under V.add
from the sample vessel (FEED) to the auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695
Autosampler.
Comments The F>A instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
The auxiliary vessel (AUX) must be located on the sample rack
immediately after the sample vessel (FEED).
If the solution volume in the sample vessel < V.add, an error
message appears.
Function Transfer a solution from the sample vessel (FEED) on the 695 Autosam-
pler to the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
Transfer volume
Solution volume that should be transferred from the sample vessel on
the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler to the measuring vessel on the
747 VA Stand.
Description The F>M instruction transfers the solution volume specified under V.add
from the sample vessel (FEED) on the 695 Autosampler to the measur-
ing vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
Comments The F>M instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
If the solution volume in the sample vessel < V.add, an error
message appears.
Function Reserved for future applications (pipetting and dispensing functions) with
the 685 Dosimat or 700 Dosino.
Function Voltage sweep with potentiostat in the operating mode "fast", especially
suited for adsorptive stripping techniques.
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the voltage sweep.
Final voltage
Final voltage for the voltage sweep. This voltage is retained after the
end of the sweep until a new voltage is applied or until it is switched off
by MEAS or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Voltage step
Voltage step for direct current ramp.
Ramp slope
Here, the slope of the direct current ramp is displayed in mV/s. It is
calculated as follows:
U.step
Sweep rate =
t.step
Description The FSWEEP instruction (Fast Sweep) starts the voltage sweep defined in
the parameters. During the sweep, the potentiostat always operates in
the operating mode "fast".
t.step U.end
U
U.step
U.start
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the FSWEEP instruction.
Admissible are DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the FSWEEP
instruction. Admissible are DCTMODE, DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE or
SQWMODE, but not PSAMODE or CYCMODE.
The use of the FSWEEP instruction is practical only with the measure-
ment modes DPMODE and SQWMODE. With the other allowable meas-
urement modes, FSWEEP is identical to SWEEP.
The FSWEEP instruction should always be used instead of the SWEEP
instruction with adsorptive stripping techniques (e.g. Ni and Co with
DMG).
With the FSWEEP instruction maximum 1000 measured values can be
recorded.
Apart from the FSWEEP instruction, no other SWEEP instruction is
allowed in the same segment.
If the final voltage U.end should not be switched off at the end of the
program, enter a suitable standby voltage U.standby in a MEAS
instruction.
see also SWEEP, DSWEEP, SSWEEP, DME, SMDE, HMDE, RDE, DPMODE,
SQWMODE
Application The HMDE is primarily used for very sensitive stripping voltammetry in
which the analyte species is not measured until it has first been
electrochemically enriched. Cyclic voltammetry and PSA are also
possible with the HMDE.
Drop size
Setting of the size of the mercury drop.
2 2
The area of the drop is ca. 0.15 mm (1) ... 0.60 mm (9).
The set drop time t.drop important for certain parameter settings is
0 ms for the HMDE by definition.
Operation mode
Setting of the operation mode for the HMDE:
normal Normal operation for MME in measuring vessel:
4 mercury drops of defined size are formed in succes-
sion at the MME. The last drop remains suspended
EFTA Operation for EFTA cell (future application):
The valve for Hg outflow is opened until two drops have
been expelled. After a waiting time of 300 ms a new Hg
drop of the defined size Drop size is formed and re-
mains suspended.
Description The HMDE instruction is used to form mercury drops of defined size at
the 6.1246.020 Multi-Mode Electrode. The last drop remains suspended
and thus forms the hanging mercury drop electrode at which a voltage
sweep can be performed.
Area
F (Hg)
t
t.HMDE
Comments Within a program, the HMDE is not switched off until the MEAS
instruction or the selection of a different electrode type (DME, SMDE or
RDE). The HMDE is also switched off by END in the main program on
the "OP.SEQUENCE" page, but not by END in the segment.
The HMDE can be used for all measurement modes and sweeps.
Message
The message put in here is displayed in the screen window MEAS.TASK
MESSAGE when the HOLD instruction is reached. The program is not
continued until this message has been confirmed with the <ENTER>
key.
Function Reserved for future applications with the 717 Sample Changer.
Detailed information is available from Metrohm on request.
Application The MEAS instruction is primarily used together with the HMDE or RDE
for electrochemical enrichment in stripping voltammetry.
Measurement voltage
The voltage entered here is applied to the electrodes. This voltage
remains in force even after the line time has elapsed until a SWEEP
instruction follows or until it is switched off by MEAS or END in the main
program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Description The MEAS instruction applies the voltage defined in the U.meas para-
meter to the electrode. At the same time, the current measurement is
started in accordance with the parameters defined in the measurement
mode. The duration of the measurement is defined with the line time.
During an ongoing measurement with MEAS, the current measured
values for voltage and current are displayed in the measurement window
on the "MONITORING" page (see section 5.5.1).
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the MEAS instruction.
Admissible are DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the MEAS instruc-
tion. Admissible are DCTMODE, DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE, SQWMODE,
CYCMODE or PSAMODE.
Description The MEAS instruction is used to switch off the current measurement and
to apply the standby voltage U.standby to the electrodes. The dropping
mercury electrode DME is also switched off, i.e. the mercury flow is
stopped.
Comment If the solution in the measuring vessel is changed during the program
run (e.g. in the recording of calibration curves), the MEAS instruction with
no standby voltage set (U.standby = empty) must be inserted before the
solution change so that no voltage flows through the electrodes.
Description The NOP instruction can be used for the programming of wait times by
entering an appropriate line time t/s.
Comment The same function as with NOP can also be achieved with REM, but in the
latter case a line comment can also be entered.
Prop.subst. 8 characters; -
Prop.coeff. 0.0010...99999.9; 1
Proportionality coefficient
The proportionality coefficient defines the relation between the meas-
ured mean value of the evaluation value EV:<subst> and the standard
addition volume V.add:
V.add = EV:<subst> * Prop.coeff.
Description The PADD>M instruction is used for the automatic or manual addition of
standard addition solutions. In contrast to the ADD>M instruction, the
standard addition volume V.add can not be preallocated, but is
recalculated in every measurement from the evaluation value EV:<subst>
measured beforehand for any substance and a proportionality coefficient
Prop.coeff..
Prop.subst. 8 characters; -
Prop.coeff. 0.0010...99999.9; 1
Proportionality coefficient
The proportionality coefficient defines the relation between the meas-
ured mean value of the evaluation value EV:<subst> and the addition
volume V.add:
V.add = EV:<subst> * Prop.coeff.
Description The PDOS>M instruction is used for the automatic or manual dispensing
of auxiliary solutions (e.g. supporting electrolyte, reagent solution) into
the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand. In contrast to the
Function Start of the block for sample preparation on the 695 Autosampler.
Description The (PREP instruction opens a block for sample preparation on the
sample rack of the 695 Autosampler paralleling measurement. This block
can contain any number of instructions admissible for the sample
preparation and must be closed with the PREP) instruction.
The PREP block must be called up with the >PREP instruction. As soon
as the program running for the current sample in the measuring vessel
allows, the instructions defined in the PREP block are executed with the
following sample on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler.
Comments The (PREP instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler and must be entered on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Only one PREP block is admissible in a program.
Only the following instructions are allowed in a PREP block:
SMPL/F, CSOLN/F, DOS>F, SDOS>F, RADD>F
DOS>A, SDOS>A, F>A
VMIX, VWASH
BEEP, NOP, REM, SCANCTRL, SETCTRL
Instructions of the PREP block which have not yet been executed at
the end of the program are then run to completion.
In the sample preparation block (PREP ... PREP), 0.05 mL sample from
the sample vessel (FEED) are transferred to the auxiliary vessel (AUX)
where they are mixed with 4.95 mL buffer. 0.1 mL of this solution are then
transferred to the measuring vessel, mixed with 9.9 mL buffer and
purged for 10 min with stirring. During this time, the PREP block for the
next sample is started. After purging, lead and cadmium in the segment
PbCdSV are determined by stripping voltammetry with double standard
addition.
Function End of the block for sample preparation on the 695 Autosampler.
Description The PREP) instruction closes a block opened with (PREP for sample
preparation on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler paralleling
measurement. This block can contain any number of instructions
admissible for the sample preparation.
The PREP block must be called up with the >PREP instruction. As soon
as the program running for the current sample in the measuring vessel
allows, the instructions defined in the PREP block are executed with the
following sample on the sample rack of the 695 Autosampler.
Function Call-up of the block for sample preparation on the 695 Autosampler.
Description The >PREP instruction starts the instructions defined in the PREP block
(PREP ... PREP) for sample preparation on the sample rack of the 695
Autosampler paralleling measurement. As soon as the program running
for the current sample in the measuring vessel allows, the instructions
are executed with the following sample on the sample rack of the 695
Autosampler.
Comments The >PREP instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
A PREP block runs only when the automatic series determination
(Auto.batch = on) on the "MONITORING" page is switched on and if
the same method is used as for the previous sample.
If the automatic transfer of sample data is switched on (Auto.samples
= on), the PREP block is executed with the next sample entered on
the "SAMPLES" page at the position on the sample rack specified
nd
under Pos.. The sample data of this sample appear on the 2
sample data line on the "MONITORING" page.
If the automatic transfer of sample data is switched off (Auto.samples
= off), the sample preparation block is automatically executed with
the next sample on the sample rack.
If a voltage is applied to the electrodes in the measuring vessel (by
MEAS or SWEEP instructions), no instructions from the PREP block can
be executed. As the voltage is retained on completion of the MEAS or
SWEEP instruction, this is not possible within a program until the volt-
age has been switched off with MEAS.
Instructions from the PREP block which need the functions of the 695
Autosampler can not be executed simultaneously with instructions
from the main program which also use such functions (e.g. DOS>M,
RINSE).
Instructions of the PREP block which have not yet been executed at
the end of the program are then run to completion.
Description The PRINT instruction is used to put out the message entered in the
Remark parameter on the built-in thermal printer or the external printer
connected to the parallel interface.
t.meas = 6 s
F (Hg film)
Area
Adjustable parameters:
t
PSWEEP
U.start U
t.depos
Resolution U.start
t
t.depos
t/U
t.peak
U.peak U
Comments The PSAMODE measurement mode can be used only with the
electrode types RDE and HMDE and must be employed together with
the PSWEEP instruction.
The electrode type RDE or HMDE must be entered before the PSAMODE
measurement mode.
The measurement time t.meas for the measurement of the voltage
drop is divided into 11 windows of different size in which 64 meas-
ured values are recorded each time (resulting in a total of 704 meas-
ured values per segment). The first measurement window has a size
of 2.944 ms, each subsequent window is twice as large as the pre-
ceding window.
With mercury film electrodes based on the RDE, it is advisable to
deposit the substances with stirring on the electrode. As in the
PSWEEP instruction, only an enrichment without stirring is possible (no
stirring is allowed during measurement), the MEAS instruction must be
inserted. The enrichment time with stirring is defined by its line time,
in general U.meas = U.start is selected for the measurement volt-
age.
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the sweep. This voltage is applied to the electrodes
during the enrichment time t.depos.
Deposition time
During this time, the voltage U.start is applied to the electrodes. The
preset voltage is then switched off and the free voltage drop measured
for 6 s.
Resolution
Number of intervals per volt for conversion of the segment curves U vs t
into substance curves t/U vs U. The lower the resolution selected, the
greater the smoothing of the substance curve.
Description The PSWEEP instruction starts the sweep defined in the parameters for
the PSAMODE measurement mode. A constant voltage U.start is
applied to the electrodes for a predetermined time t.depos, the freely
dropping voltage U is then measured for 6 s as a function of time.
U
Adjustable parameters:
U.start
PSWEEP
U.start
t.depos
Resolution
t.depos t.meas = 6 s
t
Comments The electrode type RDE or HMDE must be entered before the PSAMODE
measurement mode.
With mercury film electrodes on the basis of the RDE, it is advisable
to deposit the substances with stirring on the electrodes. As in the
PSWEEP instruction, only an enrichment without stirring is possible (no
stirring is allowed during measurement), the MEAS instruction must be
inserted. The enrichment time with stirring is defined by its line time,
in general U.meas = U.start is selected for the measurement volt-
age.
The illustrative program for the determination of lead with PSA runs as
follows:
OPERATION SEQUENCE Main program
Line 1 Addition of sample
Line 2....4 Switching on the RDE, application of a voltage
of 200 mV
Line 5....6 Addition of HCl and Hg(II) solution
Line 7...13 Preparation of the electrode, regeneration with
CONDC and formation of the Hg film in the
preparation segment Prp-800
Line 14...22 Double standard addition for lead determina-
tion
Line 15...19 Replication of the lead measurement in the
segment Pb
Description The PURGE instruction switches on the inert gas purging for the
measuring vessel on the 747 VA Stand. This is used to remove the
electrochemically active and hence interfering oxygen in aqueous
solutions. With the inert gas flow rate of ca. 20 L/h set on the 747 VA
Stand, a purging time of ca. 3...5 min usually suffices.
Purging remains active until it is switched off automatically with the
PURGE or END instruction in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE"
page.
Description The PURGE instruction is used to switch off the inert gas purging for the
measuring vessel on the 747 VA stand switched on with PURGE. Purging
is used to remove the electrochemically active and hence interfering
oxygen in aqueous solutions. With the inert gas flow rate of ca. 20 L/h set
on the 747 VA Stand, a purging time of ca. 3...5 min usually suffices.
Comment If the purging should be switched off automatically after a definite time,
the TPURGE instruction can also be used.
Function Dispense reference solution with internal standard into sample vessel
(FEED) on the 695 Autosampler.
Description The RADD>F instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of a
reference solution to the sample vessel (FEED) on the 695 Autosampler.
This reference solution contains the reference substance needed for the
calibration technique with an internal standard (see section 6.9.6).
For automatic addition with the 695 Autosampler, the appropriate
position of the reference solution must be specified on the "SOLUTIONS"
page (see Soln.name).
Comments The RADD>F instruction must be used in both the recording of the
calibration curve and in the determination.
For recording of the calibration curve, the RADD>F instruction must be
located within a CAL loop.
Function Dispense reference solution with internal standard into measuring vessel
(MEAS).
Description The RADD>M instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of a
reference solution to the measuring vessel. This reference solution
contains the reference substance needed for the calibration technique
with an internal standard (see section 6.9.6).
The automatic addition of the reference solution can be performed with a
685 Dosimat, a 700 Dosino or directly with the 695 Autosampler. The
appropriate position of the reference solution must be specified on the
"SOLUTIONS" page (see Soln.name) for this.
Comments The RADD>M instruction must be used in both the recording of the
calibration curve and in the determination.
For recording of the calibration curve, the RADD>M instruction must be
located within a CAL loop.
On execution of the RADD>M instruction with a 685 Dosimat, a 700
Dosino or the 695 Autosampler, a wait is made until the addition is
complete before the instruction following RADD>M is executed.
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the voltage ramp.
Final voltage
Final voltage for the voltage ramp. This voltage is retained after the end
of the sweep until a new voltage is applied or until it is switched off by
MEAS or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Voltage step
Voltage step for direct current ramp.
Ramp slope
Here, the slope of the direct current ramp is displayed in mV/s. It is
calculated as follows:
U.step
Sweep rate =
t.step
Description The RAMP instruction starts the voltage ramp defined in the parameters.
t.step U.end
U
U.step
U.start
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the RAMP instruction.
Admissible are HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the RAMP instruc-
tion. Admissible is only CYCMODE.
The RAMP instruction must always be located within a CSWEEP
block. Maximum 5 RAMP instructions are allowed.
Apart from the RAMP instructions, no other SWEEP instruction is
allowed in the same segment.
If the final voltage U.end should not be switched off at the end of the
program, enter a suitable standby voltage U.standby in a MEAS
instruction.
Within a CSWEEP block a wait time between two ramps can be
programmed only by insertion of an additional, slow ramp as flat as
possible.
Method: cv SEGMENT
CdPb
================================================================================
Application The RDE is used for direct and stripping determinations with solid
electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and PSA are also possible with the RDE.
Rotational speed
Setting of the number of revolutions of the rotating electrode per min.
The set drop time t.drop important for certain parameter settings is
0 ms for the RDE by definition.
Description The RDE instruction is used to switch on the rotating disk electrode,
which comprises the 6.1246.000 Drive shaft and the 6.1204.XXX
Electrode tip. A voltage sweep can be carried out at the rotating
electrode.
Area
F
Comments Within a program, the RDE is not switched off until the STIR instruc-
tion or the selection of a different electrode type (DME, SMDE or HMDE).
The RDE is also switched off by END in the main program on the
"OP.SEQUENCE" page, but not by END in the segment.
The RDE can be used for all measurement modes and sweeps.
Remark
All numbers, letters and characters available on the keypad can be
entered, in addition the entry of all ASCII characters with decimal code
032255 is possible (see section 5.2.3). The entry of the special
characters with decimal code 000031 is not allowed as they are used
as control characters for the printer
Description The REM instruction is used for the entry of remarks and comments in
programs.
Comments If a remark should be put out on the screen as a message during the
program run, the HOLD instruction must be used for this.
If a remark should be printed out on the printer during the program
run, the PRINT instruction must be used for this.
If a remark should be printed out on an external printer attached to
one of the two RS232 interfaces, the SEND>RS1 or SEND>RS2 instruc-
tion must be used.
Description The (REP instruction opens a loop for replications. The instructions
inserted in this loop are executed repeatedly. The loop must be closed
with the REP)n instruction.
Comments A program can contain several REP loops, but they must not be
nested.
ADD, CAL and VAR loops are allowed within REP loops.
A REP loop is allowed within ADD, CAL and VAR loops.
The EXIT instruction can be inserted in REP loops for premature exit
from this loop.
Number of replications
This parameter defines the number of times the REP loop is repeated.
Description The REP)n instruction ends a loop opened with (REP for replications.
The instructions inserted in this loop are repeated n times.
Function Rinse measuring vessel (MEAS) and/or reset volume bookkeeping to "0".
Rinse volume
Volume of the rinse solution used to rinse the measuring vessel.
Without entry of a value, rinsing is as follows:
Volume in the measuring vessel V.rinse
V.meas 6 mL 1.5 V.meas
V.meas < 6 mL 10 mL
Description The RINSE instruction is used to siphon off the contents of the measur-
ing vessel on the 747 VA Stand by means of two rinsing Dosinos, fill with
the volume of rinse solution specified in V.rinse and siphon off again.
At the same time, the automatic volume bookkeeping is reset to "0". The
entire rinse cycle can be run up to 5 times.
Comments The RINSE instruction is always needed when the analysis solutions
are changed in the recording of calibration curves (see (CAL).
If work is carried out with Auto.batch = on (automatic series
determination), the volume bookkeeping is reset at the end of the
program only if the RINSE instruction is used.
Function Inquiry of the input control lines 1...8 and stop of the program until either
the test condition is met or the line time has elapsed.
Test =, <>; =
Description The SCANCTRL instruction is used to stop the program run and poll the
status of the input control lines 1...8 of the remote interface "Control
Lines". The program is not continued until its status is equal (=) or not
equal (<>) to the preset comparison status Code or after elapse of the
line time.
The SCANCTRL instruction can be used to monitor functions of external
devices attached to the remote interface.
Function Dispense auxiliary solution proportional to the sample size S0 into the
auxiliary vessel (AUX) on the 695 Autosampler.
Prop.factor 0.0010...99999.9; 1
Proportionality factor
Specification of the proportionality factor for calculation of the addition
volume V.add:
V.add (mL) = Prop.factor * S0 (mL or g)
Comments The SDOS>A instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Function Dispense auxiliary solution proportional to the sample size S0 into the
sample vessel (FEED) on the 695 Autosampler.
Prop.factor 0.0010...99999.9; 1
Proportionality factor
Specification of the proportionality factor for calculation of the addition
volume V.add:
V.add (mL) = Prop.factor * S0 (mL or g)
Comments The SDOS>F instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Function Dispense auxiliary solution proportional to the sample size S0 into the
measuring vessel (MEAS).
Prop.factor 0.0010...99999.9; 1
Proportionality factor
Specification of the proportionality factor for calculation of the addition
volume V.add:
V.add (mL) = Prop.factor * S0 (mL or g)
Segment name
The name entered here must be identical to the name of the segment
which should be executed.
Description The SEGMENT instruction executes the segment with the name Segm.name
and the instructions it contains.
Message to be sent
The remark entered here is sent to RS232 interface 1.
All numbers, letters and characters on the keypad can be entered. The
following entry possibilities also exist:
### Characters with decimal code ### (see section
5.2.3). Characters with decimal code 000 ... 031
should not be entered as, with the exception of 010
(LF), although they can be shown on the screen, they
can not be printed out.
Character ""
092### Characters with octal code ### (092 = "\")
092x## Characters with hex code ##
092r Carriage return (CR)
092n Line feed (LF)
092f Form feed (FF)
092b Backspace (deletion of the character on the left)
092t Tab (tabulator)
092
092 Character "\"
Description The SEND>RS1 instruction is used to send the message entered in the
parameter Remark to RS232 interface 1 or output it on a device attached
to this interface. It is thus possible to send, e.g. control commands to an
external device.
Comments For the printout of a message on the built-in thermal printer or the
external printer connected to the parallel interface, the PRINT instruction
must be used.
Message to be sent
The remark entered here is sent to RS232 interface 2.
All numbers, letters and characters on the keypad can be entered. The
following entry possibilities also exist:
### Characters with decimal code ### (see section
5.2.3). Characters with decimal code 000 ... 031
should not be entered as, with the exception of 010
(LF), although they can be shown on the screen, they
can not be printed out.
Character ""
092### Characters with octal code ### (092 = "\")
092x## Characters with hex code ##
092r Carriage return (CR)
092n Line feed (LF)
092f Form feed (FF)
092b Backspace (deletion of the character on the left)
092t Tab (tabulator)
092
092 Character "\"
Description The SEND>RS2 instruction is used to send the message entered in the
parameter Remark to RS232 interface 2 or output it on a device attached
to this interface. It is thus possible to send, e.g. control commands to an
external device.
Comments For the printout of a message on the built-in thermal printer or the
external printer connected to the parallel interface, the PRINT instruction
must be used.
Message 16 characters;
Description The SETCTRL instruction is used to set the output control lines 1...8 of the
remote interface "Control Lines" to the status preset in Code. Functions
can thus be initiated at external devices attached to the remote interface.
Function Reserved for future applications with the 717 Sample Changer.
Detailed information is available from Metrohm on request.
Description The SIMPULSE instruction is used to put out a total of 100 pulses at the
3.496.8380 VA Simulator which cause an increase in the current
measurement and hence a simulation of standard additions. The VA
Simulator can be reset to the original current level with the SIMRESET
instruction.
Example Test program for 3 simulated standard additions with the 3.496.8380 VA
Simulator:
Description The SIMRESET instruction is used to reset the current increases initiated
on the 3.496.8380 VA Simulator with the SIMPULSE instruction for the
simulation of standard additions.
Application The SMDE is primarily used for sensitive measurements in which the
surface of the mercury drop must be renewed for every measurement.
Drop size
Setting of the size of the mercury drop. The area of the drop is
2 2
ca. 0.15 mm (1) ... 0.60 mm (9).
The set drop time t.drop important for certain parameter settings is
defined for the SMDE as follows:
t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
F Area
(Hg)
(Hg)
t
t.drop t.step
Comments Within a program, the SMDE is not switched off until an MEAS
instruction or selection of a different electrode type (DME, HMDE or
RDE). The SMDE is also switched off by END in the main program on
the "OP.SEQUENCE" page, but not by END in the segment.
The SMDE can be used for the following measurement modes and
sweeps: DCTMODE with SWEEP and SSWEEP,
DPMODE with SWEEP and FSWEEP,
SQWMODE with SWEEP and FSWEEP,
AC1MODE with SWEEP and
AC2MODE with SWEEP.
Function Sample volume has been added to the sample vessel (FEED) on the 695
Autosampler.
Fractional volume
With diluted samples, here the volume fraction of the total volume
V.total which has been added to the sample vessel must be entered.
The following condition holds:
V.fraction V.total
Total volume
With diluted samples, here the total volume of sample and dilution
solution must be entered. The following condition holds:
V.total V.fraction
Description The SMPL/F instruction defines the sample volume in the sample vessel
(FEED) on the 695 Autosampler.
With undiluted samples (V.fraction and V.total blank), the sample
volume is given either by S0 (on entry of S0 as a volume) or by S0/S2
(on entry of S0 as a weight, S2 is the density in g/mL).
With diluted samples (V.fraction > 0 and V.total V.fraction), the
sample volume is given by V.fraction, irrespective of the entry of S0.
You will find further details on the sample size in the description of the
parameter Sample size/S0 in section 5.4.4.
Comments The SMPL/F instruction can be used only in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
If no other dispensing operations are performed in the sample vessel
(FEED), an asterisk * can also be entered for Sample size/S0. The
sample volume is then defined by the subsequent transfer into the
auxiliary or measuring vessel.
Function Sample volume has been added to the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the
747 VA Stand.
Fractional volume
With diluted samples, here the volume fraction of the total volume
V.total which has been added to the measuring vessel must be
entered. The following condition holds:
V.fraction V.total
Total volume
With diluted samples, here the total volume of sample and dilution
solution must be entered. The following condition holds:
V.total V.fraction
Description The SMPL/M instruction defines the sample volume in the measuring
vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA Stand.
With undiluted samples (V.fraction and V.total blank), the sample
volume is given either by S0 (on entry of S0 as a volume) or by S0/S2
(on entry of S0 as a weight, S2 is the density in g/mL).
With diluted samples (V.fraction > 0 and V.total V.fraction), the
sample volume is given by V.fraction, irrespective of the entry of S0.
You will find further details on the sample size in the description of the
parameter Sample size/S0 in section 5.4.4.
Comments The SMPL/M instruction can not be used in operation with the 695
Autosampler.
Fractional volume
With diluted samples, here the volume fraction of the total volume
V.total which is added to the sample vessel must be entered. The
following condition holds:
V.fraction V.total
Total volume
With diluted samples, here the total volume of sample and dilution
solution must be entered. The following condition holds:
V.total V.fraction
Description The SMPL>M instruction is used for the manual or automatic addition of
the sample volume to the measuring vessel (MEAS) on the 747 VA
Stand:
In manual addition or addition with the 6.5611.010 Pipet-
ting equipment, the prompt SMPL "V.sample" > M for
manual addition of the sample volume V.sample appears
in the program run.
In automatic addition with the 695 Autosampler, the sam-
ple volume is transferred from the sample vessel on the
st
sample rack defined on the 1 sample data line to the
measuring vessel.
With undiluted samples (V.fraction and V.total blank), the sample
volume is given either by S0 (on entry of S0 as a volume) or by S0/S2
(on entry of S0 as a weight, S2 is the density in g/mL).
With diluted samples (V.fraction > 0 and V.total V.fraction), the
sample volume is given by V.fraction, irrespective of the entry of S0.
You will find further details on the sample size in the description of the
parameter Sample size/S0 in section 5.4.4.
Voltage amplitude
Voltage amplitude of the superimposed square wave voltage.
Measurement time
Time during which the current is measured. Measurement is performed
at the end of the time interval t.step immediately before the pulse
start and at the end of the pulse.
Modulation frequency
Modulation frequency of the superimposed square wave voltage.
Prep.cycles 0...255; 0
Area
F (Hg)
Adjustable parameters:
SQWMODE t
t.step t.drop
t.meas
U.step
U.ampl
Modul.freq. U
Prep.cycles
Meas.cycles U.start
Prep. Meas.
SWEEP cycles cycles
U.start t.step
U.end
U.step t
U.ampl
t.modul = 1/Modul.freq.
(In1 In2)
I I=
n
I.peak
n = Meas.cycles
U.peak U
Comments The SQWMODE measurement mode can be used with all types of
electrodes together with the instructions MEAS, SWEEP, DSWEEP,
FSWEEP or TSWEEP.
The electrode type DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE must be entered before
the SQWMODE measurement mode.
If the SQWMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
SWEEP and the electrode type HMDE, the potentiostat normally oper-
ates in the operating mode "slow". A switch is made to the operating
mode "fast" when the modulation frequency Modul.freq. >120 Hz.
If the SQWMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
SWEEP and the electrode type SMDE or DME, the setting of the poten-
tiostat depends on the measurement profile. Normally, a switch is
also made from "slow" to "fast" when the modulation frequency
Modul.freq. >120 Hz. With very small signals, however, the operat-
ing mode "slow" is used and with very large signals the operating
mode "fast", irrespective of the pulse time.
If the SQWMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
SWEEP and the electrode type RDE, the potentiostat always operates in
the operating mode "fast".
If the SQWMODE measurement mode is used with the voltage sweep
FSWEEP, the potentiostat always operates in the operating mode "fast"
with all electrode types.
The quantity t.drop important for the definition of t.step depends
on the type of electrode selected:
DME t.drop = 20 ms
HMDE and RDE t.drop = 0 ms
SMDE t.drop = Drop.size 40 ms
Function Voltage sweep for the DCTMODE measurement mode if peaks and not
waves appear (particularly in stripping voltammetric measurements).
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the voltage sweep.
Final voltage
Final voltage for the voltage sweep. This voltage is retained after the
end of the sweep until a new voltage is applied or until it is switched off
by MEAS or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Voltage step
Voltage step for direct current ramp.
Ramp slope
Here, the slope of the direct current ramp is displayed in mV/s. It is
calculated as follows:
U.step
Sweep rate =
t.step
Description The SSWEEP instruction starts the voltage sweep defined in the parame-
ters.
t.step U.end
U
U.step
U.start
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the SSWEEP instruction.
Admissible are DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the SSWEEP
instruction. Admissible is only DCTMODE.
Apart from the SSWEEP instruction, no other SWEEP instruction is
allowed in the same segment.
If the final voltage U.end should not be switched off at the end of the
program, enter a suitable standby voltage U.standby in a MEAS
instruction.
With the SSWEEP instruction maximum 1000 measured values can be
recorded.
see also SWEEP, DSWEEP, FSWEEP, DME, SMDE, HMDE, RDE, DCTMODE
Rotational speed
Setting of the number of revolutions of the stirrer per min.
Description The STIR instruction is used to switch on the stirrer of the 747 VA Stand.
The stirrer comprises the 6.1246.010 Drive shaft and the 6.1204.090
Stirrer tip (see section 3.8).
The stirrer remains active until it is switched off by the STIR instruction
or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Comment If the stirrer should be switched off automatically after a definite time, the
TSTIR instruction can also be used.
Description The STIR instruction is used to switch off the stirrer of the 747 VA Stand
switched on with STIR.
Comment If the stirrer should be switched off automatically after a definite time, the
TSTIR instruction can also be used.
Initial voltage
Initial voltage for the voltage sweep.
Final voltage
Final voltage for the voltage sweep. This voltage is retained after the
end of the sweep until a new voltage is applied or until it is switched off
by MEAS or END in the main program on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Voltage step
Voltage step for direct current ramp.
Ramp slope
Here, the slope of the direct current ramp is displayed in mV/s. It is
calculated as follows:
U.step
Sweep rate =
t.step
Description The SWEEP instruction starts the voltage sweep defined in the parame-
ters.
t.step U.end
U
U.step
U.start
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the SWEEP instruction.
Admissible are DME, SMDE, HMDE or RDE.
The measurement mode must be defined before the SWEEP
instruction. Admissible are DCTMODE, DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE or
SQWMODE, but not PSAMODE or CYCMODE.
Purging time
The duration of purging is entered in the line time.
Description The TPURGE instruction switches on the inert gas purging for the
measuring vessel on the 747 VA Stand for the period preset in t/s.
Purging is used to remove the electrochemically active and hence
interfering oxygen in aqueous solutions. With the inert gas flow rate of
ca. 20 L/h set on the 747 VA Stand, a purging time of ca. 3...5 min
usually suffices.
Comments If the purging should not be switched off automatically after a definite
time, the PURGE instruction can also be used.
To achieve an effective purging of the analysis solution as quickly as
possible, the solution should also be stirred with the STIR instruction.
Stirring time
The duration of stirring is entered in the line time.
Rotational speed
Setting of the number of revolutions of the stirrer per min.
Description The TSTIR instruction is used to switch on the stirrer of the 747 VA Stand
for the period preset in t/s.
Comment If the stirrer should not be switched off automatically after a definite time,
the STIR instruction can also be used.
Measurement duration
The duration of measurement is entered in the line time.
Measurement voltage
The voltage entered here is applied to the electrodes. This voltage is
retained even after the line time has elapsed until a SWEEP instruction
follows or until it is switched off by MEAS or END in the main program
on the "OP.SEQUENCE" page.
Description The TSWEEP instruction is used to apply the voltage defined in the
U.meas parameter to the electrode and start the current measurement in
accordance with the parameters defined in the measurement mode. The
measurement frequency is determined by the time interval t.step of the
measurement mode, the measurement duration by the line time of the
TSWEEP instruction.
U
U.meas
t
t/s
Comments The electrode type must be defined before the TSWEEP instruction.
Only HMDE or RDE are admissible.
The measurement mode must be defined before the TSWEEP
instruction. Admissible are DCTMODE, DPMODE, AC1MODE, AC2MODE or
SQWMODE, but not PSAMODE or CYCMODE.
Description The (VAR instruction opens a loop for the variation of a parameter
defined by the VARNI instruction. The instructions incorporated in the
VAR loop are executed repeatedly. The loop must be closed by the
VAR)n instruction.
Comments A program can contain several VAR loops, but they must not be
nested.
REP loops are allowed within VAR loops and a VAR loop can be
inserted in a REP loop.
No ADD or CAL loops are allowed within VAR loops.
Within VAR loops, the EXIT instruction for a premature exit from this
loop can be inserted.
Number of repetitions
This parameter defines the number of times the VAR loop is repeated.
Description The VAR)n instruction ends a loop opened with (VAR for the variation of
a parameter defined by the VARNI instruction. The instructions inserted
in this loop are repeated n times.
Description The VARNI instruction defines the variation of a parameter within a VAR
loop. The parameter of the following instruction specified in Param.name
is increased or decreased after the first execution of the VAR loop by the
amount Delta.
Comments The instruction with the parameter to be varied must be entered after
the VARNI instruction.
The parameter to be varied is not increased or decreased by the
amount Delta until the second execution of the VAR loop, in the first
execution the value entered in the parameter of the instruction is
used.
Several VARNI instructions for different instructions are possible
within a VAR loop. However, it is not advisable to take advantage of
this possibility to change different parameters simultaneously.
REP loops are allowed within VAR loops, a VAR loop can also be
inserted in a REP loop.
No ADD or CAL loops are allowed within a VAR loop.
Within VAR loops, the EXIT instruction can be inserted for a
premature exit from this loop.
Example Variation of the pulse amplitude with the SQWMODE measurement mode:
Function Mix solution at the specified rack position on the 695 Autosampler.
Mixing volume
Solution volume that is siphoned off per mixing cycle and then deliv-
ered.
Description The VMIX instruction is used to mix the solution of a vessel on the 695
Autosampler by siphoning off and subsequent delivery of a defined
mixing volume. The entire mixing cycle can run up to 5 times.
Addition volume
Additional solution volume that is delivered following the dispensing or
transfer instruction.
6 Data processing
and evaluation
This section first provides you with an overview of the processes
running automatically on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer in the recording of
a determination. Finally the various phases of the data acquisition,
data processing and evaluation are described in detail.
<START>
The following three points constitute the preparations before the start of a determi-
nation:
Method definition
Definition of all functions and parameters applicable to the determi-
nation by loading an existing method or developing a new method.
Definition of the sample size
Entry of the sample size on the dialog page MONITORING or
SAMPLES.
Method-independent settings
Additional, method-independent settings for the sequence of the
determination.
Before the start of a determination, you must load the desired method from the
method memory or the data card into the working storage. If desired, you can mod-
ify this method to suit your needs or even redevelop it completely.
The functions and parameters of the 5 method dialog pages relevant for the deter-
mination are described in detail in section 5.6. In what follows, the most important
functions and settings of these pages will be summarized again in brief:
OPERATION SEQUENCE
On this dialog page program instructions and their parameters (see section
5.7.3) are used to define the sequence of a determination. The most impor-
tant instructions include:
SMPL Addition of the sample volume
DOS Addition of auxiliary solutions
PURGE Purging of the analysis solution
STIR Stirring
SEGMENT Call-up of segments
REP)n
(REP Replications (repetitions)
ADD
(ADD ADD)n Definition of standard additions
CSOLN
(CAL CAL)n Definition of calibration curves
SEGMENTS
This dialog page is used to define the measured value recording using pro-
gram instructions and their parameters (see section 5.7.3). The most impor-
tant instructions concern selection of the electrode, the measurement mode
and the sweep:
Electrode DME, SMDE, HMDE, RDE
SUBSTANCES
On this dialog page maximum 8 different substances with their specific pa-
rameters can be defined. Each desired substance requires the following en-
tries:
Substance name
Assignment to a segment
(without assignment, there is no substance evaluation)
Parameters for substance recognition (Recognition)
Parameters for baseline calculation (Baseline)
Definition of the evaluation quantity (Evaluation)
Parameters for curve display and plot (Display/Plot)
Parameters for calibration
(standard addition, calibration curve or internal standard)
CALCULATION
On this dialog page freely selectable calculation formulae for further calcula-
tion of the standard results obtained in the evaluation to produce the desired
final results can be entered.
DOCUMENTATION
This dialog page is used for definition of the automatic output of reports and
curves on the built-in printer or the printer connected at the parallel or RS232
interface. Further, there is a possibility to enter a detailed comment on the
method.
With diluted samples, S0 designates the original sample size before the
dilution. The dilution must be defined by the two parameters V.fraction and
V.total of the SMPL instruction. V.fraction is then used as the addition
volume for the SMPL instruction. The calculation mass concentration
MC:<subst> refers to this volume. To obtain the substance content of the
original sample in g/L or g/g, this value must be multiplied by the factor
V.total/S0.
The terms "undiluted samples" and "diluted samples" refer only to dilutions during
the sample preparation. Dilutions which are initiated during the program run by dis-
pensing or transfer instructions are automatically taken into consideration in the
volume bookkeeping.
The following is an overview of the various possibilities to enter S0 and their con-
sequences for the definition of the addition volume and the calculation of the final
results:
Depending on the method selected and before the start of a definition, in addition
to the parameters defined on the method dialog pages other method-independent
parameter settings are needed on other dialog pages:
DME SMDE HMDE RDE DCT DP SQW AC1 AC2 PSA CYC y axis x axis
You will find details regarding the different measurement modes and sweeps in the
description of the corresponding program instructions in section 5.7.3.
The measured value pairs (current/voltage, current/time or voltage/time) recorded
per single measurement with the SWEEP instruction are stored in data blocks which
are unambiguously characterized by the segment name and the VR number
(variation and replication). This identification can be used to select the single
sweeps for the display and the output of results, reports and curves.
In connection with the measured value recording, the following rules apply to seg-
ments and sweeps:
Per method maximum 8 segments are allowed.
Per segment only 1 sweep instruction is allowed.
Per single sweep maximum 1000 measured values are allowed
(with PSWEEP 704 measured values, with RAMP 6000 measured values).
The maximum number of variations (V) and replications (R)
is limited to 8 each (that is a total of 9 single sweeps).
Per determination maximum 60 single sweeps are allowed.
The measured values recorded in the data acquisition are stored in the determina-
tion as original measured values (original) and can not be changed later. All other
steps in the data processing are based on these original data and are recalculated
each time the determination is loaded.
I2
DCTMODE with SWEEP: I
Recognized spikes and overflow measured values I2 are replaced in the processed
curve processed by the mean value I13 and shown as valid measured values " ".
The automatic spike elimination always involves only the elimination of single
spikes and not several spikes in succession. As a result, spikes "k" can still exist in
the processed curve. If desired, such measured values can be changed manually
on completion of the evaluation (see softkey <Spike elimin.> in section 5.5.3).
However, the following should be noted in such a case:
On confirmation with <ENTER>, the manual spike elimination auto-
matically initiates a recalculation with both the changed and unchanged
measured values (spikes still present can thus disappear without man-
ual change of the measured value). To be able to return to the original
measurement data, the softkey <Recalc. from orig.> on the
"MONITORING" page must be pressed.
In the storage of a determination in the determination memory or on the
data card, only the original measurement data original are retained
and not the measured values processed changed with the spike elimi-
nation.
In determinations with background compensation with the aid of the instructions
(BACKGND...BACKGND) (see section 5.7.3), the calculation of the processed curve
processed involves not only spike elimination, but also subtraction of the values
measured in the recording of the background from the original values.
SWEEP 2 48 mV 25
4 56 mV 15
FSWEEP
6 60 mV 11
SSWEEP 8 64 mV 9
10 60 mV 7
12 72 mV 7
CYCSWEEP 1 24 mV 25
with 1 ramp 2 48 mV 25
3 72 mV 25
4 56 mV 15
5 60 mV 15
6 60 mV 11
7 70 mV 11
8 64 mV 9
9 72 mV 9
10 60 mV 7
11 66 mV 7
12 72 mV 7
TSWEEP 7
PSWEEP 7
For the measured points in the smoothing window, a digital filter is applied and its
mid-point Is stored in the window as "smoothed". The window is now continuously
shifted by 1 measured point and the procedure repeated until all measured points
have been smoothed.
I Smoothing window
Is
For every single sweep, the total of all smoothed measured points results in the
smoothed curve smoothed. In smoothing, the curve is also automatically differenti-
ated to give the derived curve derived (1st derivative).
The smoothing reduces the influence of the signal noise due to the scatter of the
measured values at a very low signal level. In the development of a new method,
particularly with low analyte content, the original curve and the smoothed curve
should be compared with each other to assess the effect of smoothing.
2. Peak width test: U.width min < aU.width < U.width max
U.width max
I
aU.width
estimated U.width min
gaussian approx.peak = minmax fMM
peak
I.threshold
U
U.verify U.tol
dI/dU
minmax
aU.max aU.min U
aU.peak
In the recognition of peaks or waves using these tests, the following three cases
must be distinguished:
Defined substances with inputted verification voltage
For every peak found in the segment, the three recognition tests are per-
formed for the substances assigned to this segment:
1. aU.peak = U.verify U.tol
2. U.width min < aU.width < U.width max
3. approx.peak > I.threshold or
approx.peak > t.threshold (for PSA)
If all three test conditions are met, this peak is assigned to the corresponding
substance and thus recognized as a substance peak.
Defined substances without inputted verification voltage
For every peak found in the segment, the two recognition tests for the peak
width and the peak height or peak area are performed in turn for the sub-
stances assigned to this segment:
1. U.width min < aU.width < U.width max
2. approx.peak > I.threshold or
approx.peak > t.threshold (for PSA)
If the two test conditions are met, this peak is assigned to the corresponding
substance and thus recognized as a substance peak.
No defined substances
For every peak found in the segment the two recognition tests for the peak
width and the peak height or peak area are performed with the following
comparison parameters:
1. 25 mV < aU.width < 150 mV
2. approx.peak > 200 pA or
approx.peak > 4 ms (for PSA)
If the two test conditions are met, this peak is incorporated in the list of peaks
recognized in a segment but not assigned to a substance. In the representa-
tion of this segment on the dialog page "CURVES", the corresponding peak or
wave voltages can be shown in the system window by pressing the softkey
<Unlinked peaks> (see section 5.5.3).
With detected peaks which differ drastically from the gaussian form,
the values aU.peak, aU.width and approx.peak estimated from the
differentiation can deviate greatly from the actual values U.peak,
U.width and I.peak or t.peak not available until later. The ranges
selected for the substance parameters important for the recognition
test U.tol, U.width min, U.width max and I.threshold or
t.threshold should thus not be too narrow.
6.7.1 General
Recognized peaks or waves are evaluated by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer using ap-
proximated baselines. This section first explains the most important concepts for
the determination of these baselines.
Baseline parameters
The calculation of baselines from the smoothed measured curves is deter-
mined by the baseline parameters on the dialog page "SUBSTANCES" (see
section 5.6.3) where the following 6 parameters can be defined individually
for every substance:
Type Baseline type (linear, polynom, expon., AC2 rel., AC2 abs.)
Scope Baseline range (whole, f.half, r.half, f.double, r.double)
dU.front Difference to front base point
S.front Slope at front base point
dU.rear Difference to rear base point
S.rear Slope at rear base point
The setting possibilities of these parameters depend on the selected meas-
urement mode and are described in detail in section 6.7.2 through section
6.7.5. The following table provides an overview of the different selection and
combination possibilities for these parameters:
Type Scope
Measurement lin. pol. exp. AC2 AC2 whole f.half f.double dU.front S.front
mode rel. abs. r.half r.double dU.rear S.rear
DCT (waves) l n l l
l l l l
DCT (peaks),
DP, SQW, AC1, l l l l
CYC (1 ramp)
l l l l l l
AC2 l l n
l n l
PSA n n n n
Base points
Selection of the base points is decisive for the determination of all baselines.
In the automatic determination of the base points (dU.front = auto and
dU.rear = auto), these are determined from the results U.max, U.min, and
U.peak (see section 6.6) obtained in the recognition of peaks or waves. For
this, the two differences Uw.front and Uw.rear (which are identical only for
symmetrical peaks) are multiplied by the empirical factor fG defined using
ideal gaussian-shaped curves such that the height at the base point is 5% of
the maximum peak height. In the case of baselines with Type = linear or
Type = AC2..., this factor is multiplied by 0.8, i.e. the base points are nearer
the peak maximum than baselines with Type = polynom or Type = expon..
U.max U.min
I
Uw.front Uw.rear Uw.front = U.peak - U.max
U.width
Uw.rear = U.peak - U.min
U.width = Uw.front + Uw.rear
dU.front = Uw.front fG
dU.front dU.rear dU.rear = Uw.rear fG
U.peak U
Slopes
Equally important as the selection of
S=
base points is that of the associated
slopes. In the automatic determination S = -1 S=1
of the slopes (S.front = auto and
S.rear = auto), these are calculated
from the smoothed curves at the loca- S=0 S=0
tion of the base points. The slopes are
standardized so that the following al-
ways holds:
S = 0 horizontal slope
S = 1 diagonal slope
S = vertical slope
Overlapping
Two peaks which overlap can mutually U.peak
influence each other to an extent which,
depending on the degree of overlap-
ping, can impair or even completely
prevent their evaluation. With the 746 VA U.width1
U.width2
Trace Analyzer, the peaks are automati-
Uf1
cally investigated for any overlapping Uf2 Ur1 Ur2
With wave-shaped curves which have been recorded with the DCTMODE meas-
urement mode, the two tangents before and after the wave are determined as
baselines. These tangents are then used to calculate the wave current I.wave.
The selection possibility for the base- dU.front dU.rear Base point
line parameters is restricted here to (rear)
Type = linear and Scope = whole. The
S.rear
base points dU.front and dU.rear
and the associated slopes S.front Base point
(front)
and S.rear can be determined I.wave
With peak-shaped curves which have been recorded with the DPMODE,
SQWMODE, AC1MODE, DCTMODE (with SSWEEP) and CYMODE (with 1 ramp)
measurement mode, the following possibilities exist for calculation of the baseline:
Type = linear, Scope = whole
The baseline of type linear is determined using the tangent method. With
the peak base points dU.front and dU.rear determined beforehand as a
basis, an iterative search is made within a fixed range for identical slopes. The
range for the tangent search is ca. 20 mV outward and inward up to 1 point
before the peak maximum.
If two points with an identical slope are found, the two points of tangency are
connected to give the linear baseline. If no common slope is found, the linear
baseline is drawn directly through the two base points.
Instead of being deter- linear, whole
mined automatically, the dU.front dU.rear
two base points dU.front
Base point Base point
and dU.rear can also be (front) (rear)
entered manually either by Point of tangency
numeric entry or by shift- (front)
If two points with identical slope are found, the two points of tangency are
connected with each other to give the linear baseline. If no common slope is
found, the linear baseline is drawn directly through the two base points.
Instead of being determined linear, f.double linear, r.double
automatically, the two base
points dU.front and dU.rear
can also be entered manually by
numeric entry. In contrast, the
two slopes S.front and S.rear
are always calculated automati-
cally, a numeric entry here is ig-
nored.
Subtracted
curve
S.rear
S.front
Subtracted
curve
With all peak-shaped curves not only the smoothed curve, but also the subtracted
curve subtracted in which the calculated baseline is subtracted from the
smoothed measured values (see the examples with Scope = whole) can be shown.
This curve or its knee region can be used to assess the evaluation, but the following
cases must be distinguished:
With curves recorded with the measurement mode AC2MODE, only the following two
possibilities are available for calculation of the baseline:
U/2
With curves recorded with the measurement mode PSAMODE, there is no possibility
to select a method to calculate the baseline, the corresponding baseline parame-
ters are missing on the dialog page "SUBSTANCES".
The baseline is calculated automatically with the predetermined parameters Type =
linear and Scope = whole. The baseline is determined by the tangent method
where, starting from the automatically determined peak base points dU.front and
dU.rear, an iterative search is made within a fixed range for identical slopes. The
range of the tangent search is ca. 20 mV outward and inward up to 1 point before
the peak maximum.
If two points with identical slopes are found, the two points of tangency are con-
nected with each other to give the linear baseline. If no common slope is found, the
linear baseline is drawn directly between the two base points.
Subtracted
curve
With the aid of the calculated baselines, the evaluation quantity EV:<subst> is de-
termined for each substance and displayed as a result. Depending on the meas-
urement mode, the following quantities are possible as evaluation quantities:
I.peak
The peak height I.peak is determined
from the previously calculated baseline I.peak
(details, see section 6.7.3) and the ex-
actly interpolated current height at the
peak maximum.
P.peak
The peak area P.peak is determined
from the previously calculated baseline P.peak
(details, see section 6.7.3) by integra-
tion.
Scope = whole
With a linear baseline with Scope =
f.half and Scope = r.half, only the
area up to the peak maximum is taken
as an evaluation quantity.
I.abs / I.rel
With AC2 curves, either the absolute or the relative peak height can be cal-
culated. Details are given in section 6.7.4.
t.peak
With PSA curves, the peak area
t.peak
t.peak is determined by integration
of the previously calculated base-
line (details, see section 6.7.5).
6.9.1 General
EV:<subst> = ( subst )
The relation between evaluation quantity and mass concentration must be deter-
mined by a calibration with reference solutions. The 746 VA Trace Analyzer offers
the following three techniques for this:
Standard addition (see section 6.9.4)
Content determination using single or multiple addition of a standard
solution
Calibration curve (see section 6.9.5)
Content determination using a calibration curve previously determined
with reference solutions
Internal standard (see section 6.9.6)
Content determination by addition of a reference substance using the
proportionality factor determined previously with reference solutions
The goal of all three calibration methods is to calculate the mass concentration s of
the sample referred to the added sample volume V.sample, which is then put out
on the dialog page "RESULTS/Evaluations" and in Report Full as Mass conc. =
MC:<subst>:
m.sample m0.sample
s = =
V.sample V0.sample
In all cases in which only part of the sample volume V.sample is added to the
measuring vessel or in which the sample is additionally diluted before or after addi-
tion to the measuring vessel (e.g. by addition of auxiliary solutions), instead of the
sought mass concentration s the effective mass concentration eff,s is measured in
the measuring vessel. The relation between these two quantities is given by the di-
lution factor fV:
eff,s = fV * s
With the aid of the automatic volume bookkeeping of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer,
the dilution factor fV is recalculated continuously for every dilution step. In connec-
tion with the volume bookkeeping, the following points should be noted:
At the start of a determination with the <START> key, the volume
bookkeeping is automatically reset to 0.
If work is carried out with Auto.batch = on (automatic series de-
termination), the volume bookkeeping at the end of the program is
reset to 0 only if the RINSE instruction is used.
The RINSE instruction resets the volume bookkeeping to 0.
DOS>M
SMPL>M
V.sample
fV =
V.eff
V.eff
s = * eff,s
m.sample
With all three possible calibration methods, the mass concentration eff in the
measuring vessel must be determined with the aid of a calibration curve. This cali-
bration curve itself must be determined by the measurement of solutions of known
mass concentration. The measured value pairs EV:<subst> / eff are then used to
calculate the parameters for a given linear or nonlinear curve function. As the cal-
culation of the calibration curves, the results based on them and the associated
error calculation are basically the same in all calibration techniques, in what follows
the calculation procedure used by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer will be described in
general terms.
A search is made for the relation between the variables x and y using the measured
values xi, yi with the following assumptions:
For the calculation of the calibration curve y = y ( x ), the 746 has the following 4
model functions available, depending on the calibration technique selected:
y = a + bx Straight line
y = bx Straight line through zero
y = a + bx + cx4 Nonlinear curve of 4th degree
y = bx + cx4 Nonlinear curve of 4th degree through zero
n
1 1
i=1
yi )2 = minimum
gi ( yi ^ with gi =
( y,i )2
=
( p 0,i )2
1
m (y M,i yM )2
^
y
i=1
yM = M,i y,M =
m m1
i=1
The estimation of the total error x of the result xM is performed by the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer with a linear error calculation which takes into account both the error
contribution from the measurement and that from the calibration. As the two contri-
butions are statistically independent, their variances 2 and not the individual errors
are added:
(x )2 = (x,M )2 + (x,C )2
The error contribution from the actual measurement is calculated from the x, y de-
rivative of the calibration function, the measured scatter y,M and the Student factor
tM as follows:
x 2
(x,M )2 = (tM )2
y
(y,M )2 ( )
For the calculation of the error contribution from the calibration, the errors of the in-
dividual parameters of the calibration function used are determining. As these pa-
rameters zr (a, b, c) are statistically dependent on one another, here all covariances
cov (zr, zs) must be taken into account (tC is again the Student factor):
x x
(x,C)2 = (tC )2 z
r,s r zs
cov (zr, zs)
In measurements with the 746 VA Trace Analyzer, from the statistical point of view
only small samples (<10) are determined from a population with gaussian distribu-
tion. These samples have a Student distribution. Both the error contribution from
the measurement and that from the calibration are thus multiplied by the Student
factor t2. This factor depends on the number of measurements n and the number of
degrees of freedom f and is defined for a probability of 68.3% as follows:
nf t nf t nf t f
1 1.837 6 1.091 15 1.035 tM 1
2 1.321 7 1.077 20 1.026 tC for y = bx 1
3 1.197 8 1.067 30 1.017 tC for y = a + bx 2
4
4 1.142 9 1.059 50 1.010 tC for y = bx + cx 2
4
5 1.111 10 1.053 100 1.005 tC for y = a + bx + cx 3
The total error x of the result xM consequently gives the range xM x in which the
result xM may be expected with a probability of 68.3%.
In the standard addition method, a known amount of the analyte is added once or
several times to the sample. The addition may be performed manually or automati-
cally and is programmed with the following instructions and parameters on the dia-
log page "OP.SEQUENCE" (see section 5.7.3):
(ADD...ADD)n Loop for standard addition
n Number of standard additions
ADD... Constant standard addition
Soln.name Name of the standard addition solution
V.add Addition volume
PADD... Proportional standard addition
Soln.name Name of the standard addition solution
Prop.subst. Name of the reference substance for
proportional standard addition
Prop.coeff. Proportionality coefficient
V.add = EV:<subst> * Prop.coeff.
The remaining parameters needed for the standard addition are entered on the
dialog page "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" (see section 5.6.3). The most important of
these are:
Technique Selection of the calibration technique
std.add Standard addition
Curve type Curve type for calculation of the standard addition
linear Straight line of type y = a + bx
nonlin Curve of type y = a + bx + cx4
Soln.name Name of the standard addition solution (must be identical
to the name specified in the ADD instruction)
Mass conc. Mass concentration of the standard addition solution
In the standard addition, the following procedure is used to calculate the sought
mass concentration eff,s of the sample (see also example in section 4.2):
std.add.
EV linear
nonlin
Sample
Standard solution
a
0
eff eff,s
eff,s
std.add.
EV linear
nonlin
Sample
Standard solution
a
0
eff
The non-linear curve shown in the new coordinate grid is not de-
scribed completely by the parameters a, b and c determined for the
original curve.
Standard addition is the usual calibration method for the majority of the applications
possible with the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Its advantage lies in its high dependability
as the calibration in the sample takes place under real matrix conditions and all
measurement parameters remain unchanged. With regard to optimum accuracy
and scatter, several rules must be observed in standard addition:
Check linearity range
In development of the method, the linearity range should be checked for each
substance. This involves performing several standard additions over a wide
concentration range. Using the calibration curve shown on the "CURVES"
page, you can then determine the region in which the standard addition is
linear and that in which it is nonlinear.
Working in the linear range
If the substance content lies in the linear range, multiple standard addition is
meaningful only if you wish to check the linearity in every determination. To
reduce the scatter, it is better to spike the solution once only and to choose
as many replications as possible.
The remaining parameters needed for the calibration curve are entered on the dia-
log page "SUBSTANCES/Calibration" (see section 5.6.3). The most important of
these are:
Technique Selection of the calibration technique
cal.crv. Calibration curve
Curve type Curve type
linear Straight line of type y = a + bx
0/linear Straight line of type y = bx
nonlin Curve of type y = a + bx + cx4
0/nonlin Curve of type y = bx + cx4
V0.CSoln. Addition volume of the calibration solutions
CSoln.name Name of the calibration solutions
Mass conc. Mass concentration of the calibration solutions
linear
EV cal.crv.
nonlin
Slope
0/linear
0/nonlin
Y.offset 0
0 eff
EV
cal.crv.
EVs.mean
eff,s eff
As these scatters refer to the effective mass concentration eff,s, they must
also be converted by taking the dilution into account:
MC.dev. = x / fV
Meas.dev. = x,M / fV
Cal.dev. = x,C / fV
If this is not the case, Cal.dev.= 0 is set and the message no cal.devia-
tion put out on the "RESULTS/Evaluations" page.
The result determination with the aid of a calibration curve saves time compared
with standard additions, but is reliable only
if the matrix of all samples and calibration solutions is identical or has
no influence on the measurement
if all measurement parameters (capillary, temperature, etc.) remain un-
changed during measurements
if the accuracy of the results obtained is checked regularly with the
standard addition method.
With regard to optimum accuracy and scatter, a number of rules must be observed
with calibration curves:
Check linearity range
In development of the method, the linearity range of the calibration curve
should be checked for each substance by recording the curve over a wide
concentration range. Using the calibration curve shown on the "CURVES"
page, you can then determine the region in which the curve is linear and that
in which it is nonlinear.
Working in the linear range
If you wish to perform determinations only in the linear range, to keep the
scatter as low as possible it is advisable to calibrate above all in the lower
and upper part of this range and select as many replications as possible.
Working in the nonlinear range
If you wish to perform determinations in the nonlinear range, as many calibra-
tion solutions as possible with concentrations uniformly distributed over the
entire range should be recorded so that the nonlinear curve shape can be
determined exactly. To keep the scatter as low as possible, select as many
replications as possible.
Checking the offset
Before you deliberately force the calibration curve through the zero point, you
should first check curves with linear or nonlin to see whether the offset
Y.offset may be neglected. The size of the offset indicates a possible sys-
tematic error or blank value. To convert this error into the effective mass con-
centration in g/L, Y.offset must be divided by Slope.
Determining the working range
The calibration curve is defined only for the range between the calibration
solutions with the lowest and highest mass concentrations. Extrapolations
outside this range are not allowed. Hence, enter the maximum possible
working range on the dialog page "SUBSTANCES" with the two parameters
Range min and Range max. If a mass concentration Mass conc. outside the
defined working range is found for the substance, an error message is put
out and conc. out of range displayed on the results page.
Keep temperature constant
Owing to the large temperature dependence of the measured values
( 2%/C), it is advisable to work with the 6.1418.220 thermostatted measur-
ing vessel.
Consideration of blank values
Any blank values must be determined separately and subtracted in the for-
mula calculation on the dialog page "CALCULATIONS".
a = r EVa/EVr 1/ Prop.fact.
As in the case of the calibration curve, the content is determined with an internal
standard in two steps:
First the relation between the ratio of the mass concentrations eff,a /eff,r of
analyte and reference substance and the ratio of the evaluation quantities
EVa/EVr is determined by measurement of different reference solutions.
Finally, the ratio of the mass concentrations eff,a /eff,r in the sample is meas-
ured and the mass concentration eff,a determined using the recorded cali-
bration curve.
EVa int.std.
0/linear
EVr
Slope = Prop.fact.
0
0 eff,a /eff,r
eff,a,s EVa,s
eff,a,s =
b EVr,s
EVa,s.mean/EVr,s.mean
As these scatters refer to the effective mass concentration eff,a,s, they must
also be converted by taking the dilution into account:
MC.dev. = x / fV
Meas.dev. = x,M / fV
Cal.dev. = x,C / fV
If this is not the case, Cal.dev.= 0 is set and the message no cal.devia-
tion put out on the "RESULTS/Evaluations" page.
The result determination with the aid of an internal standard saves time compared
with standard additions (particularly when several substances are determined with
the aid of the same internal standard), but is reliable only
if analyte and reference substance can be measured in the same segment
if the requirement of a linear relation between analyte and reference sub-
stance is met
if the matrix of all samples and calibration solutions is identical or has no
influence on the measurement
if all measurement parameters (capillary, temperature, etc.) remain un-
changed during measurements
if the accuracy of the results obtained is checked regularly with the stan-
dard addition method.
With regard to optimum accuracy and scatter, a number of rules must be observed
with the internal standard method:
Check linearity range
In development of the method, the linearity range of the calibration curve for
the internal standard should be checked for each substance by recording the
curve over a wide concentration range. Using the calibration curve shown on
the "CURVES" page, you can then determine the region in which the curve
EVa/EVr vs eff,a,s /eff,r,s is linear and hence where the method of internal
standards may be used.
The last step in the evaluation is the calculation of the calculation formulae entered
on the dialog page "CALCULATIONS" for the output of the final results Final
results. In addition to the actual calculation formulae with value assignments, vari-
ables, constants and operators, text designations for the result quantities and result
units as well as the number of significant figures can be entered (for details, see
section 5.6.4).
The most frequent application of the formula calculation concerns the conversion of
the mass concentrations of the substances Mass conc. = MC:<subst> obtained in
the content calculation (section 6.9), which refer to the added sample volume
V.sample, into the desired final result which should generally refer to the original
sample size S0. By pressing the softkey <Upd.from method> on the dialog page
"CALCULATIONS", standard formulae can be read in from the method automati-
cally to provide the mass concentration referred to S0 in g/L and g/g.
The type of standard formula entered depends on whether the sample size has
been entered as a volume or weight or whether diluted or undiluted samples have
been used (see also section 5.4.4 and section 6.2.2). The dependence of the in-
putted sample size S0 and the parameters of the SMPL instructions has the fol-
lowing appearance:
The standard formulae shown above refer to the basic quantities g and L, but the
results are automatically provided with the appropriate prefix by simultaneous entry
of #g/L or #g/g in the field Res.unit (see section 5.6.4). Standard formulae can
also be modified later in any way to specify the result in another unit (e.g. ppm) or
for further calculation.
If quantities associated with errors are calculated in result formulae, in addition to
the results the corresponding result scatters Res.dev. are also calculated from the
scatters of these quantities. Of the instrument variables usable for formulae, the
following two quantities are affected by this:
Mass concentration MC:<subst>: Scatter = MC.dev.
Evaluation quantity EV:<subst>: Scatter = Std.dev.
For calculation of the result scatter c for the addition, subtraction, multiplication or
division of two quantities a and b associated with errors with the corresponding
scatters a and b, the following error propagation rules are used:
Result c Scatter c
a + b a + b
a b a + b
a b a b + b a
2
a/b a / b + (a b) / b
7 Safety, Errors,
Troubleshooting,
Diagnosis, GLP
While electrical safety in the handling of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA
Stand is assured in the context of the specifications IEC 1010-1 (protection class I,
degree of protection IP20), the following points should be noted:
Mains connection
Setting the mains voltage, checking the mains fuse and the mains
connection must be effected in accordance with the instructions in
section 3.2.
When the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA Stand are connected to
the power supply, neither the 746 VA Trace Analyzer not the 747 VA
Stand or the 695 Autosampler may be opened nor parts of them be
removed, otherwise there is a danger of coming into contact with
components which are live. Always disconnect the instruments from
all voltage sources before you open it and ensure that the mains
cable is disconnected from mains connection plug 13 !
The most important properties of mercury (Hg) are listed in the Table below. This
compilation allows the following summary:
Mercury is a heavy metal with a very high density and is liquid at room tem-
perature.
Mercury is mobile at room temperature and tends to form drops because of
its high surface tension. The surface tension is around 6 times greater than
that of water, Hg is thus not wetted by water.
Mercury has a relatively high electrical conductivity (at room temperature
it is only some 60 times lower than that of silver).
Mercury has a relatively high vapor pressure compared with other metals.
Mercury vapor is some seven times heavier than air (so that it sinks rapidly
and specifically to the floor).
The odor threshold is very high relative to the threshold limit value (TLV).
Air saturated with Hg vapor (which naturally does not occur in practice) con-
tains approximately 250 times the amount of Hg specified by the TLV at room
temperature.
Properties of mercury
Mercury and its compounds are toxic since they react with enzymes containing
sulfur and decompose them with the formation of HgS. The toxicity depends on the
chemical and physical state of the mercury [4, 8 10]:
Metallic liquid mercury is readily resorbed by the skin and finds its way
through glandular passages into lower skin regions where it is oxidized and
carried on as a salt.
The low-solubility mercury (I) compounds and metallic mercury in the form
of a coherent liquid have low toxicity when taken up orally (but not through
the skin!).
Mercury (II) compounds are more readily soluble and therefore much more
toxic: LD100 (the 100% lethal dose) for oral take-up is approx. 0.21 g.
Mercury vapor is highly toxic: vapor with an Hg concentration exceeding the
TLV of 0.1 mg/m3 air causes chronic poisoning after prolonged breathing for 5
to 8 hours per day.
Despite the large number of laboratories involved in polarographic/voltammetric
work, sensible and proper handling (see section 7.2.3) has ensured that not one
single case of mercury poisoning has been reported to date. The real Hg concen-
trations measured in the laboratory atmosphere are consistently far below the TLV
(threshold limit value).
Several safety rules, described in detail in what follows, must be observed in the
handling of mercury owing to its toxicity (see section 7.2.2):
Use gas wash bottles when siphoning off mercury under vacuum
If mercury is siphoned off under vacuum using a water jet pump, one or two
gas wash bottles must always be connected between the vacuum pump and
the suction tube to ensure trapping of the siphoned-off mercury.
The occurrence of errors of all types during operation of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
is indicated by error messages, which normally appear in a separate window and
have the following structure:
Window title
ERROR MESSAGE
MEASURE - ERROR 34: <Start> from this page impossible
<ENTER>: continue
The error message first provides information for error identification (error class
and error number), this is followed by a short error description. You will find fur-
ther details on the error messages, their possible causes and the procedure for
their rectification in the alphabetical list of error messages in section 7.3.2.
Error messages arising from errors in the method test (<Check method> on the
MONITORING page) or in the syntax test (<Syntax check> on the CALCU-
LATION page) appear in the ERROR WINDOW in which the last 18 error messages
are always stored. In addition to the normal error messages, the error messages
displayed in the ERROR WINDOW contain the date and time of occurrence of the er-
ror. The 4-line window can be enlarged by pressing the softkey <Zoom> so that all
stored error messages can be read.
In the Exit column of the list of error messages, you will find abbreviations de-
scribing how you should acknowledge the error message and how an ongoing
program behaves after it has been exited. In automatic series determinations with
Auto.batch = on, the errors are automatically acknowledged after a wait time of
10 s if at all possible.
Should you require the support of your Metrohm agency in the case of malfunc-
tions or faults which can not be rectified or explained, proceed as follows:
Copy the questionable determination to a data card or with the aid of the PC
program VA Back Up or "VA Database" to a diskette and send the card or
diskette together with a description of the fault to the Metrohm agency, or
Load the questionable determination into the working storage. Print out the
full report Report Full, the method report Report MethSpc, the desired
substance or segment curves and possibly the list of measured points and
send these together with a description of the fault to the Metrohm agency.
The following list contains all error messages in alphabetical order. You will find ex-
planations regarding how to proceed should the instrument need to be initialized
(reset or overall initialization) in section 7.3.3. The abbreviations in the Exit column
have the following meaning:
E/C Exit with <ENTER> or any other key; The error message is displayed for
a program already started continues. 10 s and is then acknowledged
automatically with <ENTER>; the
started program continues to run.
E/S Exit with <ENTER> or any other key; The error message is displayed for
a program already started is stopped. 10 s and is then acknowledged
automatically with <ENTER>; the
started program is stopped.
E/N Exit with <ENTER> or any other key; The error message is displayed for
a program already started is stopped. 10 s and is then acknowledged
automatically with <ENTER>; the
started program is stopped. The next
determination is then started.
r/a Exit with <r> (r = retry) or The error message is displayed for
<a> (a = abort). 10 s and is then acknowledged
automatically with <r>.
DIAGNOSIS - ERROR 1: Diagnostic fault; connection to Check connection to 747 VA Stand: E/C
No VA Stand found 747 VA Stand broken:
connecting cable not plug in connecting cable
plugged in
wrong address set address correctly and restart 746
VA Trace Analyzer
RESULTS - ERROR 1: No results available for loaded Start new measurement E/C
No evaluation results method
available
RESULTS - ERROR 2: Different measurement meth- Check program (only one measurement E/C
Ambiguous sweep ods for the same substance mode per substance is admissible)
identification per
sweep
RESULTS - ERROR 4: No substance evaluation Start new measurement E/C
No substance evaluation available
available
SUBSTANCES - ERROR 1: The lower limit of the working Enter Range min and Range max Esc
Range min greater than range is greater than the upper parameters on the SUBSTANCES
Range max limit page properly
SUBSTANCES - ERROR 2: The specified entry for the Change Curve type parameter on the Esc
Param. Curve type Curve type parameter is not SUBSTANCES page
inconsistent with admissible for the selected
Technique calibration technique
Certain errors can appear in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer which can be rectified only
by initializing the instrument (see Rectification column of the error list in section
7.3.2). Three types of initialization are possible; these are called Normal Reset,
Reset with deletion of working storage and Overall initialization in what fol-
lows.
If an error appears which requires initialization of the instrument, your first step
should always be an attempt to restart the instrument with a Normal Reset.
If the instrument cannot be started properly and an error message appears during
the startup procedure or if errors occur with the method or determination loaded in
the working storage, a Reset with deletion of working storage should be per-
formed.
Normal Reset
Hardware reset and internal software reset.
The instrument is reinitialized, but all instrument parameters, the data loaded in the
method and determination storage as well as the method and determination loaded
in the working storage are retained.
This type of instrument initialization runs automatically each time the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer is switched on.
There are three possibilities to initiate a reset:
Switching the instrument off and on
Pressing the Reset button 15 at the rear of the
746 VA Trace Analyzer
Pressing the <BREAK> key when the instrument is on
standby (* READY *), followed by the <ENTER> key.
The instrument is then powered up and the MONITORING page appears.
1 Start reset
Initiate a reset using one of the 3 methods listed under Normal Reset, then
press the space key several times when the instrument is powering up until
the following screen display appears:
Overall initialization
Reinitialization of the entire hardware and software.
The instrument is reinitialized completely, the data loaded in the method and de-
termination storage as well as the method and determination loaded in the working
storage are cleared and all instrument parameters are reset to their default values.
The overall initialization is performed as follows:
1 Start reset
Initiate a reset using one of the 3 methods listed under Normal Reset, then
press the space key several times when the instrument is powering up until
the following screen display appears:
7.4 Troubleshooting
In order to get correct results in VA trace analysis, a number of general rules must
always be observed:
Electrolytes
The pH during a determination plays an important role (e.g. for Zn, Cd, Pb,
Cu it should be approx. 4.5). Acetate, Ammonium acetate or PIPES buffer
are often used. For more information see the Application Bulletins.
The electrolyte must be sufficiently conductive and concentrated.
The purity of the electrolytes and the cleanliness of the reagent bottles is
very important.
The working life of the electrolytes is limited, particularly for organic addi-
tives (buffer substances, complex formers). It may be necessary to make
up fresh solutions every day.
Standard solutions
The standard solutions should be made acidic (approx. pH = 12) and
stored in plastic bottles.
Diluted standard solutions (ppb range) are very unstable and must be
freshly made. They must also be made sufficiently acidic.
The concentration of the standard solutions must be arranged so that a
volume between 20 and 500 L has to be added.
Standard additions are recommended. The peak height after the last addi-
tion should be 25 times higher than the sample peak.
1000 ppm solutions (self-made or commercially available) are often used
as stock solutions. They are stable over long periods of time. Dilutions
have to be made with dilute acids.
Samples
The amount of sample depends on the concentration of the element to be
determined.
If the sample matrix is known, a better assessment of the analysis can be
made (organic components?).
A digestion must be carried out on contaminated samples and on sam-
ples where contamination is suspected (see Metrohm Monograph
Sample preparation for techniques in voltammetric trace analysis).
A lot of errors are made during sampling and when storing the sample.
Caution and a critical approach are required.
The sample should have a good solubility in the electrolyte and be mixable
with it.
The following points should be checked if the results are too low:
Concentration too high?
HMDE overloaded, use DME/SMDE instead?
Buffer not correct?
Make up new one if necessary.
Addition ratio too low?
Addition ratio too high?
Measurement modes
The following points should be considered by selecting the measurement mode:
DPMODE (Differential Pulse) should be always the first choice. It is the
most universal and frequently used voltammetric determination method
and is equally well suited for reversible and irreversible systems. It offers a
high sensitivity down to 108 mol/L and a separation ability of 1:50'000.
DCTMODE (Direct Current) is the classic, simplest VA method with limited
sensitivity (down to 105 mol/L) and a separation ability of only 1:10. It is
mainly used for the investigation of reversible redox systems.
AC1MODE (Alternating Current, 1st derivative) is primarily suitable for de-
terminations based on reversible redox reactions and is virtually com-
pletely insensitive to irreversible reactions.
AC2MODE (Alternating Current, 2nd derivative) is also primarily suitable for
determinations based on reversible redox reactions. Compared with the
AC1MODE measurements, an increase in sensitivity, resolution and
separation efficiency is often obtained.
SQWMODE (Square Wave) is primarily suitable for investigations of re-
versible electrode processes and kinetic studies. It is used particularly for
sensitive stripping voltammetric determinations at the HMDE or RDE.
PSAMODE (Potentiometric Stripping Voltammetry) is mainly used to de-
termine substances in an organic matrix by means of mercury film elec-
trodes without prior digestion and deaeration. Only analytes which form an
amalgam can be analyzed.
Peak displacement
Check and adjust the pH of the solution.
Check electrolyte composition and correct if necessary. Use a buffer solution
instead of an acid.
Carry out a standard addition to check whether the correct peak has been
evaluated.
Organic components interfere with the analysis: carry out a UV digestion or
other suitable sample preparation.
Enter a new half-wave potential in the instrument and recalculate the results.
Check reference electrode (see section 3.6).
No peak found
The peak is only displaced: adjust the half-wave potential and recalculate the
results.
The sample concentration is too low: increase the sample volume or the
amount of sample.
The concentration of the ion to be determined is too low: use HMDE (inverse
voltammetry) instead of DME or SMDE.
Are the initial and final potentials correct?
Double peak
Check MME. If necessary, change capillary (see section 3.4.8) or replace
sealing needle (see section 3.4.9).
Organic components interfere with the analysis: carry out a UV digestion or
other suitable sample preparation.
If a second element is present at the same potential: add this element to the
sample and carry out the analysis again. If the second peak has become
higher then the second element is present.
Has any substance been precipitated out in the measuring vessel (e.g. lead
perchlorate standard with KCl as electrolyte)?
Try out eluents with different compositions (addition of complex formers).
Check analysis parameters.
Try another measurement mode like AC1. If one substance is reversible and
the second one irreversible, only the reversible substance is detected by
AC1.
No addition
Has the correct standard solution been used or is the concentration of the
solution too low: increase the volume of the standard addition or use a higher
concentration or reduce the sample amount accordingly.
If organic components are present: carry out a UV digestion or similar.
Could it be possible that the peak is not the peak which is being looked for?
Concentration of the analyte is too high: dilute.
Peak displacement
Check and adjust the pH of the solution.
Check electrolyte composition and correct if necessary.
Organic components interfere with the analysis: carry out a UV digestion or
other suitable sample preparation.
Carry out a standard addition to check if the correct peak is present.
Enter a new half-wave potential in the instrument and recalculate the results.
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
No peak found
The peak is only displaced: adjust the half-wave potential and recalculate.
The sample concentration is too small: increase the sample volume.
Has the complex former been forgotten? (adsorptive voltammetry).
The deposition time under Meas in "OP.SEQUENCE" in the inverse voltam-
metry is too short: increase the time.
No Hg drops at the capillary: check MME. Adjust sealing needle (see section
3.4.4/3.4.5). If necessary, change capillary (see section 3.4.8) or replace
sealing needle (see section 3.4.9).
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
Are organic components present? Carry out a UV digestion or other suitable
sample preparation.
Double peak
Check MME. If necessary, change capillary (see section 3.4.8) or replace
sealing needle (see section 3.4.9).
Organic components interfere with the analysis? Carry out a UV digestion or
other suitable sample preparation.
If a second element is present at the same potential: add this element to the
sample and carry out the analysis again. If the second peak has become
higher then the second element is present.
Might it be possible to selectively mask this second element with a complex
former?
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
For Cu: work without chlorides in the electrolyte or increase the chloride con-
centration massively.
Try another measurement mode like AC1. If one substance is reversible and
the second one irreversible, only the reversible substance is detected by
AC1.
No addition
Has the correct standard solution been used or is the concentration of the
solution too low: increase the volume of the standard addition or use a higher
concentration or reduce the sample amount accordingly.
If organic components are present: carry out a UV digestion or other suitable
sample preparation.
Concentration of the analyte is too high: dilute.
Addition solution with metal complexing solution (time reaction).
Peak displacement
Check and adjust pH of the solution.
Check electrolyte composition and correct if necessary.
Organic components interfere with the analysis: carry out a UV digestion or
other suitable sample preparation.
Enter a new half-wave potential in the instrument and recalculate the results.
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
No peak found
The peak is only displaced: adjust the half-wave potential and recalculate.
The background current is too high: repolish the electrode.
The sample concentration is too low: increase sample volume.
The deposition time under MEAS in "OP.SEQUENCE" in the inverse voltam-
metry is too short: increase the time.
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
Double peak
Check RDE and polish if necessary (see section 3.5).
If organic components are present: carry out a UV digestion or other suitable
sample preparation.
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
Try another measurement mode like AC1. If one substance is reversible and
the second one irreversible, only the reversible substance is detected by
AC1.
No addition
Has the correct standard solution been used or is the concentration of the
solution too low: increase the volume of the standard addition or use a higher
concentration or reduce the sample amount accordingly.
If organic components are present: carry out a UV digestion or other suitable
sample preparation.
Concentration of the analyte too high: dilute.
Electrolyte solution too old: make up a new one. Its working life with organic
additives may be as short as 1 day or less.
7.5.1 General
The hardware and software of the 746 and 747 VA instruments are constructed of
tested, reliable and checked components. While this does not exclude faults, it en-
sures they appear only rarely. What you should do in such cases is described in
sections 7.3 and 7.4.
Much more likely than genuine hardware/software faults however, are peculiarities
and vagaries of the chemistry which simulate instrument faults and thus give
grounds for inquiries. Such faults manifest themselves primarily in the fact that the
automatic peak evaluation no longer functions properly and results on the dialog
page RESULTS (see section 5.5.2) are either missing completely or are marked
by appropriate comments as having errors or difficulties associated with the peak
evaluation.
In both cases, the first move is to check whether the faults are caused by undesired
chemical processes occurring at the electrode or in the analysis solution. Here,
such faults due to the chemistry can usually only be rectified in whole or at least in
part by chemical countermeasures (e.g. different supporting electrolyte concentra-
tion, different supporting electrolyte, different pH, longer enrichment time, modifica-
tion or change of the measurement technique). In what follows, such vagaries of
chemistry are explained in more detail with the aid of a few interesting and oft-
occurring examples.
Oxygen can be electrochemically reduced and produces two waves in the voltam-
mogram, one of which is characterized by the appearance of a pronounced maxi-
mum. The oxygen reduction can interfere for two reasons:
The hydrogen peroxide formed in the 1st step of the oxygen re-
duction can react further with certain substances.
For these reasons, oxygen must be removed from the analysis solution before the
polarographic analysis by saturation with inert gas (usually nitrogen). With the inert
gas flow rate of ca. 20 L/h set on the 747 VA Stand in the factory, a purging time of
3...5 min usually suffices.
When choosing the bridging electrolyte in the reference electrode, possible compli-
cations with the substances present in the analysis solution must be taken into ac-
count.
With regard to the bridging electrolyte solution KCl 3 mol/L used in many cases,
the following are examples of disturbances which can appear:
Ni
Co
Ni
Co
Hg
Hg
Gas formation at the HMDE during the deposition phase can lead to drop fall or to
a contact break in the Hg capillary. The following example illustrates such a case:
Zn Zn
2
CuCl4
CuCl2 CuEDTA
If peaks lie on a highly curved baseline, the first attempts at rectification should in-
volve chemical or measurement technique countermeasures to eliminate the ad-
verse effect on the peak evaluation due to the highly curved baseline. Such meas-
ures include longer purging times (if oxygen interferes, see section 7.5.2), changing
the pH value, changing the supporting electrolyte concentration, modifying or
changing the supporting electrolyte, use of complexing agents (see example in
section 7.5.6), longer enrichment times and changing the measurement technique.
If the curvature of the baseline can not or only partially be eliminated by the above
measures, the 746 VA Trace Analyzer offers the two following possibilities to ap-
proximate a curved baseline (see section 5.6.3):
Type = polynom for baselines with normal curvature
Type = expon. for baselines with exponential curvature
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer offers the possibility to evaluate overlapping peaks (see
section 6.7.1). If an overlapping is found at the front or rear of the peak, this is
displayed on the dialog page RESULTS/Evaluation by appropriate comments in
the Comments column (see section 5.5.2). Depending on the extent of the overlap-
ping, the following three cases are distinguished:
Overlapping 10 40%
Comment crit. front ovlp. or crit. rear ovlp.. Although the peak is
evaluated, the overlapping has reached a critical level at which the calcu-
lated peak height or peak area is falsified by the neighbouring peak. In this
case it is advisable to take the overlapping into account by a change in the
baseline calculation. For this, the parameter Scope of whole (calculation
for the entire curve) must be set to either f.double or r.double
(calculation for double peak) or to f.half or r.half (calculation only for
front or rear, see sections 5.6.3 and 6.7).
Pb
Tl
With all three possible calibration techniques, it must be ensured that the standards
used for calibration are chemically isoformal with the analytes. The standard sub-
stances must therefore have the same valency (e.g. with Fe, Al) or complex forma-
tion form (e.g. with As, Cr, Se) as the substances already present in the analysis
solution. If this is not the case the calibration can produce completely wrong results
owing to the different peak voltages and sensitivities.
7.6 Diagnosis
7.6.1 General
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer and 747 VA Stand are very precise and dependable in-
struments. Thanks to their rugged construction, it is highly unlikely that external me-
chanical or electrical influences will have an adverse affect on their functions.
Although the appearance of a fault in the instrument can not be excluded with cer-
tainty, it is far more likely that malfunctions will be caused by faulty operation or
handling or through improper connections and operation with third-party devices.
It is always advisable to isolate the fault with the diagnostic program as this is sim-
ple and easy to run. The customer need call Metrohm service only when the instru-
ment really has a fault. Moreover, he can then provide the service engineer with
much more detailed information using the numbering in the diagnostic program.
When making inquiries, always quote the serial number 7 (see section 2.1) and
program number (see section 5.3.1) and any error displays which may have ap-
peared.
Procedure
If a malfunction occurs, the directions of the appropriate diagnostic step
(see following test list) must be followed. The ensuing reactions of the VA
Trace Analyzer must be compared with the descriptions in the diagnostic
step.
If the instrument does not show the expected reaction (no case), the ap-
propriate diagnostic step must be repeated to exclude an operating error.
It is highly probable, however, that multiple wrong reactions indicate a
malfunction.
Test list
1. Prepare instrument for diagnostic test section 7.6.2
2. Check thermal printer section 7.6.3
3. Check RS232 interfaces section 7.6.4
4. Check control lines section 7.6.5
5. Check keypad section 7.6.6
6. Check VA Stand (perform measurement section 7.6.7
routine with polarogram simulator)
Instruments needed
Necessary only if RS232 and control lines are also checked:
3.496.8550 Test plug (to connection 'Control lines')
3.496.8480 Test plug (to connection 'RS232')
1 Power off.
2 Disconnect all cables at rear panel, except mains cable and connecting cable
to VA Stand.
3 Power on.
3 <Diagn.>
4 <Thermoprinter>
5 <Test print>
A test printout is outputted (see following page).
Check printout for completeness and neatness.
The character set (the first five lines) must match the specimen.
The very top and very bottom points of a line must be printed clearly;
check K and p especially.
The printout must have a total length of 260 mm (tolerance: 10 mm)
3 <Diagn.>
4 <RS232 interf.>
6 <Loopback test>
8 <Change Ifc.>
10 <Loopback test>
3 <Diagn.>
5 <Control Lines>
3 <Diagn.>
4 <Keyboard tests>
5 <All keys>
6 With the exception of the special keys <CAPS>, <SHIFT> and <SPACE>,
all keys must be pressed once. The special keys must be pressed as follows:
<CAPS> + <Z>
<SHIFT> (on the left of the space bar) + <!>
<SHIFT> (on the right of the space bar) + <@>
The space bar consists of a combination of three individual keys. It
must be pressed on the left, in the middle and on the right.
The keypad is shown symbolically on the screen. If the test is successful, the
gray background behind each key disappears.
2 <STAND>
3 <Pressure> press several times and check the on/off switching of the valve
4 <Purging> press several times and check the on/off switching of the valve
5 <Stirrer> press several times and check the on/switching of the motor
Baseline Evaluation
Type linear Mode VA
Scope whole Quantity I.peak
dU.front 250 mV Sign. digits 4
S.front auto
dU.rear 250 mV
S.rear auto
The procedure for checking the 747 VA Stand with the polarogram simulator built
into the stand is described in detail in section 7.6.7. Only the most important points
will be repeated here in brief:
1 Preparation
Prepare instrument for diagnostic test (see section 7.6.2).
8 Start program
Press the <START> key.
Attach the electrode cable as described in the instructions on the screen
to the clamping screws of the dummy cell.
To load the TESTPb.mth method from the method memory to the working storage,
the following steps are necessary:
1 Switch on instrument
Switch on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with mains switch 11 at the rear of
the instrument.
To perform the lead determination in the prepared sample solution, the following
steps are necessary:
To assess the recorded lead determination, the results printed out in the full report
for the mass concentration of lead Mass conc. and its total scatter MC.dev. are
used (example, see section 4.2). The limit values of these two results depend
greatly on the care taken in the preparation of the analysis solution and in the dis-
pensing of the standard addition solutions.
When the procedure is carried out properly and carefully, the following results
should be expected:
8 Technical data
Subject to changes !
The listed technical data apply to an ambient temperature of 25C.
Brief characterization
Compact control and data acquisition instrument for max. three 747 VA Stands,
a 695 Autosampler and up to four 685 Dosimats or 700 Dosinos with screen,
printer (optional), keypad and 2 bi-directional RS232C interfaces.
Circuitry based on SMD technology, 32-bit microprocessor, 16 MHz clock fre-
quency, 2 MBytes battery-backed SRAM.
Real-time multitasking operating system with dynamic memory management.
Data acquisition
SWEEP Current I as a function of the voltage U: I = f(U)
Voltage sweep for DC, DP, SQW, AC1, AC2
SSWEEP Current I as a function of the voltage U: I = f(U)
Voltage sweep for DC (if peaks must be evaluated instead
of waves)
FSWEEP Current I as a function of the voltage U: I = f(U)
Voltage sweep for DC, DP, SQW, AC1, AC2
(measurement always in operation mode fast)
PSWEEP Voltage U as a function of the time t: U = f(t)
Voltage sweep for PSA
TSWEEP Current I as a function of the time t: I = f(t)
Current measurement at constant voltage for DC, DP,
SQW, AC1, AC2
RAMP Current I as a function of the voltage U: I = f(U)
Voltage sweep for CV
Keypad
Type Piezoelectric, splashwater-proof
Keys Alphanumeric keypad with upper- and lowercase letters,
punctuation and special characters; numeric block;
dialog keys, main function keys, softkeys
Screen
Type LCD, backlit
Screen diagonal 257 mm (10)
Resolution 640 400 points, 16 gray levels
28 lines, each of 80 characters
Refresh rate 72 Hz
Contrast adjustable
Printer connection
(only for 746.0010 version without built-in printer)
Type Parallel port for standard printers
Connector D-Sub 9-pin
Memory
Working memory EPROM
Data memory 2 MBytes SRAM, battery-backed, for all data in the
instrument (methods, determinations, configuration,
etc.)
Method memory max. 256 user methods
Determination memory max. 256 determinations (incl. method)
Data card
Type memory card following standard JEIDA ICMC 4.0 /
PCMCIA (68 pins)
Memory capacity depending on model, max. 256 methods and/or
determinations
Metrohm data card 6.2245.030 Data card storage capacity 2 MB
RS232 interfaces
Standard EIA RS232C, CCITT V.24, ISO 2110, DIN 66020
Connector D-Sub 25-pin
Balance connection Automatic data receipt (weight, unit, sample identifi-
cation) from balances with serial data interface
(Mettler, Mettler AT, Sartorius, Precisa, AND)
Printer connection Output of all reports and curves on an external 80-
character printer, selectable printer type (IBM, Epson,
HP), adjustable printing width
PC connection Possibility of file transfer (methods, determinations,
reports) between 746 VA Trace Analyzer and PC
Detailed description see section 8.3
Remote interface
Connector D-Sub 25-pin
Control lines 8 input lines, 8 output lines
Detailed description see section 3.13
Connection of Dosimats/Dosinos
Type 685 Dosimat or 700 Dosino
Number 1...4
Manual operation Dispensing, filling, adjustment of feed and filling rate
Mains connection
Voltage 115 V: 100...120 V 10 %
230 V: 220...240 V 10 %
Switching with mains voltage selector
(see section 3.2.1)
Frequency 50...60 Hz
Power consumption max. 160 VA
Fuse 2 ATH, slow-blow, high breaking capacity
5 mm, length 20 mm
Safety specifications
Construction/testing According to IEC 1010 / EN 61010 / UL 3101-1,
protection class I, degree of protection IP20
Safety directions The Instructions for Use include information and
warnings which must be heeded by the user to
assure safe operation of the instrument.
Ambient temperature
Nominal operating range 0+45 C
at 2080 % atmospheric humidity
Storage, transport 25+60 C
at T 40C: max. 95% atmospheric humidity
at T = 45C: max. 70% atmospheric humidity
at T = 60C: max. 35% atmospheric humidity
Diagnostic tests
Self-diagnostic test Automatic self-diagnosis when instrument switched
on
User diagnostic test Built-in diagnostic program (see section 5.4)
Housing
Material of cover Polyurethane rigid foam (PUR) with fire protection for
fire class UL94VO, FCH-free
Material of base Steel, enamelled
Dimensions
Width 400 mm
Height 175 mm (without printer); 205 mm (with printer)
Depth 508 mm
Weight 15.6 kg (incl. accessories)
Brief characterisation
Measuring stand for the 746 VA Trace Analyzer with potentiostat and measuring
amplifier.
With multi-mode electrode, rotating disk electrode (RDE) as option.
Tilt-back measuring arm, integrated drip pan.
Potentiostat
Output voltage (AE) 12 V
Output current (AE) mode fast: 12 mA
mode slow: 1.5 mA
Input impedance (RE) R 51011
Input Offset Voltage (RE) 1 mV
Input Bias Current (RE) 2 pA
Noise mode fast: typ. 500 pA
mode slow: typ. 200 pA
Circuit for measurement of the noise:
82 nF 82
AE RE WE
Sweep voltage range 3V
Voltage steps 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 mV
(cyclic voltammetry: 1 ... 12 mV)
Sweep rate cyclic voltammetry: 0.1 mV/s ... 100 V/s
other meas. modes: 0.2 ... 240 mV/s
Pulse amplitudes AC1, AC2: 1 ... 35 mV
DP: 100 ... 100 mV
SQW: 1 ... 50 mV
Current measurement
Minimum current Imin 2.4 pA
Maximum current Imax DC, CV: 1.5 mA
DP: 1.2 mA
SQW: 1.4 mA
AC1, AC2: 0.6 mA
Current drift Idrift 0.03 %/K
Integration times DC: 1 ... 64 ms
DP, SQW: 1 ... 32 ms
Measurement interval 0.05 ... 9.9 s
Measuring amplifier
Max. phase error 1 at 250 Hz
Resolution 24 pA
Stirrer
Construction 6.1246.010 Drive shaft + screw-on
6.1204.090 Stirrer tip
Material PTFE
Rotational speed 200, 400, 600, ... , 3000 min1
Speed constancy 2%
Measuring vessels
6.1415.210 standard measuring vessel made of lead-free
borosilicate glass 3.3
working volume = 10 ... 90 mL
6.1415.150 measuring vessel made of lead-free borosilicate
glass 3.3 (option)
working volume = 5 ... 70 mL
6.1418.220 measuring vessel made of lead-free borosilicate
glass 3.3 with thermostat jacket (option)
working volume = 12 ... 70 mL
6.1450.210 measuring vessel made of PFA (option)
working volume = 10 ... 90 mL
Dummy Cell
Use checking the 747 VA Stand
determination of the signal/noise ratio
Connections AE auxiliary electrode
RE reference electrode
WE-L working electrode linear mode
(RC element)
WE-D working electrode differential mode
(peak/wave)
Safety specifications
Construction/testing According to IEC 1010 / EN 61010 / UL 3101-1
Safety directions The Instructions for Use include information and
warnings which must be heeded by the user to
assure safe operation of the instrument.
Ambient temperature
Nominal operating range 0+45 C
at 2080 % atmospheric humidity
Storage, transport 40+70 C
at T 40C: max. 95% atmospheric humidity
at T = 45C: max. 70% atmospheric humidity
at T = 60C: max. 35% atmospheric humidity
Housing
Material of cover Polyurethane rigid foam (PUR) with fire protection for
fire class UL94VO, FCH-free
Material of base Steel, enamelled
Dimensions
Width 220 mm
Height 280 mm (520 mm with cover raised)
Depth 382 mm
Weight 12.1 kg (incl. accessories)
This section describes the technical data and features of the RS232
interfaces 16 and 17 of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. You will find details
regarding attachment of instruments to these interfaces in section
3.12.
The two RS232 interfaces of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer are configured as DTE
(Data Terminal Equipment) with the following technical specifications:
In the 746 VA Trace Analyzer, methods and determinations are stored as a file in
binary compressed form. Such binary files can be transferred via the RS232 in-
terfaces and also be read back in. The binary data are transferred with a block-
oriented protocol. The blocks, comprising 128 data bytes and 5 control characters,
have the following structure:
The control characters SOH (any block), EOT (last block) and CAN (premature
abort) can be used a block head. For the transfer of binary files between the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer and a PC, the two Windows PC programs 6.6017.000 Metrodata
VA Back Up and 6.6016.103 Metrodata VA Database are available.
In the output of ASCII reports (e.g. Full report) to the RS232 interfaces, strings
of up to 82 ASCII characters incl. data delimiters (CR or LF) are transferred. If no
printer is attached (Printer = none), an ETX with CR/LF is sent at the end of each
such text block and an EOT with CR/LF at the end of a transfer.
In addition to the output of normal ASCII reports, the 746 VA Trace Analyzer also
offers the possibility of transferring the two special reports ActDetm and ActMeth
comprising a binary file (determination or method) and an ASCII report. The two
Windows PC programs 6.6017.000 Metrodata VA Back Up and 6.6016.103 Met-
rodata VA Database are available for the receipt and further processing of these
reports.
The two RS232 interfaces are set as follows when first initialized:
Baud rate 9600
Data bits 8
Stop bit(s) 1
Parity none
Handshake HWshort
Receive mode off
If characters are nonetheless received in this default setting with the receive mode
switched off, these are read individually and discarded. This prevents the external
device blocking the transmission process of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer by sending
characters.
The internal mode of the RS232 interfaces is switched automatically, depending on
the type of transfer (see section 8.3.2). This concerns both the receive abort criteria
and the partition of the buffer. The following modes are possible:
Receive balance data
The buffer of the RS232 interface is divided into 82 characters for receive and
82 characters for send. The receive buffer is emptied following the delimiter
character LF. Otherwise, the RS232 parameters set on the dialog page VA
TRACE ANALYZER apply.
The key code of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer can be sent to RS232 interface 1 or re-
ceived from there. This allows, e.g. remote control of the VA Trace Analyzer by a PC
by sending keystrokes or stored key entries to the VA Trace Analyzer.
The key remote control mode is switched on and off with the parameter Remote
keyboard on the dialog page VA TRACE ANALYZER as follows:
off off
send send key code
receive receive key code
(Receive mode must be set to on for this)
In the send mode Remote keyboard = send, each time a key is pressed on the 746
VA Trace Analyzer the corresponding key code is put out via RS232 interface 1 as
an ASCII character. These key codes can be stored using a suitable PC program.
In the receive mode Remote keyboard = receive, every ASCII character received
via RS232 interface 1 is interpreted as a key code and initiates the same functions
as if the appropriate key on the keypad were to be pressed. The key codes for the
special keys on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer are listed below. It is thus possible to
control all functions of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer from an external device. Even in-
dividual parameters (e.g. sample data on the dialog page SAMPLES) can be en-
tered in this manner. It is also possible to send the key code for <?> or <@> to ini-
tiate the output of the contents of a field or screen (see section 8.3.3).
8.3.5 Handshake
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer offers the following possibilities to set the handshake
(see section 5.3.1):
No handshake (none)
The 746 VA Trace Analyzer neither checks handshake inputs (CTS, DSR, DCD) nor
sets handshake outputs (DTR, RTS).
DTR DTR
LF
RxD RxD
Time
746 VA Trace Analyzer as sender:
RTS RTS
CTS CTS
LF
TxD TxD
Time
The data flow can be interrupted by deactivating the CTS line.
DTR DTR
LF
RxD RxD
Time
DTR DTR
RTS RTS
DSR DSR
DCD DCD
CTS CTS
LF
TxD TxD
Time
35 ms
XOFF XON XOFF
Data
TxD
input
Process 400 s
string
Time
LF
Data
TxD input
max. 4 Data output Data output free
characters blocked
Time
XOFF XON
Data
TxD input
400 s Process string
Time
746 VA Trace Analyzer as sender:
746 External device
XOFF Inquiry LF XON
Data
RxD output
The transmission of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer can be stopped by the external de-
vice with XOFF. After the receipt of XOFF, the VA Trace Analyzer finishes transmis-
sion of the line already started. If the data output is blocked for more than 10 s by
XOFF, the error message RS IFC.# - ERROR 11 appears in the display.
No liability whatsoever will be accepted for damage arising from the improper connection of devices.
9 Scope of delivery,
Options, Warranty
Subject to changes !
All dimensions are given in mm.
The 2.746.0010 VA Trace Analyzer without internal printer includes the following ac-
cessories:
ICMC-V4.0
Supplied with separate battery;
Battery lifetime ca. 5 years
86
The 2.746.0020 VA Trace Analyzer with internal printer includes the following ac-
cessories:
pages)
210
ICMC-V4.0
Supplied with separate battery;
Battery lifetime ca. 5 years
86
The 2.747.0010 VA Stand is suited for manual operation as well as for operation
with the 695 Autosampler and includes the following accessories:
116
11
14
70
78
1 6.1415.210 Measuring vessel
clear glass
Volume: 10 ... 90 mL
80
23
Length L = 4 m
80
50 53.2
1 6.2709.050 Stopper
made of PCTFE, incl. E.301.0004
O-ring of NBR (nitril rubber)
For closing the stirrer aperture of
the 747 VA Stand
36
18
1 6.2709.080 Stopper
For closing the pipetting
aperture of the 747 VA Stand
76
290
200
1 6.2730.030 Stopper
with nipple and O-ring
For closing the opening of the
747 VA Stand when the
38
6.1824.000 4-way microtip is
not used
1 6.2739.000 Spanner
for screwing down plastic
nipples
8 10
68
1 6.2816.020 Syringe
made of PP, with Luer connection
Volume V = 10 mL
For filling the MME
102
0.8
1 6.2816.030 Needle
for 6.2816.020 syringe
80
65
2.1
6.1246.000 Drive shaft for rotating disk electrode
incl. 2 O-rings FPM (Viton)
Together with the 6.1204.XXX electrode
tips forms the rotating disk electrode
(RDE). 46
14
clear glass
Volume: 5 ... 70 mL
80
23
78
6.1418.220 Measuring vessel
clear glass, with thermostatic jacket;
incl. 6.2036.000 holding ring
Volume: 12 ... 70 mL
82
30
78
6.1450.210 Measuring vessel
Made of PFA (polyfluoralkyloxy-
copolymer), incl. 2036.000 holding
ring
80
Volume: 10 ... 90 mL
23
78
6.1456.210 Measuring vessel
clear glass
Volume: 10 ... 90 mL
For operation with the 695 Autosam- 80
pler or with Rinsing Dosinos
35
78
6.1457.210 Measuring vessel
clear glass, with thermostatic jacket
Volume: 12 ... 70 mL
80
For operation with the 695 Autosam-
pler or with Rinsing Dosinos
35
6.1807.000 Y-Connection 19
6.2709.040 Stopper
made of PVC, incl. 2 E.301.0004 O-rings of
NBR (nitril rubber)
For closing the MME opening when the RDE
is used; with two dummy holes (thread M6)
for holding the two MME gas lines not used
68
in operation with the RDE.
53
6.2827.000 Trimming tool
for regeneration of the 6.1204.100 Ultra Trace
Graphite electrode
49
6.2125.010 Cable
for the attachment of an IBM PC or
compatible computer with 9-pin RS232
connector to the RS232 interface of the 9 p neg.
746 VA Trace Analyzer (the 6.2125.060 25 p pos.
6.2125.020 Cable
for the attachment of Mettler balances
(Option 011, 012) or AND balances to
the RS232 interface of the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer 25 p pos. 25 p neg.
3m
42
6.2125.040 Cable
for the attachment of printers with 6-pin
circular connector (e.g. EPSON EX-800,
EPSON LQ) to the RS232 interface of the
746 VA Trace Analyzer 25 p neg.
2m
6.2125.050 Cable
for the attachment of printers with 25-pin
RS232 connector (e.g. IBM Proprinter,
EPSON LX/FX, HP printers) to the RS232
interface of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer 25 p neg. 25 p pos.
2m
6.2125.060 Cable
Cable for the attachment of an IBM PC
or compatible computer with 25-pin
RS232 connector to the RS232 interface
of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer 25 p neg. 25 p neg.
3m
6.2125.070 Cable
for the attachment of Sartorius MP8/MC1
balances to the RS232 interface of the
746 VA Trace Analyzer
25 p pos. 25 p neg.
2m
6.2125.080 Cable
for the attachment of Precisa balances
to the RS232 interface of the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer
25 p pos. 25 p neg.
2m
6.2134.000 Cable
for the attachment of 685 Dosimats to
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
9 p pos. 9 p neg.
2m
6.2143.100 Cable 3m
for the attachment of a 708 Sampling
Unit to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
25 p pos.
3m
6.2143.110 Cable
for the attachment of two 708 Sampling
Units to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
25 p pos.
3m
6.2143.120 Cable
for the attachment of a 708 Sampling
Unit and up to four 683 Pump Units to
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
25 p pos.
9.6 Warranty
The warranty on our products is limited to defects that are traceable to material,
construction or manufacturing error which occur within 12 months from the day of
delivery. In this case, the defects will be rectified in our workshops free of charge.
Transport costs are to be paid by the customer.
For day and night operation, the warranty is limited to 6 months.
Glass breakage in the case of electrodes or other parts is not covered by the war-
ranty. Checks which are not a result of material or manufacturing faults are also
charged during the warranty period. For parts of outside manufacture insofar as
these constitute an appreciable part of our instrument, the warranty stipulations of
the manufacturer in question apply.
With the regard to the guarantee of accuracy, the technical specifications in the in-
struction manual are authoritative.
Concerning defects in material, construction or design as well as the absence of
guaranteed features, the orderer has no rights or claims except those mentioned
above.
If damage of the packaging is evident on receipt of a consignment or if the goods
show signs of transport damage after unpacking, the carrier must be informed im-
mediately and a written damage report demanded. lack of an official damage report
releases Metrohm from any liability to pay compensation.
If any instruments and parts have to be returned, the original packaging should be
used if at all possible. This applies above all to instruments, electrodes, burette
cylinders and PTFE pistons. Before embedment in wood shavings or similar mate-
rial, the parts must be packed in a dustproof package (for instruments, use of a
plastic bag is imperative). If open assemblies are enclosed in the scope of delivery
that are sensitive to electromagnetic voltages (e.g. data interfaces etc.) these must
be returned in the associated original protective packaging (e.g. conductive protec-
tive bag). (Exception: assemblies with built-in voltage source belong in a non-
conductive protective packaging). For damage which arises as a result of non-
compliance with these instructions, no warranty responsibility whatsoever will be
accepted by Metrohm.
EU Declaration of Conformity
The METROHM AG company, Herisau, Switzerland hereby certifies, that the in-
strument:
EU Declaration of Conformity
The METROHM AG company, Herisau, Switzerland hereby certifies, that the in-
strument:
747 VA Stand
meets the requirements of EC Directives 89/336/EWG and 73/23/EWG.
This Metrohm instrument has been built and has undergone final type testing
according to the standards:
It has also been certified by the Swiss Electrotechnical Association (SEV), which
is member of the International Certification Body (CB/IEC).
The technical specifications are documented in the instruction manual.
The system software, stored in Read Only Memories (ROMs) has been validated
in connection with standard operating procedures in respect to functionality and
performance. The features of the system software are documented in the instruc-
tion manual.
Metrohm Ltd. is holder of the SQS-certificate of the quality system ISO 9001 for
quality assurance in design/development, production, installation and servicing.
This Metrohm instrument has been built and has undergone final type testing
according to the standards:
Metrohm Ltd. is holder of the SQS-certificate of the quality system ISO 9001 for
quality assurance in design/development, production, installation and servicing.
10 Index
! ................................................................ 5-123,5-126,5-175 Address numbers ............................................................. 5-18
(ADD......................................................................5-178,5-190 Adopt measured value.................................................... 5-116
(BACKGND.............................................................5-179,5-197 Adopt position................................................................... 5-35
(CAL......................................................................5-178,5-201 Adsorptive stripping voltammetry .....5-231,5-240,5-242,5-292
(CASE ...................................................................5-179,5-205 A-Fullreport ................................................... 5-169,5-169
(CSWEEP...............................................................5-179,5-219 Ag electrode tip (6.1204.130) ..................................... 3-27,9-8
(PREP ...................................................................5-179,5-254 Ag/AgCl filling 126
(REP......................................................................5-178,5-273 Figure............................................................................ 3-29
(VAR......................................................................5-178,5-305 Ag/AgCl reference system .................... see Reference system
@..@........................................................... 5-123,5-126,5-175 Alphabetical instruction list ............................................. 5-183
>PREP ...................................................................5-179,5-257 Alphabetical list of error messages .................................... 7-7
0/linear.......................................................................5-149 Alphanumeric keys ............................................................. 5-3
0/nonlin.......................................................................5-149 Alternating current voltammetry .................... 5-184,5-187,7-34
MEAS ...................................................................5-178,5-248 Alternative results.................................................. 5-161,5-206
PURGE .................................................................5-179,5-265 Ambient temperature .................................................... 8-4,8-9
STIR ...................................................................5-180,5-298 A-Meth.spec ..................................................... 5-169,5-169
4-way microtip .......................................................see Microtip Analyte .............................................................................. 6-31
665 Dosimat .................................................. see Dosimat 665 analyte .............................................................. 5-155,5-158
685 Dosimat .................................................. see Dosimat 685 Application Bulletins ........................................................... 1-4
695 Autosampler .................................... see Autosampler 695 Application Notes................................................................ 1-6
<695 Autosampler>.....................................................5-23 Application of a voltage .................................................. 5-303
700 Dosino ...................................................... see Dosino 700 approx.peak ......................................................... 5-132,6-9
708 Sampling Unit................................see Sampling Unit 708 approx.peak<thresh.................................................. 5-89
717 Sample Changer ...................... see Sample Changer 717 Approximated peak height................................................ 5-89
<717 Smpl Changer> ..................................................5-23 Arrangement of the instruments ......................................... 3-1
725 Dosimat .................................................. see Dosimat 725 ASCII characters ............................................................... 5-13
746 VA Trace Analyzer ................... see VA Trace Analyzer 746 ASCII reports............................................................. 8-11,8-12
747 VA Stand................................................ see VA Stand 747 A-Sweeps (smooth) ........................................ 5-169,5-169
Atmospheric humidity ................................................... 8-4,8-9
Au electrode tip (6.1204.140) ..................................... 3-27,9-8
A aU.max............................................................................... 6-9
aU.min............................................................................... 6-9
A>M........................................................................5-181,5-196 aU.peak .................................................................. 5-132,6-9
A-Baselines ......................................................5-169,5-169 aU.width ................................................................ 5-132,6-9
<ABBREV> ........................................................................5-8 aU/2 ............................................................................... 5-131
Abbreviate current instruction..............................................5-8 Audio signal ............................................................ 5-17,5-200
Absolute error ....................................................................5-83 Auto error printing.............................................. 5-167
AC1MODE...................................................... 5-177,5-184,7-34 Auto form feed......................................................... 5-167
AC2 abs................................................................5-138,6-17 Auto.batch............................................................ 5-75,5-78
AC2 curves ......................................................................5-100 Auto.samples ....................................................... 5-75,5-78
AC2 rel................................................................5-137,6-17 Autoincrement ............................................................. 5-61
AC2MODE.............................................. 5-177,5-187,6-17,7-34 Automatic Address 3................................................ 5-22
A-Calibrations ...............................................5-169,5-169 Automatic call-up of a method.................................. 5-63,5-80
Accessories for rinsing and siphoning off .........................3-10 Automatic determination start........................................... 5-77
ActDetm...........................................................................8-11 Automatic error printing .................................................. 5-167
Activate base point shift ..................................................5-107 Automatic page advance................................................ 5-167
Activate single measurements ..........................................5-84 Automatic scaling ................................................. 5-134,5-135
ActMeth...........................................................................8-11 Automatic series determination ........................................ 5-75
ADD)n ...................................................................5-178,5-191 Automatic spike elimination ................................................ 6-7
Add.mass.........................................................................5-86 Automatic storage of determinations................................ 5-77
ADD/M ...................................................................5-181,5-192 Automatic transfer of sample data.................................... 5-75
ADD>M ...................................................................5-181,5-194 Autosampler 695
Addition ...........................................................................5-164 Manual operation .......................................................... 5-27
Addition of sample ..........................................................5-180 Ordering designation .................................................... 9-11
Addition volume...............................................................5-311 Auxiliary electrode 60
Addition volume of calibration solutions................5-151,5-157 Construction.................................................................. 3-31
Electrical connection..................................................... 3-31
Additions ....................................................................5-145 Figure.............................................................. 2-9,3-28,3-32
Address...........................................................................5-18 Insertion in measuring head ................................... 3-8,3-31
Installation......................................................................3-31
Startup procedure .........................................................3-31
Technical data .................................................................8-7
C
C ................................................................5-123,5-126,5-175
Auxiliary function keys .................................................. 5-2,5-9
C.end dilution........................................................... 5-42
Auxiliary parameters ....................... 5-123,5-126,5-175
C.init std.................................................................... 5-42
Auxiliary solutions .............................. 5-43,5-226,5-227,5-228,
...................................................... 5-252,5-277,5-278,5-279 Cable (3.496.5190) ............................................... 5-285,5-286
Auxiliary vessel (AUX) ....................... 5-196,5-226,5-237,5-277 Cable (6.2125.010) ........................................................... 9-11
Available...................................................... 5-49,5-54,5-58 Cable (6.2125.020) ........................................................... 9-11
Axis scaling........................................ 5-98,5-103,5-111,5-112, Cable (6.2125.040) ........................................................... 9-12
................................................................ 5-118,5-120,5-125 Cable (6.2125.050) ........................................................... 9-12
Axis scaling for plot of calibration curve............... 5-151,5-156 Cable (6.2125.060) ........................................................... 9-12
Axis scaling for plot of standard addition curve ..............5-146 Cable (6.2125.070) ........................................................... 9-12
Cable (6.2125.080) ........................................................... 9-12
Cable (6.2134.000)
Y
Y position...........................................................................5-34
Y.offset.............................................. 5-92,5-151,6-25,6-28
Y.reg .................................................. 5-92,5-144,5-145,6-25
Y= ......................................................................................5-36
Y-Connection (6.1807.000)....................................... 3-12,9-10
Y-pos./mm.......................................................................5-34
Z
Z position...........................................................................5-34
Z= ......................................................................................5-36
Zoom range ..................5-103,5-106,5-113,5-114,5-117,5-120
<Zoom> .............................................................................5-71