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DA-130N portable density meter General Maintenance Guidelines

Tue, Jul 31, 2018 @ 03:18 PM

This is a quick guide to getting started and running your first test.  We thought it would be helpful for those getting started and checking their first calibration before running tests with actual samples.  We will also continue to explore and share more information about calibration options, general maintenance, and data export methods using the DA-130N portable density meter.

O.K.  Let's install three 'AAA' batteries to get started.installing the batteries.png

And then attach the sampling nozzle.  attaching the sample nozzle.png


A few words about precautions when taking test measurements.

measurement precautions.png

When measuring a sample make sure to hold the instrument so that the sampling nozzle is vertical to the ground.  When laying down the instrument between or after measurements make sure to drain the remaining sample from the built-in syring (the built-in syringe is located inside the meter right above the sampling nozzle).

 builtinsryring2.png


Now let's run a preliminary test using water.  

Leave the temperature unit (Celsius), measurement unit (g/cm3) and mode (Field) as initial values. Sample pure water using the built-in syringe.  After the measurement cell is filled with sample liquid make sure there are no air bubbles in the cell.  If no air bubbles are visible then let's proceed.
 
Example procedure for running first test.
screen view at current temp before stablized.png
The display changes as above and after confirming it is in the automatic stability sense mode. Press [Meas.] key.  When the displayed density is stabalized the value will automatically change reversed as below.  Read the data at this point as well as the temperature degree.
screen changes reverse when stabalized.png
Look up to the pure water density table (appendix 1 in the manual).  If the results agree within +-0.001g/cm3, you can proceed to making your sample measurements!
 
densityofpurewater.png
 
Note: If the results are not within the acceptable range then the measuring cell requires calibration.
 

Calibration of the measuring cell using pure water

calibrationofmesaruingcell.png

Set calibration mode to OFF.  Press the [esc] key 2 times to return to the main menu.  Sample pure water making sure no air bubbles are visible.  The measuring cell with pure water can be calibrated automatically with the key entries as follows:  Press [cal.] key for more than 2 seconds to show CALIB(Water) (inversed colo on the display) showing calibration with pure water in progress.

Screen Shot 2017-05-01 at 1.17.26 PM.png

After calibration is over the deviation from the theoretical value will be shown so that you can check if the calibration has been successfully completed.

Screen Shot 2017-05-01 at 1.17.33 PM.png

Note: if after attempting re-calibration of the measuring cell and results are still not within specifications it is possible the measuring cell itself is contaminated.  In this case ensure to carefully clean the measuring cell and then re-calibrate again.

Note 1: You can also calibrate with a standard liquid that has a known density.  Sometimes calibrating with a liquid that has a similar density to your test samples will help improve precision.

Note 2: You can also calibrate with air.


General maintenance - How to clean and dry the measuring cell and replace the built-in syringe

Step 1: Clean the measuring cell

You can thoroughly clean the measuring cell with just pure water.  You can also improve the cleaning of the measuring cell by using Ethyl Alcohol.  Ethyl Alcohol gets rid of dirt that cannot be removed with pure water and also reduces the amount of time to dry the measuring cell.

  • Estimate 5 to 10 minutes for the measuring cell to dry after cleaning with pure water
  • Estimate 3 to 5 minutes for the measuring cell to dry after cleaning with Ethyl Alcoho

Step 2: Purge air to dry the cell thoroughly and completely 

option using an air pump:

commercial pump to dry the cell.png

 

OR use the optional manual pump to dry the cell:

optional manual pump to dry the cell.png

When using the optional manual pump to dry the cell make sure to clean the cell first and then press the sample discharging lever all the way down, and push the sample intake lever upward to lock it.  With the adapter for the syringe attached connect the kit as illustrated above and feed air forcefully using the manual bulb.

How to replace the built-in syringe.Maitenance how to replace the built-in syringe.png

  • Press down the sample discharging lever all the way and remove the syringe cover by pulling it toward you as illustrated.
  • Turn the syringe 45degrees counter clockwise to release it from the o-ring.
  • Slightly pull the sample drain-out lever toward you to pull out the syringe from the o-ring.
  • Remove the syringe from the drain rack and replace it with a new one.
  • Pull down the drain rack and insert the o-ring  and turn it back clockwise until it stops.
  • Place the syringe cover back on the unit.

 

Data Processing and Storage

The maximum number of data which can be stored in the DA-130N memory is 1,100 samples.  Data can be set to be saved automatically or manually after each test.  You can recall stored measurement data on the DA-130N display again or output the data to a printer or PC.

Exporting data to a PC via Infrared:

Data export via infrared to PC.png

Exporting data to a PC via RS-232

Data export using RS-232 to PC.png

Sending data to a printer:

Exporting data to a printer via RS-232.png

Example printout of data:

Printout Sample for the DA-130N.png

We hope this information about this particula density meter is helpful.  If you need other capabilities beyond a traditional portable density meters refer to other bench top density meter models for increased accuracy. 

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