All about my business

Spectrophotometer SpectroDirect

The SpectroDirect is a modern single-beam spectrophotometer with an excellent price/performance ratio that is specifically designed for water testing. The instrument is equipped with a wide range of pre-programmed methods based on the proven range of Lovibond® tube tests, tablet reagents, liquid reagents and powder reagents (Vario
Powder Packs).

Optics
The SpectroDirect is a single-beam spectral photometer (see illustration). The light source is a tungsten halogen lamp with flash function. The lamp is switched on only momentarily during of the measurement process1), so there is no need for a warm-up period. The SpectroDirect is ready to perform a self-test as soon as it is switched on. The light passes through an entry slot to the monochromator, where it is split into spectral ranges. The monochromator is a holographically produced, transparent grating. The movable mirror ensures that light of the desired wavelength
is focused automatically so that it passes through the exit slot, into the sample chamber and therefore through the water sample. The light that is not absorbed by the sample travels to the silicon photodiode detector. This signal is then evaluated by a microprocessor and shown as a result in the display.
1) (Exception: permanent light is used for a wavelength scan).

Multifunctional sample chamber
Round vials measuring 16 mm and 24 mm in diameter and rectangular cells with pathlengths from 10 to 50 mm may be used without an adapter. Only the 10 mm cell will be fixed by a little holder that must inserted into the sample chamber.

New methods
Test methods are continuously updated to suit market requirements. You can find updates for new methods and
additional languages on our website at www.tintometer.com.

Functions
■ Pre-programmed Lovibond® methods
■ Absorption
■ Transmission
■ Spectral data recording
■ User calibration (polynomials)
■ Concentration (linear)

Technical data
Wavelength range: 330 to 900 nm
Photometric range: -0.3 to 2.5 Abs
Spectral bandwidth: 10 nm
Wavelength accuracy: ±2 nm
Wavelength reproducibility: ±1 nm
Light source: Pre-adjusted tungsten halogen lamp
Monochromator: Holographic grating
Detector: Silicon photodiode
Multifunctional sample chamber for: Round vials 24 and 16 mm Ø, Rectangular cells 10-50 mm
Display: Backlit LCD graphic display
Language options: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese
Storage capacity: 1000 test data sets
Serial interface: RS232
Dimensions: 270 x 275 x 150 mm (L x W x H)
Weight: approx. 3.2 kg
Power supply unit: Input: 100 – 240 V ~ 1.0 A 50 – 60 Hz, Output: 12 V …. 30 W
CE: EN 50082-1 Standard -1992 Edition-Immunity Generic Standard, EN 55022 Standard Class – 1994 Edition Emission Generic Standard, EN 5081-1 Standard 1992 Edition –Emission Generic Standard

Self-test
After it is switched on, the SpectroDirect automatically performs a self-test – beginning with a function test of the stepper motor and the halogen lamp, followed by an optics test. For this purpose, the unit has a built-in didymium glass filter. This filter checks the correct wavelength setting. If the wavelengths are incorrect, the optical system is
automatically adjusted during the self-test.

Maintenance
Thanks to the design of the SpectroDirect, the only maintenance that is required is replacement of the light source. The lamp is situated at the back of the photometer in an easily accessible position. Changing the lamp is fast and simple and does not require any tools. The positioning of the assembly ensures optimum focusing of the halogen lamp.

Power supply
The required input voltage is 12 V. The SpectroDirect is connected to an external power pack as standard. Battery operation is also possible by using an external energy station (see accessories).

Choice of language
The user prompt in the display can be switched to German, English, French, Italian, Spanish or Portugese. If further languages are available they can be updated via internet.

N.I.S.T. Traceability
This spectrophotometer can be calibrated using a Secondary Standard Filter Set (order code 711160) which is N.I.S.T. traceable. Furthermore the instrument may be calibrated for each method in a “user calibration mode” with N.I.S.T. traceable standards.

Printer/PC connection
On the back of the SpectroDirect photometer, there is an RS232 interface with a 9-pin D-Sub connector for connection of a PC or a printer with serial interface (see accessories).

Printing data
Every result is printed with date, time, reg. no, code no., measuring range and method number.

Storing data
You can store results of programmed and userspecific methods (polynomials) in a memory with a capacity of 1000 data sets. Alongside the result, the data sets contain information on method, date and time of the test.

User prompt
The user prompt is a convenient and easy to understand feature that guides the user step by step all the way through to the test result.

Zero calibration and measurements
The user chooses the desired method either from the method list in alphabetical order or by entering a numerical code. If desired additional information like the required vial, the reagent type and the measuring range can be displayed using the functional keys. The date and time are shown in the display by pressing the “clock key”.
The SpectroDirect automatically selects the correct wavelength.
Zero calibration is performed with the water sample by pressing the ZERO key.
A characteristic coloration develops when you add the indicator to the water sample. Press the [Test] key to initiate the measurement (which starts either immediately or after the time required for colour development).

Countdown function
With some methods, after adding the indicator to the water sample, the user has to wait for a predefined colour reaction time. This time interval is shown in the display. The remaining time is displayed continuously. An alarm sounds during the last 10 seconds of the time periode. Measurement then starts automatically, and the result is shown
in the display. The countdown function can be switched off to allow rapid processing of a series of samples.

Differentiation of results
The SpectroDirect allows differentiated tests for certain methods. With the Chlorine method, for example, differentiated measurement is possible for free, combined and total chlorine.

Functions
The SpectroDirect is ideal for routine laboratory use and is equipped with additional functions for user-specific applications. One example is the creation of a user-defined method for a routine check.

Spectral data
A wavelength scan is performed over the userdefined interval between 330 and 900 nm. The display shows the graph of the spectrum; if the user presses a key, the display also shows a data list with the corresponding maximum and
minimum absorption levels.

Absorption/Transmission
Using this function, the operator can, for example, carry out measurement of standards with different concentrations using the userselected wavelength in order to obtain the data pairs required for a polynomial. Result output is in Abs and % Transmission.

Polynomials
With the help of an external mathematical program, the corresponding polynomial is created from data pairs (concentration/absorption). A known polynomial may also be used. 25 order polynomials (y = A+Bx+Cx2 +Dx3 +EX4 + FX5) can be stored together with user-specific parameters such as wavelength, measuring range, unit and number
of decimals.

Concentration
This function can be used to measure 2 to 14 known standards. On the basis of the concentrations/absorption pairs obtained, the photometer will calculate a linear interpolation between the measured points. Up to 10 methods can be stored for further sample measurements.

Development
For more than thirty years, Tintometer in Dortmund has been manufacturing reagents for water testing and marketing these reagents around the world under the brand name Lovibond®.

Different forms of reagents are required for different fields of application. It is fair to say that, in terms of quality, tablet reagents are the best
form of reagent. Thanks to production techniques of the type used in the pharmaceutical industry and stringent internal quality standards, Tintometer is able to produce tablet reagents for water testing with a guaranteed shelf life of 5 or 10 years. These tablets are individually sealed in high-grade, polyethylene-coated aluminium foil and represent the reagent form of choice for everyday water testing applications.

Users in different countries traditionally prefer forms of reagent other than tablets. Lovibond® powder reagents are designed to allow fast and easy testing.

Powder reagents are packed in aluminium foil for a wide range of applications and producers represent an alternative reagent form recently introduced by Tintometer.

Last but not least, liquid reagents are indispensable for many testing tasks. Testing for substances that are hard to detect, for parameters like total nitrogen, or for the aggregate parameter COD, require the use of a wide range of reagents in a form that permits more “aggressive” sample processing. The Lovibond® programme is rounded off by reagent tests and tube tests, making Tintometer GmbH the only reagent producer in the world that offers a complete range of reagent forms.

DPD reagents
DPD reagents are offered by different manufacturers. For quality reasons, users should validate the products
prior to use. DPD reagents are produced on the basis of international standard methods and the ISO standard
method. The chemicals are of crystalline white nature. If a reagent (tablets or powder) is not white but has turned grey/brownish or purple in colour, it has deteriorated. DPD liquid reagents which should be colourless when fresh and may turn brownish in colour if the reagent has deteriorated. The use of deteriorated products must be avoided as they will give false results.

Tablet reagents
Our test tablets are manufactured in Germany under tightly controlled conditions on the latest machinery.
Maintaining the highest quality standards permits Tintometer GmbH to guarantee our reagent tablets for a minimum of 5 years, and some for as long as 10 years. We can make this promise because each tablet is hermetically sealed within an individual aluminium foil pocket, protecting against challenging environmental conditions. This packaging keeps each tablet in perfect condition, right up until the time it is needed by the user. Test tablets remain the most consistent and reliable reagent format available, consistently outperforming other reagent formats, and delivering maximum accuracy for the user. Now we have improved even further on this highly successful format. To the tight quality control processes, integral to Lovibond®’s tablet manufacture, and the simple test procedures, we have added new blister packaging. Our new aluminium foil blister packaging brings added convenience to the tradition of protection
achieved in Lovibond®’s long established tablet production technology. With the new blister strip, the user just pushes the tablet through the protective foil, straight into the sample. Simple, time-saving and practical. This type of packaging, long established in pharmaceutical applications, combines all the advantages of protective foil, with convenience for the user. Each tablet is contained within an individually formed foil cup, lined with the latest aluminium composite material, and guaranteeing product performance. As a result of improved sealing efficiency, the blister pack has been reduced in size to 91 x 34mm making them even more convenient for storage and shipping.
‘BT’ is added to the end of the code to identify the new style of packaging. (For example – 511060BT). There are no safety risks if the tablets are used in line with the instructions supplied. Safety data sheets are available for all reagents.

Specifications and Certificate of Analysis
To express the high quality standard of Lovibond® tablet reagents, specifications for each type of tablet as well as a “Certificate of Analysis” for each lot is available in the down-load area at www.tintometer.com.

Tube tests
Lovibond® tube tests enable the user to easily perform highly sensitive and precise water testing. When using tube tests measurement is considerably faster and easier, particularly in the case of standard and serial tests. The tube tests contain a precisely measured amount of reagent, thereby avoiding the presence of superfluous chemicals and optimising test safety. Up to six different measuring ranges are available for the various tests. The tubes are made of special optical glass with a 16 mm in diameter. They are supplied in a storage and dispatch box together with the digestion or auxiliary reagents. This packaging unit contains 24 or 25 reaction vials and up to 2 zero vials for photometer system calibration.

Liquid reagents
As a rule, liquid reagents do not consist of a single preparation but comprise several components that need to be added to the sample in a certain order. As both the size and the number of drops have a decisive effect on the resultant colour complex, the reagents need to be added with a high degree of precision. The useful life of liquid reagents is reduced by
temporary contact with oxygen in the air when the bottle is opened as well as by unsuitable storage environments (presence of sunlight or high temperatures). Provided that the bottles are stored within the temperature range +6°C to +10°C, the Lovibond® DPD and Phenol Red solutions can be used for a period of one year from the production date.

VARIO Powder Packs
The fast and easy use of VARIO Powder Packs has made them extremely popular for water testing applications in many countries throughout the world. The Lovibond® Powder Pack programme provides more experienced users with a real alternative to existing measurement systems. The Vario Powder Packs are produced to the same high quality standards that have made Tintometer’s tablet reagents so successful for several decades. Parameters from aluminium and chlorine through to sulphate are just some of the well-known tests that are included in the VARIO Powder Pack range. Their chemical properties is suitable also for use with Hach-Photometer-System