EA940 Meter

Training Guide
 Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Setup of EA940 Meter For Optimal Viewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

pH Calibration and Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Autocalibration With Two Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Calibration Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Concentration Calibration and Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Direct Measurement/Two-point Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Calibration Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operator Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Prompting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Speed Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2nd Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Switching Electrodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Basic Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Chapter I Introduction
This Guide is divided into • pH Measurement
three sections
• Concentration Measurement

• Operator Assistance

The pH and concentration measurement sections are step-by-step procedures to guide you through calibration
and measurement.

Please review the Operator Assistance section prior to use or demonstration. This section contains basic
information regarding the use of the EA940 meter, and will provide you with a better understanding of how the
program works. Included are Speed Number and 2nd Function tables, and how to select electrode inputs.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Chapter II Setup of EA940 Meter for Optimal Viewing
The EA940 meter can be adjusted to provide optimal viewing angle via a flip stand or extendable foot. The best
angle is dependent on the height of the user and whether the EA940 meter will be used while sitting or standing
at the lab bench.

1. If sitting at the lab bench, extending the flip stand generally provides the best angle. Ensure that metal flip
stand beneath the meter is fully extended.

2. If standing at the lab bench, adjusting the metal foot generally optimizes the viewing angle. Loosen the two
thumbscrews by turning counter-clockwise; note it is not necessary to remove the screws. Slide the foot
forward until the best angle is achieved. Retighten the screws.

Front Panel Familiarize yourself with the location and use of the keys on the front panel. The keys which will be used most
often are yes, no, and numeric keys.

EA940 Meter Front Panel

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Chapter III pH Calibration and Measurement
Autocalibration 1. Plug the EA940 meter into an appropriate grounded electrical outlet.
with Two Buffers
2. Prepare the electrode as directed in the electrode user guide.

3. Securely connect the pH electrode to input 1 and automatic temperature compensation probe to the
ATC jack.

4. Select two buffers that will best bracket the expected sample pH. Choose from pH buffers 4.01, 7.00, and
10.00. For example, if the expected sample pH is approximately pH 5, choose buffers 7.00 and 4.01.

5. The following is the sequence of display messages for a two buffer pH autocalibration with automatic
temperature compensation (numbers used are for illustration only).

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Display Action
1. OPERATOR MENU Press no.
10:00 10-11-84
2. CALIBRATE 1-pH? Press yes.
10:01 10-11-84
3. ENTER NUMBER Press 2.
OF BUFFERS
4. DO AUTOMATIC Press yes.
CALIBRATION?
5. 1-pH ELECTRODE Place electrode and ATC probe in pH 7.00 buffer and press yes.
IN BUFFER 1?
6. BUFFER 1 = 7.35 No action required. Electrode response in unstable, wait for stable reading.
NOT READY
7. BUFFER 1 = 7.06 Press yes.
CAL AS 7.00?
8. 1-pH ELECTRODE Place electrode and ATC probe in second buffer and press yes.
IN BUFFER 2?
9. BUFFER 2 = 4.22 No action required. Electrode response is unstable, wait for stable reading.
NOT READY
10. BUFFER 2 = 4.04 Press yes.
CAL AS 4.01?
11. SLOPE = 98% Note electrode slope and then press yes.
YES TO CONTINUE
12. MEASURE 1-pH? Place electrodes in sample and press yes.
10:03 10-11-84
13. 1-pH = 6.77 Record pH value when READY is displayed.
10:04 READY 23.1 °C As many samples as desired may be measured without further operations.

Calibration Adjustment Adjust calibration every few hours to compensate for electrode drift. Press 2nd function and then 9 to begin a
quick one-point recalibration, then follow the prompting.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Chapter IV C
 oncentration Calibration and Measurement
1. Refer to the appropriate user guide for preparation of sensing and reference electrodes, required solutions
(ionic strength adjustors, standards, filling solution, etc.) and any special requirements.

2. Connect the electrode(s) to input 2.

3. Switch from electrode input 1 to input 2. Press 2nd function and then 2.

4. Prepare two standards that bracket the expected sample concentration, and differ in concentration by a
factor of ten. All standards and samples should be at the same temperature.

5. The following is the initial sequence of display messages for a two point direct calibration (numbers used are
for illustration only. ‘X’ is used to indicate any ISE electrode).

Press speed and then 2 to begin.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Setup Display Action

1. OPERATOR MENU? Press yes.

08:00 07-24-84
2. CHANGE Press yes.
THE ELECTRODE ID?
3. ELECTRODE 2 = pH Press no.
IS THIS CORRECT?
4. 1 = pH 2 = O2 If correct electrode ID is listed, press the indicated numeric key.
3 = REDOX 4 = KF If desired electrode ID is not listed, press no until the right type
is displayed, then press the indicated numeric key.
Following is a list of possible electrode ID choices:
1 = F- 2 = Cl- 1 = NH3 2 = Cl2
3 = Br- 4 = I- 3 = NOx 4 = CO2
1 = NO3- 2 = CN- 1 = Na+ 2 = K+
3 = S= 3 = Ag+
1 = Ca+ 2 = Cd++ 1 = ClO4- 2 = BF4-
3 = Cu++ 4 = Pb++ 3 = SCN-
1 = X+ 2 = X-
3 = X++ 4 = X=
5. 2-X ISO = 1.000 Press yes.
IS THIS CORRECT?
6. SET NUMBER OF Press yes.
SIGNIFICANT DIGITS
7. 1-X NOW 3 Press 2 (unless greater accuracy is required).
ENTER 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Press speed and then 0.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Calibration Display Action
1. CALIBRATE 2-X? Press yes.
08:01 07-24-84
2. CALIBRATE BY Press yes.
DIRECT MEASUREMENT?
3. ENTER NUMBER Press 2.
OF STANDARDS (1-5)
4. DO BLANK Press no.
CORRECTION?
5. 2-X ELECTRODE Add required ionic strength adjustor (ISA), if any, to most dilute standard.
IN STANDARD 1? Place electrode in standard and press yes.
6. STD 1 = 1.85 No action required. Electrode response is unstable, wait for a stable reading.
NOT READY
7. STD 1 = 1.25 Press yes if standard value is correct.
CAL AS 1.25? Use numeric keys to change value if it is incorrect. Then press yes.
8. 2-X ELECTRODE Add required ionic strength adjustor (ISA), if any, to most concentrated standard.
IN STANDARD 2? Place electrode in standard and press yes.
9. STD 2 = 10.8 No action required. Electrode response is unstable, wait for a stable reading.
NOT READY
10. STD 2 = 10.2 Press yes if standard value is correct.
CAL AS 10.2?  Use numeric keys to change value if it is incorrect. Then press yes.
11. SLOPE = 57.00 mV/DEC Note electrode slope, then press yes.
YES TO CONTINUE
12. MEASURE 2-X? Place electrode in sample and press yes.
08:03 07-24-84
13. 2-X = 1.66 Record concentration when READY is displayed
08:04 READY 23.1 °C As many samples as desired may be measured without further operations.

Calibration Adjustment Adjust calibration every few hours to compensate for electrode drift. Press 2nd function and then 9 to begin a quick
one-point recalibration, then follow the prompting.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Chapter V Operator Assistance
Before using the EA940 meter, please read this section covering the basic operation hints for use.

Prompting Read and follow the prompting on the EA940 meter display. Most display messages are in the form of questions
and may be answered by pressing yes or no keys.

When in doubt, press ? for more information and instructions.

Speed Numbers Speed Numbers may be used to move quickly from one part of the EA940 meter program to another.
Table 1 lists the Speed Numbers and their program destination.

To use Speed Numbers, press speed then the appropriate numeric key.

Table 1 Number Destination

Speed Numbers
0 CALIBRATE?
1 MEASURE?
2 OPERATOR MENU?
3 CHANGE THE ELECTRODE ID?
4 SET NUMBER OF DECIMAL PLACES?
4 SET NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT DIGITS?
5 CHANGE THE pH or ISE LIMITS?
6 CHANGE THE PRINT INTERVAL?
7 SET TEMPERATURE?
8 ENTER STANDBY MODE?

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 2nd Functions 2nd Functions may be used to access more data or for special operations. Regular meter operation will not be
disturbed. See Table 2 for the 2nd Functions and what they do.

To use 2nd Functions press 2nd function, then the appropriate numeric key.

To return to regular meter operation (and the previous display), press ? key.

Table 2 Key Function

2nd Functions
1 Display mV potential and temperature
2 Switch electrode input
3 Display electrode stability
4 Display slope and Eo value
5 Display time and date of last calibration
6 Command print
7 Clear numeric value
8 Display isopotential point
9 Starts a one-point calibration
0 Starts timer

Switching Electrodes To switch electrode inputs, press 2nd Function and then 2.

The selected electrode input will be displayed for two seconds. Then regular meter operations will resume using
the new electrode input.

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 

 Basic Program Below is a basic diagram and explanation of the
EA940 meter’s operational program.
START-UP When instrument is initially powered-up, the display
will momentarily read: ORION EA940

OPERATOR MENU? CHANGE THE ELECTRODE ID? The main loop of the EA940 meter proceeds
from OPERATOR MENU to CALIBRATE to
SET NUMBER OF DECIMAL MEASURE and back to OPERATOR MENU, etc.
PLACES OR SIGNIFICANT DIGITS?
OPERATOR MENU?
SET ABSOLUTE OR • Press yes if you want to check or change any values
RELATIVE MILLIVOLTS?
CALIBRATE?
CHANGE THE pH or ISE LIMITS?
• P
 ress yes to begin calibration loop. The EA940
meter will enter the correct calibration procedure
CHANGE PRINT INTERVAL?
for the electrode identified.

CHANGE THE TIME AND DATE? • I f a pH electrode has been identified, then
automatic or manual calibration may be chosen.
ENTER STANDBY MODE?
• I f an ISE has been identified, then direct
calibration or incremental techniques (KA, AA,
AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION KS, AS) may be chosen.
pH
MEASURE?
MANUAL CALIBRATION
CALIBRATION X? • Press yes to begin direct measurement of samples.
DIRECT MEASUREMENT
ISE
INCREMENTAL METHODS

MEASURE X?

Thermo Scientific Orion EA940 Training Guide 10

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Environmental Instruments
Water Analysis Instruments
166 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA 01915 USA
Tel: 978-232-6000
Toll Free: 800-225-1480
Dom. Fax: 978-232-6015
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www.thermo.com/water

255012-001 Rev.A 03-08