Diagnostic Tool Features
The 0250 software can be used as a diagnostic tool as well. This can be accomplished in many ways:
Problem Isolation
• If the sensor is connected to a system, a user will be able to confirm if the sensor has a problem or if there is a problem somewhere else in the system, such in the instrument.
• If the user can “Read” or “Write” successfully with the sensor, then there is no problem with the communication portion of the sensor.
• If the user performs a “Write” operation followed by a “Read” operation and verifies that the values that were written to the sensor were read back, then the sensor’s memory is good.
• If a “Begin Monitor” or “Begin Log to File” operation is performed and the data is being sent at the “Set Logging Interval (sec)” time, then the sensor’s output is good.
Trends / Abnormalities
• A sensor’s data can be graphed on the “Monitor / Verify Sensor” screen to see any trends or spikes (greater than 1 second long). These spikes may be indicative of or related to other problems or abnormalities elsewhere in the system.
• The process value(s), units, date, and time can be logged to file and can be used to see abnormalities or patterns as well as use them for reporting purposes.
• If customers are having problems with a sensor, they can log the data from that sensor and send the file to our technical support, which allows them to analyze the problem and can reduce downtime for the customer.
Maximize the life of a pH/ORP Electrode
• ph/ORP have a lifetime that is affected by time and application conditions. It is common for the reference mV values to shift through time even after a calibration is done. Maximum limits are used to determine how much this value can shift by and once it reaches that limit, it is recommended not to use that electrode anymore. Many times customers know through trial and error or experience how long an electrode will last in a specific application and replace them on a periodic basis. By using this method, the customers will not maximize the life of their electrodes and will spend more money on average in the long run by replacing the sensors earlier than necessary. By using the 3-0250 software, users can now view this RmV (raw millivolt) value on the screen while the sensor is running and allows users to maximize the life of each electrode they use.
Additional Operational Tips
Stay tuned for the next part of this series to learn about operational tips that help the user use the 3-0250 software.
Still to Come:
Part 3 of 3: Operation Tips for the 3-0250
