Global Electronics, Hyderabad 500029 India.

Project: DCM 900 Date: 29-04-13

Laboratory Conductivity Meter

MODEL: DCM-900

OPERATION MANUAL

VERSION: 1.0

GLOBAL ELECTRONICS
3-5-331, Narayanguda,
Hyderabad 500029, India
Ph: +91 40 2322 1391, 2322 6687
FAX: +91 40 2322 2484
E-mail: info@ge-india.com
URL: www.ge-india.com

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Global Electronics, Hyderabad 500029 India. Project: DCM 900 Date: 29-04-13

GENERAL SAFETY

Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this
product or any products connected to it. To avoid potential hazards, use this product
only as specified. Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. To
Avoid Fire or personal Injury

Use Proper Power Cord: Use only the power cord specified for this product and
certified for the country of use.

Connect & Disconnect Properly: Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads
while they are connected to a voltage source.

Ground the Product: This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to
earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output terminals of the product,
ensure that the product is properly grounded.

Connect the Probe Properly: The probe ground lead is at ground potential. Do not
connect the ground lead to an elevated voltage.

Observe all Terminal Ratings: To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and
marking on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings information
before making connections to the product.

Do not operate without Covers: Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.

Use Proper Fuse: Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.

Avoid Exposed Circuitry: Do not touch exposed connections and components when
power is present.

Do not Operate with Suspected Failures: If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.

Provide Proper Ventilation: Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for details
on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.

Do not operate in Wet/Damp Conductions.

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INDEX
Page No
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 4

2. SALIENT FEATURES..................................................................................... 4

3. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 5

4. THEORY OF OPERATION ............................................................................. 6

5. CONTROLS OF THE INSTRUMENT .............................................................. 6

5.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ............................................................... 6,7

5.2 BACK PANEL CONTROLS ................................................................. 8,9

6. OPERATING PROCEDURE ........................................................................... 9

7. USE & CARE OF CONDUCTIVITY CELLS .................................................. 10

8. PREPARATION OF STANDARD SOLUTION:............................................. 10

WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 11

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Global Electronics, Hyderabad 500029 India. Project: DCM 900 Date: 29-04-13

1. INTRODUCTION:
GLOBAL’S direct reading Digital
Conductivity Meter, DCM 900 is
designed for precise measurement
of specific conductivity of solutions
without manual balancing. A
specially designed compensation
circuitry allows the measurement
at various temperatures ranging
from 0°C TO 60°C. This instrument
incorporates total solid state
circuitry using latest LSI
technology thus increasing the
reliability and reducing the power
consumption as well as the size.
The unit has a built in voltage
regulator, which can operate from 180V to 250V AC without affecting the accuracy and
performance of the instrument. Digital Conductivity Meters find wide application in
Agricultural Industries, Technical Institutes, Pharmaceutical, Dyestuffs and Sugar
manufacturing Industries, Water Treatment Plants, Fertilizers Plants, Petroleum
Refineries, Soil Analysis Laboratories, Food Stuff Industries etc.

2. SALIENT FEATURES

 Direct reading Digital readout. No balancing required.

 No calculations required for Temperature

 compensation and cell constant.

 Self Calibration Facility.

 Manual Temperature Compensation.

 Temperature co-efficient adjustment.

 Cell constant adjustment from 0.9 to 1.1

 Wide range 0.01 uS/cm-1 to 200 mS/cm-1

 Fully solid state incorporates latest LSI technology.

 Variable span recorder output OPTION

 Built in voltage stabilizer (180V to 250V).

 Auto zeroing facility.

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3. SPECIFICATIONS

READOUT : 4 digits 7 segment LED Non-Blinking type display of 0.56"

RANGE : 20 mS full scale to 200 mS F.S in 5 ranges.

RESOLUTION : 0.01 Us cm-1 on its most sensitive range

ACCURACY : ±1.0% of full scale ±1 digit

SOURCE FREQUENCY : Highly stable 120 Hz sine wave

TEMP. COMPENSATION : 0°C to 60°C Manual

TEM. CO-EFFICIENT : 1.3% - 2.7% /°C

CELL CONSTANT : 1.0±10% or 0.1±10% or both.

Must be specified with order

RECORDER OUTPUT : 1 to 100 mV F.S. adjustable (OPTION)

POWER : 230V, 50Hz 6VA

WEIGHT : 2 Kgs Approx.

DIMENSIONS : 245 (W) x 60 mm (H) 190mm (D)

DATA SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

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4. THEORY OF OPERATION

The measurement of conductivity consists of measuring the resistance of column of

solution. The conductance of an electrolytic solution is temperature dependent and the
percentage change in the conductance value per degree centigrade change of
temperature varies from one solution to another. Conductivity is therefore referred to
the reference temperature of 25°C. This instrument is designed to be used with a cell
having a cell constant 1.0. Since it is very difficult and expensive to make a cell with cell
constant 1.000 hence an additional control ‘CELL K ADJ.’ is incorporated to suit any
cell having a cell constant between 0.9 to 1.1. To avoid the effect of ‘POLARISATION’
alternating current source of suitable frequency is universally used in measurement.
The main features of this instrument is that it avoids the conventional method of
bridge balancing by employing ‘SELF BALANCING RATIO TRANSFORMER
TECHNIQUE’. The cell is connected to a highly stable, constant current oscillator, the
output of which is connected to a precision scalar circuit where compensation for the
cell constant, temperature and temperature co-efficient are incorporated. The output of
the scalar is again processed through a highly selective filter to minimise the effects of
50 Hz mains frequency and then fed to a precision digital panel meter, which directly
displays the conductance. The complete circuit is powered by a set of highly regulated
power supplies which take care of spikes and wide range of supply voltage variations
without affecting the performance.

5. CONTROLS OF THE INSTRUMENT

5.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

Range
CAL

Main CAL/RD
Power Switch
ON/OFF
Switch

MAIN POWER SWITCH: This is a miniature toggle switch located on the extreme left
side of the panel. This is the Main ON/OFF switch for the complete instrument.

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RANGE: This is a five position Rotary Switch. It is used for selecting the proper range
of conductance to give maximum resolution and accuracy. If the display indicates over
range, (This condition is indicated by displaying 1 on the most significant digit and
blanking of the last three digits), then turn the switch clockwise to a higher range till you
get a stable reading.

CAUTION: DO NOT FORCIBLY ROTATE THIS BEYOND ITS LIMITS. THIS MAY
SPOIL THE INSTRUMENT.

RD/CAL: This is a miniature toggle switch located on the lower extreme right side of the
panel. This switch is normally kept in ‘CAL’’ position. While measuring the
conductance, it should be thrown in ‘RD’ position.

CAL: This is a potentiometer used to calibrate the measurement conditions. With the
`RD/CAL`switch in ‘CAL’ position, the instrument must show 1000. This potentiometer
is used to adjust the reading to 1000.

CAUTION: DO NOT FORCIBLY ROTATE THIS KNOB BEYOND ITS EXTREME

LIMITS. THIS MAY SPOIL THE INSTRUMENT

TEMP. °C : This control is located on the right side of the front panel. It has got a dial
with an arrow mark which moves over a circular scale graduated from 0°C to 100°C.
The temperature of solution under test must be measured and the arrow mark should
be set equal to the temperature of the solution to compensate for the errors and display
the specific conductance at 25°C.

NOTE: WHEN THIS CONTROL IS SET TO 25° C, NO TEMPERATURE

COMPENSATION IS APPLIED (SINCE SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE IS NORMALLY
REFERRED AT 25° C)

CAUTION : TURNING THIS CONTROL FORCIBLY BEYOND ITS LIMITS CAN

RESULT IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT

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5.2 BACK PANEL CONTROLS

CELL
INPUT

GND CELL ‘n’ ADJ Fuse

“K”

USE INSULATED SCREW DRIVERS TO SET THESE CONTROLS

CELL ‘K’: This is a preset control for the cell constant adjustment located on the upper
middle slightly towards the right side of the back panel. This is FACTORY
CALIBRATED FOR THE CELL CONSTANT 1.000 AND SHOULD ONLY BE
DISTURBED AFTER A THROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF ITS FUNCTIONS.

This control has provision to make any cell having cell constant of 0.9 to 1.1 to 1.

‘n’ ADJ : This preset control is located below the cell ‘K’ and is used for adjustment of
temperature co-efficient i.e. percentage change in conductance per degree centigrade.
The range of this control is from 1.3% to 2.7%°C. This preset control is factory adjusted
to 2%°C. DO NOT ADJUST THIS CONTROL.

REC.ADJ (OPTIONAL): This preset control is used for adjusting the recorder output
span from ‘ mV F.S. so that recorder of any sensitivity can be used.

INPUT/OUTPUT SOCKETS

CELL INPUT : A pair of Red 4mm banana sockets located one above the other on the
left side of the back panel are the inputs for the conductivity cell. ENSURE GOOD
CONTACT BETWEEN SOCKETS AND BANANA JACKS FROM THE CELL. LOOSE
CONTACTS CAN LEAD TO ERRONEOUS RESULTS.

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GND: Black 4mm banana socket located on the extreme left of the back panel is
electrically be connected to the instrument ground. This can be used for ‘Common
Grounding’ in case if any other instrument is being used along with this meter Eg:
RECORDER.

REC.OUT (OPTIONAL): This socket is for Recorder Output, located in the centre of the
back panel. It gives analogue output for recorder. The F.S. span can be adjusted by
REC.ADJ. control.

6. OPERATING PROCEDURE

Before the instrument is switched ON, SET CONTROLS as follows:

ON/OFF SWITCH OFF position.

RD/CAL SWITCH CAL position.
RANGE SWITCH MID position.(100 uS cm-1 mScm-1)
TEMP.°C Set the arrow at 25°C.
CAL MID position.
CELL INPUT Connect wires from cell to these sockets.

MAKE SURE THAT MAINS POWER CORD IS NOT TOO NEAR OR CROSSING
THESE WIRES

IMPORTANT: DO NOT DISTURB THE CONTROLS AT THE BACK PANEL.

GROUNDING: ENSURE GOOD GROUNDING AT THE MAINS SOCKETS

NOW CONNECT THE INSTRUMENT TO a 230V, Single phase 3 in 5 Amp. Socket

with good grounding. Switch ‘ON’ the instrument (It should display 1000 ± 200) Adjust
‘CAL’ till the display reads 1000 (neglect the decimal point) If the instrument is being
switched on for the first time or after a long idle period or with a new conductivity cell,
the ‘Cell Constant’ adjustment is to be done. The procedure for this is given below.
Take the standard solution in a clean dry beaker and dip the cell in it.

(IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO USE A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE BATH

SO THAT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE STANDARD SOLUTION IS MAINTAINED
EXACTLY AT 25° C).

Keep the RD/CAL switch in ‘CAL ‘position. Adjust ‘CAL ‘potentiometer to read ‘1000’ on
the display (neglect decimal point). Set the ‘TEMP° C’ knob dial at 25°C (If the standard
solution is not being maintained at 25° C, then set the dial of this control to the
temperature of the standard solution). Change the ‘RD/CAL’ switch position to ‘RD’
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position. the instrument needs very little or no maintenance. Conductivity cells must
however receive regular care and attention.

 CALIBRATION WITH CONDUCTIVITY CELL:

Set Range to 2mS, Temperature knob to25ºC, “RD/CAL” switch to CAL position and

main switch is in ON position. Adjust CAL Pot to read 1000 on DPM (Display).

After that Change RD/CAL” switch to RD position and dip cell in 1413 conductivity

solution adjust the CELL “K” Trimpot on Back Panel to read 1.413 on DPM (Display).

 TDS

Set Range to 2mS, Temperature knob to25ºC, “RD/CAL” switch to CAL position and

main switch is in ON position. Adjust CAL Pot to read 650 on DPM (Display).

After that Change RD/CAL” switch to RD position and dip cell in 1413 conductivity

solution adjust the CELL “K” Trimpot on Back Panel to read 918 on DPM (Display).

7. USE & CARE OF CONDUCTIVITY CELLS

After use, the cell must be thoroughly washed and immersed in distilled water. Care
should be taken that the contacts of the leads be cleaned and secured properly.
Organic materials can be removed with alcohol or acetone followed by washing in
distilled water. Very dirty cells must be thoroughly cleaned and replatinised if required.
The standardisation should also be done with the cell after prolonged use

8. PREPARATION OF STANDARD SOLUTION:

Weight accurately 0.745526 grams of dried Potassium Chloride (KCL), ‘Annular Grade’
and dissolve it in deionised water of very low conductivity so as to prepare 1 litre of the
solution. This solution will have a conductivity of 1408.8 micro S / cm at 25°C.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONDUCTIVITY OF THE ‘STANDARD SOLUTION’

VARIES WITH THE TEMPERATURE AND ELECTROLYTE CONCENTRATION.

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TABLE FOR THE SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE OF KCL

GRAMS KCL/Kg Solution SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE

S cm –1
18 ° C 25° C
71.1352 0.09784 0.11134
7.4191 0.01117 0.01286
0.7455 0.001221 0.001409

The cell is made of glass in which two platinum electrodes are fitted. The electrodes are
coated with a thin layer of platinum chloride. In case of any damages or scratches to
the conductivity cell plates, the cell should be replaced.

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Global Electronics, Hyderabad 500029 India. Project: DCM 900 Date: 29-04-13

WARRANTY

GLOBAL ELECTRONICS warrants its products, when properly applied and operated
under normal conditions, to be free from faulty workmanship or defective materials for a
period of ONE YEAR from the date of original shipment. Global products repaired or
replaced pursuant to this warranty shall be warranted for the unexpired portion of the
warranty applying to the original products. The liability of Global
under this warranty shall exist provided that

a. The attached warranty registration card is sent back to Global within a fortnight of
purchase; and

b. Global is promptly notified upon discovery of such defects by Buyer; and

c. The defective product is returned to ‘Global, transportations paid by Buyer or at

Global ‘discretion the said product is inspected and repaired at Buyer’s site; and

d. Global’s examination of such product disclose that there was a defect in Global
material or workmanship; and

e. Global name plates and markings have not been altered or removed.

In the event the defect is determined to be within the terms of this warranty, Global
agrees to repair/replace the product or the defective portion at no charge to buyer and
to pay for transportation back to Buyer. This warranty does not apply to consumable
items like electrodes, conductivity cells, temperature sensors, fuses etc. or parts which
have been subject to misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal conditions of operation.

Global reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications without notice
and without any obligation of such changes on units purchased. Until superseded or in
contractual form, this warranty is expressly in lieu of all other liabilities and obligations
on the part of Global Electronics.

MODEL: DCM 900

SERIAL NO: for GLOBAL ELECTRONICS

DATE OF SALE:

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