5. Set all the pump tubes on the pump. The number of pump tubes varies from method to method,
but the sample tube and wash tube (for the sampler) must be used for analysis.
6. Flush deionized water through all the tubes to make sure that there are no leaks. When a column
is necessary (e.g., for a nitrate analysis or other method), make sure that the column is offline.
Remove the flow cell from the detector and look for leaks. If no leaks are found, put the reagents
online.
Note: Make sure to read the QuikChem method notes for the startup of specific methods.
7. Set the heater controller temperature in the Omnion software under the Analyte tab. Refer to the
QuikChem method for temperature settings. Refer to the online help for heater configuration
information.
8. If the system has a dilutor, install the diluent line E in the diluent (i.e., deionized water). Put the
empty test tubes in the empty tubes rack.
9. Pour the calibration standards in the standard vials. Pour some samples in the test tubes.
10. Open a 'run worksheet' or open a new worksheet. The information in the worksheet (standards
and samples) tells the instrument what analysis to do and starts the analysis. Refer to
on page 13.
Operate the pump
To use new pump tubing for the first time, operate the pump 10 minutes to get constant flow rates.
Table 2
shows the functions of each button on the pump.
1. Put all the reagent tubing in the corresponding containers or deionized water.
2. Before a reagent is used, flush deionized water through all of the lines to find leaks.
3. If the manifold has a cadmium column, make sure that it is bypassed. Water and air will cause
damage to the cadmium column.
Note: For some methods, it is necessary to move some reagents first. For example, the TKN method has a
buffer solution that must flow first to prevent a white precipitate in the manifold tubing. Refer to the QuikChem
method for instructions.
Button
Function
MIN
Sets the pump speed to 4.
MAX
Sets the speed to a maximum of 999. The button must be kept pushed to keep the
maximum speed.
Note: If this button is pushed too long, the pump will stop to prevent motor burn out.
NORMAL RUN
Normal operation starts the pump and lets the remote control of the pump standby speed as
given by the Omnion software at the end of an operation or batch. The pump operates at the
shown speed. Normal speed is 35. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to change this setting.
If the Omnion software is set to Standby speed, the pump operates very slowly and the
display shows 'rc 3' (remote control speed 3).
MANUAL
Manual operation lets the pump override the remote control of the standby speed. This
RUN/STOP
button toggles between manual speed control and manual stop. If the pump operates, this
button always stops the pump. If the pump does not operate, this button still overrides the
remote control from the computer and runs the pump at the set speed.
The MANUAL RUN button is commonly used to make the pump go to the normal speed to
fill the tubing with reagents.
UP arrow
Increases the pump speed setting. This button is not on in the MIN or MAX modes.
DOWN arrow
Decreases the pump speed setting. This button is not on in the MIN or MAX modes.
Shut down the pump
Do the steps that follow to shut down the system after an operation and/or end of the day.
1. Rinse the reagent lines with deionized water.
2. Push the MANUAL RUN/STOP button to stop the pump.
Table 2 RP-150 pump button functions
Calibrate
English 11